The Riddle of the Sands

A must-read for espionage junkies, the first modern spy novel, published in 1903, influenced everyone from Buchan and Greene to Fleming and Follet

When Carruthers receives a letter from his friend Davies suggesting a Baltic sailing trip, the vision of a manned yacht, perfect scenery, and excellent duck shooting quickly works its charm. Much to Carruther's disgust, the reality couldn't be more different. If the Dulcibella is distressingly underwhelming, Davies's ambition for their sailing trip is anything but. There has been suspicious German activity along the coast. The Medusa, manned by the sinister Dollman, has already tried to destroyhim. Why should anyone want to kill Davies? What are the Germans trying to hide? Nothing less than a plot to invade Britain—and only these two courageous Englishmen can stop them.