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John Russell & Effi Koenen #6
Masaryk Station
Berlin, 1948. Still occupied by the four Allied powers and largely in ruins, the city has become the cockpit of a new Cold War. The legacies of the war have become entangled in the new Soviet-American conflict, creating a world of bizarre and fleeting loyalties—a paradise for spies. As spring unfolds, a Western withdrawal looks increasingly likely. Berlin’s German inhabitants live in fear of the Soviet forces who occupy half the city, and whose legacy of violence has ripped apart many families.
John Russell works for both Stalin's NKVD and the newly created CIA, trying his best to cut himself loose from both before his double-agency is discovered by either. As tensions between the great powers escalate, each passing day makes Russell’s position more treacherous. He and his Soviet liaison, Shchepkin, seek out one final operation—one piece of intelligence so damning it could silence the wrath of one nation and solicit the protection of the other. It will be the most dangerous task Russell has ever taken on, but one way or the other, it will be his last.
John Russell works for both Stalin's NKVD and the newly created CIA, trying his best to cut himself loose from both before his double-agency is discovered by either. As tensions between the great powers escalate, each passing day makes Russell’s position more treacherous. He and his Soviet liaison, Shchepkin, seek out one final operation—one piece of intelligence so damning it could silence the wrath of one nation and solicit the protection of the other. It will be the most dangerous task Russell has ever taken on, but one way or the other, it will be his last.
330 pages, Hardcover
First published June 18, 2013
198 people are currently reading
933 people want to read
About the author
David Downing
123 books496 followersDavid Downing is the author of a political thriller, two alternative histories and a number of books on military and political history and other subjects as diverse as Neil Young and Russian Football.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
January 31, 2021
Not my favorite of the series, but still a good read; plus I'd read anything about John Russell and his actress girlfriend/wife Effi and how they are faring both during WW2, and now in this book, the time period directly after.
Europe is in ruins. The Soviets, the Americans, the British and in a somewhat limited capacity, the French, are fighting over what to do, how to do it, who gets what, and what the punishment should be for the Germans. Some cities are absolutely devastated and in ruins; others have fared better. And once again John Russell, a journalist, is torn between loyalties to one nation which helped him and his family during the siege of Berlin, and another which employs him as a double-agent. John has friends, acquaintances, connections - and enemies - at every turn, or so it seems. He can't get a hotel room without wondering if he'll even wake up the next day alive. Is he being bugged? Is the next contact he has a good one, bad one, can be trusted - or not? What the Americans ask him to do - is it safe; can he take it on? Then the Soviets step in with their demands. John's in constant flux, constant peril and that creates its own tension for him - and the reader.
The storyline here is all over the place and it takes a careful read to make sense of it, more so than previous books in the series. Nothing is straightforward; nothing can be taken for granted. In the opening pages of Masaryk Station, two women are brutalized and one is murdered. It isn't for many pages forward that the meaning of what happened becomes clear...so in that sense this one is also a mystery.
Add to that the storylines of people trying to leave countries for safety and refuge elsewhere - in fact, it seems that most of the characters here are trying to flee something. Their past. Their country. Most are carrying around deeply painful and weighted secrets - and well, if that isn't post-war Europe, what is?
As always, the writing is perfection, as Mr. Downing seems to know every street and boulevard, building and trainline all throughout Europe, from Trieste to Vienna, Berlin and beyond. I often marvel at his knowledge of this time period - and the geography! I think my father would have enjoyed these books as he was there - France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Great Britain and other nations during the war and after.
Anyhow, I digress. I wasn't on the 'edge of my seat' with this one, and sometimes felt the book meandered too much from one plot point to the next, but if a reader has followed John up to this point in Books 1-5, then number six is a necessary read.
Four stars.
Europe is in ruins. The Soviets, the Americans, the British and in a somewhat limited capacity, the French, are fighting over what to do, how to do it, who gets what, and what the punishment should be for the Germans. Some cities are absolutely devastated and in ruins; others have fared better. And once again John Russell, a journalist, is torn between loyalties to one nation which helped him and his family during the siege of Berlin, and another which employs him as a double-agent. John has friends, acquaintances, connections - and enemies - at every turn, or so it seems. He can't get a hotel room without wondering if he'll even wake up the next day alive. Is he being bugged? Is the next contact he has a good one, bad one, can be trusted - or not? What the Americans ask him to do - is it safe; can he take it on? Then the Soviets step in with their demands. John's in constant flux, constant peril and that creates its own tension for him - and the reader.
The storyline here is all over the place and it takes a careful read to make sense of it, more so than previous books in the series. Nothing is straightforward; nothing can be taken for granted. In the opening pages of Masaryk Station, two women are brutalized and one is murdered. It isn't for many pages forward that the meaning of what happened becomes clear...so in that sense this one is also a mystery.
Add to that the storylines of people trying to leave countries for safety and refuge elsewhere - in fact, it seems that most of the characters here are trying to flee something. Their past. Their country. Most are carrying around deeply painful and weighted secrets - and well, if that isn't post-war Europe, what is?
As always, the writing is perfection, as Mr. Downing seems to know every street and boulevard, building and trainline all throughout Europe, from Trieste to Vienna, Berlin and beyond. I often marvel at his knowledge of this time period - and the geography! I think my father would have enjoyed these books as he was there - France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Great Britain and other nations during the war and after.
Anyhow, I digress. I wasn't on the 'edge of my seat' with this one, and sometimes felt the book meandered too much from one plot point to the next, but if a reader has followed John up to this point in Books 1-5, then number six is a necessary read.
Four stars.
December 12, 2013
This is the last in the "Station" series and I'm already thinking that I've been a bit harsh in only giving it three stars but I'm sticking to it for a number of small reasons that I shall explain later.
In "Lehrter Station" David Downing painted a superb picture of post-War Berlin; a grubby world of mixed morals, the fit child of the Nazi War. In "Masaryk Station" the world of 1948 feels perhaps a little less grubby but more uncertain because of the political game the Soviets are playing. It was interesting reading about a Berlin where the divisions of the times to come did not exist and which were unimaginable. People seem to move around between zones with perfect freedom but also with an understanding of the undertones that exist in Soviet behaviour. Abroad (because that's where a lot of the action in the first half of the book takes place) it is the Americans who are playing a duplicitous game just as they did in "Lehrter Station". They have allied themselves with former Nazi supporters in what they know will be the coming conflict with the Soviets. They play a quiet role in supporting the number of escape routs that have been set up for Ukrainian Nazi-supporting nationalists, bloodthirsty Croat racists and for Soviet defectors. Our hero, John Russell is in the middle of both these worlds and thus has no illusions about either party. His hands feel filthy and he would love to get out.
Then along comes an opportunity. Something has turned up that might just provide Russell and his family with a get-out-of-jail-free ticket...
On the whole this was a good read marred only by the terrible grammatical errors that appear to have been thrown into the publication like spanners intended to ruin my day. They are irritating and evidence of a rush into publication (either that or the Soviets have been at it... or those incompetent US officers that crop up in the book). Without wishing to spoil the read for anyone else, I do think the outcome is a little simplistic and even "innocent" for a book that has its feet in the realpolitik of those uncertain times. Another ending would have been much more realistic... Oh cynic that I am!
In "Lehrter Station" David Downing painted a superb picture of post-War Berlin; a grubby world of mixed morals, the fit child of the Nazi War. In "Masaryk Station" the world of 1948 feels perhaps a little less grubby but more uncertain because of the political game the Soviets are playing. It was interesting reading about a Berlin where the divisions of the times to come did not exist and which were unimaginable. People seem to move around between zones with perfect freedom but also with an understanding of the undertones that exist in Soviet behaviour. Abroad (because that's where a lot of the action in the first half of the book takes place) it is the Americans who are playing a duplicitous game just as they did in "Lehrter Station". They have allied themselves with former Nazi supporters in what they know will be the coming conflict with the Soviets. They play a quiet role in supporting the number of escape routs that have been set up for Ukrainian Nazi-supporting nationalists, bloodthirsty Croat racists and for Soviet defectors. Our hero, John Russell is in the middle of both these worlds and thus has no illusions about either party. His hands feel filthy and he would love to get out.
Then along comes an opportunity. Something has turned up that might just provide Russell and his family with a get-out-of-jail-free ticket...
On the whole this was a good read marred only by the terrible grammatical errors that appear to have been thrown into the publication like spanners intended to ruin my day. They are irritating and evidence of a rush into publication (either that or the Soviets have been at it... or those incompetent US officers that crop up in the book). Without wishing to spoil the read for anyone else, I do think the outcome is a little simplistic and even "innocent" for a book that has its feet in the realpolitik of those uncertain times. Another ending would have been much more realistic... Oh cynic that I am!
September 8, 2013
I am so sorry to see this series end, but in the process, I have been impressed with David Downing's ability to create a continuing cast of characters who survived the Nazis and the Soviets (not to mention the Americans) as Berlin moved through WWII and emerged into the beginning of the Cold War.
I wasn't certain this would be the last until the end notes, but it apparently is. In this final chapter, John Russell, the British-American journalist and double agent, his actress wife Effi and their adopted daughter Rosa are trying to survive the intrigue and tug of war between the Soviets, the Germans who are now occupied by the Allies, and the Americans.
In the process of all this, with at least two other murderous subplots thrown in for good measure, Russell and his longtime Soviet mentor Shchepkin discover the existence of a film that endangers the reputation of one of Russia's most feared leaders -- and could give them their chance to finally quit the spy business and move to America.
The film does its work, but not before some very tense moments at the end, which thankfully spare all the people we have come to care about.
One final note. I don't know if this was the fault of the original British manuscript or its American version, but Masaryk Station was full of typos -- dropped words, incorrect verb tenses and other glitches that gave it an amateurish feel despite Downing's excellent sense of storytelling and pace. Silly question, I know, but are there no proofreaders anymore?
If you ever want to have a close-up view of what life was like in Berlin leading up to WWII and afterwards, you should start with Zoo Station, and move through all the other "station" books to get to this one.
I wasn't certain this would be the last until the end notes, but it apparently is. In this final chapter, John Russell, the British-American journalist and double agent, his actress wife Effi and their adopted daughter Rosa are trying to survive the intrigue and tug of war between the Soviets, the Germans who are now occupied by the Allies, and the Americans.
In the process of all this, with at least two other murderous subplots thrown in for good measure, Russell and his longtime Soviet mentor Shchepkin discover the existence of a film that endangers the reputation of one of Russia's most feared leaders -- and could give them their chance to finally quit the spy business and move to America.
The film does its work, but not before some very tense moments at the end, which thankfully spare all the people we have come to care about.
One final note. I don't know if this was the fault of the original British manuscript or its American version, but Masaryk Station was full of typos -- dropped words, incorrect verb tenses and other glitches that gave it an amateurish feel despite Downing's excellent sense of storytelling and pace. Silly question, I know, but are there no proofreaders anymore?
If you ever want to have a close-up view of what life was like in Berlin leading up to WWII and afterwards, you should start with Zoo Station, and move through all the other "station" books to get to this one.
March 20, 2016
A superb end to a simply wonderful series. A marvellous end to the book. Happiness tinged with sadness. Tragedy and hope. It didn’t really feel like a ‘goodbye.’ An au revoir, hopefully. Though that’s probably me wishing it, rather than it actually being so. And yes, he saved the best for (the) last (two).
As the book begins, it is three years since the second war to end all wars ended. But the world feels for many just as unsafe as it was. Perhaps more so. The series’ ‘hero’ John Russell and his old espionage ‘friend' and part-time Soviet controller, Shchepkin find themselves sinking deeper and deeper into the new world of spies and mistrust, as the two new world powers let paranoia about each other override any thoughts of justice and retribution for the people who suffered most. The ordinary man and woman in the street, wherever that street might once have been in Europe, are just as expendable in the new Cold War as they ever were in the 'old' war. Russell and Shchepkin reach the conclusion that there is probably no escape for them, or those they care for, not alive anyway. Unless, that is, they can find a secret about one side or the other, to use as blackmail. They know plenty of secrets, of course, but the people they know secrets about, also know secrets about them. It needs to be a big one, a huge one, a secret so potentially devastating, that it would be worth leaving them alone to pay for. If they survive long enough after disclosing it, to use it, that is.
I don’t think there’s been a deep message to be got from the ’Station’ series. David Downing hasn’t been on a cliched anti-war, anti-Nazi, anti-conflict, mission. That’s for us to read in maybe. The things I take from the series are maybe the triumph of spirit and that people, no matter where they come from, are fundamentally decent at heart. That war affects every side differently, but in the end the same. There are no winners, the human race loses. Masaryk Station, in summing up the series that has gone before it, is about betrayal. Of people, each other, of ideas. It’s about starting to build your own future, because no one else is going to do it for you. Certainly not the Big Powers, as here. They say they are, but they can’t be trusted with the future and certainly not with yours’. Universally relevant wherever you find yourself today, it’s about all sides being let down by their leaders, elected and unelected.
Despite (obviously) being written by an English (speaking) writer, the series has been remarkably even-handed and non-judgemental. You draw your own conclusions, if you want to. Obviously, the events and atrocities will speak for themselves, however, they can be open to interpretation, however you want to interpret them, depending on which side you were or are. There were no winners, nothing was solved by 5 years of war and 40-odd million dead.
It’s impossible to pick a best book of the six Stations and would be wrong to even think about trying. Could the series be returned to? Yes. Should it? That’s a whole other question.
'Masaryk Station' especially and the series as a whole leave me with sadness, hope, tragedy, happiness, possibility. Leaves me with a smile on my face and hope in my heart and glad that I travelled with David Downing, John Russell and Effi Cohen.
More world-class reviews on Speesh Reads
As the book begins, it is three years since the second war to end all wars ended. But the world feels for many just as unsafe as it was. Perhaps more so. The series’ ‘hero’ John Russell and his old espionage ‘friend' and part-time Soviet controller, Shchepkin find themselves sinking deeper and deeper into the new world of spies and mistrust, as the two new world powers let paranoia about each other override any thoughts of justice and retribution for the people who suffered most. The ordinary man and woman in the street, wherever that street might once have been in Europe, are just as expendable in the new Cold War as they ever were in the 'old' war. Russell and Shchepkin reach the conclusion that there is probably no escape for them, or those they care for, not alive anyway. Unless, that is, they can find a secret about one side or the other, to use as blackmail. They know plenty of secrets, of course, but the people they know secrets about, also know secrets about them. It needs to be a big one, a huge one, a secret so potentially devastating, that it would be worth leaving them alone to pay for. If they survive long enough after disclosing it, to use it, that is.
I don’t think there’s been a deep message to be got from the ’Station’ series. David Downing hasn’t been on a cliched anti-war, anti-Nazi, anti-conflict, mission. That’s for us to read in maybe. The things I take from the series are maybe the triumph of spirit and that people, no matter where they come from, are fundamentally decent at heart. That war affects every side differently, but in the end the same. There are no winners, the human race loses. Masaryk Station, in summing up the series that has gone before it, is about betrayal. Of people, each other, of ideas. It’s about starting to build your own future, because no one else is going to do it for you. Certainly not the Big Powers, as here. They say they are, but they can’t be trusted with the future and certainly not with yours’. Universally relevant wherever you find yourself today, it’s about all sides being let down by their leaders, elected and unelected.
Despite (obviously) being written by an English (speaking) writer, the series has been remarkably even-handed and non-judgemental. You draw your own conclusions, if you want to. Obviously, the events and atrocities will speak for themselves, however, they can be open to interpretation, however you want to interpret them, depending on which side you were or are. There were no winners, nothing was solved by 5 years of war and 40-odd million dead.
It’s impossible to pick a best book of the six Stations and would be wrong to even think about trying. Could the series be returned to? Yes. Should it? That’s a whole other question.
'Masaryk Station' especially and the series as a whole leave me with sadness, hope, tragedy, happiness, possibility. Leaves me with a smile on my face and hope in my heart and glad that I travelled with David Downing, John Russell and Effi Cohen.
More world-class reviews on Speesh Reads
August 30, 2013
Masaryk Station by David Downing is the last novel in the John Russell series. The story takes place in the chaotic time in 1948 Berlin, when the city was divided in the post-war era.
John Russell is an American journalist living in Berlin for a long time. Even though he was linked to the Communist Party he is involved in spying for the Americans and the Russians trying to keep his family secure and safe. John is married to a German actress named Effie, they have a son and an adopted daughter.
John is planning one final job which will cement the financial security and well being of his family before he retires. However that final reward will take guts, cunning and an enormous risk which he might not be willing to take.
Masaryk Station by David Downing ties up the John Russell series nicely, will giving the reader much to think about even thought the story takes place 7 decades ago. In this book Mr. Russell struggles to the do the right thing but doesn’t really know what the right thing is, or even what is the right course of action he should take.
Mr. Downing does an excellent job writing characters. All of the characters in the book, bad or good, felt as if they could have been real people. However, the plot is still dark and brutal against the backdrop of Prague and Berlin.
The interesting part of the book was the currency reform of Berlin, when both American and Russian interests wanted to control the currency and hence the economy. Both countries try to reassert their power and legitimacy over Berlin, neither willing (nor politically able) to back out. The author also recognizes the famed Berlin Blockade in which Russia blocked all passages by air, road, rail and water between the East and West zones. The blockade was designed to force the USA, England and France to leaver Berlin or at least accept Russian currency in their areas.
It didn’t work!
This is the final book to an excellent series in which the author appraises post World War II Europe in a cynical, tired, yet clear manner. The book is a wonderful introduction to the Berlin Blockade, told through an exciting story with likeable characters.
Disclaimer: I got this book for free
For more reviews and bookish posts please visit http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
John Russell is an American journalist living in Berlin for a long time. Even though he was linked to the Communist Party he is involved in spying for the Americans and the Russians trying to keep his family secure and safe. John is married to a German actress named Effie, they have a son and an adopted daughter.
John is planning one final job which will cement the financial security and well being of his family before he retires. However that final reward will take guts, cunning and an enormous risk which he might not be willing to take.
Masaryk Station by David Downing ties up the John Russell series nicely, will giving the reader much to think about even thought the story takes place 7 decades ago. In this book Mr. Russell struggles to the do the right thing but doesn’t really know what the right thing is, or even what is the right course of action he should take.
Mr. Downing does an excellent job writing characters. All of the characters in the book, bad or good, felt as if they could have been real people. However, the plot is still dark and brutal against the backdrop of Prague and Berlin.
The interesting part of the book was the currency reform of Berlin, when both American and Russian interests wanted to control the currency and hence the economy. Both countries try to reassert their power and legitimacy over Berlin, neither willing (nor politically able) to back out. The author also recognizes the famed Berlin Blockade in which Russia blocked all passages by air, road, rail and water between the East and West zones. The blockade was designed to force the USA, England and France to leaver Berlin or at least accept Russian currency in their areas.
It didn’t work!
This is the final book to an excellent series in which the author appraises post World War II Europe in a cynical, tired, yet clear manner. The book is a wonderful introduction to the Berlin Blockade, told through an exciting story with likeable characters.
Disclaimer: I got this book for free
For more reviews and bookish posts please visit http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
July 30, 2013
Berlin, Prague and Belgrade are not a lot of fun to live in after WWII! John Russell, double agent working for the Soviets and the Americans, spends most of his time trying to figure out how to accomplish his missions for both of them and extricate himself from working for either of them. He just wants to keep his wife and his daughter safe.
I have not read the earlier books in this series and I do think that would have helped with understanding the relationships between the characters but I thoroughly enjoyed this thriller anyway. Having spent a little time in Eastern Europe, this felt very realistic. If you're a student of WWII or the Cold War, this book is an interesting novel about the time as those two are intersecting.
The settings feel real, the characters' dilemmas and emotions feel real, the secret agencies on both sides feel real. I would place David Downing in the top rank of spy novel writers and he became one of my favorites with this book.
This received this book through Goodreads giveaways and I was excited to have the opportunity to read it.
I have not read the earlier books in this series and I do think that would have helped with understanding the relationships between the characters but I thoroughly enjoyed this thriller anyway. Having spent a little time in Eastern Europe, this felt very realistic. If you're a student of WWII or the Cold War, this book is an interesting novel about the time as those two are intersecting.
The settings feel real, the characters' dilemmas and emotions feel real, the secret agencies on both sides feel real. I would place David Downing in the top rank of spy novel writers and he became one of my favorites with this book.
This received this book through Goodreads giveaways and I was excited to have the opportunity to read it.
October 2, 2017
The last of this 'Station' series by David Downing.
As enjoyable and informative as the preceding 5 stories.
His writing style always appeals to me - I look forward to reading something else by Downing in the future.
As enjoyable and informative as the preceding 5 stories.
His writing style always appeals to me - I look forward to reading something else by Downing in the future.
August 23, 2019
Russell wondered how much easier his life would have been if he'd just done as he was told. Why hadn't he? What had made him the pain in the ass others thought him? p179
A sense of ethics, evidently. Post war Berlin is a regulated chaos as loyalties are tested and the shifting fallout takes its ruthless toll. In the interim between the last book, more to facilitate their formal adoption of Rosa, Russell and Effie have married and attempted to restore some sort of normalcy to their lives. When the new normal includes city-wide electrical outages, transportation issues and food issues, not to mention sudden disappearances and murder, life becomes almost intolerable.
He should be glad to be alive, he thought, but the feeling was beyond him. p157
Life was a risky business, and one needed wisdom about which risks to take. p269
When you are a triple agent, you don't always have the luxury of a choice. When you are married to a triple agent, you might pick up some habits that put your choices at risk.
In this last volume of the series, DD attempts, with his meticulous attention to detail, to wrap it all up. Problem is, it won't be wrapped up tidily and there's no bow that could disguise the rough edges and some glaring editorial glitches. With it's unsavoury opening scene and it's unsettling thread, my enjoyment of this volume was seriously challenged.
Why were people so stupid? Did they really think that bravery always went hand in hand with virtue? p238
Overall however I am grateful for DD's perceptive and gripping series and the broadening of my perspective. I will wait patiently for him to realize it isn't actually complete and give us more.
A sense of ethics, evidently. Post war Berlin is a regulated chaos as loyalties are tested and the shifting fallout takes its ruthless toll. In the interim between the last book, more to facilitate their formal adoption of Rosa, Russell and Effie have married and attempted to restore some sort of normalcy to their lives. When the new normal includes city-wide electrical outages, transportation issues and food issues, not to mention sudden disappearances and murder, life becomes almost intolerable.
He should be glad to be alive, he thought, but the feeling was beyond him. p157
Life was a risky business, and one needed wisdom about which risks to take. p269
When you are a triple agent, you don't always have the luxury of a choice. When you are married to a triple agent, you might pick up some habits that put your choices at risk.
In this last volume of the series, DD attempts, with his meticulous attention to detail, to wrap it all up. Problem is, it won't be wrapped up tidily and there's no bow that could disguise the rough edges and some glaring editorial glitches. With it's unsavoury opening scene and it's unsettling thread, my enjoyment of this volume was seriously challenged.
Why were people so stupid? Did they really think that bravery always went hand in hand with virtue? p238
Overall however I am grateful for DD's perceptive and gripping series and the broadening of my perspective. I will wait patiently for him to realize it isn't actually complete and give us more.
August 5, 2013
This is number 5 in Downing's 'John Russell and Effi Koenen series'and for fans of the first 4 it won't disappoint. The series tracks the adventures of a British American journalist and expat living in Berlin and his German actress girlfriend from their pre-war days in Nazi Germany through the war years and finally to this book which takes place in 1948 and which is billed as the final installment of the series (though to be honest, I'm not convinced Downing doesn't still have another one up his sleeve).
The premise of this book, as well as the other 4, is engaging. Initially stuck in Germany because his ex-wife and son are there, as well as his current girlfriend, Russell ends up being recruited by the Americans and the Russians to spy for their respective countries using his journalist credentials as a cover. Each thinks he's a double agent on their side, and during the war the Germans recruit him as well, assuming he'll do their bidding above the others. How Russell manages to juggle all his masters yet stay (relatively) true to his moral center keeps the reader interested.
Along with the well paced plots and engaging lead characters, Downing's background descriptions of life in Berlin (as well as a few other European cities) before, during and after the war are a major portion of the hold these books have on the reader. The details and descriptions are skillfully written and help bring the story to life, as well as cause the book's atmospherics to linger in the reader's memory even after the story is done.
This time Russell and Koenen are trying to survive in the American sector of the divided city while being unwillingly drawn into Russian intrigues. Russell realizes the only way to put his clandestine past behind him and be truly free is to find some information so dangerous to the Russians' cause that they'll leave him alone for fear of its revelation. How Russell manages this, and makes it work is a fine way to wrap up the series, although this reader would still like some more...
The premise of this book, as well as the other 4, is engaging. Initially stuck in Germany because his ex-wife and son are there, as well as his current girlfriend, Russell ends up being recruited by the Americans and the Russians to spy for their respective countries using his journalist credentials as a cover. Each thinks he's a double agent on their side, and during the war the Germans recruit him as well, assuming he'll do their bidding above the others. How Russell manages to juggle all his masters yet stay (relatively) true to his moral center keeps the reader interested.
Along with the well paced plots and engaging lead characters, Downing's background descriptions of life in Berlin (as well as a few other European cities) before, during and after the war are a major portion of the hold these books have on the reader. The details and descriptions are skillfully written and help bring the story to life, as well as cause the book's atmospherics to linger in the reader's memory even after the story is done.
This time Russell and Koenen are trying to survive in the American sector of the divided city while being unwillingly drawn into Russian intrigues. Russell realizes the only way to put his clandestine past behind him and be truly free is to find some information so dangerous to the Russians' cause that they'll leave him alone for fear of its revelation. How Russell manages this, and makes it work is a fine way to wrap up the series, although this reader would still like some more...
August 1, 2014
Those of you that follow me know I have read every book in the John Russel series. I started to think after the last installment Lehrtet Station that Mr. Downing was running out of plots for Russel. This book was very good from the history standpoint again which is what drew me to this series in the first place. But that being said this should be the end I would think. Also I must say that my impressions of neutrality politically was different this time and it was starting to bother me. I feel that Downing was trying to hard sell me on the vertues of pure Socializem in the Lenin style. I'm not sold that it was such a great system. Also I didn't agree with the depiction of the Americans as a bunch of Buffons in Berlin post war. I still give it 4 stars for Effi and John great characters and I will miss them.
February 23, 2016
The sixth and final volume in the John Russell series all named after German train stations. This last volume puts the hero in Berlin a couple of years after the war and just before the Berlin airlift. I liked this series for bringing up lesser known parts of history in Eastern Europe. Once again Russell is caught between his Russian and American handlers
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January 13, 2016Book abandoned due to obscene and graphic opening. I had not read any books in this series and would not pick up any book written by this author again. I had recently read a couple of "Berlin" postwar books and that is how I put myself in the position to be subjected to such a horrendous first chapter.
August 1, 2013
Good but not great addition (finale?) to the John Russell spy series. Not quite up to the earlier works. Maybe the Ruskies just aren't as compelling a villain as the Gestapo.
September 13, 2018
2.5-3 stars. I really enjoyed the first four in this series which covered WW2 but I do believe that Downing should have just stopped the series after that, leaving us to be glad that John and Effi were happily reunited with one another and their friends and family.
The fifth book and this final one din‘t seem to serve much purpose at all. The fifth one was incredibly boring and this one, although it had its interesting moments, wasn‘t that much better. Again, too many characters which just confused. I understand Downing‘s reason for sending John Russel to Yugoslavia but I kept losing track of who‘s who. I think for me, personally, the story of John and Effi wasn‘t the one to hold my interest, but the story of the disillusioned socialist, Gerhard Ström. Downing should consider a book on him alone. The John and Effi story had run its course in the last book and the plot here was rather absurd.
I‘m glad it‘s over now because I would have struggled to read a seventh.
Summary: highly enjoyable series which was just drawn out far too long. The first four are enough, no need to read the last two.
The fifth book and this final one din‘t seem to serve much purpose at all. The fifth one was incredibly boring and this one, although it had its interesting moments, wasn‘t that much better. Again, too many characters which just confused. I understand Downing‘s reason for sending John Russel to Yugoslavia but I kept losing track of who‘s who. I think for me, personally, the story of John and Effi wasn‘t the one to hold my interest, but the story of the disillusioned socialist, Gerhard Ström. Downing should consider a book on him alone. The John and Effi story had run its course in the last book and the plot here was rather absurd.
I‘m glad it‘s over now because I would have struggled to read a seventh.
Summary: highly enjoyable series which was just drawn out far too long. The first four are enough, no need to read the last two.
July 29, 2022
The finale to a magnificent historical series, if you enjoy excellent historical fiction, this series is among the best. David Downing does not gild the lily or put lipstick on the pig... 1930-1950 European intrigues, horrors and divisiveness are presented fairly evenly...
January 13, 2026
Great series. Creative and detail rich. The final book, however, sputters to the finish line with a pleasant outcome.
February 27, 2021
The characters continue on the high pace adventures and take on more causes. A lot more swearing, and acronyms than any of the other books.
August 15, 2020
A wonderful end to an excellent series. Great cast of characters throughout the 6 novels. It's sad to know I won't be reading another.
June 21, 2013
Summary:
John Russell, an American journalist, has been living and working in Berlin since before World War II. He was linked to the Communist party in his early years. He was briefly married to a German citizen and they had a son named Paul. John Russell, and his long-time companion is a German actress named Effi. They adopted a young girl orphaned by the war, her name is Rosa. Through out the Station series John Russell, has been involved in espionage, he's struggled with each opposing side, he's struggled with his own feelings and conscience. In Masaryk Station, the year is 1948. Europe is beginning to rebuild, although destruction from the war is still evident. The Soviet Union is a threatening menace in Berlin, and in eastern Europe. America wants information on what the Soviet Union plans to do. The Soviet Union wants information on what America has knowledge of, how ready they are for another war, what their reaction would be to any given hostile action, and what they plan to do with Berlin. John Russell is working both sides. His belief all along, and throughout the Station series has been for the safety and security of his family.
One final job may secure a way out for all of them. The mission is prickly with danger, but the payout will be freedom.
Wow! What a fantastic ending book for this series!
Why did I give this book 5 stars?
In a series, the books should tie together well. Masaryk Station refers to previous books, especially to the beginning book when John Russell begins working in espionage. When the last book is read, I was able to have an aha moment, understanding the complete circle of development over the course of the other five books.
John Russell and his companion Effi are characters that grow and develop over the course of the books. I can look back and see a transformation.
John and Effi are likable and relatable characters. Even though I did not agree with everything they did or said, I liked them. They are dimensional, real.
I learned the espionage world is not a place where guns are "a-blazing" like in a western movie. It is a game of cat and mouse, of observe and wait. When reaction is necessary, knowledge and wisdom of the other side is a key point.
Masaryk Station, begins with a story that is a dramatic model for man's inhumanity to another. It is a story of the dark brutality that resides in men who are given full power to achieve their heinous evil. This beginning story is a picture image of those vile destructive men who were Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin, including all those who fell in-line with their thinking and action.
A lot of the story has the back-drop of Prague, Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic.) I was there in 2001 and on this blog post I've posted a few of my photos. Prague is one of my favorite cities!
By the sixth book, Masaryk Station, I wanted John Russell to do the right thing. But, then I thought what would be the right course of action for him? This question was just one of the reasons I kept reading the book.....devouring each page.
I want to mention, because I have reader's that want to know these things, that there are curse words and course language----not on every page, but sprinkled throughout.
Thank you to Soho Crime for my FREE review copy!
John Russell, an American journalist, has been living and working in Berlin since before World War II. He was linked to the Communist party in his early years. He was briefly married to a German citizen and they had a son named Paul. John Russell, and his long-time companion is a German actress named Effi. They adopted a young girl orphaned by the war, her name is Rosa. Through out the Station series John Russell, has been involved in espionage, he's struggled with each opposing side, he's struggled with his own feelings and conscience. In Masaryk Station, the year is 1948. Europe is beginning to rebuild, although destruction from the war is still evident. The Soviet Union is a threatening menace in Berlin, and in eastern Europe. America wants information on what the Soviet Union plans to do. The Soviet Union wants information on what America has knowledge of, how ready they are for another war, what their reaction would be to any given hostile action, and what they plan to do with Berlin. John Russell is working both sides. His belief all along, and throughout the Station series has been for the safety and security of his family.
One final job may secure a way out for all of them. The mission is prickly with danger, but the payout will be freedom.
Wow! What a fantastic ending book for this series!
Why did I give this book 5 stars?
In a series, the books should tie together well. Masaryk Station refers to previous books, especially to the beginning book when John Russell begins working in espionage. When the last book is read, I was able to have an aha moment, understanding the complete circle of development over the course of the other five books.
John Russell and his companion Effi are characters that grow and develop over the course of the books. I can look back and see a transformation.
John and Effi are likable and relatable characters. Even though I did not agree with everything they did or said, I liked them. They are dimensional, real.
I learned the espionage world is not a place where guns are "a-blazing" like in a western movie. It is a game of cat and mouse, of observe and wait. When reaction is necessary, knowledge and wisdom of the other side is a key point.
Masaryk Station, begins with a story that is a dramatic model for man's inhumanity to another. It is a story of the dark brutality that resides in men who are given full power to achieve their heinous evil. This beginning story is a picture image of those vile destructive men who were Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin, including all those who fell in-line with their thinking and action.
A lot of the story has the back-drop of Prague, Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic.) I was there in 2001 and on this blog post I've posted a few of my photos. Prague is one of my favorite cities!
By the sixth book, Masaryk Station, I wanted John Russell to do the right thing. But, then I thought what would be the right course of action for him? This question was just one of the reasons I kept reading the book.....devouring each page.
I want to mention, because I have reader's that want to know these things, that there are curse words and course language----not on every page, but sprinkled throughout.
Thank you to Soho Crime for my FREE review copy!
October 22, 2021
This is likely the last of Downing's "station" books featuring John Russell. Referred to as a "thriller" on the cover, the book is more the author's commentary on the beginning of the Cold War. The plot is very thin; the story often spins off into blind alleys (Gerhard Strom factors in about 1/4 of the book for, mostly, no purpose other than to be the voice of a disillusioned communist; Strom had an important role in the previous "station" novel by Downing. Strom is significant at the end of the story, however.)
As always, Downing's writing is very good. The editing by Soho Books, Downing's US publisher is another story.
Throughout this series (six books now) Soho has put out Downing's stories rife with typos, grammar errors, and general sloppiness. Hardly a page goes by without a minor or significant copy editing error. Soho published an interesting series, which did great disservice to a very good author. Downing and his readers deserve better than what Soho produced.
As always, Downing's writing is very good. The editing by Soho Books, Downing's US publisher is another story.
Throughout this series (six books now) Soho has put out Downing's stories rife with typos, grammar errors, and general sloppiness. Hardly a page goes by without a minor or significant copy editing error. Soho published an interesting series, which did great disservice to a very good author. Downing and his readers deserve better than what Soho produced.
April 8, 2015
This, the sixth and last book of Downing’s ‘Station’ series, is probably as good as the others. (But I think the first, Zoo Station, is the best of the lot.) It does take a hundred pages before anything suspenseful, thrilling or dramatic occurs but the last two hundred plus pages do not disappoint, ending in a crescendo of lethal conflict resolution.
Events unfold in the post-war European hangover of WW2. The Soviet Union has laid claim to all of Eastern Europe, creating puppet ‘socialist republics.’ But the communist nationalists in many of these countries are reluctant to follow Stalin’s marching orders. Germany, its capital Berlin, and Austria have been split into four zones administered by Great Britain, France, the U.S. of A. and Soviet Russia. Berlin is an island in the middle of the Soviet controlled East Germany. The iconic Yugoslav President Tito had been instrumental in forming a socialist federation of six republics and managed to keep his distance from Moscow dominance.
The setting is 1948. Readers are faced with getting acquainted with a stew of opposing forces and loyalties with ties to diverse ideologies and criminal elements. John Russell, journalist and double-agent (to America and to the Soviets) is the go-to sleuth who adeptly adapts his plans of action to comply with his own ethics and whatever is expedient in each situation. This time his travels bring him away from his Berlin base to Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Italia and Austria. Frequently he gets entangled in the morass of constantly changing power plays between security forces, saboteurs and political tyrants. Effi, his wife, who is an admired actress in her native Germany, and Rosa, their loving but vulnerable eleven year old adopted daughter, provide him with the love and motivation to survive and get the job done. At the end readers can only wonder what happens to the Russells once John has severed ties to both the NKVD and the CIA. The transition to civilian life would not have been an easy one. Smoldering resentments and revenge by some agencies and operatives would have been threatening shadows difficult to shake off. Methinks there could have been another book …
Events unfold in the post-war European hangover of WW2. The Soviet Union has laid claim to all of Eastern Europe, creating puppet ‘socialist republics.’ But the communist nationalists in many of these countries are reluctant to follow Stalin’s marching orders. Germany, its capital Berlin, and Austria have been split into four zones administered by Great Britain, France, the U.S. of A. and Soviet Russia. Berlin is an island in the middle of the Soviet controlled East Germany. The iconic Yugoslav President Tito had been instrumental in forming a socialist federation of six republics and managed to keep his distance from Moscow dominance.
The setting is 1948. Readers are faced with getting acquainted with a stew of opposing forces and loyalties with ties to diverse ideologies and criminal elements. John Russell, journalist and double-agent (to America and to the Soviets) is the go-to sleuth who adeptly adapts his plans of action to comply with his own ethics and whatever is expedient in each situation. This time his travels bring him away from his Berlin base to Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Italia and Austria. Frequently he gets entangled in the morass of constantly changing power plays between security forces, saboteurs and political tyrants. Effi, his wife, who is an admired actress in her native Germany, and Rosa, their loving but vulnerable eleven year old adopted daughter, provide him with the love and motivation to survive and get the job done. At the end readers can only wonder what happens to the Russells once John has severed ties to both the NKVD and the CIA. The transition to civilian life would not have been an easy one. Smoldering resentments and revenge by some agencies and operatives would have been threatening shadows difficult to shake off. Methinks there could have been another book …
July 17, 2013
This long anticipated ending of the John Russell series was the only Station I gave 3 stars. By far the weakest, IMHO, book of the 6.
It might have been a station too far, so to speak.
And I adored the original 4 and the 5th was nearly as good. Potsdam was a 5 star.
All the books have great plodding detail in an arena where it was all about myriad connections that are nearly impossible to context or cypher between constantly changing interactions or basic identities/beliefs. Difficult, difficult name and character retention skills needed in these books! Not everyone's cup of tea. And in this one, the players are multiplied to an exponential quantity. And with all the loyalty "quantities" in flux, at that.
You'll have to be far closer to perfect memory retention than I am to understand name contexts if you read this as a stand alone book. The group acronyms alone need a 2 hour history lesson to begin, IMHO.
Very difficult period, complex to the max- and a difficult read.
Berlin is a magnificent city. I visited in 1983 when it was divided and went through Checkpoint Charlie. Saw the boarded sections of exits to the "other" stations on the U-Bahn at most stops. This held interest to me in great measure as a post-war book, to read evidence of these developing factions and try to understand the Communist in-fighting that created Yugoslavian or Russian brands of Communism, Croatian/Serbian crux - all those complications later. And the eventual divided Berlin and divided Germany, as well.
I would skip this book if you only had interest in John's or Effi's outcomes. That is only a very minor part of this book. Russell is being played by everyone all the time- as much as he is the player.
It might have been a station too far, so to speak.
And I adored the original 4 and the 5th was nearly as good. Potsdam was a 5 star.
All the books have great plodding detail in an arena where it was all about myriad connections that are nearly impossible to context or cypher between constantly changing interactions or basic identities/beliefs. Difficult, difficult name and character retention skills needed in these books! Not everyone's cup of tea. And in this one, the players are multiplied to an exponential quantity. And with all the loyalty "quantities" in flux, at that.
You'll have to be far closer to perfect memory retention than I am to understand name contexts if you read this as a stand alone book. The group acronyms alone need a 2 hour history lesson to begin, IMHO.
Very difficult period, complex to the max- and a difficult read.
Berlin is a magnificent city. I visited in 1983 when it was divided and went through Checkpoint Charlie. Saw the boarded sections of exits to the "other" stations on the U-Bahn at most stops. This held interest to me in great measure as a post-war book, to read evidence of these developing factions and try to understand the Communist in-fighting that created Yugoslavian or Russian brands of Communism, Croatian/Serbian crux - all those complications later. And the eventual divided Berlin and divided Germany, as well.
I would skip this book if you only had interest in John's or Effi's outcomes. That is only a very minor part of this book. Russell is being played by everyone all the time- as much as he is the player.
March 13, 2015
A very satisfying end to the series, although still leaving me with a wish for a more detailed epilogue that told us more about the rest of the cast's lives.
As with the others there is a lot of history being told here, Downing does his research and then puts it on the page. Although one obvious lack was the bit about copying a film where the story goes straight from copying to playback without going through the development process. This is in an era where chemical processing was needed to view pictures on film after they'd been shot. Given the rest of the research I'd have thought that was known to Downing.
I did enjoy this though, and there were a number of different angles. My favourite was Strohm, who we met in Stettin Station as the railway worker that was tipping off Russell when the Jewish transports were leaving so that he could witness them. By this story he's a senior member of the East German communist party (although not quite East Germany yet). He's on the inside track of what the Soviets are planning and he's also losing his faith in the Soviet control of the German Communist Party. Everything he's asked to do goes against his inner principles and belief in socialism. This was a common part of the KPD survivors and most of those where finally repressed after the June 1953 uprising.
This is the last of the series, Russell has got his out from the blackmail that made him work for the Soviets. Although I wouldn't be too surprised to find that there is a later book. Russell's leverage with the soviets will eventually expire, and he'll also have trouble working in the USA when the McCarthyites get going.
As with the others there is a lot of history being told here, Downing does his research and then puts it on the page. Although one obvious lack was the bit about copying a film where the story goes straight from copying to playback without going through the development process. This is in an era where chemical processing was needed to view pictures on film after they'd been shot. Given the rest of the research I'd have thought that was known to Downing.
I did enjoy this though, and there were a number of different angles. My favourite was Strohm, who we met in Stettin Station as the railway worker that was tipping off Russell when the Jewish transports were leaving so that he could witness them. By this story he's a senior member of the East German communist party (although not quite East Germany yet). He's on the inside track of what the Soviets are planning and he's also losing his faith in the Soviet control of the German Communist Party. Everything he's asked to do goes against his inner principles and belief in socialism. This was a common part of the KPD survivors and most of those where finally repressed after the June 1953 uprising.
This is the last of the series, Russell has got his out from the blackmail that made him work for the Soviets. Although I wouldn't be too surprised to find that there is a later book. Russell's leverage with the soviets will eventually expire, and he'll also have trouble working in the USA when the McCarthyites get going.
August 27, 2013
This is the 6th and last book in David Downing's WWII series. The books begin before the war, run through it, and end in the first years after the war. The concluding book sets the stage for the Berlin Wall and the circling of the entire country. The actually Mauer to be built after the end of this novel.
Overall I enjoyed the series with it's focus on the people of Berlin and it's seemingly open structure of composition. The fifth book is also good, but the author's maneuvering to set up a cut off point in the final book - this one - is a bit obvious.
Masaryk Station - this the last in the series - feels more forced, forced to bring the whole half-dozen to an end. It also ties up a lot of loose ends and some in too obvious a directed manner, for me anyway. There are therefore one or two "coincidences" that I found unlikely and contrived. Read them all in order and you see what I mean, while I won't give them away the film coincidence was really too coincidental and the doubt factor caused me to mutter as I read.
A very good series on Berlin in WWII, but the publisher seems to be having difficulty of late catching word emissions or redundancies. This is spread across a couple of the series they publish and is annoying because it catches the eye and breaks the reading flow.
Good none the less.
Overall I enjoyed the series with it's focus on the people of Berlin and it's seemingly open structure of composition. The fifth book is also good, but the author's maneuvering to set up a cut off point in the final book - this one - is a bit obvious.
Masaryk Station - this the last in the series - feels more forced, forced to bring the whole half-dozen to an end. It also ties up a lot of loose ends and some in too obvious a directed manner, for me anyway. There are therefore one or two "coincidences" that I found unlikely and contrived. Read them all in order and you see what I mean, while I won't give them away the film coincidence was really too coincidental and the doubt factor caused me to mutter as I read.
A very good series on Berlin in WWII, but the publisher seems to be having difficulty of late catching word emissions or redundancies. This is spread across a couple of the series they publish and is annoying because it catches the eye and breaks the reading flow.
Good none the less.
January 28, 2015
This is the concluding volume of the John Russell series which takes place over the decade which begins with prewar Berlin and ends with Partition of Berlin in 1949. The last volume is particularly evocative of the times of four power occupation of the city. Downing writes with historical accuracy and weaves an interesting plot for Russell and his companion Effi. Read this series from the beginning to avoid spoilers which do crop up even as early as the second book. I gave this volume the highest marks because you can see how the characters have evolved from their innocent prewar state into what they have become today, hardened survivors. In some ways this series reminds me of Alan Furst except that Furst never continues his novels. They are all discrete stories. Downing instead has chosen to write a serial account of a turbulent period and he has pulled it off with only minor mishaps. In the sixth book he has abandoned some of the excess geographical references of previous volumes and created a well-plotted and absorbing thriller. You never quite know when disaster will strike which makes this novel so suspenseful.
I chose to read these six books all at once so I wouldn't lose the thread but it is really not necessary as long as you read them in order. I look forward to reading Jack of Spies next!
I chose to read these six books all at once so I wouldn't lose the thread but it is really not necessary as long as you read them in order. I look forward to reading Jack of Spies next!
July 31, 2013
The last of a series of books that take a series of characters, both British and German from the rise of the Nazis through to the beginning of the Cold War. The series compares favorably to both Alan Furst's novels and the Bernie Gunther series, with this volume being more firmly in the espionage genre than any of the previous ones.
This volume was a bit more confusing because of the variety of initials and acronyms of organizations that rose to prominence in post-war Germany (although the author does provide an explanatory page). But the last third of the book moves towards a satisfying climax. As with past books, a series of maps would have been helpful as the author does a good job of laying out the geography of central Europe, especially Berlin.
A very small annoyance with this book is the somewhat careless copy editing that went into it. It's not throughout, but there are enough subject-verb agreement errors and dropped words to bother me. The most annoying part, however, was the more than one reference made to the Charles River in Prague. The Charles Bridge is justly famous in that city, but I couldn't find any reference to the Vltava River (or the Moldau) being called the Charles River.
This volume was a bit more confusing because of the variety of initials and acronyms of organizations that rose to prominence in post-war Germany (although the author does provide an explanatory page). But the last third of the book moves towards a satisfying climax. As with past books, a series of maps would have been helpful as the author does a good job of laying out the geography of central Europe, especially Berlin.
A very small annoyance with this book is the somewhat careless copy editing that went into it. It's not throughout, but there are enough subject-verb agreement errors and dropped words to bother me. The most annoying part, however, was the more than one reference made to the Charles River in Prague. The Charles Bridge is justly famous in that city, but I couldn't find any reference to the Vltava River (or the Moldau) being called the Charles River.
November 24, 2013
With this, the sixth novel in the John Russell series, David Downing brings to a finale the chronicle covering the years between the World Wars, those following the collapse of Nazi Germany. It has been quite a journey, with Russell having served as a double agent for both the Soviets and Americans, certainly as dangerous as an existence can be. Each of the novels reflected the times and the clashes of the ideological differences between the two countries.
In the final book, the story of a divided Germany and Berlin is recounted, ending with the seeds that were sown in the fall of the Soviet Empire. At the same time, the personal conflicts that beset Russell and others who at first embraced and then questioned socialism are explored and analyzed.
Each entry in the series was well-crafted to not only tell a gripping story of our times, but to call to mind the era as portrayed by real-life characters. It has been an excellently told saga. (It is unfortunate that the latest volume suffers from poor production, editing and proofreading, riddled with typographical and grammatical errors.) Next spring, we are promised a new series by the author moving back in time to World War I.
My parenthetical criticism notwithstanding, the novel is recommended.
In the final book, the story of a divided Germany and Berlin is recounted, ending with the seeds that were sown in the fall of the Soviet Empire. At the same time, the personal conflicts that beset Russell and others who at first embraced and then questioned socialism are explored and analyzed.
Each entry in the series was well-crafted to not only tell a gripping story of our times, but to call to mind the era as portrayed by real-life characters. It has been an excellently told saga. (It is unfortunate that the latest volume suffers from poor production, editing and proofreading, riddled with typographical and grammatical errors.) Next spring, we are promised a new series by the author moving back in time to World War I.
My parenthetical criticism notwithstanding, the novel is recommended.
July 17, 2014
Masaryk Station is the sixth, and sadly the final, novel in David Downing's 'station' series recounting the adventures of John and Effi in and around Berlin between 1938 and 1948.
This story has all the hallmarks of the previous five; crisp, cynical dialogue, superb characterisation, good guys, bad guys, wonderful location description and a gripping plot. Surprisingly the story starts off a bit clumsily with double-agent John working both with the western Allies and the Russians in Trieste, one of the immediate post-war world's espionage centres. However, once this is out of the way, the narrative races along to a thrilling climax.
I shall miss these novels but will certainly be reading Downing's Jack of Spies, his new novel set during the First World War.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil (thebluepencil.co.uk)
davidlowtherblog.wordpress.com
This story has all the hallmarks of the previous five; crisp, cynical dialogue, superb characterisation, good guys, bad guys, wonderful location description and a gripping plot. Surprisingly the story starts off a bit clumsily with double-agent John working both with the western Allies and the Russians in Trieste, one of the immediate post-war world's espionage centres. However, once this is out of the way, the narrative races along to a thrilling climax.
I shall miss these novels but will certainly be reading Downing's Jack of Spies, his new novel set during the First World War.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil (thebluepencil.co.uk)
davidlowtherblog.wordpress.com
September 6, 2015
David Downing concluded his series starring John Russell with Masaryk Station. I really enjoyed reading this series and this last book was no exception. It is set in 1948 and the cold war is at its beginning. I don't want to elaborate on the story. It is well researched as always and there is plenty of intrigue with a fairly open end that is fitting. Goodbye, John, Effi and Rosa.
The first book of David Downing's new Jack McColl series is out. This series starts just before the First World War and will hopefully be as entertaining as the John Russell series. After reading the first book I can say that it looks promising.
The first book of David Downing's new Jack McColl series is out. This series starts just before the First World War and will hopefully be as entertaining as the John Russell series. After reading the first book I can say that it looks promising.
July 28, 2017
+++Indications are that this is the last of the John Russell series which is too bad. JR is once caught between his two masters, the Soviets & their satellites and the Anglo/Americans, trying to still be a reporter while maintaining a family and their & his own freedom. He starts out in Trieste, then to Budapest, & then to Prague where nothing ever seems to go right. Despite several threats to his life as well as Effi's & Rosa's he manages to obtain permission to leave Berlin.+++
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