It can't really be said that Alan Furst is "under the radar," given the amount of exposure his latest book got in the New York Times and elsewhere, but he is so good I must put in a plug for him. The title I most recently finished is "Spies of the Balkans," but most of his ten or so novels share certain characteristics.  Think "Casablanca" crossed with John Le Carre.  The heroes are mostly ordinary men doing their best in extraordinary times (before, during and after WW II in Europe).   Like Rick in the movie, they are strong but silent types who struggle to lead meaningful professional, family and love lives while all hell is breaking loose around them.   Drawing on inner reservoirs of patriotism and morality, they choose somewhat against their inclination to join the fight against the evils of fascism.   As in Le Carre's novels, the details of everyday spycraft are meticulous and the plotting is tight.  Take one of these with you on your next vacation.

Submitted by Mary Rindfleisch, Assistant Director