THE INVESTIGATING OFFICER

by Frederick L. Keefe ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

It has some of the elements in the storyline that makes for a dry land Caine Mutiny. It has the dramatic unity of an entirely military framework. The dilemma is a believable, almost a textbook, rendering of the combat soldier as trained killer held responsible for his attitudes. The time is just after V-E Day in WW II. A flashy combat division must make the transition from attacking to governing force in Austria. A young lieutenant, ordered to convey German SS soldiers to prison, shoots them down. He claims they tried to escape. His jeep driver backs the story. Two Austrian witnesses say the men were shot in cold blood. The newly appointed, non-combatant general says he wants a tough investigation. A protective secondary command wants to say, ""come of it."" Last week we were getting medals for shooting them. The lieutenant is a good boy. Let's us fighters show these johnny-come-lately administrators where loyalty lies. The investigating officer has to find out where the boundaries of justice are. Military careers and status ride on his report-- his own included. It all takes place in about 48 hours. It's a thoughtful good story---for a masculine readership and book-into-movie would be an easy transition.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Delacorte

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1966

Categories: FICTION