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Spymaster Pym #2
Spy Trap
He was told that getting from Switzerland to Britain would be a piece of cake.
It wasn't.
No one could have imagined the route he would have to take.
Bill Blake is a spy at the end of his tether. He believes he has to get out of the firing line before it’s too late. Spymaster Bernard Pym is equally desperate to find someone to guide Stephen Milton, an independently minded official with vital plans and blueprints, back to Britain from Switzerland. Reluctantly accepting this final, apparently straightforward 'babysitting' job, Blake unexpectedly finds himself trapped in the neutral, but threatened Alpine Republic after the disastrous Fall of France. Faced with a much more difficult and dangerous mission, he is compelled to do what he never does – to place his trust in others.
An instant mutual antipathy between Blake and Milton further complicates matters as they grapple with frequent changes of plan, their relentless pursuit by a gifted German Intelligence officer, betrayal and an improbably long and complex route to success and safety. Adapted from little known, true events, Spy Trap takes the reader on their epic struggle to provide the Royal Navy with the desperately needed ability to defend itself against aerial attack.
Spy Trap is the second in the well-received Spymaster Pym series of Second World War spy adventures.
It wasn't.
No one could have imagined the route he would have to take.
Bill Blake is a spy at the end of his tether. He believes he has to get out of the firing line before it’s too late. Spymaster Bernard Pym is equally desperate to find someone to guide Stephen Milton, an independently minded official with vital plans and blueprints, back to Britain from Switzerland. Reluctantly accepting this final, apparently straightforward 'babysitting' job, Blake unexpectedly finds himself trapped in the neutral, but threatened Alpine Republic after the disastrous Fall of France. Faced with a much more difficult and dangerous mission, he is compelled to do what he never does – to place his trust in others.
An instant mutual antipathy between Blake and Milton further complicates matters as they grapple with frequent changes of plan, their relentless pursuit by a gifted German Intelligence officer, betrayal and an improbably long and complex route to success and safety. Adapted from little known, true events, Spy Trap takes the reader on their epic struggle to provide the Royal Navy with the desperately needed ability to defend itself against aerial attack.
Spy Trap is the second in the well-received Spymaster Pym series of Second World War spy adventures.
322 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2017
27 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
A.P. Martin
6 books51 followersOriginally from the North of England, since taking early retirement from my academic post, I’ve really enjoyed immersing myself in reading and writing. Essentially, I read purely for pleasure, and my single goal in writing is to produce books that people will thoroughly enjoy as a ‘cracking story.’
My first two novels are historical fiction, a genre which, in my view, almost always benefits from a close connection to something that actually happened. The inspiration for my first two books, Codename Lazarus and Spy Trap, came from little known, but truly incredible events from the Second World War. It gave me huge pleasure to adapt the courageous actions of two unsung heroes, into what, I hope, readers have experienced as exciting thrillers.
My third novel, Sentence of Death, represented an exciting new direction for me. It’s a crime thriller, set on Tyneside in the summer of 2016. Strangely, the basic framework for this book also comes from a real event in Gateshead at that time. I’ve always been a bit of a fan of crime fiction, and I hope that readers of this book agree that I’ve created an original plot for their entertainment.
I've just published my fourth book, 'Death of an Asylum Seeker,' which is the second in the Clavel & Snow thriller series.
I'm currently working on a third Second World War novel, featuring Bill Blake, John King and Professor Pym. As yet untitled, it once again takes a virtually unknown, but extremely important story of bravery, and adapts it into what I hope readers will find a thrilling adventure story.
Details of all my work and updates on my progress can be found on my website at www.apmartin.co.uk
There is also a facility on the website for you to send me a private message and to sign up for a quarterly newsletter. It would be great to hear from you, either via the website, or via GoodReads!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 12, 2021
This is, quite simply a great spy/ adventure story which I thoroughly enjoyed. A tale of two British men from differing backgrounds, who are unexpectedly forced to work together as they strive to get crucial plans and documents safely back to the UK during WW2. Without giving away too much of the plot I can say that they find themselves in various countries, constantly in danger of being discovered/captured and the tension towards the end of the book makes for an exciting and entertaining read.
This book is adapted from a true story, details of which the author rather helpfully provides at the end of the book. It continues to astonish me when I read about these unknown “heroes”, so many men and women did such remarkable things for the war effort and the good of their country with little regard for recognition or official acknowledgement.
This book is adapted from a true story, details of which the author rather helpfully provides at the end of the book. It continues to astonish me when I read about these unknown “heroes”, so many men and women did such remarkable things for the war effort and the good of their country with little regard for recognition or official acknowledgement.
December 6, 2017
Book Reviewed by Clive on www.whisperingstories.com
I used to naively assume that in the war the Axis countries used weapons designed and made by Germany and Italy and that the Allies used weapons made in the UK and the USA. Then, from war novels I learned that both sides used the Oerlikon 20mm cannons but I did not fully understand why. Here AP Martin has not only explained how this situation arose but he has also built a thrilling fictional tale around the mystery of how the designs for that gun came to the UK.
Following his first spy novel Codename Lazarus, the author has found another interesting but different angle on the war, this time setting his story in and around Switzerland which as we all know was neutral and yet, as we hear in this book, was far from uninvolved in the action.
AP Martin has a gift for descriptive writing and he gives us plenty of detail whilst keeping the text easy to read. His writing style is in some ways old-fashioned with plenty of commas which I find really helps set the mood of the time and the class of characters that would have made up the undercover services in that era.
I do not usually take much notice of e-book covers but someone has performed well in designing this simple yet striking red and white map of Europe.
The two main characters are believable and some of the fringe characters were also in Codename Lazarus which helps with continuity through the series. Like me you will probably sympathise with the character of Bill Blake and I hope that the author finds a new adventure for him shortly.
In summary, AP Martin has produced a worthy follow up to his debut novel and I for one will be eagerly awaiting the third in the series. I can give Spy Trap nothing less than five stars.
I used to naively assume that in the war the Axis countries used weapons designed and made by Germany and Italy and that the Allies used weapons made in the UK and the USA. Then, from war novels I learned that both sides used the Oerlikon 20mm cannons but I did not fully understand why. Here AP Martin has not only explained how this situation arose but he has also built a thrilling fictional tale around the mystery of how the designs for that gun came to the UK.
Following his first spy novel Codename Lazarus, the author has found another interesting but different angle on the war, this time setting his story in and around Switzerland which as we all know was neutral and yet, as we hear in this book, was far from uninvolved in the action.
AP Martin has a gift for descriptive writing and he gives us plenty of detail whilst keeping the text easy to read. His writing style is in some ways old-fashioned with plenty of commas which I find really helps set the mood of the time and the class of characters that would have made up the undercover services in that era.
I do not usually take much notice of e-book covers but someone has performed well in designing this simple yet striking red and white map of Europe.
The two main characters are believable and some of the fringe characters were also in Codename Lazarus which helps with continuity through the series. Like me you will probably sympathise with the character of Bill Blake and I hope that the author finds a new adventure for him shortly.
In summary, AP Martin has produced a worthy follow up to his debut novel and I for one will be eagerly awaiting the third in the series. I can give Spy Trap nothing less than five stars.
February 8, 2018
Based loosely on a true story, this page turning spy novel of WW II is a worthwhile read. As the Nazis encircled Europe with its blitzkrieg domination early in the war, Switzerland becomes an island unto itself. The Brits are in dire need of a naval cannon to defend against aerial attacks and Oerlikon, a Swiss company, has produced the goods. Getting the plans for the gun out out of the country and back to England without the Nazis getting their hands on the documents becomes the problem. The author takes you on a whirlwind ride on the Orient Express (without Pierot) across Eastern Europe and across Turkey to Tripoli on the Taurus Express as the spies try to win the race to a neutral country to get home. Well researched and written, I highly recommend it. Author Reminds me of Jack Higgins and Frederick Forsythe.
February 9, 2018
Oh wow just love the book cover and after I finished reading it, it caught my eye again and sent shivers through me. Great Britain had never looked so far away from a Switzerland that was totally surrounded with the Nazi flags, signifying the daunting task of two brave men making it back home in one piece very slim.
Now if you are looking for some sort of James Bond hero type read then move on please, this is the story of two courageous men, under cover in Europe and both wanting and needing to return home to Britain for different reasons. There are no fancy gadgets to help them evade the enemy. Just a make it up as you go along sort of plan, with neither of them aware that a German Intelligence Officer was closing in fast, as they traveled through occupied countries in Europe. Captain Ulrich Schulz was a very focused blood hound that was hot on their trail. He hadn’t a clue what they had but he knew it couldn’t get to Great Britain, just like he was determined Blake and Milton wouldn’t!
William Blake had lived on a knife-edge far too long to the point of exhaustion and a longing to return back home but the only way he is offered the chance of doing just that is to take on one final mission. Accompany Ex Gunner Officer Milton across Europe and finally to the safety of the Great Britain. He of course will be carrying vital blueprints of a Navy Cannon that could swing the chances of winning the war in Great Britain’s favor. Now there were times that I felt Blake and Milton would see each other off without the help of the Nazis, these two are like chalk and cheese with differing view points on everything.
The story is based on true events, which can be read about in the back of the book but here with fact and fiction then being mixed, it works beautifully. I felt transported back in time with the way Mr. Martin captured the dialogue of the characters with perfection. It really was a joy to read. There is a real dread of being captured throughout the book which began at the start with a brave young woman and just kept growing with intensity as the two traveled across Europe. No matter how they tried to avoid other people their destinies crossed, it was a matter of deciding if they could be trusted or not.
The whole book has very realistic feel to it and quite a tribute to the men and women that did so much in a very unassuming and quiet way. A super read!
I wish to thank the author for a copy of this book which I have honestly reviewed
Now if you are looking for some sort of James Bond hero type read then move on please, this is the story of two courageous men, under cover in Europe and both wanting and needing to return home to Britain for different reasons. There are no fancy gadgets to help them evade the enemy. Just a make it up as you go along sort of plan, with neither of them aware that a German Intelligence Officer was closing in fast, as they traveled through occupied countries in Europe. Captain Ulrich Schulz was a very focused blood hound that was hot on their trail. He hadn’t a clue what they had but he knew it couldn’t get to Great Britain, just like he was determined Blake and Milton wouldn’t!
William Blake had lived on a knife-edge far too long to the point of exhaustion and a longing to return back home but the only way he is offered the chance of doing just that is to take on one final mission. Accompany Ex Gunner Officer Milton across Europe and finally to the safety of the Great Britain. He of course will be carrying vital blueprints of a Navy Cannon that could swing the chances of winning the war in Great Britain’s favor. Now there were times that I felt Blake and Milton would see each other off without the help of the Nazis, these two are like chalk and cheese with differing view points on everything.
The story is based on true events, which can be read about in the back of the book but here with fact and fiction then being mixed, it works beautifully. I felt transported back in time with the way Mr. Martin captured the dialogue of the characters with perfection. It really was a joy to read. There is a real dread of being captured throughout the book which began at the start with a brave young woman and just kept growing with intensity as the two traveled across Europe. No matter how they tried to avoid other people their destinies crossed, it was a matter of deciding if they could be trusted or not.
The whole book has very realistic feel to it and quite a tribute to the men and women that did so much in a very unassuming and quiet way. A super read!
I wish to thank the author for a copy of this book which I have honestly reviewed
October 11, 2017
It is difficult nowadays to find a good WW2 novel. There are plenty of stories about Afghanistan and other parts of the Middle East but the Second World War seems to feature less and less in modern literature. That’s a pity! It has been a wonderful source of material for great movies and novels over the years, and I have enjoyed many of both.
But, to my delight, I have just encountered AP Martin’s brilliant WW2 thriller, Spy Trap. This is a tense story of two Englishmen, trying to deliver vital blueprints from neutral Switzerland across Nazi occupied Europe to England. Surrounded by hostile Axis forces on all sides, they have to take a hugely circuitous journey across Europe in order to avoid detection. Unknown to them, however, they are hunted every step of the way by a German Intelligence officer, determined to stop them at all costs.
Recently the Director of MI6 declared that he had far greater respect for Le Carre’s Smiley than for Ian Fleming’s James Bond. ‘Smiley,’ he said, ‘was a real spy.’ One of the spies in Martin’s book talked about not only the lack of glamour in a spy’s life, but the fear of making a mistake, of living a life tortured with dread of discovery, of hiding every minute of every day, of clandestine meetings, of the sheer terror that can result from unexpected glitches in the best laid plans. There are no sophisticated adventures in a real spy’s life, just endless stress, paranoia, and the ever-present threat of mental breakdown.
Martin’s book masterfully captures this realism, but strangely, the flight across Europe is painted in magnificent colours. Mouth-watering descriptions of various stages of the exotic journey fill the reader’s mind. There are fascinating pictures of Istanbul, Turkey, Switzerland, and even a stunning ride on the famous Orient Express.
Since we know from the blurb that, while Spy Trap is to some degree fiction. the events related in it are based on a real WW2 incident. The reader cannot, therefore, be sure of the extent to which the rules of fiction will prevail. Hence, when the fugitives face a cataclysmic setback in an explosive and shocking climax, we cannot know until the very end whether or not the heroic British agents survive.
Spy Trap is an outstanding read, written by an author with a superb writing style and a phenomenal knowledge of Europe and of the Second World War. He clearly has a passion for the era and the novel’s locations, and this passion is hugely infectious. Spy Trap is a suspense-filled tour de force that will suck the reader into the world of these two spies and doesn’t let us go until the very end. If you love war stories, you’ll love this book. If you love good writing, travel in enticing and romantic places, then this book is for you, too. Check it out. You’ll be glad you did.
But, to my delight, I have just encountered AP Martin’s brilliant WW2 thriller, Spy Trap. This is a tense story of two Englishmen, trying to deliver vital blueprints from neutral Switzerland across Nazi occupied Europe to England. Surrounded by hostile Axis forces on all sides, they have to take a hugely circuitous journey across Europe in order to avoid detection. Unknown to them, however, they are hunted every step of the way by a German Intelligence officer, determined to stop them at all costs.
Recently the Director of MI6 declared that he had far greater respect for Le Carre’s Smiley than for Ian Fleming’s James Bond. ‘Smiley,’ he said, ‘was a real spy.’ One of the spies in Martin’s book talked about not only the lack of glamour in a spy’s life, but the fear of making a mistake, of living a life tortured with dread of discovery, of hiding every minute of every day, of clandestine meetings, of the sheer terror that can result from unexpected glitches in the best laid plans. There are no sophisticated adventures in a real spy’s life, just endless stress, paranoia, and the ever-present threat of mental breakdown.
Martin’s book masterfully captures this realism, but strangely, the flight across Europe is painted in magnificent colours. Mouth-watering descriptions of various stages of the exotic journey fill the reader’s mind. There are fascinating pictures of Istanbul, Turkey, Switzerland, and even a stunning ride on the famous Orient Express.
Since we know from the blurb that, while Spy Trap is to some degree fiction. the events related in it are based on a real WW2 incident. The reader cannot, therefore, be sure of the extent to which the rules of fiction will prevail. Hence, when the fugitives face a cataclysmic setback in an explosive and shocking climax, we cannot know until the very end whether or not the heroic British agents survive.
Spy Trap is an outstanding read, written by an author with a superb writing style and a phenomenal knowledge of Europe and of the Second World War. He clearly has a passion for the era and the novel’s locations, and this passion is hugely infectious. Spy Trap is a suspense-filled tour de force that will suck the reader into the world of these two spies and doesn’t let us go until the very end. If you love war stories, you’ll love this book. If you love good writing, travel in enticing and romantic places, then this book is for you, too. Check it out. You’ll be glad you did.
October 20, 2017
I was looking forward to reading A P Martin's new book, having thoroughly enjoyed Codename Lazarus. I was not disappointed. Highly recommended, and a nice touch to include a short recount of the true story that the book is based on.
March 17, 2018
Spy Trap is based on a true story and even though it is an incredible, heroic adventure it is also very believable, from the characters through to the plot and the descriptive passages. Very well done.
It is set in and around Switzerland but includes a trip on the Orient Express across Eastern Europe and the Taurus Express from Turkey to Tripoli. The two protagonists must get important technical drawings of the Oerlikon 20mm cannon and two sacks of jewel centres for aircraft instruments out of Switzerland and into Britain without being detected. Without these drawings, production of the 20mm cannon in Britain would likely never be possible, leaving British ships at high risk of attack from the air.
Enter ex naval man Milton, a down to earth, decent man determined to do the right thing for his country. He is aided by Blake, an exhausted and jaded spy. Blake is nothing like your 007, he is sick and tired of always being afraid, of trusting no one and is very close to having a mental breakdown from the stress. He is so real, so anguished, yet he takes this one last mission in the hope he will at last be able to get home. I loved these two characters who had little in common to start with but struck a deal to get the job done.
These two are pursued by Cpt.Schulz, from German Military Intelligence. The reader is given enough background information about Schulz for him to be likeable and human and I understood why it was so vital for him to succeed in his own mission, that of stopping Milton and Blake.
I found the first few chapters a bit slow going but they are necessary to lay down the background and introduce the characters. The pace soon picks up with plenty of conflict and tension.
The scenes where Milton and Blake are being chased by Schulz are exciting. The near misses, the sections where they almost get away but are thwarted and have to start again, when they don't realise that Schulz is behind them, the accidental meetings with individuals who turn out to be vital. Brilliantly drawn out tension and pace.
I don't want to put in any spoilers, but my heart nearly stopped at one point with Blake. I wanted this miserable, burnt out spy to be a hero one last time. He was my favourite character because he was such a realistic portrayal of a man who has been too long behind enemy lines.
At the end of the book, in the author's notes, the author leaves the reader to decide if he has done justice to the true story and the real people involved in it. Well in my opinion he has indeed, a fitting tribute to unsung heroes, it tugs at the heart strings.
It is set in and around Switzerland but includes a trip on the Orient Express across Eastern Europe and the Taurus Express from Turkey to Tripoli. The two protagonists must get important technical drawings of the Oerlikon 20mm cannon and two sacks of jewel centres for aircraft instruments out of Switzerland and into Britain without being detected. Without these drawings, production of the 20mm cannon in Britain would likely never be possible, leaving British ships at high risk of attack from the air.
Enter ex naval man Milton, a down to earth, decent man determined to do the right thing for his country. He is aided by Blake, an exhausted and jaded spy. Blake is nothing like your 007, he is sick and tired of always being afraid, of trusting no one and is very close to having a mental breakdown from the stress. He is so real, so anguished, yet he takes this one last mission in the hope he will at last be able to get home. I loved these two characters who had little in common to start with but struck a deal to get the job done.
These two are pursued by Cpt.Schulz, from German Military Intelligence. The reader is given enough background information about Schulz for him to be likeable and human and I understood why it was so vital for him to succeed in his own mission, that of stopping Milton and Blake.
I found the first few chapters a bit slow going but they are necessary to lay down the background and introduce the characters. The pace soon picks up with plenty of conflict and tension.
The scenes where Milton and Blake are being chased by Schulz are exciting. The near misses, the sections where they almost get away but are thwarted and have to start again, when they don't realise that Schulz is behind them, the accidental meetings with individuals who turn out to be vital. Brilliantly drawn out tension and pace.
I don't want to put in any spoilers, but my heart nearly stopped at one point with Blake. I wanted this miserable, burnt out spy to be a hero one last time. He was my favourite character because he was such a realistic portrayal of a man who has been too long behind enemy lines.
At the end of the book, in the author's notes, the author leaves the reader to decide if he has done justice to the true story and the real people involved in it. Well in my opinion he has indeed, a fitting tribute to unsung heroes, it tugs at the heart strings.
February 20, 2018
Spy Trap by A.P. Martin is a well-paced, suspenseful thriller centered on a race between British and German spies trying to gain control of a coveted weapon that could determine the course of World War II. Bill Blake is a forty-something operative for MI6 whose background as a German student makes him a prime candidate for the operation. He is assigned to recover plans for the production of a 20mm cannon designed at a factory in Oerlikon, a town controlled by the Nazis. He finds himself competing against Stephen Milton and the beautiful Nesrin in a showdown with Captain Ulrich Schulz and his SD cohorts, Schmidt and Draxler. The characters find themselves aboard a train to Tripoli where the political intrigue exacerbates a volatile situation. Blake’s experience is his ace-in-the-hole, yet the formidable trio may well place his very life at risk. Can Milton and Nesrin help even the score, or will the Germans turn this into Blake’s last mission?
Martin expertly weaves the tale in providing a well-researched backstory of how the German takeover of Europe affected the political landscape of the Continent. The conflict finds its way onto an Eastern European railway that favorably brings a flavor of Orient Express intrigue. Both protagonists and antagonists add to the tension and the atmosphere of the crisis as Blake has to concern himself with Milton and Nesrin’s safety while faced with the dangerous Nazi team. It reminds us of an aging James Bond trying to overcome all obstacles with the fate of the Free World at stake.
For espionage fans, action/adventure buffs and readers of all ages, Spy Trap by A.P. Martin is one you won’t want to miss
Martin expertly weaves the tale in providing a well-researched backstory of how the German takeover of Europe affected the political landscape of the Continent. The conflict finds its way onto an Eastern European railway that favorably brings a flavor of Orient Express intrigue. Both protagonists and antagonists add to the tension and the atmosphere of the crisis as Blake has to concern himself with Milton and Nesrin’s safety while faced with the dangerous Nazi team. It reminds us of an aging James Bond trying to overcome all obstacles with the fate of the Free World at stake.
For espionage fans, action/adventure buffs and readers of all ages, Spy Trap by A.P. Martin is one you won’t want to miss
May 14, 2018
Although I’m a history geek who is more than a tiny bit obsessed with WWII, this novel is based upon a true story of which I had no knowledge. *Rubs hands in glee* The historical story itself is quite interesting. I enjoyed following the characters on their adventure from Switzerland to Istanbul and beyond. I did feel the story got bogged down in tiny details a bit too often, but in general I kept reading as I was curious where the story would end up.
The historical information and background could have been weaved into the story in a more seamless manner as the provision of information via dialogue often makes the character dialogue unrealistic. In general, there’s a bit too much telling and not enough showing for my liking. This sometimes makes the story a bit mundane to read. As someone who has lived in Istanbul (and Heidelberg for that matter), the descriptions of the city were often inaccurate. For example, the Park Hotel does not overlook the Grande Rue (it’s a hundred meters or so down the road from Taksim). I found this section of the novel difficult to read as I was often disturbed with these inaccuracies.
The writing could use some editing. The overuse (and sometimes incorrect) use of commas, the improper use of adverbs, and switches in tenses interrupt the flow of the story but could easily be corrected with the use of an editor.
Overall, an interesting historical read.
The historical information and background could have been weaved into the story in a more seamless manner as the provision of information via dialogue often makes the character dialogue unrealistic. In general, there’s a bit too much telling and not enough showing for my liking. This sometimes makes the story a bit mundane to read. As someone who has lived in Istanbul (and Heidelberg for that matter), the descriptions of the city were often inaccurate. For example, the Park Hotel does not overlook the Grande Rue (it’s a hundred meters or so down the road from Taksim). I found this section of the novel difficult to read as I was often disturbed with these inaccuracies.
The writing could use some editing. The overuse (and sometimes incorrect) use of commas, the improper use of adverbs, and switches in tenses interrupt the flow of the story but could easily be corrected with the use of an editor.
Overall, an interesting historical read.
December 9, 2017
Due to too much going on in my personal life, I wasn’t able to read a lot of Spy Trap at first. Usually when that’s the case, I have a hard time getting into a story, but this book surprised me. I got caught up in it right away even though at first I could only read a few pages a day. That is testimony to how good it is.
Based on a real incident in WWII, the story is about the escape of two British men from neutral, but Nazi-surrounded, Switzerland back to British-held territory with the Germans hot on their trail. The first chapters move more slowly while the story is laid out and the characters introduced, but the action quickly picks up, and once it does, it never lets up. Hollywood should pay attention, because this would make a great movie.
Another thing I noticed was the atmosphere the writer evoked by his choice of language. It “felt” like a story that could have been written in the late forties. That atmosphere really added to my enjoyment of the story. If you like spy novels, I highly recommend Spy Trap. It won’t disappoint.
I received a free copy of Spy Trap in exchange for an honest review.
Based on a real incident in WWII, the story is about the escape of two British men from neutral, but Nazi-surrounded, Switzerland back to British-held territory with the Germans hot on their trail. The first chapters move more slowly while the story is laid out and the characters introduced, but the action quickly picks up, and once it does, it never lets up. Hollywood should pay attention, because this would make a great movie.
Another thing I noticed was the atmosphere the writer evoked by his choice of language. It “felt” like a story that could have been written in the late forties. That atmosphere really added to my enjoyment of the story. If you like spy novels, I highly recommend Spy Trap. It won’t disappoint.
I received a free copy of Spy Trap in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2017
Spy Trap was a wonderful novel! It’s a WW2 thriller/spy/adventure style story that has some origins in truth but was also a fiction. I really enjoyed the mix. I’m not a history buff or fan honestly, but I’ve always had a bit of fascination with WW2 and while informative this author really balanced the line between action, history, and heart. I enjoyed both main characters and was really able to connect to their plight during the reading of this book. I am not a fan of the cover, and I can admit, I one of those who judge books at times based on the cover. As such, I was really blow away by the story! No more judgment at all, and now that I know what the story is about, I understand the cover. I highly recommend Spy Trap to anyone who likes history, actions, spy novels or even those who just like reading really well set up locations. It’s a seriously entertaining and great book. It was one of my favorite reads of the year. Made my top 10 list this year for sure!
July 22, 2018
To those of you haven't yet read this very good and well-told story... get your credit cards out and invest in it asap! Based on a true story from the Second World War, this is a tale of derring-do, of good guys trying to keep one step ahead of the bad guys, of intermational espionage in a time when the stakes were higher than at any other time, authoritarian dictatorship or democracy.
I won't spoil the tale except to say that I was always expecting to have Charters and Caldicott sidle up and ask if I knew how many Hutton had scored against the est Indies at the Oval, or to catch sight of Geoffrey Household's un-named hero from Rogue Male as he makes his difficult way to Tangier to assassinate his also un-named target, or to catch Rick's immortal words, 'Here’s looking at you, kid.'
Do yourself a favour,... pick up a copy today....
I won't spoil the tale except to say that I was always expecting to have Charters and Caldicott sidle up and ask if I knew how many Hutton had scored against the est Indies at the Oval, or to catch sight of Geoffrey Household's un-named hero from Rogue Male as he makes his difficult way to Tangier to assassinate his also un-named target, or to catch Rick's immortal words, 'Here’s looking at you, kid.'
Do yourself a favour,... pick up a copy today....
February 22, 2019
This is an exciting spy thriller, based on little known true events in WW2. No actual combat here, just getting critical information out of neutral Switzerland through enemy-held territory to the Allies. The author provides great descriptions of European and Middle East geography and architecture. He does well with most of his character development. The fictional cat and mouse spy maneuvering is fast-paced and exciting, but a little over the top for me. I eye-rolled at the many remarkable coincidences that drove the story forward. I wasn't thrilled at the female character presentation and the instant romance hinted at. Overall, this is some very enjoyable historical fiction.
September 5, 2018
James Bond he is not. In his own words, William Blake, the central, fictional figure in this spy novel is burned out suffering from nightmares, shakes, extreme anxiety, and constant fear. He chain smokes and is making every effort to get back home. In spite of these shortcomings, he is able to successfully complete his mission, despite being shot and almost killed after being betrayed. Glad I this book was suggested to me.
February 3, 2019
I enjoy books about WW2 and spies, and I enjoyed this book as a decent example of that genre. I did puzzle at the curious over use of commas (that other reviews have noted) but that did not diminish my pleasure at reading it. Worthwhile.
July 11, 2018
Good read
Well written storyline,plenty of twists and turns,keeps you on edge till the end. Will await next novel with interest, as end leaves an opening.
Well written storyline,plenty of twists and turns,keeps you on edge till the end. Will await next novel with interest, as end leaves an opening.
January 23, 2019
Great yarn... keeps you engaged constantly. Worth a read and does explain some history that is forgotten.. Dates and geography lessons.
March 3, 2019
A good solid spy yarn
I really enjoyed this book - fun and interesting characters and a plausible plot. Happy to recommend this as a highly enjoyable cosy read !
I really enjoyed this book - fun and interesting characters and a plausible plot. Happy to recommend this as a highly enjoyable cosy read !
September 9, 2019
Fantastic novel
This is a remarkable story crafted from a real life story that I found hard to put down. Great late summer reading.
This is a remarkable story crafted from a real life story that I found hard to put down. Great late summer reading.
April 27, 2021
A book I enjoyed being particularly interested in WW2 and spys.
The fact that it is based on a factual occurring was interesting. Never been to any of the places referred was also of ibterest.
The fact that it is based on a factual occurring was interesting. Never been to any of the places referred was also of ibterest.
October 14, 2018
This came to my attention via a message from another Goodreads member after I had read Len Deighton's SS-GB. I am glad I took his/her advice. This is a very entertaining piece of historical fiction, based on an actual event that took place at the beginning of WW II. The author provides the details of the actual event at the end of the book. In this telling of the story, which takes place right after Dunkirk and the German Blitzkrieg, we have two reluctant spies thrown together to fulfill what seems to be a simple mission but one that is critical to the war effort. Needless to say the mission is not as simple as expected, but if it was that wouldn't be much of a story now would it?
May 28, 2020
I must congratulate the author for writing an engaging book based on a true story. It is the summer of 1940, France has fallen. Flush with a relatively quick victory, Nazis are planning a rather ambitious foray across Europe.
Stephen Milton a former Royal Navy gunner based in Bern is trying to expedite the delivery of drawings and franchise agreements for the manufacture of 20 mm anti-aircraft Orlikan gun to Britain. The gun would prove to be an asset to the Royal Navy against German air power. The war has thrown up people for and against Nazi Germany in neutral Switzerland. It is urgent that Milton gets the design and the agreement to London. Thus, starts a race against time with William Blake getting involved. Blake is an MI6 agent. Having spent a long time operating in the now enemy territory Blake is experiencing nervousness that tells him that he is nearing his time to hang in his gloves and be back in London for some desk job. He is persuaded to be a nursemaid for Milton who would need someone like Blake, an experienced intelligence office to ensure Milton's safe return to Britain with the documents.
I found myself completely hooked to the story as it unfolds. The author builds the other characters in a way that I could easily relate to them. The train journey that Milton and Blake decide to undertake from Istanbul to reach Egypt becomes more interesting with the induction of lady Turkish intelligence officer Nesrin. I drooled reading the description of Hydarpasa and the train station and felt myself to be there in person. I love trains and train journeys. The book reaches its thrilling finale with lots of twists and turns thrown in. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the storytelling by Mr. Martin! I found the author’s note at the end of the book quite useful as it put in perspective his passionate quest for bringing this lesser known, perhaps, true story of WWII for us, readers, to relish.
Stephen Milton a former Royal Navy gunner based in Bern is trying to expedite the delivery of drawings and franchise agreements for the manufacture of 20 mm anti-aircraft Orlikan gun to Britain. The gun would prove to be an asset to the Royal Navy against German air power. The war has thrown up people for and against Nazi Germany in neutral Switzerland. It is urgent that Milton gets the design and the agreement to London. Thus, starts a race against time with William Blake getting involved. Blake is an MI6 agent. Having spent a long time operating in the now enemy territory Blake is experiencing nervousness that tells him that he is nearing his time to hang in his gloves and be back in London for some desk job. He is persuaded to be a nursemaid for Milton who would need someone like Blake, an experienced intelligence office to ensure Milton's safe return to Britain with the documents.
I found myself completely hooked to the story as it unfolds. The author builds the other characters in a way that I could easily relate to them. The train journey that Milton and Blake decide to undertake from Istanbul to reach Egypt becomes more interesting with the induction of lady Turkish intelligence officer Nesrin. I drooled reading the description of Hydarpasa and the train station and felt myself to be there in person. I love trains and train journeys. The book reaches its thrilling finale with lots of twists and turns thrown in. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the storytelling by Mr. Martin! I found the author’s note at the end of the book quite useful as it put in perspective his passionate quest for bringing this lesser known, perhaps, true story of WWII for us, readers, to relish.
January 14, 2018
An interesting spy tale based on actual events at the beginning of World War II.
December 27, 2020
A most enjoyable espionage thriller, no spoilers and therefore I will not divulge anything of the story or plot. What I will say is that it is worth reading!
May 5, 2018
A P Martin has hit on a winning strategy for writing a spy novel: find some little known act of heroism that probably went a long way towards saving Britian during the war, flesh it out with believable characters and weave in a gripping plot. He did it in Operation Lazarus, and he's done it again here.
A British spy who's been through one too many close calls and is on the verge of a breakdown, teams up with a former gunner officer who doesn't have a clue about spying. In the latter's possession are the plans for an antiaircraft gun, designed by the Swiss, that will enable the British to defend their borders against airstrikes. The object is to get them to British held territory. Switzerland while neutral, is mostly surrounded by Nazi held land. And how soon before Switzerland falls to the Nazi's? We only know that by hindsight.
One thing I appreciate about the author is that he doesn't paint all the Germans with the same brush. There are the old school German officers who, while loyal to the Fatherland, be it Nazi, maintain a certain amount of compassion and common sence, but are nevertheless formidable foes. Then, there is are the SS fanatics, who have little regard for human life. A P Martin cleverly weaves in all these factors into a suspenceful ride, ridden with surprises, to a satisfying finish.
A British spy who's been through one too many close calls and is on the verge of a breakdown, teams up with a former gunner officer who doesn't have a clue about spying. In the latter's possession are the plans for an antiaircraft gun, designed by the Swiss, that will enable the British to defend their borders against airstrikes. The object is to get them to British held territory. Switzerland while neutral, is mostly surrounded by Nazi held land. And how soon before Switzerland falls to the Nazi's? We only know that by hindsight.
One thing I appreciate about the author is that he doesn't paint all the Germans with the same brush. There are the old school German officers who, while loyal to the Fatherland, be it Nazi, maintain a certain amount of compassion and common sence, but are nevertheless formidable foes. Then, there is are the SS fanatics, who have little regard for human life. A P Martin cleverly weaves in all these factors into a suspenceful ride, ridden with surprises, to a satisfying finish.
April 24, 2018
4.5 stars for a thrilling chase! I found this to be a very well-written spy novel. The characters were interesting, the events and places well-researched and the storyline engaging. There were a couple of interesting twists, one of which I did not see coming at all. The main protagonist Blake was somewhat unlikeable at the start, although quite realistic. I liked how the author developed his character, gaining the reader's sympathy until he became a worthy hero.
The switching POVs between the characters was a bit jarring at times. While I enjoyed how the author gives glimpses into different characters' feelings and what they were thinking, sometimes the lines were bit blurred. I also would've liked to see a little romance in there (but that's just the romantic in me talking) but I did like the couple of female characters in the novel.
Overall, this was a historically-rich, engaging story with a nerve-wracking, thrilling chase, interesting characters and fascinating settings. I recommend this for history lovers, especially for fans of WWII thrillers.
The switching POVs between the characters was a bit jarring at times. While I enjoyed how the author gives glimpses into different characters' feelings and what they were thinking, sometimes the lines were bit blurred. I also would've liked to see a little romance in there (but that's just the romantic in me talking) but I did like the couple of female characters in the novel.
Overall, this was a historically-rich, engaging story with a nerve-wracking, thrilling chase, interesting characters and fascinating settings. I recommend this for history lovers, especially for fans of WWII thrillers.
April 21, 2019
A thoroughly excellent book. It's a fascinating story, well told by a really good author. I couldn't sleep, so thought I'd read a few pages of Spy Trap until I felt tired again. I finished the book before I realised where the time had gone.
Blake and Milton (two not so poetical British agents) have to work together to get vital plans and parts that would enable important weapons to be produced in Britain out of Switzerland and back to Blighty as quickly as possible. The two men travel through Switzerland into Turkey and then on to the Middle East, before returning home, not quite in good health, but alive.
On their journey, Blake and Milton are stalked by a very persistent Abwehr Hauptmann, aided and abetted by some rather unsavoury SD personnel, who try their best to stop the two British agents from succeeding.
The story is fast moving and exciting. I didn't want it to end, yet I wanted to know what happened to the main characters. I love this author's style. I'm so glad I acted on the recommendation of another Goodreads contributor.
Blake and Milton (two not so poetical British agents) have to work together to get vital plans and parts that would enable important weapons to be produced in Britain out of Switzerland and back to Blighty as quickly as possible. The two men travel through Switzerland into Turkey and then on to the Middle East, before returning home, not quite in good health, but alive.
On their journey, Blake and Milton are stalked by a very persistent Abwehr Hauptmann, aided and abetted by some rather unsavoury SD personnel, who try their best to stop the two British agents from succeeding.
The story is fast moving and exciting. I didn't want it to end, yet I wanted to know what happened to the main characters. I love this author's style. I'm so glad I acted on the recommendation of another Goodreads contributor.
March 21, 2020
Spy Trap. A. P. Martin
This novel is actually based on historical fact with some of the characters the authors imagination. Hitler's armies are on the March. France has fallen. England stands alone in its fight to survive. Important plans regarding a weapon. To help the British survive the German aerial attack are the main thrust of this book. This weapon is actually still in use today and was key to their survival. This is an amazing read !!! The primary characters totally believable in their quest to complete their mission. Again an excellent spy thriller! My highest recommendation
This novel is actually based on historical fact with some of the characters the authors imagination. Hitler's armies are on the March. France has fallen. England stands alone in its fight to survive. Important plans regarding a weapon. To help the British survive the German aerial attack are the main thrust of this book. This weapon is actually still in use today and was key to their survival. This is an amazing read !!! The primary characters totally believable in their quest to complete their mission. Again an excellent spy thriller! My highest recommendation
March 2, 2018
Brilliant. An absolutely worthy sequel to Lazarus. A thoroughly enjoyable WWII spy / thriller book of the highest caliber. No pun intended. The book based on a true story of how Britain managed to obtain the 20mm gun specifications from The Oerlikon factory in Switzerland. There were sufficient twists and turns in the plot to keep ones interest and a desperation to continue to the next page despite the early hours.
Looking forward to more from this author.
Looking forward to more from this author.
September 27, 2018
A recommendation
I had this book recommended to me by a fellow Goodreads member. I liked the story line and the fact that it is based (loosely) on real events. But I never felt truly engaged with the characters and their interaction seemed a bit simplistic at times. Some more character building and back story might of helped with this. Having said that it is an enjoyable, if undemanding, read - ideal for a plane journey!
I had this book recommended to me by a fellow Goodreads member. I liked the story line and the fact that it is based (loosely) on real events. But I never felt truly engaged with the characters and their interaction seemed a bit simplistic at times. Some more character building and back story might of helped with this. Having said that it is an enjoyable, if undemanding, read - ideal for a plane journey!
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