W. Somerset Maugham (Critical Survey of Mystery and Detective Fiction)

Principal Series

The Ashenden series, 1928.

Principal Series Character

Ashenden, an English author turned intelligence officer, is a cultured, urbane bachelor. Assigned to carry out intelligence activities during World War I, he approaches his tasks with a curiosity about human beings (the writer’s raw material), a sense of irony, and cool clinical detachment. Basically tolerant, he finds eccentricities of character and behavior appealing; at the same time, he is efficient in his work and unswervingly loyal.

Contribution

W. Somerset...

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