Raven

by Michael Murray

Raven is a remarkable spy thriller that begins innocently enough. During a declassificaiton of World War II documents, an American investigator uncovers reference to something called Operation Raven-an attack by British commandos on a train deep inside Germany prior to the launching of Operation Sealion, Nazi Germany's planned invasion of England in 1940. The tantalizing, incomplete, yet potentially explosive clues in the declassified documents causes the American investigator to search out the only surviving commando of the operation. What he discovers is an astonishing secret that could blow the lid off everything that everyone ever knew about World War II in Europe. Operation Raven had one purpose, and one purpose alone: ambush Hitler's private train, kill Hitler, and have actor Archie Smythes, whose only claim to fame was an uncanny ability to mimic Hitler, impersonate the Nazi dictator long enough to issue a single order: Stand down from Operation Sealion. But when the time came for Archie to escape from the successful ambush; Archie chose to remain behind. Thus begins the greatest impersonation imaginable, performed by an actor of modest talent and an extraordinary desire to do the right thing. At that point, the momentum of Raven truly takes off in a roller coaster ride of twists, turns, and suspense that does not stop until the shocking and surprising ending.

Genres: Historical Fiction

Hardcover

First published July 20, 2004

About the author

Michael Murray served in the U.S. Air Force working with highly classified material. Murray has written a number of screenplays including the hit movie In the Shadow of Kilimanjaro starring Timothy Bottoms. Murray is the author of the best selling book Chain of Evidence which has been optioned by Walt Disney Studios. Murray has also written the popular Navy SEAL novels
Black Light
Insurrection Red
Green Solitaire

as well as the popular Special Operations Leopard team stories
Quick Strike
Rapid Fire
for Penguin/Putnam.

Murray lives in Lompoc California.

Reviews

[Dalen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the blend of history and spy thriller. The pace of the book was good - it kept me awake even when reading Kate at night. I liked the addition of the epilogues - nice touch.

There were a number of typos in the book - not just one or two. I’m kind of surprised.

I’d recommend this book.

[Stobby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set during World War II, the story is propelled by Operation Raven, a plot devised by an elite British organization, Special Operations Executive (SOE) to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Apart from the entertaining value a good story provides, Raven also attempts to present an alternative scenario to explain some mystifying events that occurred in German between 1939 and 1945.

Raven has a few bizarre typos and there were moments when the description of different Abteilung and panzers had me daydreaming but all in all, thumbs up.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting read for those who enjoy historical fiction relating to World War II.

[Renaissance · Rating 4 out of 5]

very thrilling and fast paced book so sad that so many people died war is so terrible so much stuff about tanks love the character stephen dietrich interesting perspectives from many people

[Filip Schollaert · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if Hitler was killed in 1940 and replaced by a British spy? I wouldn't wonder, with all the military blunders he made. Germany could never loose the war otherwise...

[Pete · Rating 3 out of 5]

Normally a story that suggests the British could replace Hitler with a mole would be too implausible to bother with but I found this novel to be entertaining and very well written.