The Zeppelin's Passenger

"The Zeppelin's Passenger" by E. Phillips Oppenheim is a story set during World War I, where a group of people, including Captain Griffiths and Helen Fairclough, talk about a surprising event involving a Zeppelin, creating a mood of curiosity and worry. The book explores themes of spying, being faithful, and love stories happening during the war, mainly focusing on Helen and her missing fiancé, Major Felstead. The story starts in a cozy library with guests having tea, and the talk reveals worry about a Zeppelin observation car that landed unexpectedly. As the characters chat lightly, there's also tension because of the war and the uncertainty around Major Felstead, who was taken prisoner. Helen is upset about her fiancé's situation, and Captain Griffiths seems to have strong feelings for Helen himself. This mix of everyday issues and the stress of war sets the scene for a story full of mystery and emotions.