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Citadel
A thrilling new novella from the bestselling author of the Bob Lee Swagger series.
A captain in the British Army, Basil St. Florian has been tasked with a dangerous mission in the midst of World War II. He has been sent across the English Channel to find and photograph a manuscript that does not officially exist, one that may hold the key to a code that, if cracked, could prevent the deaths of millions. St. Florian’s mission presents him with one challenge after another, and it doesn’t help that the SS and the Abwehr are following his every move in a cat-and-mouse chase across occupied France. But St. Florian is willing to risk his life to get to the manuscript—even if the genius professor Alan Turing can’t guarantee he’ll be able to break the code.
The Bibliomysteries are a series of short tales about deadly books, by top mystery authors.
A captain in the British Army, Basil St. Florian has been tasked with a dangerous mission in the midst of World War II. He has been sent across the English Channel to find and photograph a manuscript that does not officially exist, one that may hold the key to a code that, if cracked, could prevent the deaths of millions. St. Florian’s mission presents him with one challenge after another, and it doesn’t help that the SS and the Abwehr are following his every move in a cat-and-mouse chase across occupied France. But St. Florian is willing to risk his life to get to the manuscript—even if the genius professor Alan Turing can’t guarantee he’ll be able to break the code.
The Bibliomysteries are a series of short tales about deadly books, by top mystery authors.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2015
44 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Hunter
107 books1,977 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Stephen Hunter is the author of fourteen novels, and a chief film critic at The Washington Post, where he won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland.
Stephen Hunter is the author of fourteen novels, and a chief film critic at The Washington Post, where he won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 5, 2021
While I have loved all the other bibliomysteries I’ve read today, sadly this one was just not for me. Even though war and espionage are amongst my least favorite types of stories, I trucked on trying to get into this to no avail. It certainly was not a badly written story, and if you like war and spy things, definitely give it a try.
March 21, 2016
Another gem from the Bibliomystery Series, this one by Stephen Hunter. It’s WWII and a very top secret, very important code book is at stake. Captain Basil St Florian is on the hunt across Paris for the elusive manuscript, but searching for an unofficial book all while being chased by both the SS and Abwehr is even harder then it sounds.
Packed full of action, Hunter creates a fast paced, easy read with a surprising use of droll, witty humour. While there are some twists and turns, an astute reader will probably be able to see them coming, but the ride there is very enjoyable nonetheless. Great novella to give readers a taste of what Stephen Hunter is all about.
3.5/5 Stars
*Thank you Mysterious Press and Netgalley for this review copy.
Packed full of action, Hunter creates a fast paced, easy read with a surprising use of droll, witty humour. While there are some twists and turns, an astute reader will probably be able to see them coming, but the ride there is very enjoyable nonetheless. Great novella to give readers a taste of what Stephen Hunter is all about.
3.5/5 Stars
*Thank you Mysterious Press and Netgalley for this review copy.
February 17, 2017
Excellent, really enjoyed the British banter
January 21, 2016
Review: CITADEL by Stephen Hunter
[Bibliomystery]
An "inside" glimpse of British intelligence during World War II, an era in which the "fifth column," a country's citizens who secretly favored, and worked to support, enemy forces, were as dangerous as the bombers flying nightly overhead. Basil St. Florian, a wealthy upper- class Englishman, has a gift of adrenaline and a talent for potential self-destruction, coupled with irrepressible scintillating irony. The renowned historical figure Professor Alan Turing, weaves in and out of the narrative, as Basil is tasked by a special operations unit to go undercover in Occupied France, to untangle a traitor concealed at England's Cambridge University.
[Bibliomystery]
An "inside" glimpse of British intelligence during World War II, an era in which the "fifth column," a country's citizens who secretly favored, and worked to support, enemy forces, were as dangerous as the bombers flying nightly overhead. Basil St. Florian, a wealthy upper- class Englishman, has a gift of adrenaline and a talent for potential self-destruction, coupled with irrepressible scintillating irony. The renowned historical figure Professor Alan Turing, weaves in and out of the narrative, as Basil is tasked by a special operations unit to go undercover in Occupied France, to untangle a traitor concealed at England's Cambridge University.
February 26, 2017
It’s World War II, its London, and high-level figures in the British intelligence and military services are gathered around a table to vet a potential agent for an important mission. Among them is a Manchester University professor named Alan Turing. The prospective agent is Basil St. Florian, the best agent that London has to offer.
So begins the novella Citadel (2016) by one of my favorite action authors, Stephen Hunter—creator of Bobby Lee Swagger, U. S. Marine sniper par excellence. But this hero is no Swagger—St. Florian has a voice heavy with the dry wit, irony, and insouciance for which the British, and their secret agents, are famous. He is famed for his ability to navigate the most dangerous paths: he figures that he is a dead man walking so, having nothing to lose, he remains preternaturally calm in even the most tense situations.
St. Florion’s mission centers on a rare pamphlet titled The Path to Jesus, written in 1767 by a Scottish cleric and now in the rare books section of the Bibliothèque Mazarine in Paris under control of the senior librarian. The pamphlet is the basis of a "book code" that names a Russian spy embedded at Blecheley Park. The Brits want that name so they can trick the spy into transmitting an important German battle plan (Operation Citadel) to Stalin, who will find it more credible coming from his spy rather than directly from the Brits. Of course, the Brits could just check the pamphlet out at the library, but this might reveal that they knew about—and were using—the Russian spy.
Basil is parachuted near Cherbourg to find his way to Paris. His chutzpah is admirable as he evades the German net by befriending a high-level SS officer. This is a clever story with twists and turns that keep the old gray cells alert, reminding us of Walter Scott’s adage,
Four Stars.
So begins the novella Citadel (2016) by one of my favorite action authors, Stephen Hunter—creator of Bobby Lee Swagger, U. S. Marine sniper par excellence. But this hero is no Swagger—St. Florian has a voice heavy with the dry wit, irony, and insouciance for which the British, and their secret agents, are famous. He is famed for his ability to navigate the most dangerous paths: he figures that he is a dead man walking so, having nothing to lose, he remains preternaturally calm in even the most tense situations.
St. Florion’s mission centers on a rare pamphlet titled The Path to Jesus, written in 1767 by a Scottish cleric and now in the rare books section of the Bibliothèque Mazarine in Paris under control of the senior librarian. The pamphlet is the basis of a "book code" that names a Russian spy embedded at Blecheley Park. The Brits want that name so they can trick the spy into transmitting an important German battle plan (Operation Citadel) to Stalin, who will find it more credible coming from his spy rather than directly from the Brits. Of course, the Brits could just check the pamphlet out at the library, but this might reveal that they knew about—and were using—the Russian spy.
Basil is parachuted near Cherbourg to find his way to Paris. His chutzpah is admirable as he evades the German net by befriending a high-level SS officer. This is a clever story with twists and turns that keep the old gray cells alert, reminding us of Walter Scott’s adage,
Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.Hunter never fails to deliver.
Four Stars.
May 28, 2020
Good Read... Jolly Hockey Sticks... stuff.
The opening paragraph disappointed slightly , when he mentions the RAF aircraft leveling at 150 metres..... ( although converted as it is to 500 feet , is the lowest most pilots like to go when they're up to long range mischief...) British pilots still dont use or understand metres and certainly didn't in the 1940's....
( in fairness , he credits a German pilot at the end for aviation content .)
But from then on... it was an entertaining read. Mr Hunter getting his writing Mojo back. His writing has wavered a bit over the last few novels but always enjoyable. I've read all his books and love the Swagger characters. Point of Impact being one of the few fiction books i've read more than once.
I hope there are some more Swagger stories planned. Or indeed more stories set in the WW 2 period.
The opening paragraph disappointed slightly , when he mentions the RAF aircraft leveling at 150 metres..... ( although converted as it is to 500 feet , is the lowest most pilots like to go when they're up to long range mischief...) British pilots still dont use or understand metres and certainly didn't in the 1940's....
( in fairness , he credits a German pilot at the end for aviation content .)
But from then on... it was an entertaining read. Mr Hunter getting his writing Mojo back. His writing has wavered a bit over the last few novels but always enjoyable. I've read all his books and love the Swagger characters. Point of Impact being one of the few fiction books i've read more than once.
I hope there are some more Swagger stories planned. Or indeed more stories set in the WW 2 period.
March 20, 2025
It is far more difficult to write and present excellent humor than it is to create drama or mystery. Frankly I did not appreciate the "humor" in this book about a spy during WWII. I especially hated references about the Holocaust as funny. It was not!! I found it offensive. Also the name of Alan Turing was used in this farce. He was a true hero and not a subject of ridicule. Jokes are made about Dietrich von Choltitz blowing up Paris. It is thanks to him that all the major bridges and buildings of Paris still exist, including the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Hitler had ordered that Paris be destroyed completely!! Von Choltitz could not give the order. I stopped listening in disgust. Kristi & Abby Tabby Childless Cat Lady
May 23, 2017
Short story taking place during WWII. The story shows the danger of the infiltration behind German lines in France. It offers an interesting view of the German side of the story as the police try to catch this elusive English spy.
June 18, 2017
Finally finished. For a short book this was slow going. It moved back and forth in the story line in a way that was confusing for a while. The last quarter of the book was good, which sort of redeemed the whole thing. Just about.
January 11, 2020
👍 read
Please read other Stephan Hunter books.
Read Hot Springs first or Dirty White Boys. They will hook you.Enjoy the author very much
Please read other Stephan Hunter books.
Read Hot Springs first or Dirty White Boys. They will hook you.Enjoy the author very much
February 20, 2023
Great story of spies in WWII.
February 23, 2017
Very fun read
Hunter gives us fun fast read with plenty of twists and turns. I definitely recommend it to everyone who is a fan of spy stories.
Hunter gives us fun fast read with plenty of twists and turns. I definitely recommend it to everyone who is a fan of spy stories.
February 17, 2017
Fun.....
Recovering from trying to read a crappy Brad Thor straight to video thing......This is a real writer.. Good characters, crisp plot, constant humor. The real deal and only three bucks.
Recovering from trying to read a crappy Brad Thor straight to video thing......This is a real writer.. Good characters, crisp plot, constant humor. The real deal and only three bucks.
November 22, 2016
A novella set in WWII follows a British spy who lands in France on a secret mission. It's quite a sprightly written story that concentrates on the dialogue, the action and the peculiar circumstances in being in occupied France. Hunter really catches the tone of the time in the way the French react to the German occupation and the German's response to the contempt shown to them be the French.
Its very short. I'm not familiar with the Biblomysteries series. In the acknowledgments Hunter writes this was a different kind of project for him. I've read a number of his other books and he usually doesn't hesitate to show his knowledge of the history of WWII or its armaments. I could see this book easily becoming two hundred pages longer if Hunter has used his normal approach.
The book has no chapters, breaks, yes, but no chapters. Hunter uses flashbacks as breaks in the story. Also of a way of advancing the plot. As a bonus, Hunter gives us Alan Turing, the famous British code breaker in a cameo role which adds to the intrigue. An enjoyable short read. I recommend it.
Its very short. I'm not familiar with the Biblomysteries series. In the acknowledgments Hunter writes this was a different kind of project for him. I've read a number of his other books and he usually doesn't hesitate to show his knowledge of the history of WWII or its armaments. I could see this book easily becoming two hundred pages longer if Hunter has used his normal approach.
The book has no chapters, breaks, yes, but no chapters. Hunter uses flashbacks as breaks in the story. Also of a way of advancing the plot. As a bonus, Hunter gives us Alan Turing, the famous British code breaker in a cameo role which adds to the intrigue. An enjoyable short read. I recommend it.
January 7, 2017
"Citadel" is a novella in the Bibliomysteries series of short tales of deadly books. In this book, Basil St. Florian, a captain in the British army and an accomplished spy, is tasked with finding and photographing a series of pages from a book possibly being used as a book code. Decrypting this code could save millions of lives and shorten World War II. Basil is briefed by several officers and Alan Touring about the importance of the book and cracking the code. Basil accepts the assignment and enters occupied France to retrieve the information. France as portrayed by Stephen Hunter is a place different from the stereotypes of most books and movies. The Nazis are there, but the French are living their lives as they would have normally. Through a series of twists, Basil becomes pursued by the Abwehr and the SS. The tale is fast and furious with Basil being fortunate in some cases and out-guessed in others. There were too many minor coincidences for me to give it five stars, but as a mystery and thriller it is nicely written and very engaging. I highly recommend it.
January 18, 2016
World War II, and British spy Basil St Florian is to go into German held France, photograph a rare pamphlet in the French national library and return – what follows is one of the most harrowing adventures undertaken by a man who has grit, guts, and just plain courage.
Dropped into France and soon hunted by German soldiers as well as Hitler’s brutal SS, St Florian has to make his way to Paris using stolen identity papers that are soon discovered, avoid a manhunt using hundreds of German police and soldiers, find a way into a closely guarded library and somehow escape back to England.
Here’s how he does it….wait!
I’m not going to spoil one terrific adventure spy book for you! I know you want a little excitement – am I right?
Then jump on this book, grab something to drink and your favorite snacks, hide your phone and get ready for one rollercoaster of a ride!
Dropped into France and soon hunted by German soldiers as well as Hitler’s brutal SS, St Florian has to make his way to Paris using stolen identity papers that are soon discovered, avoid a manhunt using hundreds of German police and soldiers, find a way into a closely guarded library and somehow escape back to England.
Here’s how he does it….wait!
I’m not going to spoil one terrific adventure spy book for you! I know you want a little excitement – am I right?
Then jump on this book, grab something to drink and your favorite snacks, hide your phone and get ready for one rollercoaster of a ride!
February 11, 2016
Citadel is one of the Bibliomysteries, long stories or short novellas from Mysterious Press. It is set in WWII, and is about the search for a are manuscript being used by the Germans as a code book. It is good, and well worth reading, but I did not see the literary references I found in other books in the series.
February 23, 2016
Taut and surprisingly detailed spy novella set in pre-D-DAY Paris. The emphasis is on action instead of the intricacies of spy craft, which to my mind always suits the shorter novel.. For fans of Fleming rather than le Carre.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2020
this is not Stephen Hunters best work but it is interesting if you are into spy games and intrigue than this is the book for you. WWII an immense amount of time and effort was spent trying to break enemy codes. this story involves men who found the documents under the nose of the dreaded Nazi SS goons to break their codes. Good read.
August 10, 2016
Very satisfying entry in the Mysterious Bookshop Bibliomystery series. Best I've read so far in what is a good series.
Nice departure by Hunter from his Bob Lee Swagger series - it doesn't have to be about a sniper for Hunter to write a good tale.
Nice departure by Hunter from his Bob Lee Swagger series - it doesn't have to be about a sniper for Hunter to write a good tale.
February 16, 2016
Tres Bien.
As usual a satisfying story from a favorite author. I've always enjoyed Hunter's work. We need more like this. Tres Bien.
As usual a satisfying story from a favorite author. I've always enjoyed Hunter's work. We need more like this. Tres Bien.
December 12, 2024
This novella showcases a new character, Basil St. Florian. He's a mixture of James Bond, Mad Jack Churchill and Adrian Carton de Wiart. It's a short and fast read, quite enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews