The Unquiet Sleep

Cassell

Industry	Publishing
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Books

The Unquiet Sleep is a suspense novel released in 1962 by British writer William Haggard. It was published in the United Kingdom by Cassell and in the United States through Ives Washburn. This book represents the fourth entry in a collection of 21 novels centered on Colonel Charles Russell, who leads the Security Executive, a government counterintelligence organization inspired by MI5. Set against the political backdrop of Whitehall, Russell’s role blends suspenseful thriller elements with in-depth character exploration; however, this particular volume places greater emphasis on action compared to previous installments.

Plot

Although Colonel Russell remains a pivotal figure, he serves more as a stabilizing presence rather than the main protagonist. The storyline primarily follows other individuals whose actions propel the plot amid an international political context.

A prominent British pharmaceutical company introduces Mecron, a new tranquilizer that initially enjoys commercial success and favorable effects. Henry Leggatt, formerly on the company's board and presently Parliamentary Secretary to Robert Seneschal, Minister of Social Welfare, raises concerns about potentially hazardous side effects and advocates for its withdrawal pending further evaluation. Following a leak to the media, Mecron becomes embroiled in public controversy. Concurrently, Russell encounters difficulties due to the absence of his usual aide, Major Mortimer, and restricted communication with Minister Gabriel Palliser, who uncovers an active black market for Mecron.

Russell dispatches Rachel Borrodaile, an experienced British agent and ex-member of the French Resistance who survived Gestapo torture, to infiltrate and dismantle the illicit trade. A Cypriot criminal group has obtained Mecron supplies and is collaborating with a Turkish chemist to reproduce the drug. They abduct Leggatt to gain access to reserves at his former company. Borrodaile, reunited with Leggatt after sixteen years apart, is resolute in thwarting their plans. The inquiry into Mecron’s adverse effects culminates in a violent climax affecting all principal characters except Colonel Russell.

Reception and/or Appraisal

Critical response was positive:

The New York Times: In light of controversies surrounding drugs such as Percodan and thalidomide, William Haggard’s THE UNQUIET SLEEP (Washburn, $3.50) tackles the topical issue of Mecron, a newly introduced tranquilizer suspected of addiction potential. The narrative involves political scandal linked to a government official connected with Mecron’s manufacturer, with Colonel Charles Russell of the Security Executive navigating the resulting complications. Though complex, the novel offers rewarding insights for attentive readers.

Kirkus Reviews: The revelation that a new tranquilizer may be addictive poses threats to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Leggatt, a former director at its distributor. Colonel Russell and his operative Rachel investigate black-market dealings that lead to murder, accompanied by subtle romantic elements. The story delivers swift and intelligent excitement.