“All the Old Knives” is a well-written novel that is a quick read. Two former lovers, Henry Pelham and Celia Harrison, meet for dinner in Carmel, California. Their relationship ended when Harrison walked out on Pelham five years before when they both worked for the CIA in the Vienna bureau.
It is obvious from the start that this dinner is more than two old acquaintances getting together for old-time sake. Through their conversation, which lasts for several hours, important events are revealed about a tragic hijacking that occurred when they both were stationed in Vienna.
Author Olen Steinhauer’s dialogue moves the story line quickly and smoothly. As we learn about the hijacking from the point of view of each of the key characters, the tone of the conversation becomes more and more threatening to the survival of Henry and Celia.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced novel of espionage and betrayal.