Zaffre Crossfire.

Courtney publication order #24

by Wilbur Smith, Unknown Author

FOR KING. FOR COUNTRY. FOR FAMILY. WILL SHE RISK IT ALL?

Praise for Wilbur Smith

'A master storyteller' Sunday Times

'No one does adventure quite like Smith' Daily Mirror

'Best historical novelist' Stephen King

WILBUR SMITH RETURNS WITH A BRAND-NEW WORLD WAR II THRILLER

1943. The tide of the Second World War is turning. The Russian victory at Stalingrad - the bloodiest battle in history - has opened the door for the Allies. Now, they must strike decisively at the heart of Hitler's Reich. But military success cannot be guaranteed without total secrecy.

Special Operations Executive's Saffron Courtney is sailing from the west coast of Scotland to New York on the Queen Mary. Her mission - to identify the mole in the British Embassy in Washington, DC before Churchill and Roosevelt begin the talks that will determine British and American military strategy in the wake of the Russian victory.

Haunted by the ghosts of her previous mission in the Low Countries, and with dangerous agents on her tail, Saffron must find the spy who could derail the Allied advance. Time is running out. Will Saffron complete her mission? Or will she succumb to the shadows of her past?

A BRAND-NEW BOOK IN THE LONG-RUNNING EPIC HISTORICAL SAGA OF THE COURTNEY FAMILY AND THE FOLLOW ON FROM WORLDWIDE BESTSELLERS COURTNEY'S WAR AND LEGACY OF WAR.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Espionage, Mystery, World War II, Suspense

Paperback

First published May 22, 2025

About the author

Wilbur Smith was a prolific and bestselling South African novelist renowned for his sweeping adventure stories set against the backdrop of Africa’s dramatic landscapes and turbulent history. Born in 1933 in what was then Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), he grew up in South Africa, where his love for storytelling was nurtured by the rich environment and tales of African history. His early years were shaped by his experiences in the wilderness, which later became a defining element in his fiction.
After studying at Rhodes University, Smith initially worked as an accountant, but his true passion lay in writing. His breakthrough came in 1964 with When the Lion Feeds, a historical adventure novel that introduced the Courtney family saga. The book’s success led to a long-running series chronicling the exploits of multiple generations of the Courtney family, spanning centuries of African and world history. Alongside this, Smith wrote the Ballantyne series, focused on colonial Africa, and the Ancient Egypt series, which delved into historical fiction with a mythical touch.
Over his six-decade career, Smith authored more than 50 novels, selling over 140 million copies worldwide. His works were characterized by meticulous research, vivid descriptions of the African wilderness, and gripping action-packed narratives. Whether set in the colonial era, the world of pharaohs, or modern-day Africa, his books often explored themes of survival, war, power, and human ambition. He collaborated with co-authors in his later years to expand his literary universe, ensuring his stories continued to reach new audiences.
Beyond writing, Smith was an avid traveler and adventurer, drawing inspiration from his own experiences hunting, sailing, and exploring remote corners of Africa. While he was passionate about wildlife and conservation, some of his views—particularly regarding big game hunting—sparked debate. Nonetheless, his deep affection for Africa was evident in his writing, which celebrated both its beauty and its historical complexities.
Smith’s influence on adventure fiction remains significant, with his books continuing to captivate readers around the world. His legacy endures through his richly woven tales of exploration, conquest, and the enduring spirit of Africa.

Reviews

[Molly M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard read, very unlikable MC with a predictable plot. Female protagonist's lack of dimension and main trait being physically attractive- boring. Can tell it was written by a man lol.

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly I would like to say my first book by Wilbur Smith, well I thought it was, but no the series continues with another author David Churchill ?

Have I heard of David Churchill... No

Personally I found this book, slow, heavy going, confusing with all the characters.

Story below, that's all I can say. Slow moving

1943. The tide of the Second World War is turning. The Russian victory at Stalingrad - the bloodiest battle in history - has opened the door for the Allies. Now, they must strike decisively at the heart of Hitler's Reich. But military success cannot be guaranteed without total secrecy.

Special Operations Executive's Saffron Courtney is sailing from the west coast of Scotland to New York on the Queen Mary. Her mission - to identify the mole in the British Embassy in Washington, DC before Churchill and Roosevelt begin the talks that will determine British and American military strategy in the wake of the Russian victory.

Haunted by the ghosts of her previous mission in the Low Countries, and with dangerous agents on her tail, Saffron must find the spy who could derail the Allied advance. Time is running out. Will Saffron complete her mission? Or will she succumb to the shadows of her past?

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10, highly recommended.

A short, sharp page-turner set in 1943, right in the midst of the Second World War. Saffron Courtney - a character I really love - gets caught up in an assassination plot that might, if successful, change the course of the war. A nice twist in this tale. Historical/espionage fiction at it's best.

David Churchill is doing brilliant work writing Wilbur Smith's iconic characters. Long may that continue.

[Paul Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, love the Courtney series, well recommended excellent 💋

[Nicholas Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent thriller set during the latter stages of World War II. A female British agent is sent to the US to lobby for support for the European resistance cause and ends up uncovering a spy plot which threatens to turn the entire direction of the war.

[Tim Wester · Rating 4 out of 5]

always good story

[Dante · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a pleasure to read Wilbur Smith.

[Lynn Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve read this year, possibly my first 5 star rating. Sometimes when writers take up other author’s stories,it’s instantly recognisable that it’s a different author, this book wasn’t like that, it was true to Wilbur Smith’s style of writing.
Good story, great characters.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced, great characters, good read.

[Athena Venetaki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Μέτριο. Διαβάζεται λόγω συνεχούς δράσης, αλλά είναι αδύναμο το plot.

[Roger Pfaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. David Churchill finished Smith’s book

[Tom - Reader of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can always rely on Wilbur Smith to create captivating historical novels that really evoke a sense of the time period being used. It’s wonderfully crafted and brings it to life. This story is no different.

Well, that’s not strictly true as Smith died before this was anything more than an initial idea and start, but the baton is brilliantly picked up and the plan executed to perfection by David Churchill who clearly understands the characters and the world in such a way that it’s hard to tell it’s not all Smith.

Book 25 and what a fabulous homage to the writer, the characters and the world he created. As far as historical espionage novels go, this was the most engaging and beautifully round story I’ve read in this genre for a long time. Bravo, David.

[Timothy Outerbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting novel about a very real and tricky point in WWIi, which could easily gone against the Allies if agents like Miss Courtney had not managed to get critical information and have it acted on

[Reiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this as a birthday gift, and I was very pleased as any book by Wilbur Smith would definitely make my day.

Considering I have only read before this one…
When The Lion Feeds & On Leopard Rock. By Wilbur Smith.
This would be a different story entirely.

I enjoyed it a lot more than what I thought I would, I did not think about the ending would turn the way it did. Definitely enjoyed the second half of the book more.

[Gary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a woman!

Talk about a heroine. Amazing how proficient a 23 year old woman can do. Self defence, able to scheme and tackle the odds. Free to speak with people in high places, good at planning and execution.

A good read mixed with a bit of history, intrigue and adventure. Enjoyed the ride!

[John Nichol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saffron - a true Courtney

A typical WS book with plenty of true spirit. Could have had a little more action spread across the story. How ever the still a strong storyline which had me reading at all times day and night. More please !

[Phil Batt · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars! Short WWII thriller with a stint to America for Saffron Courtney. A formulaic spy story that will probably be forgotten about a week after reading. Overall I like the S.F. thrillers this just didn’t resonate with me like the other books did.

[Sam Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

the silliest and worst Churchill/Smith cross over. The big twist is fairly well telegraphed, and the book probably didn't need to be written. It was, however, enjoyable, and as ever the romantic interpretation of an era hits surprisingly well.

[Catherine Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

I have read so many of WS’s books. This was set in his era, but was totally different, but still very enjoyable

[Julie Brook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Wilbur Smith books.

[Duong Ngoc Tran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful blend of classic romance and modern spy

It is a heartbreaking and pages turning novel , you don’t want to put it down until the last page.

[Sam Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

Fantastic read as ever by a great author.

I didn't want to put the book down. You become deeply involved and feel what the characters are doing and achieving.

[Richard West · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are several problems with this book which, while enjoyable and a fast read, still detract from it.

First, this is a follow-up to the book "Legacy of War" which came out earlier in the year and features Saffron Courtney, the major character in this one. So, we know she survives World War II. And, in "Legacy" she isn't married to the character she has a romantic fling with in this one; as a result, we know something happened to him.

Secondly, this and other books still being released under the name of the late Mr. Smith and a co-author are supposedly based on partial manuscripts and outlines he left behind at the time of his death. This one must be one of the ones done from an outline, because none of the writing reads like anything written by him.

Overall, what we have is a Wilbur Smith character and possibly a plot, written by someone else who tried their best to emulate his style, came close, but not close enough. That makes this one for the die-hard Wilbur Smith fan who wants to keep on reading about the Courtneys, and if you haven't read "Legacy Of War" yet, wait until you read this one, then go to it.

[Yuliya · Rating 3 out of 5]

We grabbed this book at the airport on our way to the honeymoon — something both of us could read and enjoy, so a spy story seemed promising.

It didn’t live up to expectations.

Spoiler warning. 👇

Picture 1943: a trained special agent kills a Nazi (by accident, not part of the plan) and flees. Her enemies then have the most ridiculous conversation — basically: “She’s young, she just killed someone, she’s definitely traumatised! Let’s stalk and harass her; that’ll break her and make her slip up so we can profit.”

Come on. It’s the middle of a world war. People operate under extreme circumstances. And here they are, treating a trained operative as if she’s a fragile, hysterical stereotype. It got worse: time and again the narrative chose clichés over plausibility.

I’ll admit, at times it became oddly entertaining — but there were several moments when I wanted to shout and facepalm. Overall: an okay beach read, but don’t expect nuance or convincing character logic.

[Gerald Matzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exciting story about Saffron Courtney, a young battle tested secret agent who is given an assignment to go to the United States early in WW II to persuade influential American leaders to support her agency as it tries to enable resistance groups in occupied Europe. She is supposed to enjoy an easy assignment and stay out of danger. That is not her nature and she eventually gets involved in a dangerous plot to assassinate world leaders who are secretly gathered in Washington DC to strategize an offensive against the Germans. There is plenty of action and Saffron gets to use her unique training in some tense situations. This is a great treatment of one of Wilbur Smith’s outlines.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nazi spies in Washington DC during the height of WWII? Could it be? Maybe, but, then again, there are other sources of evil in the world.

I can't say this was the most profound novel, and only one character really ties it to the other in Smith's world. But it was more espionage than normal, and I did appreciate that. And a surprising pop culture cameo appearance was fun as well.

Otherwise totally forgettable.

[Barbara Lennox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty tedious. I had to force myself to finish this, fighting off falling asleep in the 'exciting' sections. Flat unrealistic characters, especially the main character who was totally unbelievable. Disappointing after reading one of Wilbur Smith's earlier books. Of course he's dead now, which probably accounts for the poor quality of this one.

[Mark Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read but not a great novel. It's more of a spy whodunit type book. This is not in the genre of Wilbur Smiths great epics of Africa or the Nile novels. Other than the main charachter being a Coutrney it bears little resemblance to the great Tstories he wrote when he was alive

[Ryan Pratten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another incredible Wilbur Smith book, finished by David Churchill.

As far as Wilbur Smith books go, this is one of his softer ones. There isn't as much fast-paced action as there has been in previous books, but the spycraft has been well researched.

[Elizabeth (Liz) Gaston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed and a female hero

Typical Wilbur Smith action novel but brilliant to have the action. Centred around a clever dangerous and stylish woman, who takes on Nazi and Russian spies and assassins . A good read, re!iable ,as always