THE RIDDLE OF THE SANDS by Erskine Childers

Two sail-boaters are cruising off the coast of Germany on a vacation. To their amazement they discover a German military exercise—a trial-run for the invasion of England.

From that starting point we are whisked through a series of mysteries, bluffs, counter-bluffs, and wild nautical maneuvers as our sail-boaters try to learn more and get their information back to England. Through it all, Childers brilliantly captures the style and attitudes of the day. His use of military terms and concepts is creditable, and his depiction of small boat sailing is impeccable.

What is astonishing is that the book was written before WW-I and correctly anticipates the coming military aggressiveness of Germany. As such, it created a sensation when it was first released, and remains a classic, perhaps THE classic, spy-action-adventure novel to this day.

Whether you are a boater, a military buff, a spy novel fan, or just like a good thrilling read—this book is for you.

Move over Ian Fleming and make way for your grandpa!