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New York Station
A World War II spy thriller with a twist, based on a true conspiracy, with astounding parallels between then and now.
Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2018
59 people are currently reading
1428 people want to read
About the author
Lawrence Dudley
2 books22 followersPaperback edition of The Hungry Blade coming July 6th!
I am a graduate of the Washington Square College of Arts and Sciences of New York University. As a writer I’ve had the great good luck of having a variety of careers—a blessing for any author. I’ve been the assistant curator of a museum, worked for a radio telescope observatory and for several years I was the lead reviewer and feature writer for the Saratogian newspaper, covering the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and its resident companies, the New York City Ballet, the New York City Opera, the Philadelphia Orchestra, including special events and the National Shakespeare Festival, as well as covering other regional arts venues such as the Lake George Opera Festival and the Luzerne Music Festival. I also wrote a wide variety of features including supplements on weddings, home improvement, job seeking and many others— great experience for any writing career.
I’ve been a media and advertising consultant and I was in the web design and Internet consulting business, specializing in Flash animation. An early Flash adopter, I was the only upstate New York developer invited to the first Flash Forward Conference in San Francisco in 2000.
I’ve also been professional political campaign manager including races for the New York State Legislature, including field operations, web, social media and the complete end-to-end writing, directing, videography, editing and placement of television commercials. I was also a regional coordinator for the Dean For America presidential campaign. I am a member of the Warren County Democratic Committee and Secretary of the City of Glens Falls Democratic Committee.
My first installment in the Roy Hawkins series, New York Station, was published world-wide in 2018 by Blackstone Publishing, the book division of Blackstone Audio, the largest publisher of audiobooks in North America. New York Station was honored with first place on the Barnes & Noble Independent publishers list of favorite books of 2018. B
Booklist called New York Station “a thrilling WWII spy adventure with a classic love-versus-duty story, robust characters and a nice sense of time and place ... A good, solid thriller.”
According to Publishers Weekly, New York Station featured “A multifaceted protagonist who’s a refreshing change from formulaic genre leads lifts this gritty spy thriller ... Fans of Alan Furst and Joseph Kanon will find familiar pleasures.”
Forward Reviews wrote that New York Station was “a fast-paced and thrilling read ...evokes clear similarities between the Nazi era and today’s divisive political climate … New York Station never lets up ... A classic thriller full of twists and turns, New York Station is relevant and thought provoking.”
Blackstone released the sequel, The Hungry Blade, in 2020.
I am a graduate of the Washington Square College of Arts and Sciences of New York University. As a writer I’ve had the great good luck of having a variety of careers—a blessing for any author. I’ve been the assistant curator of a museum, worked for a radio telescope observatory and for several years I was the lead reviewer and feature writer for the Saratogian newspaper, covering the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and its resident companies, the New York City Ballet, the New York City Opera, the Philadelphia Orchestra, including special events and the National Shakespeare Festival, as well as covering other regional arts venues such as the Lake George Opera Festival and the Luzerne Music Festival. I also wrote a wide variety of features including supplements on weddings, home improvement, job seeking and many others— great experience for any writing career.
I’ve been a media and advertising consultant and I was in the web design and Internet consulting business, specializing in Flash animation. An early Flash adopter, I was the only upstate New York developer invited to the first Flash Forward Conference in San Francisco in 2000.
I’ve also been professional political campaign manager including races for the New York State Legislature, including field operations, web, social media and the complete end-to-end writing, directing, videography, editing and placement of television commercials. I was also a regional coordinator for the Dean For America presidential campaign. I am a member of the Warren County Democratic Committee and Secretary of the City of Glens Falls Democratic Committee.
My first installment in the Roy Hawkins series, New York Station, was published world-wide in 2018 by Blackstone Publishing, the book division of Blackstone Audio, the largest publisher of audiobooks in North America. New York Station was honored with first place on the Barnes & Noble Independent publishers list of favorite books of 2018. B
Booklist called New York Station “a thrilling WWII spy adventure with a classic love-versus-duty story, robust characters and a nice sense of time and place ... A good, solid thriller.”
According to Publishers Weekly, New York Station featured “A multifaceted protagonist who’s a refreshing change from formulaic genre leads lifts this gritty spy thriller ... Fans of Alan Furst and Joseph Kanon will find familiar pleasures.”
Forward Reviews wrote that New York Station was “a fast-paced and thrilling read ...evokes clear similarities between the Nazi era and today’s divisive political climate … New York Station never lets up ... A classic thriller full of twists and turns, New York Station is relevant and thought provoking.”
Blackstone released the sequel, The Hungry Blade, in 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 30, 2018
I walked away from New York Station with a distinct feeling of a new series being launched. That would certainly be welcome news, for me, as this novel gave readers a fresh perspective on the tried and true WWII espionage thriller. Roy Hawkins proved a capable man of action sliding in to every situation with ease and thinking quick on his feet. He is calm, cool and adaptable, everything a good MI6 agent should be. Definitely a man to build a book series around.
New York Station ably shines a light on lesser known bits of the first half in the Second World War. Rarely do we consider parts of the world indirectly impacted by the war. In this novel our hero leaves Paris, a hot bed of Nazi activity, only to be deployed in an America currently tied by neutrality, where Roy believes his talents will be wasted. Little does he know what schemes he may discover.
I felt keenly the power of the American press to sway opinion and reenforce feelings of American isolation and trepidation regarding the war. Ah, the power of the press. Not necessarily reporting news but manufacturing it instead. Sound familiar? If I hear the BBC reporting on the negative aspects of brexit one more time I may scream. Everyone has an agenda, it seems. But, I digress.
This was a jolly good read and, if I am as lucky as I hope, it will not be the last I read of Roy Hawkins.
New York Station ably shines a light on lesser known bits of the first half in the Second World War. Rarely do we consider parts of the world indirectly impacted by the war. In this novel our hero leaves Paris, a hot bed of Nazi activity, only to be deployed in an America currently tied by neutrality, where Roy believes his talents will be wasted. Little does he know what schemes he may discover.
I felt keenly the power of the American press to sway opinion and reenforce feelings of American isolation and trepidation regarding the war. Ah, the power of the press. Not necessarily reporting news but manufacturing it instead. Sound familiar? If I hear the BBC reporting on the negative aspects of brexit one more time I may scream. Everyone has an agenda, it seems. But, I digress.
This was a jolly good read and, if I am as lucky as I hope, it will not be the last I read of Roy Hawkins.
August 30, 2017
Thanks to NetGalley, Mr. Dudley, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am enthralled with the intrigue of NEW YORK STATION, which sheds light on the espionage of pro Nazi American citizens in the 1940's , portraying Roosevelt's presidency as one of isolationism and smug detachment to the atrocities abroad. It is said this book is based on true events, and I wonder what really happened and what is fabrication. I wish the author had delineated that in his acknowledgements.
I believe this is an unproofed book, and therefore, I forgive the grammatical and mechanical errors. However, there are major problems with following the storyline. Transitioning is particularly troublesome. There are no breaks between scenes ..., even if the venue has changed....or the country has changed! That is extremely confusing! There are parts when the dialogue doesn't make sense in the context of the scene. I felt like giving up due to the effort it took to reread and sort out who it was doing what where! However, I was drawn to the plot, and it was enlightening to learn about America's Nazi sympathizers!
I am enthralled with the intrigue of NEW YORK STATION, which sheds light on the espionage of pro Nazi American citizens in the 1940's , portraying Roosevelt's presidency as one of isolationism and smug detachment to the atrocities abroad. It is said this book is based on true events, and I wonder what really happened and what is fabrication. I wish the author had delineated that in his acknowledgements.
I believe this is an unproofed book, and therefore, I forgive the grammatical and mechanical errors. However, there are major problems with following the storyline. Transitioning is particularly troublesome. There are no breaks between scenes ..., even if the venue has changed....or the country has changed! That is extremely confusing! There are parts when the dialogue doesn't make sense in the context of the scene. I felt like giving up due to the effort it took to reread and sort out who it was doing what where! However, I was drawn to the plot, and it was enlightening to learn about America's Nazi sympathizers!
March 7, 2018
The ebook ARC that I have of this book was literally unreadable due to formatting issues so I tried the audiobook. Unfortunately, I found that to be also unreadable due to the choppy and confusing writing style. This book was not for me and I abandoned it. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
February 19, 2021
Good book set in an interesting time with parallels to today. Glad it's a series as I'm eager to read the next book.
October 2, 2017
The author of “New York Station,” Lawrence Dudley, writes much of his book in italics that represent the thought processes of Roy Hawkins, the protagonist. That’s not an easy thing to do as many writers have discovered. A person’s seat of consciousness is neither linear nor organized and when a writer attempts to portray it, the reader will probably not interpret it correctly, resulting in frustration and eventually some annoyance. Unfortunately this novel’s appeal, at least for me, was adversely affected by this technique. I found the story hard to follow.
Hawkins, a man purportedly an M16 Anglo American espionage agent is abruptly sent to New York City from Paris, a move he strongly dislikes. He is to keep his eyes on a group of Germans and their sympathizers, reporting on their activities to US and other authorities. Several alphabet agencies get mentioned, including foreign ones, so the reader is hard pressed to keep them straight. There are bad foreigners, reputable intelligence agents (well, some of them), glamorous women, wealthy gentlemen with selfish motives, celebrities, and one character known as W.
There are strong-arm incidents, mild torture scenes, light-hearted killings, secret messages; all the elements of a good international thriller. There’s information about Nazi activity in the United States before the start of World War II of which I wasn’t aware. There’s a romance with a wealthy woman and a plot to rig an American election. I would have enjoyed it better without the attempts at portraying Hawkins’ thought process.
I suggest you read this book if you appreciate good writing and want details of little known subversive action in the United States before Pearl Harbor. Be prepared for a little effort at maintaining your concentration.
Hawkins, a man purportedly an M16 Anglo American espionage agent is abruptly sent to New York City from Paris, a move he strongly dislikes. He is to keep his eyes on a group of Germans and their sympathizers, reporting on their activities to US and other authorities. Several alphabet agencies get mentioned, including foreign ones, so the reader is hard pressed to keep them straight. There are bad foreigners, reputable intelligence agents (well, some of them), glamorous women, wealthy gentlemen with selfish motives, celebrities, and one character known as W.
There are strong-arm incidents, mild torture scenes, light-hearted killings, secret messages; all the elements of a good international thriller. There’s information about Nazi activity in the United States before the start of World War II of which I wasn’t aware. There’s a romance with a wealthy woman and a plot to rig an American election. I would have enjoyed it better without the attempts at portraying Hawkins’ thought process.
I suggest you read this book if you appreciate good writing and want details of little known subversive action in the United States before Pearl Harbor. Be prepared for a little effort at maintaining your concentration.
February 14, 2020
I found this book to be suspenseful and exciting, with a well developed protagonist; I enjoyed it and have already ordered the second book, The Hungry Blade. (Kobo versions)
Historical fiction books should attempt to be historically accurate; i.e. the fictional characters play out their roles against actual facts that history buffs can confirm. In this book however, there are several inaccurate elements. Here is just one: The Shepperton film studios were NOT owned by Korda in 1940 when this book takes place. Korda's involvement did not start until 1945 according to Wikipedia and the sources it cites.
There was no reason whatsoever for the author to indicate Alexander Korda as an owner, as of 1940. He does claim that William Stephenson was an owner too... well, that ownership is fictional and perhaps there was a reason to say that since this character is important to the fictional story. (In 1940, the actual owner of the studios was Norman Loudon. Why not name him instead of Korda??)
"After re-opening in 1945, the studios changed hands. When Sir Alexander Korda purchased British Lion Films, he also acquired a controlling interest in Sound City and Shepperton Studios."
See [http://www.thestudiotour.com/sheppert... Shepperton Studios - History]
Historical fiction books should attempt to be historically accurate; i.e. the fictional characters play out their roles against actual facts that history buffs can confirm. In this book however, there are several inaccurate elements. Here is just one: The Shepperton film studios were NOT owned by Korda in 1940 when this book takes place. Korda's involvement did not start until 1945 according to Wikipedia and the sources it cites.
There was no reason whatsoever for the author to indicate Alexander Korda as an owner, as of 1940. He does claim that William Stephenson was an owner too... well, that ownership is fictional and perhaps there was a reason to say that since this character is important to the fictional story. (In 1940, the actual owner of the studios was Norman Loudon. Why not name him instead of Korda??)
"After re-opening in 1945, the studios changed hands. When Sir Alexander Korda purchased British Lion Films, he also acquired a controlling interest in Sound City and Shepperton Studios."
See [http://www.thestudiotour.com/sheppert... Shepperton Studios - History]
December 4, 2023
There is almost nothing redeeming about this book. The book is written almost exclusively in sentence fragments, with chapter breaks that make zero sense after only 2 or 3 pages, but it’s not justified by the pacing of the story. The chapters aren’t even ending on cliffhangers, they just end mid scene and pick up immediately on the next page. It’s a gimmick to keep the reader going because it’s a psychological thing where you make them think they’re getting further along than they are when really the story just isn’t good enough to stand on its own.
Dialogue can also be insufferable when 1) every character talks the same, and 2) conversations can go on for a full chapter sometimes with only one identification of who says what right at the beginning, then nothing but back and forth for three pages. That could potentially be okay, but not when everyone talks the exact same way.
Dialogue can also be insufferable when 1) every character talks the same, and 2) conversations can go on for a full chapter sometimes with only one identification of who says what right at the beginning, then nothing but back and forth for three pages. That could potentially be okay, but not when everyone talks the exact same way.
January 21, 2018
A WWII spy thriller, New York station is all about the spy network and the politics during the times of war. Roy Hawkins, the protagonist is sent to New York to spy on some German officials and send back messages. The plot is full of different agencies, with names that are extremely difficult to follow and remember. There is a range of things happening throughout. From mild torture scenes to killings, this book has it all covered.
I had trouble following the book because the change in scenes and places was not as smooth as it should have been. There was also a lot of German, without translations, hence difficult to understand. Another issue was connecting with the characters, which I felt I couldn't really establish.
Overall, an entertaining thriller read, for the lovers of spy movies.
I had trouble following the book because the change in scenes and places was not as smooth as it should have been. There was also a lot of German, without translations, hence difficult to understand. Another issue was connecting with the characters, which I felt I couldn't really establish.
Overall, an entertaining thriller read, for the lovers of spy movies.
July 24, 2018
With a riveting plot enriched by historical events, "New York Station" isn't only a page-turner, it's a lesson in world politics that U.S. citizens need to absorb and heed today. The setting of 1940 — before Pearl Harbor — puts a focus on the threat to democracy on our own shores, not just to a Great Britain already under Nazi bombardment but to the U.S. presidential election of 1940. The possibilities need to sink in with Americans as the Russian attempts at involvement during the 2016 campaign are still in the headlines. Published just this year, Lawrence Dudley's novel ends before the United States enters World War II, leaving open a nice possibility of a sequel or two or more revolving around WWII espionage.
January 6, 2018
I finished this book with very mixed feelings. There were parts that pulled me in and parts that left me thinking where was the editing on this book. It was an ARC so gave a little wiggle room but still gaps in timing, flow, and the character development on a few characters seemed to start...only to never finish when more development was needed to feel invested in those characters.
The historical aspect of it was fascinating. I cannot say much without being spoiler-y but I will say I wonder how much of WWII would have been different had some of the events in this book not been ignored.
Thank you Netgalley for the read!
The historical aspect of it was fascinating. I cannot say much without being spoiler-y but I will say I wonder how much of WWII would have been different had some of the events in this book not been ignored.
Thank you Netgalley for the read!
January 17, 2019
One of the better "spy novels" I have read recently. Realistic with a temporal tone that portrays the early WW II environment in a "neutral country" (ours). The best part is the center section that plays procedurally with rapid plot development. The first third is a bit too long in getting the plot started; and the last third had too much "gun play". Comes close to "Tinker Tailor" and "Coming in from the Cold". A mix of intellectual thriller, cultural history, and action movie. I did look for others in the series, but apparently this is a single novel (as of the moment).
December 27, 2017
I received this book for an honest review which follows:
I was intrigued by the description of this WWII spy thriller. While parts were enjoyable, I thought the story jumped around awkwardly and some of the connections between characters seemed superficial.
This didn't have the depth of plot and complexity that I expect in a spy thriller.
I was intrigued by the description of this WWII spy thriller. While parts were enjoyable, I thought the story jumped around awkwardly and some of the connections between characters seemed superficial.
This didn't have the depth of plot and complexity that I expect in a spy thriller.
April 10, 2018
To paraphrase an old 1970 TV ad, I tried it (for about 60 pages) and I did not like it. The book started with the Germans beginning to occupy France in 1940 and the story started as meekly as the French defenses. I read as our hero (Roy Hawkins) crossed over to Lisbon for a flight to Bermuda and then to the United States. The story never locked me in...
April 12, 2018
Terrific book.it brings WW11 era history into life. .Full of spies-espionage- love vs duty,etc. History told as a great novel. learned more than I ever did from history school books, especialy one BIG secret that I never knew about. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves to read historic Books
I won this book from Goodreads-thank you for picking my name.
I won this book from Goodreads-thank you for picking my name.
September 6, 2018
The Brits prevent the Nazis from rigging the election before Roosevelt’s third term. Trying to support the isolationists to elect a racist right wing fanatic. Funny part the NKVD was helping the Nazis. Political science wrapped in a spy novel.
November 18, 2019
Really great detective story set in the late 1930's about Nazi's in America.
January 31, 2020
Parts of New York Station were enjoyable, but I had trouble following the action and we jumped from scene to scene. The characters weren't well developed and it could use more editing.
June 17, 2022
Not a fan. Done with this guy
July 7, 2023
Good period piece. Mixes historical fact and plausible fiction into an engaging mystery/thriller. Dudley has a follow-up Roy Hawkins thriller, The Hungry Blade, that I intend to get.
February 17, 2024
One of the very best WW II espionnage story I have read!! The best part… some sobering lessons about how history can repeat itself if we are not careful.
June 20, 2018
Intriguing fer sure. Pretentious. A bit sordid and unbelievable in the middle, but overall I enjoyed the time spent reading it. Some grotesque violence too.
May 26, 2022
It's deja vu all over again. The Nazis are trying to influence the presidential election of 1940. Roy Hawkins, an MI6 agent is sent to New York to rout out Nazis and keep at least one of them from stealing US submarine secrets. A compelling read with the historical facts and atmosphere just right.
July 8, 2023
Excellent book!!!
November 23, 2017
New York Station is a fascinating espionage thriller with strong historical roots. Of course, there is artistic license used at times, but it uses many small details that stop this being a fantastical Bond-like adventure.
The Bond comparison is hard to escape. Dudley invites the comparison with references to both Ian Flemming and William Stephenson, and there are similarities, but this is far from a Bond knock-off or homage.
The book has an old-fashioned feel to it. Not dated, stylised. The protagonist, Roy Hawkins, is as much James Stewart as he is James Bond. He has gadgets, but think spy cameras not laser equipped wristwatches. He may chase and grapple with bad guys, but there are no marathon slugging matches or bad guys that get knocked out by a sideways glance. It's all just toned down and plausible which makes it more pleasurable, especially in the context of the plotline - you don't need to suspend disbelief completely to get a kick out of this, and that lets you get sucked into the story.
And that story was enthralling. We start in Paris as the Nazis arrive and when Hawkins finds himself over the Atlantic in the neutral USA they manage to pop up once more. What seems simple propaganda at first quickly turns murkier as we discover just what these Nazi representatives are up to. The story has a slightly leisurely summer feel to it, yet it offers a healthy dose of action and adventure and the plot never really slackens.
The conclusion does feel a little out of place though. In attempting to wrap things up it tries a little too much in the space it has. The plot naturally piles more on, so by cramming it in it feels like an attempt to create some frenzy which just isn't needed. That said, it does leave a very tantalising hook for more which doesn't seem a bad thing to me.
A great read if you like your spies to be a little more understated.
The Bond comparison is hard to escape. Dudley invites the comparison with references to both Ian Flemming and William Stephenson, and there are similarities, but this is far from a Bond knock-off or homage.
The book has an old-fashioned feel to it. Not dated, stylised. The protagonist, Roy Hawkins, is as much James Stewart as he is James Bond. He has gadgets, but think spy cameras not laser equipped wristwatches. He may chase and grapple with bad guys, but there are no marathon slugging matches or bad guys that get knocked out by a sideways glance. It's all just toned down and plausible which makes it more pleasurable, especially in the context of the plotline - you don't need to suspend disbelief completely to get a kick out of this, and that lets you get sucked into the story.
And that story was enthralling. We start in Paris as the Nazis arrive and when Hawkins finds himself over the Atlantic in the neutral USA they manage to pop up once more. What seems simple propaganda at first quickly turns murkier as we discover just what these Nazi representatives are up to. The story has a slightly leisurely summer feel to it, yet it offers a healthy dose of action and adventure and the plot never really slackens.
The conclusion does feel a little out of place though. In attempting to wrap things up it tries a little too much in the space it has. The plot naturally piles more on, so by cramming it in it feels like an attempt to create some frenzy which just isn't needed. That said, it does leave a very tantalising hook for more which doesn't seem a bad thing to me.
A great read if you like your spies to be a little more understated.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews