The Red Lecture

Dr. Emil Kessler is the most dangerous man on campus, or so the newspapers say. He lectures on political economy with a red pin on his lapel and a waiting list for his seminar. The FBI keeps a file on him. So, it turns out, does Professor Ashford.

Ashford's request is simple and unforgivable: get close to Kessler. Close enough to read his letters, learn his visitors, find out who he answers to. First it is a lecture course. Then it is coffee. Then it is his apartment, his bed, and the notebook in his coat.

But the man in the red tie isn't what Ana expected. He's gentle. He's funny. He may even be honest. And the more she learns, the less sure she is which side of the classroom the villain stands on.