Above Suspicion

Set in spring 1939, on the eve of World War II, the narrative plays out against rising Nazi influence in Europe. The characters navigate a tense, watchful atmosphere where ordinary life (the Liszt performance, museum visits) intersects with covert operations. The period is defined by espionage, maps, and secret communications that propel the hunt for the countermeasure.

The story unfolds across several European locales: England's Oxford where Richard teaches, the bohemian streets of Paris' Montmartre, then Salzburg, the Tyrolean towns of Pertisau and Innsbruck, and finally Milan. These varied settings highlight the pre-war tension as a missing scientist and a new Nazi secret weapon become the focus of a dangerous cross-country chase. Clandestine meetings, coded signals, and a web of contacts drive the thriller across borders.

🕵️ Espionage

A British couple is pulled into a clandestine world of spies and covert contacts. They decipher clues from ink marks, a musical password, and discreet guides as they move from Paris to Salzburg and Innsbruck. The search for a missing scientist and a Nazi secret weapon places them under constant surveillance by Gestapo operatives. The plot thrives on signal exchanges, disguises, and dangerous encounters.

💞 Romance

Richard and Frances navigate danger together, their newlywed bond giving them resolve and personal stakes beyond the mission. Their partnership sustains their courage as they face interrogations, arrests, and perilous escapes. The romance adds emotional weight to the spy chase, making choices that balance love with duty. Dangers surrounding them test trust and fidelity under pressure.

🛡️ Courage

Both protagonists display bravery under oppression: resisting Gestapo interrogation, risking border crossings, and standing up to formidable enemies. They rely on allies like Dr. Mespelbrunn and others to survive and continue the pursuit. The narrative highlights the moral courage required to protect scientific secrets and personal freedom. Sacrifices and quick thinking mark their path to safety.

🎭 Deception

A world of misdirection, false trails, and disguises drives the plot. Letters, maps, and signals are weaponized as the couple tries to outwit the Gestapo and their pursuers. Throughout their journey, trust is fragile and every encounter could hide a trap or a new lead. The intrigue hinges on the ability to read people and circumstances accurately.