In Secret

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Robert W. Chambers’ In Secret has the basis of a solid World War I yarn, but the execution doesn’t live up to its potential.

The novel was published in 1919 just after the end of the war.  The story follows a young couple—agents of the American intelligence service—as they uncover a secret agreement between Germany and Switzerland that could have a devastating impact on the Allies.  The discovery leads them on one adventure after another as they attempt to determine and expose Germany’s “Great Secret.”

That’s a great premise for a spy thriller, but Chambers can’t quite pull it off.  He was a prolific writer in the early 20^th century, but known more for his short stories.  And this book reads as a short story with enough superfluous padding to stretch it to novel-length.

The most interesting aspect of this novel may be its disturbing conclusion.  With his finish, Chambers made a strong point about the brutality of war.  What’s worse, the ending was almost prophetic of events to come with the next world war 20 years later.

In Secret is worth a read.  Just skip the redundant parts, and get to the finale.

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