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A Coffin for Dimitrios

A Coffin for Dimitrios

EspionageMystery
Pages
320
Published
1939
Language
English

Synopsis

When author Charles Latimer learns that the notorious criminal Dimitrios has been found dead in Istanbul, he becomes intrigued. What starts as a simple investigation to piece together Dimitrios's life quickly pulls Latimer into a dangerous world of espionage, drugs, and assassination across the Balkans. This classic thriller explores how an ordinary man can get caught in extraordinary, perilous circumstances.

How it reads

TenseDarkMysteriousAtmosphericThought-Provoking
Morally GreyReluctant Hero
Prose complexity 7/10
Content warnings (1)
Violence

Genres

Espionage Mystery Spy Suspense Thriller Literary Fiction

Characters

Charles LatimerProtagonist
DimitriosAntagonist
All characters in A Coffin for Dimitrios

Subjects

Balkan PeninsulaBritishCriminalsEnglish AuthorsEnglish Detective and mystery storiesEnglish Spy storiesEuropeGerman Detective and mystery storiesGerman Spy storiesNovelistsOrient Express (Express train)Railroad travelSmugglingTranslations from EnglishTranslations into German

Places

Balkan PeninsulaIstanbul

About the author

Frequently asked questions

  • Is this book part of a series?

    The protagonist Charles Latimer also appears in the later novel The Intercom Conspiracy, though this book functions as a self-contained narrative.

  • Are there any film adaptations of this story?

    A 1944 film adaptation titled The Mask of Dimitrios exists, which features Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet in prominent roles.

  • Was this book inspired by real events?

    The author drew inspiration for the narrative from his personal discussions with Turkish exiles he encountered in Montparnasse.