Mr. Standfast

More about the book

Hannay, now a Brigadier, is called back from the front to go under cover a second time (see earlier novel Greenmantle). This time, he is investigating a spy-ring somewhere in Britain. The plot switches from the Home Counties, to the Isle of Skye, then following pursuit by his enemies all the way back to London, off to France, Switzerland, and back to France for the Grand Finale. Several characters from previous novels are re- introduced, including John Blenkiron and Peter Pienaar, and someone who penetrates Hannay's disguise and manages to keep one step ahead. The Grand Finale is the great German Offensive of March 1918, which nearly won them the war. There is a romantic interest as Hannay becomes attached to Mary Lamington, a fellow agent. The title 2Mr Standfast3 refers to a character in 2The Pilgrim's Progress3 which Hannay's team use as a cipher; and ultimately identify themselves with characters in that book