A career-spanning collection of crime and mystery stories with an autobiographical introduction by the Diamond Dagger Award–winning author. Credited with inventing the modern spy novel, Eric Ambler was hailed by Graham Greene as “unquestionably our best thriller writer,” while John le Carré declared him “the source on which we all draw.” Waiting for Orders collects eight of Ambler’s short stories written between 1939 and 1992 that range from the fringes of WWII Germany to the Cold War intrigues of Central America. This volume also includes six cases featuring the refugee Czech detective Dr. Czissar. Stories include “The Army of the Shadows,” “The Case of the Pinchbeck Locket,” “The Blood Bargain,” and others.

This novel revolves around Frederick Maxwell, and his friends, Carlo Visci and Luigi Salvarini. Frederick Maxwell is an Englishman, with a passion for art, and no doubt if he had been forced to gain a living by his brush, would have made some stir in the world; but being born with the traditional silver spoon in his mouth, his flirtation with the arts never threatened to become serious. Before leaving Rome, Frederick Maxwell, and his friends, Carlo Visci and Luigi Salvarini all vow to aid the welfare of the League. Will they fulfill this vow?