The Hidden Target

Overview of "The Hidden Target" by Helen MacInnes

Plot Summary: "The Hidden Target" by Helen MacInnes follows the story of Nina O'Connell, who embarks on a trip around the world with a group led by James Kiley and his friend Tony Shawfield. During their travels, Nina encounters an old flame, Robert Renwick, an ex-army major attached to NATO. Robert is on a mission to track down two terrorists who have left a trail of bombings and murder in their wake. As Nina becomes entangled in Robert's quest, she finds herself caught in a perilous game of life and death that spans from the back streets of Bombay to the highest reaches of Washington's political elite.

Key Themes:

1. Espionage and Terrorism: The novel delves into the world of espionage and terrorism, highlighting the dangers and complexities of international intrigue.
2. Global Politics: The story touches on the highest reaches of Washington's political elite, indicating its exploration of global politics and their implications.
3. Adventure and Travel: The narrative features a globe-trotting adventure, showcasing various locations and cultures, including Amsterdam, Bombay, and Washington.
4. Personal Relationships: The novel explores personal relationships, particularly the rekindling of an old flame and the complexities that come with it.

Critical Reception:

• Traditional Roles of Women: Critics have noted that women in MacInnes' works often have relatively secondary roles, which can be seen as traditional and sometimes limiting. However, some women in her books do have significant roles in the plot.
• Variety in Scene-Setting: The book is praised for its varied and detailed scene-setting, particularly in its depiction of the hippie-trail and the dangerous conditions it faced by the end of the 1970s.
• Classic Cold War Espionage: The novel is recommended for those looking for a classic take on Cold War espionage, despite some criticisms regarding the traditional roles of women.

Product Details:

• ISBN-13: 9781781163399
• Publisher: Titan
• Publication Date: May 6, 2014
• Series: Robert Renwick Series, #2
• Pages: 496
• Product Dimensions: 5.10(w) x 7.60(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author:

Helen MacInnes was a Scottish-born American author known as "the queen of spy writers." She wrote 21 spy novels, with her books selling over 25 million copies in the United States alone and being translated into over 22 languages. Several of her books were adapted into films, including "Above Suspicion" and "The Salzburg Connection".