There is a bit of a backstory that accompanies the publication of THE HIDDEN MAN. What we have in this previously unseen (in the United States) gem by Charles Cumming is no less than his second novel. Written back at the very beginning of this century, it was published abroad but somehow missed the boat here until now. As Cumming notes at the beginning of the novel, he started writing it before the events of September 11, 2001, and Vladimir Putin was an all-but-unknown entity. He made a couple of changes as a concession for the new American audience; the result is a very good book, even if it takes a moment or two to get going.

THE HIDDEN MAN begins with the description of the murder of an (initially) unnamed victim. We know little, other than the method of killing, the nationality of the murderer, and the apparent motive, which seems to be revenge. What follows is a story of an unfortunate family estrangement. Brothers Mark and Benjamin Keen were virtually abandoned by their father, Christopher, who accepted a foreign posting with MI6 and subsequently acquired a reputation as a difficult but talented operative. Upon retirement, he parlayed his knowledge, contacts and abilities into a position with Divisar, a consulting firm that aids corporations in their business endeavors in foreign countries.

"THE HIDDEN MAN is not just for Charles Cumming completists. While the book starts somewhat slowly, it’s so wonderfully written that it’s difficult to turn away, even as one might wonder when things are going to kick off."

Christopher ironically finds himself in contact and working with Mark, whose “big boy” job is with Libra, a longstanding, highly successful and diversified entertainment company that has employed Divisar. Mark is enjoying the renewed contact with his father after decades of not seeing him. But Ben refuses to have anything to do with him, being content with his life as an artistic painter married to an attractive journalist for The Standard. After much cajoling from Mark, he reluctantly meets his father for what turns out to be a disastrous dinner that doesn’t even last an hour. Ironically enough, a few hours later, Ben is awakened at home by the police, who inform him that Christopher has been found murdered in his apartment.

At this point, almost a third of the way through, one could be forgiven for feeling as if they stepped into Howard’s End or something similar. The story seems overbalanced as a domestic drama overshadowing a drawing room murder. Everything changes, though, at Christopher’s funeral service. The curtain is drawn back while new and interesting characters emerge. All of a sudden, the Charles Cumming we have come to honor and cherish steps forth, and it’s off to the races. If there was ever a mismatched pair likely to obtain, let alone seek, revenge, it would be Mark and Ben. While some people are hiding things from them, others are not. The key to Christopher’s death is hidden in the acts of his past...and, quite possibly, is tied to one of his sons in the present. Mark and Ben are anything but prepared for what they are about to undertake, even as one of them possesses a secret that may change their lives, and their relationship, going forward.

THE HIDDEN MAN is not just for Charles Cumming completists. While the book starts somewhat slowly, it’s so wonderfully written that it’s difficult to turn away, even as one might wonder when things are going to kick off. And that funeral. Readers can almost hear Cumming racking the balls to get the game going. If you want to see up close and personal the budding work of a master aborning, don’t miss this one.