The Colossus of Arcadia

This late novel of E. Phillips Oppenheim begins as the "Train Bleu" pulls into the railroad station in Monaco. A variety of individuals disembark: Stephen Ardrossen, quiet and punctilious spy; Joan Haskell, a beautiful young American secretary who is spending her small inheritance on a month in Monaco; and Lord Henry Lancaster, a sporting gentleman of England. 


These three, along with several other prominent guests and personalities, occupy the Hotel De Paris in a city which is beset by economic pressures, and the rumors of war. Into this mix, add the Baron Domiloff, who is the de facto ruler of the principality, and young Rudolf Sagastrada, scion of the wealthiest German banking families, who is escaping from the fascist government of his country.


As the party grows, cocktails are liberally drunk, banquets are prolific, murders and duels abound, and the flirtation and repartee never cease. The German government wants Sagastrada to return, no matter the cost in lives or conflict. Monaco prepares for war amidst a France that is convinced that it's Maginot Line will defend it from any attack.