The Light of Day

Ambler's electrifying Istanbul-set thriller from 1962, and the basis for the classic film Topkapi

Arthur Abdel Simpson is a failed journalist and soon-to-be failed thief, embittered by memories of his unhappy childhood in England and eking out a living in Athens. When he spots a newly arrived tourist at the airport, he offers his services as a private driver and sees an easy chance to make some money by illicit means. But the out-matched Simpson soon finds himself embroiled in blackmail and driving a highly suspicious car to Istanbul. When he is stopped by the Turkish police, it seems his luck can't get any worse - but this is just the beginning . . .

Adapted as the classic film Topkapi and featuring one of literature's greatest heist scenes, Light of Day is a heart-stopping and highly enjoyable novel from the father of the spy thriller.