A New Kind of War - Historical Espionage Novel Anthony

In this review of A New Kind of War the reviewer finds a tightly written espionage novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy atmospheric, postwar intrigue. Anthony Price returns to 1945 Greece and Germany with a plot that hinges on broken truces, unexpected encounters, and a covert unit called TRR-2. The bottom line: this is a character-driven spy thriller best for readers who value subtle moral complications and careful unraveling of motive over nonstop action, and its biggest selling point is the way it ties a personal mystery to the larger collapse of wartime alliances.

Key Features

• Setting: The dual backdrop of Greece and occupied Germany in 1945 provides a vivid, unsettled atmosphere that frames every character decision and moral dilemma.
• Plot focus: A central mystery about David Audley breaking a truce gives the narrative a strong investigative throughline that sustains suspense across varied locales.
• Character work: The emergence of Captain Fattorini as an accidental recruit into TRR-2 creates an effective point-of-view through which the reader discovers the unit's dangerous assignments.
• Psychological tension: Encounters with Audley and his mysterious brigadier supply prolonged moral ambiguity that rewards patient readers who appreciate slow reveals.
• Historical context: Anchoring the story in the immediate aftermath of war makes the espionage elements feel grounded and consequential rather than mere action set pieces.

Who It's For

A New Kind of War is best for readers of classic espionage and literary thrillers who enjoy meticulous plotting and character-driven stakes; fans of postwar historical settings will appreciate the authenticity of the Greece-to-Germany movement. It will also suit those who like their spy fiction with ethical complexity rather than straightforward heroism.

Readers seeking rapid-fire, gadget-heavy thrills or a purely action-oriented paperback should look elsewhere, as the novel emphasizes mood, motive, and the procedural unspooling of a covert assignment over continuous set-piece action.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rich, evocative settings that make the immediate postwar period feel lived-in and urgent.
• Thoughtful character development, especially in the reluctant recruit Captain Fattorini.
• The central mystery about Audley and his brigadier provides a compelling reason to read on.

Cons

• The deliberate pacing and emphasis on moral ambiguity may feel slow to readers expecting nonstop action.

Specifications

Title	A New Kind of War
Author	Anthony Price
Setting	Greece and occupied Germany, 1945
Principal characters	David Audley; Captain Fattorini; Audleys brigadier
Primary themes	Espionage, moral ambiguity, postwar realignment
Intelligence unit	TRR-2

Our Verdict

A New Kind of War is a rewarding purchase for readers who want intelligent, atmosphere-rich espionage that probes motive and consequence. Its value lies in the way Anthony Price links a personal mystery to the wider collapse of wartime orders, making it a strong choice for those who prefer thoughtful spy fiction over high-octane action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book set during World War II?
Yes; the action takes place in 1945 as the old wartime order is ending and the story moves between Greece and occupied Germany.

Who is the protagonist?
Captain Fattorini functions as the readers entry point after he becomes the newest member of the intelligence unit TRR-2.

Does the plot focus on action or intrigue?
The novel emphasizes espionage intrigue, moral ambiguity, and investigative tension rather than non-stop action sequences.