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Midnight in Istanbul: A WWII Espionage Thriller
From USA TODAY bestselling author Kathryn Gauci comes a suspenseful new thriller filled with intrigue and atmosphere – a spy novel that you won’t be able to put down.
‘Meet me near the Galata Bridge in thirty minutes. On the quay – the Karaköy side – at the pier, opposite Ali’s Fish Tavern. Don’t be late.’ There was a slight pause. ‘Make sure you’re not being followed.’
‘How will I recognise you?’ I asked.
‘You won’t. I will recognise you.’ There was a click and the line went dead.
Istanbul 1943. A place where you can easily lose an intoxicating mix of the orient – sweet and sensual – combined with an ever-present sense of adventure, intrigue, and danger. A place where the unknown lurks in the shadows of its famous winding streets and minarets; in every nightclub and backstreet cafe; on every ferry ride which makes you wonder if you will reach the other shore; and perhaps most of all, in the arms of every beautiful woman who declared her love for you.
Elliot Caldwell, an OSS agent operating from neutral Turkey, finds himself entangled in a dangerous mission to aid the Austrian resistance group known as CASSIA or the Maier-Messner group, which delivers vital information about Nazi armaments factories, including the production of the infamous V-2 rocket.
But after two men are found murdered, Elliot is forced to conclude there is a traitor in the network. In a cat and mouse game to uncover who it is, the network suffers a crushing blow with devastating consequences.
Based on real events, this is the story of one of the most important resistance groups of WWII, whose contributions were crucial for Operation Crossbow and Operation Hydra, both preliminary missions for Operation Overlord.
Skillfully woven and filled with intrigue, this is a story that fans of John le Carré, Alan Furst, Philip Kerr, Daniel Silva, Charles Cumming, and Joseph Kanon will not want to miss.
‘Meet me near the Galata Bridge in thirty minutes. On the quay – the Karaköy side – at the pier, opposite Ali’s Fish Tavern. Don’t be late.’ There was a slight pause. ‘Make sure you’re not being followed.’
‘How will I recognise you?’ I asked.
‘You won’t. I will recognise you.’ There was a click and the line went dead.
Istanbul 1943. A place where you can easily lose an intoxicating mix of the orient – sweet and sensual – combined with an ever-present sense of adventure, intrigue, and danger. A place where the unknown lurks in the shadows of its famous winding streets and minarets; in every nightclub and backstreet cafe; on every ferry ride which makes you wonder if you will reach the other shore; and perhaps most of all, in the arms of every beautiful woman who declared her love for you.
Elliot Caldwell, an OSS agent operating from neutral Turkey, finds himself entangled in a dangerous mission to aid the Austrian resistance group known as CASSIA or the Maier-Messner group, which delivers vital information about Nazi armaments factories, including the production of the infamous V-2 rocket.
But after two men are found murdered, Elliot is forced to conclude there is a traitor in the network. In a cat and mouse game to uncover who it is, the network suffers a crushing blow with devastating consequences.
Based on real events, this is the story of one of the most important resistance groups of WWII, whose contributions were crucial for Operation Crossbow and Operation Hydra, both preliminary missions for Operation Overlord.
Skillfully woven and filled with intrigue, this is a story that fans of John le Carré, Alan Furst, Philip Kerr, Daniel Silva, Charles Cumming, and Joseph Kanon will not want to miss.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2024
24 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 6, 2024
The amazing cover drew me to this gripping WWII espionage novel. The author is a master at writing historical novels that capture the world at critical times. Her newest brings the reader to Turkey in 1943, where British OSS agent Elliot Caldwell works to aid an Austrian resistance group with inside knowledge of the production of the German V-2 rocket. Beautifully written and based on a thrilling true story!
May 13, 2024
As always, Kathryn Gauci's research for this novel is impeccable. If you have a personal connection to Istanbul, you'll love revisiting favorite places in the city and your mouth will water at the descriptions of Turkish delicacies. The story has many twists and turns, much like Istanbul does. It's been a city of international intrigue for centuries due to its location, making it the logical choice for information gathering during World War II.
Although set in Turkey, this is mainly about the Austrian resistance group O5 and the Nazi armament information they supplied the Allies. Istanbul is teeming with spies and diplomats from both sides but the story focuses on a few OSS agents. The plot was fascinating although I didn't care much for the main character, Elliot Caldwell. His obsession with Ilona made me nervous because as an agent, he could be compromised. I always enjoy reading books by this author; one set in Istanbul is a special treat and one that you won't want to miss.
Although set in Turkey, this is mainly about the Austrian resistance group O5 and the Nazi armament information they supplied the Allies. Istanbul is teeming with spies and diplomats from both sides but the story focuses on a few OSS agents. The plot was fascinating although I didn't care much for the main character, Elliot Caldwell. His obsession with Ilona made me nervous because as an agent, he could be compromised. I always enjoy reading books by this author; one set in Istanbul is a special treat and one that you won't want to miss.
May 28, 2024
I've never been to Istanbul but Kathryn Gauci transported me there during the WWII era in her thrilling novel, MIDNIGHT IN INSTANBUL. I walked the streets and dark alleyways, and felt present in the nightclubs, eating and drinking local food and drinks, and heard the sounds of the singers and musicians. This intriguing war novel focuses on the danger, suspense, romance and espionage activities of secret agent Caldwell, posing as a correspondent. His secret assignments involve aiding the Austrian resistance. Danger for him lurks around every dark corner and he barely escapes death several times. His difficult work is made bearable by a torrid, extramarital romance with a seductive, talented nightclub singer Ilona. One of the memorable quotes in the book was "the spying game is a dirty business". Gauci does not spare the reader the dirty work carried out by the spy, with knife and gun and only moments to decide who lives or dies to save his own life. This is a thoroughly researched thriller - tense, gritty and expertly written.
July 2, 2024
Istanbul 1943: Elliot Caldwell, war correspondent in Istanbul, works as an OSS agent. He finds himself involved in an Austrian resistance group known as CASSIA or Maier Messner group. This group delivers information about the infamous V-2 rocket. When two men are found murdered, it becomes clear there is a traitor within the group.
Ilona is Hungarian and a singer at the Rose Noir nightclub and is also working for the OSS. While working together, the two become close though Ilona does her best to keep an emotional distance between them. Elliot has a wife back in England but all he can see is an end to the war and a life of peace together with Ilona.
Once again Kathryn Gauci has delivered a fascinating view of a part of life during WWII and some of those involved at that time. Based on real events, Kathryn has shown once more her incredible talent for research and has given us a story of spies, intrigue and betrayal that will certainly keep me thinking now that I have finished reading the story.
Not an easy read by any means and, considering the current misery in the world, one has to ask: do we ever learn?
Thank you Kathryn, for my copy of this book. I loved reading this story and very much look forward to your next book.
Ilona is Hungarian and a singer at the Rose Noir nightclub and is also working for the OSS. While working together, the two become close though Ilona does her best to keep an emotional distance between them. Elliot has a wife back in England but all he can see is an end to the war and a life of peace together with Ilona.
Once again Kathryn Gauci has delivered a fascinating view of a part of life during WWII and some of those involved at that time. Based on real events, Kathryn has shown once more her incredible talent for research and has given us a story of spies, intrigue and betrayal that will certainly keep me thinking now that I have finished reading the story.
Not an easy read by any means and, considering the current misery in the world, one has to ask: do we ever learn?
Thank you Kathryn, for my copy of this book. I loved reading this story and very much look forward to your next book.
June 14, 2024
This is a marvellous, atmospheric and suspenseful novel set in Istanbul duing WW2. Turkey was neutral and for that reason was being looked to from both sides for support. It was a hotbed of intrigue and Kathryn Gauci has captured the heightened atmosphere of danger and hidden secrets.
Elliot Calwell, a British spy working for OSS is in a passionate relationship with the beautiful Hungarian singer Ilona, chracters you come to care about and wish well. i In this cosmopolitan city spies mingle with spies, all the while being on high alert for information, and of course, their own safety. These are people who put their lives on the line to glean information and to help others. It had me gripped from the start to the end. So much research must have gone into this as it was cleverly woven round real events. Briliant stuff.
Elliot Calwell, a British spy working for OSS is in a passionate relationship with the beautiful Hungarian singer Ilona, chracters you come to care about and wish well. i In this cosmopolitan city spies mingle with spies, all the while being on high alert for information, and of course, their own safety. These are people who put their lives on the line to glean information and to help others. It had me gripped from the start to the end. So much research must have gone into this as it was cleverly woven round real events. Briliant stuff.
April 6, 2025
During WWII, resistance operatives were working in Turkey, Greece, and in other locations in the world in an effort to defeat the Nazis and end the horrific deaths happening in the concentration camps. In Turkey, an OSS agent, Caldwell Bey, receives a message to meet a man in secret. The identity of the other party isn’t known, but clearly the man knows that Caldwell is working with the resistance. But when he arrives, no one is there to meet him, and a man has been murdered. But the question remains, who was murdered and which side was the murderer on. Was Caldwell the intended victim? Has the resistance been compromised?
I received a review copy of this book, and while I did enjoy the story, I do have to admit that it was not one of my favorites by this author. To me, it felt too disconnected from the rest of the war, and I kept wondering who had committed the murder and why. And while we do learn the identity of the dead man, I’m not entirely certain how it all tied in together.
There is a great deal of the local culture and the wartime atmosphere shown in this book. We see the relationship of Caldwell and another member of the resistance while he is on assignment. A fair amount of the story does involve the relationship between the two of them and their differing assignments while in Turkey.
I kept waiting for something that tied the whole thing together in my mind, and while I did truly enjoy the story, when it ended I felt like I must have missed something important. Perhaps the point of this one was to focus on the daily lives of those in the resistance, but the fact that I’m still not certain if I missed something important or not has left me confused. I normally truly enjoy the books by this author, but honestly, this one left me wanting something more. I’m just not entirely certain what.
But as always, one of the most interesting parts of Ms. Gauci’s books for me involves what we learn after the end of the story. It is the part of the book where she fills us in on the historical research that she completed in order to write this story. We get to learn about what life was like in Turkey during the war. It was a country that claimed neutrality during the war, but in which members of both sides of the war played a part. So when you read this book, be sure to read the information at the end of the story. As always, I think it is one of the best parts of Ms. Gauci’s stories.
I received a review copy of this book, and while I did enjoy the story, I do have to admit that it was not one of my favorites by this author. To me, it felt too disconnected from the rest of the war, and I kept wondering who had committed the murder and why. And while we do learn the identity of the dead man, I’m not entirely certain how it all tied in together.
There is a great deal of the local culture and the wartime atmosphere shown in this book. We see the relationship of Caldwell and another member of the resistance while he is on assignment. A fair amount of the story does involve the relationship between the two of them and their differing assignments while in Turkey.
I kept waiting for something that tied the whole thing together in my mind, and while I did truly enjoy the story, when it ended I felt like I must have missed something important. Perhaps the point of this one was to focus on the daily lives of those in the resistance, but the fact that I’m still not certain if I missed something important or not has left me confused. I normally truly enjoy the books by this author, but honestly, this one left me wanting something more. I’m just not entirely certain what.
But as always, one of the most interesting parts of Ms. Gauci’s books for me involves what we learn after the end of the story. It is the part of the book where she fills us in on the historical research that she completed in order to write this story. We get to learn about what life was like in Turkey during the war. It was a country that claimed neutrality during the war, but in which members of both sides of the war played a part. So when you read this book, be sure to read the information at the end of the story. As always, I think it is one of the best parts of Ms. Gauci’s stories.
May 20, 2024
Midnight in Istanbul
1943 WWII is spreading. Turkey is neutral, yet both the Germans and the British with the Allies want to persuade Turkey to join the war. İnönü persists. Turkey cannot afford to fight in another war after WWI and the War of Independence. While diplomats on both sides try to change the circumstances, Istanbul is full of spies, lurking in dark corners.
Noone is as it seems. A journalist or a spy working for the OSS, an independent organisation building ties and assets for the European Resistance. Eliott Caldwell, is that his real name, in love with a Hungarian singer Ilona, a heart-throb, who also works for the same cause.
Night Clubs of glamour, pretty girls, music, Russian landlords who receive guests from all sides with the same courtesy and lavish condiments.
It’s winter in Istanbul, cold, dark, and grey, and secret alleys of the Grand Bazaar and Fener are full of hazards. Murders. Letters of warning written in invisible ink. Carpet stores that are turned into meeting spots...
The Austrian Resistance, the Greek Resistance, smuggling arms, giving shelter to refugees, and much more.
Daylight doesn’t seem to shine over the Bosphorus. It’s noir, even drinks of warm Salep and Boza don’t seem to warm the heart.
There is love, yet there is little promise. Elliot Caldwell reflects on this adventure at the end. He learns a lesson.
1943 WWII is spreading. Turkey is neutral, yet both the Germans and the British with the Allies want to persuade Turkey to join the war. İnönü persists. Turkey cannot afford to fight in another war after WWI and the War of Independence. While diplomats on both sides try to change the circumstances, Istanbul is full of spies, lurking in dark corners.
Noone is as it seems. A journalist or a spy working for the OSS, an independent organisation building ties and assets for the European Resistance. Eliott Caldwell, is that his real name, in love with a Hungarian singer Ilona, a heart-throb, who also works for the same cause.
Night Clubs of glamour, pretty girls, music, Russian landlords who receive guests from all sides with the same courtesy and lavish condiments.
It’s winter in Istanbul, cold, dark, and grey, and secret alleys of the Grand Bazaar and Fener are full of hazards. Murders. Letters of warning written in invisible ink. Carpet stores that are turned into meeting spots...
The Austrian Resistance, the Greek Resistance, smuggling arms, giving shelter to refugees, and much more.
Daylight doesn’t seem to shine over the Bosphorus. It’s noir, even drinks of warm Salep and Boza don’t seem to warm the heart.
There is love, yet there is little promise. Elliot Caldwell reflects on this adventure at the end. He learns a lesson.
February 5, 2026
Super story…Kathryn has a way of transporting the reader into the story. I felt like I was next to the characters when I was reading this fabulous story
July 19, 2024
As always, Kathryn Gauci's research is impeccable as she returns to the Middle East after her last book being set in the Pyrenees. She really captures the atmosphere of Istanbul, its food and culture, as well as its post-Ataturk cosmopolitan atmosphere and international intrigue. It takes place at the height of World War II. Turkey is trying to stay neutral in the midst of World War II after . She departs from her usual third person omniscient narrator to first person in the character, Eliott Caldwell, in this noir novel. He is ostensibly a journalist, but in reality is a spy working for the OSS, trying to build assistance for the Resistance in Austria and Greece. He has a wife in England, but seeks “comfort” elsewhere with the lovely Hungarian cabaret singer, Ilona, who is also a spy.
The plot has plenty of twists and turns as Caldwell explores Istanbul. Spies are everywhere, ranging from the Gestapo to the Brits to the Americans to the Russians—not to mention Turkey’s own police and spies—so no one can be trusted, except the lovely Ilona.
The plot has plenty of twists and turns as Caldwell explores Istanbul. Spies are everywhere, ranging from the Gestapo to the Brits to the Americans to the Russians—not to mention Turkey’s own police and spies—so no one can be trusted, except the lovely Ilona.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews