Peak world war II time and the allies are into massive clandestine operation planning and execution. Every country (almost) in Europe is taking sides or has been taken over by the German behemoth. A man from the crowds is picked up for clandestine activities in one country that is still pro-allies - Portugal. The man in lisbon. Allies have planned a massive air strike on Hitler and the timing has to be met in any eventuality. Equipment for the fighters has been outsourced to some armament company that does not deliver everything - laser guidance system does not function at high altitude. Washington is worried that unless this works, the mission could be a disaster.
The Germans are not sitting tight. There is massive planning at that end too and there are sources and contracts. One such plan involves the US trading with the Germans. The US wants the high altidude guidance system which is perfected by the Germans and the latter wants large quantities of industrial diamonds. Both governments are involved in the bargain but from behind the scenes and the actual people doing the exchange are highly qualified but just following orders. The governments are worried about any trace back to them, in the event of a lost war and hence everyone in between is dispensible - infact, must be dispensed off to ensure nothing traces back to the actual sources.
The man in lisbon is brilliant and is assigned this activity. The Germans are good and deserve a match like the man in lisbon. The story unfolds. The book has typical ludlum coverage of more than one country and continent. He dwells well on the fact that war is all about strategy and patience rather than a big bang via fighters - and then remember, this was in the 1940s. Brilliantly conceived story.