The Poisoned Rock

Sullivan and Broderick Murder Investigations #2

by Robert Daws

With only five weeks to go before the end of her secondment to the Royal Gibraltar Police Force, D.S. Tamara Sullivan is enjoying life on the Rock. With one murder investigation successfully under their belts, Sullivan and her commanding officer, Chief Inspector Gus Broderick, settle down to regular police work under the sunny Mediterranean skies.

In London, the British Government has declassified a large number of top secret files regarding British Military Intelligence operations during World War Two. One file, concerning espionage operations on Gibraltar, has been smuggled out of the U.K. to Spain. It contains information that will draw Sullivan and Broderick into the dark and treacherous world of wartime Gibraltar. A place where saboteurs and espionage plots abounded. Where double and triple agents from Britain, Germany and Spain were at war in a treacherous and deadly game of undercover operations.

As the summer heat reaches its zenith in Gibraltar Town, a film crew has arrived on the Rock to shoot a movie about one of the most enigmatic and legendary spies of the war years - ‘The Queen of Diamonds’. Starring Hollywood A-lister Julia Novacs and produced by local born film maker, Gabriel Isolde, it is the talk of the Rock.

It is only a matter of time before past and present collide and a dangerous battle begins to conceal the truth about the Rock’s poisonous wartime history. Detectives Sullivan and Broderick become caught in a tangled web of intrigue and murder that will once again test their skills and working relationship to the very limit.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Detective, Murder Mystery

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2016

About the author

As an actor, Robert Daws has appeared in leading roles in a number of award-winning and long-running British television series, including Jeeves and Wooster, Casualty, The House of Eliott, Outside Edge, Roger Roger, Sword of Honour, Take A Girl Like You, Doc Martin, New Tricks, Midsomer Murders, Rock and Chips, The Royal, Death in Paradise, Father Brown and Poldark.

His recent work for the stage includes the national tours of Michael Frayn’s Alarms and Excursions, and David Harrower’s Blackbird. In the West End, he has recently appeared as Dr John Watson in The Secret of Sherlock Holmes, Geoffrey Hammond in Public Property, Jim Hacker in Yes, Prime Minister and John Betjeman in Summoned by Betjeman.

His many BBC radio performances include Arthur Lowe in Dear Arthur, Love John, Ronnie Barker in Goodnight from Him and Chief Inspector Trueman in Trueman and Riley, the long-running police detective series he co-created with writer Brian B Thompson.

Robert’s second and third Sullivan and Broderick novels – Poisoned Rock and Killing Rock – will be published in September 2016 and early 2017, respectively. His first novella, The Rock, has been optioned and is being developed for television.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Poisoned Rock is the second book in The Rock Murder Mysteries series. I haven’t actually read the first but found that this one read easily as a stand alone and didn’t feel in anyway at a disadvantage by not having reading the first.

The series is set in Gibraltar and like Tamara Sullivan, I very much found myself falling in love with this fabulous place. Through the authors writing, I could easily envision myself there, with all the sights, sounds and smells. It certainly had me wanting to pack my bags and hop on the next available plane.

I really enjoyed the whole story line of a film crew coming out to make a film based on the legendary story of The Queen of Diamonds. Unfortunately someone isn’t so happy about this legendary tale re surfacing and does their best to stop the film from happening.

Sullivan and Broderick are great characters. They are both different yet bring something unique to the table. Sullivan actually comes across as the more stronger out of the two. I think with Broderick’s family life, we see a more fragile and softer side to him, though when it comes to his work he is not afraid to show his authority but will give credit where credit is due.

The Poisoned Rock is very much a novel filled with mystery and suspense. The author kept me guessing throughout and the revelations at the end were well worth waiting for. The ideal read for fans of this genre.

My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The evil that women do...

Tamara Sullivan is still on secondment to the Royal Gibraltar Police Force, and is as intrigued as everyone else that a top Hollywood star has come to the island to make a movie. The film is about a war-time spy, known as the Queen of Diamonds, although no-one is quite sure whether she existed or is a legend. However, the film has triggered a lot of interest in this old story, not all of it positive. Soon Sullivan and her boss, Chief Inspector Gus Broderick, find themselves investigating murder, but to understand the motive and find the culprit they will have to delve into the murky world of espionage on wartime Gibraltar, and the treacheries and betrayals that are still casting a dark shadow into the present...

This is the second in this series of police procedurals set on Gibraltar, and both Sullivan and Broderick already feel like well-established characters. The first, The Rock, was short – almost novella length – but this one is a full-length novel with a much more complex plot. I get a bit tired of Britain’s obsession with WW2 so had lowered my expectations a little, but I must admit Daws has found what feels to me like an original and credible way to make those long past days relevant to his plot. I soon turned my expectations back up, and settled in for a convoluted but never confusing ride through the shadowy world of agents and double agents, blackmail, intrigue and revenge.

The police procedural aspect is done very well. Daws shows the painstaking work of gathering information and evidence while never allowing it to bog the story down with too much detail. But the detectives get to the solution by proper police work rather than by unbelievable leaps of intuition or amazing coincidences. Sullivan and Broderick work well as a partnership, their confidence and trust in each other growing as they get to know each other better. We also see how they work within the wider team, and they try to stick within the rules as much as they can. Happily, the police are the goodies and the villains are the baddies – that shouldn’t feel refreshing, really, but it does! The whole thing leads up to a tense thriller ending, but one that stays well within the credibility lines.

The setting is great. Gibraltar is such an oddity – a little slice of leftover British Empire hanging onto the coast of Spain, and in this book, Daws show the tensions between the Spanish and Gibraltarian authorities over the contested peninsula. He also gives a good feeling for the Rock in wartime, used as a base of operations with most of the civilians evacuated and the place full of troops and spies, all plotting against each other. But it’s not one of the half-past/half-present stories that are so prevalent at the moment. This story takes place fully in the present with only brief snatches of the past, like flashbacks in a TV show.

In fact, the whole thing reads very much like a blueprint for a TV show with short chapters taking us quickly between fast-moving scenes. Hardly surprising, given Daws background as a TV actor and writer, and I believe the series is under consideration for TV adaptation. I reckon it would work brilliantly and can’t help seeing Daws himself as Broderick.

I thoroughly enjoyed my second trip to Gibraltar with Sullivan and Broderick and am looking forward to seeing how the series progresses. I believe the third one is due out this summer sometime, but Amazon is being unusually secretive about the date! I shall be keeping my beady eyes open for it though. Highly recommended as a well-written, fast-paced and credible police procedural with likeable lead characters in an interesting setting – really, what more could you ask for?

NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Urbane Press.

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[Sue Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Top Notch Crime Series

An excellent follow on to the first meeting of Sullivan and Broderick this book establishes them further as a crime duo to follow and hopefully will be the first of many further adventures.Well drawn believable characters take us through a well drawn and executed plot that has us guessing to the final pages bravo Mr Daws you write an exciting and enticing story and I await many more

[Noelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy which I chose to read/review.

Set in Gibraltar, readers are faced with secrets, lies, grief, justice, blackmail and revenge.

I have to be honest and say that although there was a fab hook at the start, the next few chapters were a bit of a slow burner for me. There was a lot going on, moving from the past and present that I did find it a little hard going. That being said, once we were back in the present time and the police became involved – well, the pace picked up and I enjoyed the narrative.

This was my first experience of DS Tamara Sullivan and I don’t think it will be my last! Tamara is back in Gibraltar after a secondment finds her teamed up with Chief Inspector Gus Broderick. Although this is book 2 in the series, there was enough information of the backstory, I did not find myself lost. In fact, it made me want to go back and read the first book in the series. Tamara was a fabulous character and a strong female lead – she may be a bit unconventional, but she gets results! I also thought her relationship with Broderick was great- there was tension but also mutual respect and the pair worked well in solving the crimes.

The antagonist for me was a total surprise -No Spoilers- and I really enjoyed how the story wrapped up. There was murder, mystery, a reflection on how past actions have future consequences and some fantastic characters. I definitely recommend giving this book a read!!

[Craig Sisterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE POISONED ROCK offers a spiderweb of a plot set against a vividly evoked Mediterranean setting, and secret machinations that span several decades. Gibraltar is a British shard jutting into the Mediterranean, looking across the sea to Morocco while geographically attached to Spain. It has a much fought-over history, and an interesting mix of a populace. Daws does a great job capturing that blend of history, geography, and sociology and texturing it into his mystery tale rather smoothly.

In modern Gibraltar, a film is being made about the Queen of Diamonds, a controversial war-time British spy. But the shoot isn't going entirely smoothly. Then the murders start.

Detective Tamara Sullivan is a relative newcomer to 'the Rock', having been unceremoniously exiled from her previously promising career with the London Metropolitan Police. She was meant to be on a three-month 'secondment', but her future's unclear. Chief Inspector Gus Broderick of the Royal Gibraltar Police Force is an old-school copper who's grown to trust Sullivan in a short time. Together they have to investigate just what is going on, and whether the old stories behind the Queen of Diamonds legend, true or false, are playing a part in the current-day mayhem. Does the motive for the violence lie in the past, or is that just a smokescreen for something more modern and personal?

There's an awful lot to like about Robert Daws' storytelling. He handles a complex plot with many strands very well, never allowing it to get away from him or become overwhelming. He does a great job bringing war-time intrigue and post-war European spycraft to vivid life, and gives a real sense of the 'feel' of different times in history, past and present.

I've never been to Gibraltar, and knew very little about it, but felt I had a strong sense of the place (or a clear impression, at least) after reading this. Daws builds a very realistic and authentic-feeling world of the British peninsula and southern Spain; buildings, cafes, plazas, alleyways. He captures the hustle and bustle of a sunny place that can be flooded by tourists, and the contrasts between those who come and go and the locals who live and work there all year 'round.

All of this is threaded throughout a fascinating plotline that blends murder mystery with spy story. THE POISONED ROCK was a remarkably fast read that didn't feel breezy or underdone. There was some texture and richness as the pages whirred. Overall, I enjoyed it thoroughly.

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Poisoned Rock” is the 2nd entry in the Sullivan and Broderick Murder Investigations by Robert Daws. The first book in the series "The Rock," a novella, is the debut crime novella by TV/stage actor and broadcaster Daws. “The Poisoned Rock” is a great murder mystery set on Gibraltar, with excursions into neighboring Spain, WWII war time documents, and British Government spies and secrets.

With one murder investigation successfully under their belts (see “The Rock”), Sullivan and her commanding officer, Chief Inspector Gus Broderick, settle down to regular police work under the sunny Mediterranean skies. A film crew has arrived on the Rock to shoot a movie about one of the most enigmatic and legendary spies of the war years - ‘The Queen of Diamonds’. Soon, a complex investigation of murder and abduction happens as past and present collide.

Several years ago, we visited Gibraltar, so when I realized that the setting was on Gibraltar, I was intrigued since I felt I had a sense of the book’s atmosphere and local color. Daws developed the plot in this novel more carefully with carefully crafted strands that take one in different directions. The revelations at the end were well worth waiting for. The interaction between the main characters is enjoyable; Sullivan and Broderick are great characters. I am happy to note that Daws has given us two more stories – a short story and another novel. I highly recommend this book to you.

[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Poisoned Rock, though set mainly in present day Gibraltar, also takes us back to events in 1942 and the repercussions of the murder of a young prostitute. Chief Inspector Gus Broderick and Detective Sergeant Tamara Sullivan are embroiled in a complex investigation of murder and abduction which takes them over the border into Spain, exploring the background to the film, “Queen of Diamonds,” currently in production on the streets of Gibraltar.

The film set and the relationships of director, producer and Hollywood star are described with veracity and interest, as you would expect from the author, Robert Daws, and the increasingly mysterious story of espionage and heartless murder is difficult to put down. The varied characters make guessing the culprit or culprits almost impossible and you will be intrigued by the final denouement.

Although complete in itself, this is the second book about the investigations of Broderick and Sullivan and as I learnt more about them, I looked forward to further developments at the office of the Royal Gibraltar Police Department, in the next book, to be published in 2017.

[Pgchuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in the series set in Gibraltar, this time centred round a movie being shot on the Rock concerning the Queen of Diamonds, a British WWII spy. It was an enjoyable read, once again with a large focus on the Gibraltar setting, but the plot was rather complex. Fortunately it was summed up now and then in a helpful way, but there was a lot going on!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A film crew have arrived to shoot the fictionalised account of a female spy set in Gibraltar during WWII. Unfortunately events from that time impact on the modern day.
An enjoyable and interesting mystery with some good character development.

[Louise (Bookmarks and Stages blog) Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Poisoned Rock begins in 1942. It’s a whole new case within this series. There is a well thought out quote used from William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet at the beginning, which sets the scene up for what’s to come in excellent manner.
Both books, although are part of a series, also work well as stand alone books. I would say the writing has improved within this book in terms of the flow of it, especially, but both are worth reading. Again, there is an excellent prologue, setting this scene for the rest of the book and a murder already committed. There’s no having to wait, wondering when the action to begin in these books.

There’s murder, offshore accounts, secrets and jeopardy within the well-written pages of this book.

The book spans seamlessly and effortlessly between the 40’s 60’s and Present day as well as a number of locations. Importantly, it all makes sense and flows easily when reading. It is well-constructed and the time frames are well-stated in each part and they all fit together well within the plot. There are also enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing within this book, which can be read as part of the series or it stands alone pretty well too.

Readers are quick to learn a little about Gibraltar’s Second World War history before being transported to the present day where Tamara Sullivan is still serving out her enforced secondment.

Within this book, there are secrets revealed of British Intelligence and a film crew filming about “The Queen of Diamonds” about a spy in the Second World War. There are creatively crafted twists and turns surrounding this mysterious spy and the film, showing that its mere creation has more to it than meets the eye.

There is much intrigue surrounding the film, creating just about enough tension… just who is the mysterious figure observing screenwriter, Josh Cornwallis? There’s also more than just film action surrounding the film’s producer – Gabriel Isolde.
These scenes are written with complete believability, as you can imagine with the acting experience Robert Daws has and whatsmore it adds much to the storyline in a positive way.

The chapters of the book move the story onwards, effortlessly between the film set and the activities of Broderick and Sullivan. Throughout the book, remains an excellently written, sense of place. The more of these books that are read, the more you get a feel of Gibraltar.
This book, also however, also takes readers to a crime committed in Marbella after the victim, Krystle Changtai disappeared from Gibraltar.
People who are not all they first seem to be… There is also more than just the glamour of designer dresses and shoes to contend with… adding to the intrigue of this captivating book.

Lech Jasinski is an interesting character who was a Polish soldier, serving in Iraq and we get a sense of his PTSD. There’s also more to him than what can possibly be first presumed. The characterisation of Lech is good, there’s enough written to create a tension and an air of mystery.

It’s not all about murder. Readers are treated to really being able to get to know more about the characters who work for the police service in Gibraltar in terms of their background, which I also enjoyed.

This series was optioned for TV and when reading the books, it is clear that they would be a good “fit” as it were. The chapters are written exquisitely and almost like they could be scenes.

All in all, Robert Daws has created books with mystery, intrigue and an air of beauty in terms of the setting and all fit together very well indeed to create a compelling and very readable series!

These are all the books at time of writing that are within this series. A Rock Ghost Story is completely stand-alone.

[Robin Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to be savoured by connoisseurs of the genre, this is an assured and polished piece of work by a very competent writer who is a master of the genre. Robert Daws has such an intimate knowledge of ‘the Rock’ and a number of venues in Southern Spain that he is able almost effortlessly to gain credibility for his narrative with a wealth of incidental detail – streets, key buildings, cafes, squares, alleys ... The story is satisfyingly complex, involving not only the minutiae of a modern-day police investigation into a number of murders but also weaving in the strategic importance of Gibraltar, its history and culture and the murky world of espionage during and following WW2. The clues are there, artfully placed, and the story unfolds at just the right pace. I especially appreciated the way in which the author used perceptive descriptive detail to develop our knowledge and understanding of each of the characters without ever slowing the pace of the narrative: “The old man poured the fine Rioja into two sparkling glasses, his steady hand and his eye for a generous measure belying his age and frailty”. That’s the way to do it! The short chapters move the story along at a clip. The medical and forensic detail are well-researched: “Petechial haemorrhages were also present in Martinez, indicating asphyxiation as the principal cause of death.” The reader is more than willing to take the author’s word for it! There are strong images that deepen our sense of the evil that has been and is being perpetrated: “The clatter from the cobble-stoned street below and the hubbub from the café on the opposite corner seemed to violate the room.” A dry sense of humour pervades the narrative: “’Possibly the most painful thing I have ever experienced, Sullivan. And I’ve given birth to two children,’ the chief super replied. ‘But thanks for your concern’.”

There are a few minor slip-ups on the foreign language front that the author will want swiftly to correct: “Buenos noches” instead of “Buenas noches”, “Liguine al frutti di mare” instead of “Linguine ai frutti di mare”, “aqua sin gas” instead of “agua sin gas”, and “Miquel Columbus” instead of “Miguel Columbus” - incidental details that can easily be taken care of. Overall, this was a relaxing and enjoyable read. I congratulate the author on a sound and skilful piece of work.

[Emma B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder, mystery and history on Gibraltar

A film is being made about a war time spy, and then murders start happening. Are the two connected?

This is a great murder mystery set on Gibraltar, with excursions into neighbouring Spain. War time documents, British Government secrets and the police desperate to find the murderer before he/she strikes again combine to give the reader plenty to get involved in. The chapters are very short, with plenty of action and twists, and a fast, exciting pace.

Set among the streets of Gibraltar plenty of pubs, restaurants, parks and streets are featured, which adds a great dimension for anyone thinking of visiting Gibraltar or who already knows the peninsular. There seemed to be a lot of characters as I began the book, but I quickly got involved in the story, and the characters all became clear in their different roles.

Each page is watermarked, which added to the attraction of the book, and did not detract at all from the clarity of the print. A great looking gift for any mystery thriller lover from young to old.

This is the 2nd book in the Detectives Sullivan and Broderick series, and the first that I have read. It works well as a standalone book. I understand that the 3rd book in the series is due out in the summer of 2018; I'm looking forward to reading it!

5*s from me as I loved the details about Gibraltar, was completely involved in the story, and learnt a little about wartime Gibraltar as well.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent follow up to Robert Daws's 1st Sullivan & Brodrick crime books, The Rock.

Very interesting reading about Gibraltar's history during the 2nd World War, something I'd never read or heard about before.

Poisoned Rock is a clever thriller, the beautifully interwoven stories of the characters all culminate into a very believable ending. And of course when it comes to spies & national security anything can happen ! Nasty murders, blackmail & creepy stalkers all mixed up with film actors & producers make for a gripping tale.

Nice to see the chemistry between the lead characters, Sullivan & Broderick evolving & I like their dogged determination to get to the bottom of the crimes committed.

I was pleased to read that the rights for a TV adaptation have been taken up for Robert's 1st book The Rock, I will certainly watch it & hopefully the rights for the Poisoned Rock will follow.

I now await the publication of the third book in the series

[José Luis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad to discover (better late than never) this Rock series, I'll keep an eye on R Daws. The plots are fine, although it looks like it is mandatory that every crime novel must include now and then those chapters where some antecedents of the story are introduced. Thanks, but I don't feel the backstory add anything of value, so I'll skip those and keep with the antics of Sullivan and Broderick.
Apart from that, I think that the novel would have been much better with the aid of a copy editor with a little knowledge of Spanish, as the text is sprinkled with grating expresions like "Don Martínez" (the treatment "Don" is followed by name and not by surname).
Anyway, I love the idea of having a detective series in one of my favourite places.

[Jamie Moore]

Interesting story

Great blend of police procedural and historic spy novel. I always enjoy crime novels from the UK and this is no exception. I was really happy to see that it took place in an area that I'm very curious about so those were all positives.

The plot was good, maybe not quite believable, but definitely entertaining. The characters are memorable and well developed. You get a clear picture of them as people you would want to know.
The writing and flow of the story were good. I loved the descriptions of the characters and the environment. I will definitely read more from this series.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read about the Rock during WW 11 and the present time. How to describe the time when all sides where acquiring spies. A story evolves about a spy that is not just supposedly for 2 countries but 3. Murders keep occurring and the detectives on the Rock can't tie them to one person. The end of the story is not what you expect and will show how politics are involved in the outcome. The two detectives as the main characters who the story revolves are strong and well developed. This is a page turner.

[Eamon · Rating 5 out of 5]

To date have always picked up another one my favourite authors as I finish a book, however I thought I would try something out of my comfort zone when I picked up the Rock …So glad I did, I really enjoyed the pace and the build of the story line and how quickly the character’s become authentic. Great read, it was the originality of the character’s, setting and writing style that had me hooked. I will double back and read the first book now !

[Robert M. Roth MD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Historical Mystery

Multiple murders in present day Gibraltar and Spain are rooted in World War II Gibraltar. This is a very well done police procedural that moves along at a crackling pace, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader fully engaged. Intermittent flash backs to the past add depth, the characters are multidimensional, and the dialogue is well done. Highly recommend to those who enjoy a good mystery and a historical subtext.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this was twisty! Whereas the first book felt too short and like it was wrapped up too quickly, this was almost the opposite. It felt like two halves of a book really, with Janinski and his plot and the excitement of the movie and the second half with spies and espionage. I did enjoy it but looking back there were almost too many windy paths and dead ends. Also a very interesting end with the information being classified and what that meant.

[Hw Huyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, terrific characters, scenes, and police work

Great story, terrific characters, scenes, and police work. Two detectives working together, sort of, investigate a murder that takes them through one hundred plus years of history concerned with World War II and beyond, to unveil two murderers who cannot be charged.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A piece of the Rock

An entertaining story. I especially enjoyed the setting in Gibraltar and in southern Spain. In these whodunits the bad guy seems to come from out of left field, the last person you might suspect. But in this one Davis manages to tie the bad guy in and explain what’s been going on pretty well.

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!! The twists & turns of the plot drew me in! The layers of complexity kept me turning the pages. Every time I thought I had figured it out, there were new details to consider!! Even the ending turned again with another layer to this excellent novel.

Certainly reading more of this series!

[Carol A. Ewing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense and intrigue

The research for this book set in several time periods was extensive, well done. At times I couldn't put it down. Unhappily because of the many characters, it was difficult to figure out what was going on when I did put it down and returned later. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it and merely retraced the action a few times to catch up. Five stars!

[Marilu C. Cowan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of those books where you need a playbook to keep up with the players. There was never even one character that I could identify with. Reading it made me think of unraveling a ball of yarn the cat has played with. By the end. I didn't care who did it.

[Ken Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting,with a completely unexpeced ending! The Poisoned Rock moved in circles with a number of different suspects that were not the ones we were expecting.i hope to read further Sullivan and Broderick murder investigations.

[Jenna Golik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly annoyed this book.I never have been to the rock but felt

like I was theatre good mystery with many twists. The people are very realistic and we'll defined.. All points covered leaving you well satisfied

[Edwina Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I had to read this book in many interrupted parts and was very irritated when I had to put it down. It is an engaging mystery and succeeded in bringing a dark underbelly of WWII to light.

[Paul Muto · Rating 5 out of 5]

The “White Hats” win in the end

Eventually, perhaps in another life...the “White Hats” always win. The plot was very complex (not enough to lose you), a whodunnit until the very end. I am looking forward to more with Sullivan and Broderick .

[Bryan Higgs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series, and in my review said that I hoped the characters got more fleshed out. Well, in this book, they did and the plot was fairly good. I enjoyed it. I'll continue with others in this series

[Marilyn L. Kurland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing story

The book was a great spy novel, with twists and turns, making it a page-turner with an historical backdrop. The ending was a surprise and, to me, difficult to swallow; thus, the 4 Star vs a 5 Star rating.