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Espionage: London
By late 1943, Hitler desperately needed a secret weapon to win WW2. Engineer master spy Karl Strom devised a simple device that would bring Britain to its knees over night.
This character driven story of intrigue and guile, love and revenge, tells of the suicide mission undertaken by 4 German spies. It will transport you back in time to the Channel Island of Alderney where they prepared and to the back streets of London, where they struggle to survive.
Timing is everything in war, and a cruel twist of fate changes history.
A super-intense John Day Thriller.
This character driven story of intrigue and guile, love and revenge, tells of the suicide mission undertaken by 4 German spies. It will transport you back in time to the Channel Island of Alderney where they prepared and to the back streets of London, where they struggle to survive.
Timing is everything in war, and a cruel twist of fate changes history.
A super-intense John Day Thriller.
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Published March 22, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 3, 2017
A gripping suspenseful thriller. From the first page the action grips you. It is tightly written, with excellent suspense and a harrowing plot. Great characterization and twists and turns at every corner. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be looking forward to more works by John Day.
November 12, 2017
I have read a lot of spy thriller/chiller best-sellers, and this book is as good as and in most cases better than any I have read. The detailed research is apparent and is used with great care to enhance the storyline without excessive data that often times can slow the pace. This pace is anything but slow. Espionage – London is a page-turner that will keep you reading into the wee hours. My compliments for a great read.
November 12, 2017
I have read a lot of spy thriller/chiller best-sellers, and this book is as good as and in most cases better than any I have read. The detailed research is apparent and is used with great care to enhance the storyline without excessive data that often times can slow the pace. This pace is anything but slow. Espionage – London is a page-turner that will keep you reading into the wee hours. My compliments for a great read.
November 9, 2017
In “Espionage London”, John Day delivers a fast paced thriller that may as well be glued to your hands as you read. Prepare yourself for a wild ride accompanied by German spy’s with steel resolve. As the four spy’s face trial after trial, their plight will capture your imagination, your heart and get your adrenaline pumping. It’s not every day that you find yourself cheering on the bad guys.
John Day has written from a perspective that is rarely used. Reading from the point of view of four German’s gives a very human face to a side of WW2 that few take the time to give credit for. Just for this insight, I am adding Mr. Day to my list of favorite authors. He’s taken a risk in writing this that few pursue and I thank him for it.
It’s clear through the entire book that John Day has put his heart into every word. His characters are extremely well developed. Each trial they face is explored from multiple angles and thought provoking. It gives tribute to the saying “No one is fully evil. Nothing is as simple as black and white. We are all grey areas”.
After completing the story, I found myself very conflicted. This is high praise for an author. Think about the skill it takes to put such a human face on people who have for decades been portrayed as pure evil. After reading “Espionage London”, I feel that I have a deeper understanding of the plight of Germans and their motivations for fighting. That is not to say that I condone their actions or the murder of millions. For that reason, the German’s are complicit in an unthinkable evil.
Being American, it took me a bit to fall into the different use of language, punctuation and spelling, but this didn’t take away from the brilliance of the story in the slightest. John Day is from the UK and it’s expected that he writes the way he does. To be honest, I actually prefer authors to write with their native version of English. It helps the reader with a worldview perspective as well as being fun to imagine the narration with an accent. Before you ask, I also added a German accent to the characters as well. John Day’s writing makes it easy to do this and it added another layer to the story that I greatly enjoyed.
John Day does a good job of tying up loose ends and serving up justice where justice is due. As Peter, (one of the main characters) so eloquently puts it…..Revenge is a dish best served cold. I greatly enjoyed his success in exacting that particular revenge. I literally gave a cheerfully loud “Hell yes!” after reading that passage. Some people deserve their fate and trust me on this, that particular person absolutely got what was coming to him. You’ll know exactly what I’m talking about when you read it.
“Espionage London” is very quotable and filled with interesting insights. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and will be adding his other books to my TBR list.
Looking for more reviews like this one? Check out my blog https://alliesopinions.wordpress.com/
John Day has written from a perspective that is rarely used. Reading from the point of view of four German’s gives a very human face to a side of WW2 that few take the time to give credit for. Just for this insight, I am adding Mr. Day to my list of favorite authors. He’s taken a risk in writing this that few pursue and I thank him for it.
It’s clear through the entire book that John Day has put his heart into every word. His characters are extremely well developed. Each trial they face is explored from multiple angles and thought provoking. It gives tribute to the saying “No one is fully evil. Nothing is as simple as black and white. We are all grey areas”.
After completing the story, I found myself very conflicted. This is high praise for an author. Think about the skill it takes to put such a human face on people who have for decades been portrayed as pure evil. After reading “Espionage London”, I feel that I have a deeper understanding of the plight of Germans and their motivations for fighting. That is not to say that I condone their actions or the murder of millions. For that reason, the German’s are complicit in an unthinkable evil.
Being American, it took me a bit to fall into the different use of language, punctuation and spelling, but this didn’t take away from the brilliance of the story in the slightest. John Day is from the UK and it’s expected that he writes the way he does. To be honest, I actually prefer authors to write with their native version of English. It helps the reader with a worldview perspective as well as being fun to imagine the narration with an accent. Before you ask, I also added a German accent to the characters as well. John Day’s writing makes it easy to do this and it added another layer to the story that I greatly enjoyed.
John Day does a good job of tying up loose ends and serving up justice where justice is due. As Peter, (one of the main characters) so eloquently puts it…..Revenge is a dish best served cold. I greatly enjoyed his success in exacting that particular revenge. I literally gave a cheerfully loud “Hell yes!” after reading that passage. Some people deserve their fate and trust me on this, that particular person absolutely got what was coming to him. You’ll know exactly what I’m talking about when you read it.
“Espionage London” is very quotable and filled with interesting insights. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and will be adding his other books to my TBR list.
Looking for more reviews like this one? Check out my blog https://alliesopinions.wordpress.com/
April 16, 2019
6/2/1973, Peenemünde Army Research Centre. BOOM! Someone had tossed a grenade.
Ernst Huber (22, Gestapo agent), & Karl Strom (electronic/mechanical engineer, aka spy) were in bad shape.
A military ambulance whisked them away.
Oberst Schwalm (35) had the case files ready for Pieter Klein (tech) to look at.
Helga Bunt (Oberst’s asst) & Pieter kept their relationship secret.
12/18/1943, Captain Anton Schmitt (45) welcomed Pieter “Glass” Klein, Horst Loehr (38), Andreas Dohle (22), Carina Kompchr (30, f) aboard the S-125 boat.
MI5 agent John Caplin was keeping a watchful eye on the bunch.
The S-125 boat had gone down & everyone was scrambling for their lives.
What did MI5 Agent Caplin reveal to MI5 Agent Steve Davis (32)?
Dan Stockley was there to pick up the survivors from the S-125 boat.
28 St, Albans Ave (safehouse), London, England. New ID had been issued: Peter “Glass” Klein (Pieter), Henryk “Zebra” Robak (Horst), Anna “Ballerina” Gohl (Carina), & Andrzej “Arrow” Trocki (Andreas).
Chief Superintendent Thomas Walters had some bad news for Sir Philip Stern (husband/father, MI5).
What happened to Jane Smith?
What happened to Ken Roper (Sr. interrogator)?
Latchmere House (Camp 020. Will John Caplin, & his team catch the last 3 spies?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written WWII book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great spy v spy movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; eBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Ernst Huber (22, Gestapo agent), & Karl Strom (electronic/mechanical engineer, aka spy) were in bad shape.
A military ambulance whisked them away.
Oberst Schwalm (35) had the case files ready for Pieter Klein (tech) to look at.
Helga Bunt (Oberst’s asst) & Pieter kept their relationship secret.
12/18/1943, Captain Anton Schmitt (45) welcomed Pieter “Glass” Klein, Horst Loehr (38), Andreas Dohle (22), Carina Kompchr (30, f) aboard the S-125 boat.
MI5 agent John Caplin was keeping a watchful eye on the bunch.
The S-125 boat had gone down & everyone was scrambling for their lives.
What did MI5 Agent Caplin reveal to MI5 Agent Steve Davis (32)?
Dan Stockley was there to pick up the survivors from the S-125 boat.
28 St, Albans Ave (safehouse), London, England. New ID had been issued: Peter “Glass” Klein (Pieter), Henryk “Zebra” Robak (Horst), Anna “Ballerina” Gohl (Carina), & Andrzej “Arrow” Trocki (Andreas).
Chief Superintendent Thomas Walters had some bad news for Sir Philip Stern (husband/father, MI5).
What happened to Jane Smith?
What happened to Ken Roper (Sr. interrogator)?
Latchmere House (Camp 020. Will John Caplin, & his team catch the last 3 spies?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written WWII book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great spy v spy movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; eBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
November 19, 2017
Told from both a British and German perspective, this was an interesting approach to a second-world-war spy thriller. Set in 1943, a quartet of young spies, led by Karl Strom, is sent by Hitler to set up devastating system that would, he thinks, ensure a positive outcome for Germany.
There is a lot of intrigue, twists and turns, and action. The characterisation is mostly good…a couple of characters are a tad unbelievable…the action scenes are compelling, and the wartime scene-setting is competent.
Day must have done a good deal of scientific and engineering research to make the device the spies are to plant so very credible, an element that contributes to a mostly engaging thriller.
What didn’t work for me was that the spies took on assumed names—obviously. Whilst the plot characters required them to be known by these names, I think the narrator should have referred to them by their ‘real’ names. It was a tad confusing. Secondly, the romantic element didn’t quite convince me. It seems one night between the sheets was enough to declare never-ending love for two couples, at least.
There are some serious editing issues, but nothing that can’t, hopefully, be fixed by a good editor.
John le Carré has no competition here, I’ll be honest, but it’s a decent espionage thriller that keeps you turning the pages right to the end.
There is a lot of intrigue, twists and turns, and action. The characterisation is mostly good…a couple of characters are a tad unbelievable…the action scenes are compelling, and the wartime scene-setting is competent.
Day must have done a good deal of scientific and engineering research to make the device the spies are to plant so very credible, an element that contributes to a mostly engaging thriller.
What didn’t work for me was that the spies took on assumed names—obviously. Whilst the plot characters required them to be known by these names, I think the narrator should have referred to them by their ‘real’ names. It was a tad confusing. Secondly, the romantic element didn’t quite convince me. It seems one night between the sheets was enough to declare never-ending love for two couples, at least.
There are some serious editing issues, but nothing that can’t, hopefully, be fixed by a good editor.
John le Carré has no competition here, I’ll be honest, but it’s a decent espionage thriller that keeps you turning the pages right to the end.
August 30, 2019
I read this book and I admit, I did wonder if the secret weapon actually existed.
There are so many intriguing insights in this story relating to life during WW2 that I wonder where Day managed to find it all. Day has woven an incredible tale from these facts as we become immersed in a desperate act of espionage by a master spy, and his trained German colleagues.
Even the opening chapter paints a grim picture of a captured spies execution. It stuck with me through the book, knowing what awaited them.
This is the first book of John Day's that I have read and I am pleased I did. The twists and turns are to be expected, but Day has followed each of the five German spies as they work their way through the book. This way, each character is introduced and developed in a way that I have never seen in a book before. I found certain characters to be shallow, superficial and unlikeable initially, but when the main story is well under way, I was in there, rooting for them.
As the book explained, this was not about winners or losers, British beats German, but the struggle of tangible people in the dreadful arena of war. As spy stories go, this is a masterpiece of suspense, deception and betrayal.
In this delightful mix is romance and plenty of disturbing moments any thriller reader will enjoy.
A top notch thriller.
There are so many intriguing insights in this story relating to life during WW2 that I wonder where Day managed to find it all. Day has woven an incredible tale from these facts as we become immersed in a desperate act of espionage by a master spy, and his trained German colleagues.
Even the opening chapter paints a grim picture of a captured spies execution. It stuck with me through the book, knowing what awaited them.
This is the first book of John Day's that I have read and I am pleased I did. The twists and turns are to be expected, but Day has followed each of the five German spies as they work their way through the book. This way, each character is introduced and developed in a way that I have never seen in a book before. I found certain characters to be shallow, superficial and unlikeable initially, but when the main story is well under way, I was in there, rooting for them.
As the book explained, this was not about winners or losers, British beats German, but the struggle of tangible people in the dreadful arena of war. As spy stories go, this is a masterpiece of suspense, deception and betrayal.
In this delightful mix is romance and plenty of disturbing moments any thriller reader will enjoy.
A top notch thriller.
November 18, 2017
This thriller is an unrelenting rollercoaster ride you won't want to leave. Only a few pages in, the hero, Karl Strom, survives a grenade attack. The tension, suspense and intrigue doesn’t let up.
In 1943 Germany was desperate to turn the tide of war. Karl Strom has invented a secret weapon that would help his country’s flagging war effort. He is charged personally by Hitler with making sure the weapon works. But the British are onto him. Their presence is felt, even when they’re not physically present, which adds to the foreboding throughout the novel.
Karl moulds a motley crew into a fighting force. They’re ruthless, determined and overcome numerus obstacles. Karl’s ruthlessness is breath-taking. At one point, he considers killing a team member for the cause. But his human side is also apparent. His evolution is one of the novel’s strengths. Unexpected revelations abound, of which one is Karl not being all he seems.
The detail is deep which makes for a richer reading experience and isn’t at the expense of pace.
To say Espionage is fast-paced is an understatement. Thriller, espionage and World War II fans will enjoy it.
In 1943 Germany was desperate to turn the tide of war. Karl Strom has invented a secret weapon that would help his country’s flagging war effort. He is charged personally by Hitler with making sure the weapon works. But the British are onto him. Their presence is felt, even when they’re not physically present, which adds to the foreboding throughout the novel.
Karl moulds a motley crew into a fighting force. They’re ruthless, determined and overcome numerus obstacles. Karl’s ruthlessness is breath-taking. At one point, he considers killing a team member for the cause. But his human side is also apparent. His evolution is one of the novel’s strengths. Unexpected revelations abound, of which one is Karl not being all he seems.
The detail is deep which makes for a richer reading experience and isn’t at the expense of pace.
To say Espionage is fast-paced is an understatement. Thriller, espionage and World War II fans will enjoy it.
November 2, 2017
Intrigue, Suspense, Romance, Betrayal sum up this WWII Spy Novel by John Day.
Great reading at a fast pace with believable characters. Great portrayal of human emotions and failings during a dangerous time. The story is exciting and full of spine tingling adventure alone with romance and betrayal. It is set against the beauty of Alderney and the danger of the back streets of London. The story is about an engineer working with Germany to test an experimental device to aid Germany in the battle against Britain. It follows a group of 4 spies sent from Germany and the British spy agency set to stop them from completing their mission. I could almost feel the frustration of Pieter and the sadness Helga felt. Is Raven dead or alive? The ending has an unexpected twist that leaves you wondering. It is a good read for anyone reading books on WWII historical fiction, and spy stories. I would recommend it.
Great reading at a fast pace with believable characters. Great portrayal of human emotions and failings during a dangerous time. The story is exciting and full of spine tingling adventure alone with romance and betrayal. It is set against the beauty of Alderney and the danger of the back streets of London. The story is about an engineer working with Germany to test an experimental device to aid Germany in the battle against Britain. It follows a group of 4 spies sent from Germany and the British spy agency set to stop them from completing their mission. I could almost feel the frustration of Pieter and the sadness Helga felt. Is Raven dead or alive? The ending has an unexpected twist that leaves you wondering. It is a good read for anyone reading books on WWII historical fiction, and spy stories. I would recommend it.
May 5, 2018
An excellent read. A WW2 espionage thriller set in the Channel Islands and London. The plot is gripping and believable. It is well written and i found I couldn't put it down: intrigued by the next twist and turn in the plot.
If it was SO good why not 5 stars? At the very end when the anti-hero returns to Alderney, there is no explanation of how he got there, given the Herculean Task he had to infiltrate the British coastline in order to complete his mission. Disappointed by this, especially given his 'supposed' aristocratic upbringing and cover story,
Never the less, a very worthwhile expenditure of time!
If it was SO good why not 5 stars? At the very end when the anti-hero returns to Alderney, there is no explanation of how he got there, given the Herculean Task he had to infiltrate the British coastline in order to complete his mission. Disappointed by this, especially given his 'supposed' aristocratic upbringing and cover story,
Never the less, a very worthwhile expenditure of time!
October 23, 2017
I purchased this on Amazon.ca. Espionage London by John Day is a spy verses spy thriller set in 1943 about German spies infiltrating England and their clashes with MI5. It is a very well written spell binder - fast paced and full of action. I rate it on a par with some of the best I have ever read. Well done! It is an easy 5 stars in my opinion. I look forward to reading other books by Mr. Day.
July 3, 2018
A good suspense read.
II enjoyed this novel because I like intrigue, historical references, and suspense. This offered all three. The ending was disappointing and I looked for a follow -up but found none. I hope John Day has another up his sleeve.
II enjoyed this novel because I like intrigue, historical references, and suspense. This offered all three. The ending was disappointing and I looked for a follow -up but found none. I hope John Day has another up his sleeve.
November 26, 2017
Very hard to rate. The premise was original, but the plot holes and some implausible action scenes, added to some poor editing, led me to downgrade it to a three.
August 16, 2018
A well written, fast moving, exciting thriller.
I enjoyed every minute of this book. The characters were well drawn and the story moving constantly to an exciting c!imax.
I enjoyed every minute of this book. The characters were well drawn and the story moving constantly to an exciting c!imax.
September 1, 2018
You can't trust anyone
September 2, 2018
Twister Spy
Well, who knew the reader would root for the German spy, Peter? As Americans as readers we would always root for MI 5 or MI 6 but Pieter or Peter wins our hearts!
Well, who knew the reader would root for the German spy, Peter? As Americans as readers we would always root for MI 5 or MI 6 but Pieter or Peter wins our hearts!
November 7, 2018
Text to Speech and this book...
This book, as much a history of WWII as a novel, is best read (red, not reed) by Brian (GRB). I found it hard to follow the story.
This book, as much a history of WWII as a novel, is best read (red, not reed) by Brian (GRB). I found it hard to follow the story.
July 13, 2019
WWII spy story
Good story, intense and told from a refreshing perspective. Dramatic development and intense ending! Recommend to read. It’s free too!
Good story, intense and told from a refreshing perspective. Dramatic development and intense ending! Recommend to read. It’s free too!
December 19, 2019
Excellent
Fast paced and exciting! Hard to put down. Action on almost every page. Better than most espionage books that I've read.
Fast paced and exciting! Hard to put down. Action on almost every page. Better than most espionage books that I've read.
January 6, 2020
Innensly gratifying read there numerous plot twists and charismatic characters galore, stick with the book I am hoping for more from this author.
January 12, 2020
Needs an editor.
Language and vocabulary choppy and grammatically incorrect. Had to force myself to finish the book. Will read no more by this author.
Language and vocabulary choppy and grammatically incorrect. Had to force myself to finish the book. Will read no more by this author.
February 20, 2020
One of the best spy books I ever read.....technically sound and great likeable characters !
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews