The Pawns Count

About this book

“The Pawns Count” by E. Phillips Oppenheim is a novel written in the early 20th century, likely around the time of World War I. The story centers around a group of characters amidst the backdrop of war, showcasing themes of loyalty, intrigue, and espionage. Among the main characters are Pamela Van Teyl, an American woman caught in the complexities of her surroundings, John Lutchester, a civilian with a keen eye for the social dynamics, and Captain Richard Holderness, a soldier experiencing the attrition of war. At the start of the narrative, the characters gather in a fashionable London restaurant, discussing the war’s impact on society. Pamela comments on a notice warning against speaking carelessly, revealing an undercurrent of tension. The atmosphere is filled with camaraderie, but it hints at looming threats, particularly linked to the mysterious disappearance of Captain Graham, who possesses a crucial explosive formula. As the plot unfolds, Graham’s abduction leads to the introduction of espionage through various characters, including the sinister Fischer, leaving the reader intrigued about the interconnections and tensions that define their interactions.