The Ways of the World is definitely atmospheric and, most importantly with the often impenetrable plots common to the spy novel, has a complex plot that actually makes sense. The post-WWI time period is refreshing as well; they serve as a nice break to Nazis, and the Underground, and WWII that the espionage fan usually gets with novels set in Paris. A good start to what should be a very interesting series.

James Maxted, Max to his friends, has discovered that his father's accidental death during the 1919 Paris peace negotiations may not be an accident. Soon he is on the trail of a shadowy underworld figure. Before it is over he will have learned the hard way that justice is more difficult and dangerous than he expected. This interesting volume is part historical fiction, part political thriller, and part murder mystery. It is a really fun story and I look forward to reading more in the series.