At the start of World War II, the fate of the free world hangs in the balance at the posh Hotel Splendide in Bordeaux. Cabinet members, journalists, physicists, and spies of all persuasions gather in order to escape the German occupation of Paris. High society socialites hobnob with jailbirds. Murderous intrigues, scientific secrets, and love affairs flourish.—Sujit R. Varma