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Tom Wilde #2
Nucleus
BRAND NEW, Exactly same ISBN as listed, Please double check ISBN carefully before ordering.
372 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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About the author
Rory Clements
35 books540 followersRory Clements has had a long and successful newspaper career, including being features editor and associate editor of Today, editor of the Daily Mail's Good Health Pages, and editor of the health section at the Evening Standard. He now writes full-time in an idyllic corner of Norfolk, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
December 6, 2017
As spy thrillers go, it doesn't get much better than Nucleus!
It's June 1939 and Thomas Wilde, history professor at Cambridge University, finds himself caught up in the middle of conspiracies and espionage as Europe hovers on the brink of war. In England, the man in the street may have his gas mask at the ready, but in Cambridge the tradition of the May Balls goes ahead in much the same way they always have, but there is a feeling in the air that this is a last fling before the fear of war becomes a reality. England has already been experiencing the IRA's S- plan bombing campaign, with over 100 attempts at sabotage, but much worse is on the horizon as the Nazis have produced man made fission, the precursor to the nuclear bomb. The German High Command is aware that British and US scientists are also working on fission, with Cambridge being the focus of research in England, so they're desperate to infiltrate the centre to discover just how close their enemies are to creating the nuclear bomb.
What a cracking spy thriller this was, from England to Berlin, Washington DC, to the west coast of Ireland, Nucleus takes us on a journey, not just in geographical terms but in terms of the precarious journey we undertake alongside Tom Wilde - these were very dangerous times. There was plenty of misdirection employed, which of course raised the tension, making it impossible to decide who to trust. As for our protagonist Tom, well, let's just say he goes down like strawberries and cream at Wimbledon - just the job!
* Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Zaffre for my ARC in exchange for an honest review*
It's June 1939 and Thomas Wilde, history professor at Cambridge University, finds himself caught up in the middle of conspiracies and espionage as Europe hovers on the brink of war. In England, the man in the street may have his gas mask at the ready, but in Cambridge the tradition of the May Balls goes ahead in much the same way they always have, but there is a feeling in the air that this is a last fling before the fear of war becomes a reality. England has already been experiencing the IRA's S- plan bombing campaign, with over 100 attempts at sabotage, but much worse is on the horizon as the Nazis have produced man made fission, the precursor to the nuclear bomb. The German High Command is aware that British and US scientists are also working on fission, with Cambridge being the focus of research in England, so they're desperate to infiltrate the centre to discover just how close their enemies are to creating the nuclear bomb.
What a cracking spy thriller this was, from England to Berlin, Washington DC, to the west coast of Ireland, Nucleus takes us on a journey, not just in geographical terms but in terms of the precarious journey we undertake alongside Tom Wilde - these were very dangerous times. There was plenty of misdirection employed, which of course raised the tension, making it impossible to decide who to trust. As for our protagonist Tom, well, let's just say he goes down like strawberries and cream at Wimbledon - just the job!
* Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Zaffre for my ARC in exchange for an honest review*
January 23, 2020
Espionage
Nucleus is Rory Clements’ second book in the Tom Wilde series and it is an enthralling, high tension spy thriller that merges many of the political events at play in Europe at the dawn of the Second World War. Tom Wilde, Cambridge University professor, finds himself in the middle of a deadly game of espionage that could see the victor deliver the atom bomb. With a race to deliver the ultimate weapon of destruction, all threats must be eliminated and resources protected. Misleading and deceiving the enemy is key to winning the impending war. Tom has to weave his way through this dangerous web.
The Nazis have just produced a fission reaction and are now much closer to delivering an atomic bomb. They need to know how far the British and US research has developed in their race to be the first to use it. Cambridge University is the centre of where the Germans are trying to infiltrate the research centres and where the Russians have already established a spy ring that will become infamous, and last for over a decade. The backdrop to this unseen war is a bombing campaign of sabotage from the IRA in Britain, as they see an opportunity with British concerns refocusing towards other major European forces. The IRA create a link with the Nazis to help destabilise Britain further.
The blend of historical conspiracies and alliances is fictional but intriguing how they add to this story which is coated in actual events. The writing is slick and extremely well controlled to manage the various plot threads and maintain suspense throughout. The conspiracies and allegiances are complex and not immediately obvious, with plenty of surprises and suspense to keep the reader captivated until the end.
Tom Wilde is an intriguing and interesting character and is set to continue on a series of thrilling adventures for Rory Clements. I would highly recommend this book.
I would like to thank Bonnier Zaffre and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC version in return for an honest review.
Nucleus is Rory Clements’ second book in the Tom Wilde series and it is an enthralling, high tension spy thriller that merges many of the political events at play in Europe at the dawn of the Second World War. Tom Wilde, Cambridge University professor, finds himself in the middle of a deadly game of espionage that could see the victor deliver the atom bomb. With a race to deliver the ultimate weapon of destruction, all threats must be eliminated and resources protected. Misleading and deceiving the enemy is key to winning the impending war. Tom has to weave his way through this dangerous web.
The Nazis have just produced a fission reaction and are now much closer to delivering an atomic bomb. They need to know how far the British and US research has developed in their race to be the first to use it. Cambridge University is the centre of where the Germans are trying to infiltrate the research centres and where the Russians have already established a spy ring that will become infamous, and last for over a decade. The backdrop to this unseen war is a bombing campaign of sabotage from the IRA in Britain, as they see an opportunity with British concerns refocusing towards other major European forces. The IRA create a link with the Nazis to help destabilise Britain further.
The blend of historical conspiracies and alliances is fictional but intriguing how they add to this story which is coated in actual events. The writing is slick and extremely well controlled to manage the various plot threads and maintain suspense throughout. The conspiracies and allegiances are complex and not immediately obvious, with plenty of surprises and suspense to keep the reader captivated until the end.
Tom Wilde is an intriguing and interesting character and is set to continue on a series of thrilling adventures for Rory Clements. I would highly recommend this book.
I would like to thank Bonnier Zaffre and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC version in return for an honest review.
December 20, 2017
This is the second in the history professor Tom Wilde series, and it is much better than the first novel. It is a rollicking historical adventure set in the febrile atmosphere of pre-war 1939 located in Germany, USA and Ireland. However, it is primarily based in Cambridge, where American Tom Wilde returns after a meeting with President Roosevelt, looking forward to connecting with his next door neighbour and his love, Lydia Morris. The Germans are concerned about the latest developments in particle physics with the possibility of wiping out entire cities with an atom bomb. They want to be the first in using such a devastating weapon, and want to know how far the British have got and get their hands on the latest research emanating from the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge. A German Jewish physicist Eva Haas arrives with Arnold Lindberg, a scientist rescued from Dachau. Albert, Eva's son is supposed to arrive on kinder transport, but is missing, assumed to be taken by the Gestapo from the train. Eva is a friend of Lydia's, and Lydia, feeling responsible, goes to Berlin to find Albert.
Philip Eaton, The Times reporter is MI6, returns as he attempts to counter German plans. Tom finds himself in the thick of it after being tasked to keep close to Milt Hardiman, living in Old Hall in Cambridgeshire. Staying with Hardiman is Geoff Lancing's sister, notorious Hollywood actress, Clarissa, a woman with her eyes firmly set on seducing and getting close to Tom. The IRA are becoming active and have connected with the Nazis to get at the British. One of the brightest brains at Cavendish, Professor Paul Birbach, is discovered murdered. In Berlin, Lydia finds herself in danger amidst the menacing presence of the SS and the Gestapo, she is being observed whilst she tries to find out what happened to Albert. Upon acquiring information that indicates the boy is in Britain, she has to be smuggled out of the country. In the meantime, Tom finds a hotbed of intrigue and conspiracy amidst a number of sinister events whilst at the same time becoming reacquainted with an Irish cousin. Will Tom and Lydia survive and prevent the horrors planned?
Rory Clements knows how to write an exciting and adventurous tale set amidst the turbulent and paranoia ridden pre-war period. He does take some historical liberties, but in this well plotted book, he lures the reader into his tense, gripping and compelling narrative of the fight to be first to get hold of the scientific knowledge to build the atom bomb. Tom makes an ideal protagonist, a history academic with all his vital contacts and a courageous personality that has him wanting to foil German plans. Lydia is no shrinking violet, she too wants to do her bit, despite all the danger and terror of the time. This is a cracking historical yarn that I recommend highly! Many thanks to Bonnier Zaffre for an ARC.
Philip Eaton, The Times reporter is MI6, returns as he attempts to counter German plans. Tom finds himself in the thick of it after being tasked to keep close to Milt Hardiman, living in Old Hall in Cambridgeshire. Staying with Hardiman is Geoff Lancing's sister, notorious Hollywood actress, Clarissa, a woman with her eyes firmly set on seducing and getting close to Tom. The IRA are becoming active and have connected with the Nazis to get at the British. One of the brightest brains at Cavendish, Professor Paul Birbach, is discovered murdered. In Berlin, Lydia finds herself in danger amidst the menacing presence of the SS and the Gestapo, she is being observed whilst she tries to find out what happened to Albert. Upon acquiring information that indicates the boy is in Britain, she has to be smuggled out of the country. In the meantime, Tom finds a hotbed of intrigue and conspiracy amidst a number of sinister events whilst at the same time becoming reacquainted with an Irish cousin. Will Tom and Lydia survive and prevent the horrors planned?
Rory Clements knows how to write an exciting and adventurous tale set amidst the turbulent and paranoia ridden pre-war period. He does take some historical liberties, but in this well plotted book, he lures the reader into his tense, gripping and compelling narrative of the fight to be first to get hold of the scientific knowledge to build the atom bomb. Tom makes an ideal protagonist, a history academic with all his vital contacts and a courageous personality that has him wanting to foil German plans. Lydia is no shrinking violet, she too wants to do her bit, despite all the danger and terror of the time. This is a cracking historical yarn that I recommend highly! Many thanks to Bonnier Zaffre for an ARC.
February 15, 2019
Book Reviewed by Clive on www.whisperingstories.com
Rory Clements certainly knows how to pack a novel with action and information. In Nucleus (I love a one word book title) he gives us a classic ‘Ripping Yarn’ with lots of action set among the academia of Cambridge. He also gives a detailed background into life in the UK in 1939 when war was seen as inevitable. Nucleus has many storylines which all weave together but Clements tells them in a clear and easy manner enabling the reader to be fully aware of what is happening.
Tom Wilde makes a great all-action hero. I loved the mental image of him racing his motorcycle along the country lanes; no helmet or leathers and his shirtsleeves rolled up. He is supported by some wonderful characters, ranging from the glamorous Clarissa to a tough ex-jockey. My favourite was the hard working mother and tart-with-a-heart persona of Fanny. For authenticity the author also includes some real characters including Bertha Bracey and Frank Foley.
One measure of a good historical novel is how much I learn from its story and how much it encourages me to research further. Yes, I already knew quite a lot about the Kindertransport but following Nucleus I found myself looking up the 1939 IRA S-Plan bombing campaign, the beautiful Rudge 1938 Special and biographies of Foley and Bracey.
The story and intrigue builds throughout, culminating in an all action finish with a few surprises. No reader will be able to resist cheering on Tom and his fellow good-guys as they break the spy ring and ensure that our scientific secrets are kept safe.
My paperback copy had a sticker marked “for fans of Robert Harris”. I can understand why but I look forward to a time when Rory Clements can market his books “for fans of Rory Clements”. I have awarded Nucleus a nearly perfect four and a half stars.
Rory Clements certainly knows how to pack a novel with action and information. In Nucleus (I love a one word book title) he gives us a classic ‘Ripping Yarn’ with lots of action set among the academia of Cambridge. He also gives a detailed background into life in the UK in 1939 when war was seen as inevitable. Nucleus has many storylines which all weave together but Clements tells them in a clear and easy manner enabling the reader to be fully aware of what is happening.
Tom Wilde makes a great all-action hero. I loved the mental image of him racing his motorcycle along the country lanes; no helmet or leathers and his shirtsleeves rolled up. He is supported by some wonderful characters, ranging from the glamorous Clarissa to a tough ex-jockey. My favourite was the hard working mother and tart-with-a-heart persona of Fanny. For authenticity the author also includes some real characters including Bertha Bracey and Frank Foley.
One measure of a good historical novel is how much I learn from its story and how much it encourages me to research further. Yes, I already knew quite a lot about the Kindertransport but following Nucleus I found myself looking up the 1939 IRA S-Plan bombing campaign, the beautiful Rudge 1938 Special and biographies of Foley and Bracey.
The story and intrigue builds throughout, culminating in an all action finish with a few surprises. No reader will be able to resist cheering on Tom and his fellow good-guys as they break the spy ring and ensure that our scientific secrets are kept safe.
My paperback copy had a sticker marked “for fans of Robert Harris”. I can understand why but I look forward to a time when Rory Clements can market his books “for fans of Rory Clements”. I have awarded Nucleus a nearly perfect four and a half stars.
June 12, 2019
Nucleus is the second book in this series and with this book, Rory Clements did an incredibly good job of creating a unique and thrilling fictional piece of work, whilst amalgamating many historical events and conflicts that were occurring during the Second World War period.
I think it clever to incorporate actual organisations and people who heroically assisted Jewish people, especially the young children to escape from Germany. This adds weight and realism to his developing plot. Being able to introduce in a subtle way the back stories and incidents intertwined which helped influence the progression of the war. For example, hinting at the conflict Roosevelt was experiencing between those who believed it to be Europe’s problem and not America’s and being lobbied by many factions including those with strong anti-Semitic beliefs.
The real pressing battle going on was the first to create the ultimate weapon – the atomic bomb.
The conflict Britain had with the IRA using the opportunity to forward its agenda of a united Ireland through domestic sabotage was not helped by The Republic of Ireland’s later decision to remain neutral, once the war was declared between Britain and Germany. Finally, the plot unravelling within Cambridge University, the recruiting ground for Russian spies a ring which went on to operate for decades.
Rory Clements managed to achieve this whilst maintaining a natural flow which made it an enjoyable read. As someone who enjoys history, I was impressed with how he integrated real events and organisations that existed. The real espionage that was occurring during that period all linked via this plot created a superb read without being drowned by History and the fear of becoming a historical book.
Rory Clements has continued to develop his character Tom Wilde who is believable and fascinating to follow.
I think it clever to incorporate actual organisations and people who heroically assisted Jewish people, especially the young children to escape from Germany. This adds weight and realism to his developing plot. Being able to introduce in a subtle way the back stories and incidents intertwined which helped influence the progression of the war. For example, hinting at the conflict Roosevelt was experiencing between those who believed it to be Europe’s problem and not America’s and being lobbied by many factions including those with strong anti-Semitic beliefs.
The real pressing battle going on was the first to create the ultimate weapon – the atomic bomb.
The conflict Britain had with the IRA using the opportunity to forward its agenda of a united Ireland through domestic sabotage was not helped by The Republic of Ireland’s later decision to remain neutral, once the war was declared between Britain and Germany. Finally, the plot unravelling within Cambridge University, the recruiting ground for Russian spies a ring which went on to operate for decades.
Rory Clements managed to achieve this whilst maintaining a natural flow which made it an enjoyable read. As someone who enjoys history, I was impressed with how he integrated real events and organisations that existed. The real espionage that was occurring during that period all linked via this plot created a superb read without being drowned by History and the fear of becoming a historical book.
Rory Clements has continued to develop his character Tom Wilde who is believable and fascinating to follow.
February 5, 2022
Having enjoyed, “Corpus,” the first in the series featuring Professor Tom Wilde, I was keen to read the next in the series. This is set in 1939 and is set mainly in Cambridge, but also in Germany and the States. Indeed, Wilde is visiting his native America when he is asked to meet President Roosevelt. To his surprise, Wilde is asked to keep his eyes open when he returns to Cambridge and to liaise with Colonel Dexter Flood and Milt Hardiman; currently staying at Old Hall in Cambridgeshire with his family. One of his guests is the movie actress, Clarissa Lancing, the sister of Tom’s friend, Geoffrey Lancing. In a further twist, Geoffrey works at the Cavendish Laboratory, where scientists are working on atomic research.
When Tom Wilde returns to Cambridge, he is looking forward to meeting his neighbour, Lydia. The two became romantically entwined in the previous novel, but things are not moving as well as Tom hoped and the appearance of the beautiful, but temperamental, Clarissa, does not help. Nor does the reappearance of Philip Eaton, from the British secret service, who asks Wilde to take in a Jewish physicist, Arnold Lindberg, while Lydia houses his niece, Eva Haas. Eva has fled Germany, but she has not left her problems behind. Meanwhile, a physicist at the Cavendish Laboratory is found dead and there is a worry that secrets, of great importance to the war, might be at risk of being used by the enemy.
I liked “Corpus,” but I thought this was a much better read. Like the previous novel, this has several plot strands running simultaneously – from the race to the atomic bomb, to the approaching war, IRA bombing campaigns, the realisation characters have of how bad things are for Jews in Germany and the fact that people have to take sides. Tom Wilde is asked to spy for both the Americans and the British, but he is unclear about whether some of the people he is dealing with are Nazi sympathisers. This is a fascinating, fast paced read. I look forward to reading more in the series and following the adventures of Tom Wilde and Lydia.
When Tom Wilde returns to Cambridge, he is looking forward to meeting his neighbour, Lydia. The two became romantically entwined in the previous novel, but things are not moving as well as Tom hoped and the appearance of the beautiful, but temperamental, Clarissa, does not help. Nor does the reappearance of Philip Eaton, from the British secret service, who asks Wilde to take in a Jewish physicist, Arnold Lindberg, while Lydia houses his niece, Eva Haas. Eva has fled Germany, but she has not left her problems behind. Meanwhile, a physicist at the Cavendish Laboratory is found dead and there is a worry that secrets, of great importance to the war, might be at risk of being used by the enemy.
I liked “Corpus,” but I thought this was a much better read. Like the previous novel, this has several plot strands running simultaneously – from the race to the atomic bomb, to the approaching war, IRA bombing campaigns, the realisation characters have of how bad things are for Jews in Germany and the fact that people have to take sides. Tom Wilde is asked to spy for both the Americans and the British, but he is unclear about whether some of the people he is dealing with are Nazi sympathisers. This is a fascinating, fast paced read. I look forward to reading more in the series and following the adventures of Tom Wilde and Lydia.
December 8, 2017
3.5 stars
Despite the dark and twisty plots of Nazis, murderers, and the IRA, this is a light hearted and fun thriller. Now back with the very nosy American history professor, Tom Wild, in the heart of Cambridge, we follow his attempts to work out the ominous connections between a missing boy, a dead scientist, and the race for the nuclear bomb. Mix the fast pace with a cast of colourful characters who could all be dodgy as hell, and you've got the recipe for a rip-roaring time. Perhaps more on the level of Robert Harris than the labyrinthine cleverness of John le Carré, this is still a worthy escapist read.
ARC via Netgalley
Despite the dark and twisty plots of Nazis, murderers, and the IRA, this is a light hearted and fun thriller. Now back with the very nosy American history professor, Tom Wild, in the heart of Cambridge, we follow his attempts to work out the ominous connections between a missing boy, a dead scientist, and the race for the nuclear bomb. Mix the fast pace with a cast of colourful characters who could all be dodgy as hell, and you've got the recipe for a rip-roaring time. Perhaps more on the level of Robert Harris than the labyrinthine cleverness of John le Carré, this is still a worthy escapist read.
ARC via Netgalley
January 21, 2018
Find all my book reviews, plus fascinating author interviews, exclusive guest posts and book extracts, on my blog: https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpress.com/
It’s 1939 and Britain is beset by enemies at home and abroad. In Europe, the Nazis are spreading their malign influence across Europe and gearing up for war. Across the Atlantic there are those who would wield their influence to prevent the United States coming to Britain’s aid in the event of war with Germany. At home, the IRA is waging a surprisingly well-funded bombing campaign in pursuit of their aim of a united Ireland, seeking to terrorise the domestic population of Britain. And then there are those who live their lives in the shadows – can they ever really be trusted?
Add to the equation recent developments in atomic science that open up the possibility of great benefit to mankind but also unimaginable destruction in the wrong hands and one begins to understand how rival powers might be utterly ruthless in their desire to control those who possess the requisite knowledge. Tom Wilde is about to find out just how ruthless. There are people out there who will stop at nothing.
Once again, Tom is called upon to use his deductive powers as a historian to unravel the mystery of a missing child, a murdered scientist and the suspicious reappearance of a childhood friend. But it’s not only brain power that will be needed – better dust off those boxing gloves again, Tom.
It was great to see the return of Lydia, Tom’s friend, neighbour and potentially something more, who makes a plucky and worthy ally. Now don’t tell Lydia, but I confess finding myself slightly beguiled by the mention of Tom Wilde’s ‘bare, tanned chest’ as he practices his sparring and his ‘earthy, manly scent’ in altogether more intimate circumstances. No wonder then that, amongst other dangerous enemies, he finds himself the target of a femme fatale.
The author knows how to write a killer final paragraph of a chapter and the whole things zips along leaving this reader slightly breathless at the end. I dislike the word ‘unputdownable’ and I’ll be honest I did put this book down…but only for the time it took to make a cup of tea and then I was rushing back to pick it up again. With more thrills than a 100mph burn-up on Tom Wilde’s trusty Rudge Special, Rory Clements has produced another cracking historical thriller. If you thought Corpus was brilliant, wait until you read Nucleus. Sign me up for Tom Wilde #3!
I received an uncorrected proof copy courtesy of publishers Bonnier Zaffre, in return for an honest and unbiased review.
It’s 1939 and Britain is beset by enemies at home and abroad. In Europe, the Nazis are spreading their malign influence across Europe and gearing up for war. Across the Atlantic there are those who would wield their influence to prevent the United States coming to Britain’s aid in the event of war with Germany. At home, the IRA is waging a surprisingly well-funded bombing campaign in pursuit of their aim of a united Ireland, seeking to terrorise the domestic population of Britain. And then there are those who live their lives in the shadows – can they ever really be trusted?
Add to the equation recent developments in atomic science that open up the possibility of great benefit to mankind but also unimaginable destruction in the wrong hands and one begins to understand how rival powers might be utterly ruthless in their desire to control those who possess the requisite knowledge. Tom Wilde is about to find out just how ruthless. There are people out there who will stop at nothing.
Once again, Tom is called upon to use his deductive powers as a historian to unravel the mystery of a missing child, a murdered scientist and the suspicious reappearance of a childhood friend. But it’s not only brain power that will be needed – better dust off those boxing gloves again, Tom.
It was great to see the return of Lydia, Tom’s friend, neighbour and potentially something more, who makes a plucky and worthy ally. Now don’t tell Lydia, but I confess finding myself slightly beguiled by the mention of Tom Wilde’s ‘bare, tanned chest’ as he practices his sparring and his ‘earthy, manly scent’ in altogether more intimate circumstances. No wonder then that, amongst other dangerous enemies, he finds himself the target of a femme fatale.
The author knows how to write a killer final paragraph of a chapter and the whole things zips along leaving this reader slightly breathless at the end. I dislike the word ‘unputdownable’ and I’ll be honest I did put this book down…but only for the time it took to make a cup of tea and then I was rushing back to pick it up again. With more thrills than a 100mph burn-up on Tom Wilde’s trusty Rudge Special, Rory Clements has produced another cracking historical thriller. If you thought Corpus was brilliant, wait until you read Nucleus. Sign me up for Tom Wilde #3!
I received an uncorrected proof copy courtesy of publishers Bonnier Zaffre, in return for an honest and unbiased review.
December 29, 2018
This very thrilling and suspenseful book is the 2nd volume of the "Tom Wilde series" from the wonderful great author Rory Clements.
It's another exciting spy thriller, and very entertaining and spellbound, so much so that it keeps the reader gripped from start to finish.
Story-telling is as ever of a top-notch quality, for the author certainly has the ability as in this series, as well he did in the John Shakespeare series, to keep you captivated with his story, and this time it's the dark and gloomy world of WW II with all its horrors, dangers and death.
All the characters once again, whether they are real, like Frank Foley and Bertha Bracey in Berlin, or fictional, come splendidly to life within this story of espionage and human sacrifice, while the story also presents the atmosphere of the 1930s in a very bright and clear fashion against this very dark and gloomy background.
This book sets off in the year 1939, in the month of April and will end in June, with Europe and Britain on the verge of WW II with all the destruction and horrors that it will bring, and with our main character Professor Thomas Wilde of Cambridge University just having arrived home after visiting his mum in America.
In the meantime the Nazis have invaded Czechoslovakia and Jews are persecuted in Germany, while the IRA are on a bombing campaign around Britain, when suddenly there comes news that Otto Hahn has made the atomic bomb possible, and now the German High Command turns its attention towards Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory.
So when one of the Cavendish's finest brains is murdered, with the like of Dr. Birbach, Professor Tom Wilde is called into action to investigate this death, and this death will unveil a conspiracy from German sympathizers who will do anything, even murder and torture, to obtain the secrets from this Cavendish Laboratory.
Tom Wilde also finds out that the kidnap of the boy Albert, Dr. Eva Haas's 8-year old son, is of the uppermost importance, so if he wants to stop this conspiracy with all the gravely dangers that it will bring, he knows that he needs to find and rescue this boy, and by doing so to secure the fate of the world for now.
Highly recommended, for this is a very enjoyable Tom Wilde, and not to forget Lydia Morris, adventure, and so for me this is for certain: "A Most Formidable Spy Thriller"!
It's another exciting spy thriller, and very entertaining and spellbound, so much so that it keeps the reader gripped from start to finish.
Story-telling is as ever of a top-notch quality, for the author certainly has the ability as in this series, as well he did in the John Shakespeare series, to keep you captivated with his story, and this time it's the dark and gloomy world of WW II with all its horrors, dangers and death.
All the characters once again, whether they are real, like Frank Foley and Bertha Bracey in Berlin, or fictional, come splendidly to life within this story of espionage and human sacrifice, while the story also presents the atmosphere of the 1930s in a very bright and clear fashion against this very dark and gloomy background.
This book sets off in the year 1939, in the month of April and will end in June, with Europe and Britain on the verge of WW II with all the destruction and horrors that it will bring, and with our main character Professor Thomas Wilde of Cambridge University just having arrived home after visiting his mum in America.
In the meantime the Nazis have invaded Czechoslovakia and Jews are persecuted in Germany, while the IRA are on a bombing campaign around Britain, when suddenly there comes news that Otto Hahn has made the atomic bomb possible, and now the German High Command turns its attention towards Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory.
So when one of the Cavendish's finest brains is murdered, with the like of Dr. Birbach, Professor Tom Wilde is called into action to investigate this death, and this death will unveil a conspiracy from German sympathizers who will do anything, even murder and torture, to obtain the secrets from this Cavendish Laboratory.
Tom Wilde also finds out that the kidnap of the boy Albert, Dr. Eva Haas's 8-year old son, is of the uppermost importance, so if he wants to stop this conspiracy with all the gravely dangers that it will bring, he knows that he needs to find and rescue this boy, and by doing so to secure the fate of the world for now.
Highly recommended, for this is a very enjoyable Tom Wilde, and not to forget Lydia Morris, adventure, and so for me this is for certain: "A Most Formidable Spy Thriller"!
January 3, 2018
Absolutely superb. With no doubt at all, one of the finest books I've read this year. I could not put it down.
January 21, 2018
Brace yourselves for more conspiracy, subterfuge and a good dose of derring-do in Nucleus, an accomplished follow up to the brilliant Corpus , which first introduced us to dashing American academic Tom Wilde. Must admit I was on tenterhooks waiting for this next book after the explosive and captivating events of the first outing...
Rory Clements could not have picked a better era as the backdrop for these books, with Europe on the cusp of war, the reluctance of America to be drawn into the crossfire, the race for the harnessing of atomic power, and the hotbed of Cambridge academia where the security services plucked the finest and the best for a life of espionage. Throw into the mix a missing young German boy, the son of a prominent scientist, the increasing occurrence of IRA activity, and a smattering of Hollywood glamour, and the scene is set for a rich reading experience indeed. As in Corpus, Clements is incredibly proficient at drawing on the salient historical detail of the period, and the subtleties of the underlying political and racial conflicts, without compromising the tautness and tension of the plot itself. I think when I reviewed the previous book, I made a similar point that as I was fairly unfamiliar with this period, I came out of the book with an enriched and enhanced knowledge of the era, as Clements is so good with this balance of detail and narrative. I was fascinated by not only the background to the race for atomic supremacy, but also the Quaker involvement in shepherding so many Jewish children to safety from the increasing persecution of their families in Germany. This latter theme of the book is incredibly important in one character's foray to Berlin, at an incredibly dangerous time, and I thought this aspect of the book was very well executed indeed, with a palpable sense of peril. I was also impressed with Clements' handling of each branch of his storyline, as referenced above, and the balance that he keeps between them, pivoting the readers' attention between them effortlessly, but maintaining the harmony overall, and never to the detriment of our engagement with his cast of characters.
After a hiatus in reading Corpus and Nucleus appearing, I was drawn back instantly into the world of Tom Wilde, a character that has obviously stayed in my mind since, and equally with Lydia Morris, whose personal involvement with Tom has moved on apace in the meanwhile- admittedly with some tribulations along the way. Although they are the real lynchpin to both books, Clements surrounds them again with an interesting, and broad ranging supporting cast, who enliven and colour the story further, and arouse in the reader a mixture of empathy, revulsion or distrust depending on their interactions with Tom and Lydia themselves. By carefully manipulating the foibles, duplicity or amiability of this surrounding cast, Clements has the opportunity to produce a couple of real sucker punch moments, which surprise and unsettle the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed being drawn into this world of contrasting nationalities, social standing and their guiding beliefs, some abhorrent, some not. It's a rich mix, and carries the book along with aplomb.
All in all, Nucleus is a very satisfying thriller that captures the spirit of the era perfectly, enlightens the reader with its intelligent, but never overpowering, use of historical and social detail, and provides a wide ranging and engaging group of characters, who perfectly fit the model of the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Believe me, you'll be consistently changing your mind as to who belongs to each category...
Rory Clements could not have picked a better era as the backdrop for these books, with Europe on the cusp of war, the reluctance of America to be drawn into the crossfire, the race for the harnessing of atomic power, and the hotbed of Cambridge academia where the security services plucked the finest and the best for a life of espionage. Throw into the mix a missing young German boy, the son of a prominent scientist, the increasing occurrence of IRA activity, and a smattering of Hollywood glamour, and the scene is set for a rich reading experience indeed. As in Corpus, Clements is incredibly proficient at drawing on the salient historical detail of the period, and the subtleties of the underlying political and racial conflicts, without compromising the tautness and tension of the plot itself. I think when I reviewed the previous book, I made a similar point that as I was fairly unfamiliar with this period, I came out of the book with an enriched and enhanced knowledge of the era, as Clements is so good with this balance of detail and narrative. I was fascinated by not only the background to the race for atomic supremacy, but also the Quaker involvement in shepherding so many Jewish children to safety from the increasing persecution of their families in Germany. This latter theme of the book is incredibly important in one character's foray to Berlin, at an incredibly dangerous time, and I thought this aspect of the book was very well executed indeed, with a palpable sense of peril. I was also impressed with Clements' handling of each branch of his storyline, as referenced above, and the balance that he keeps between them, pivoting the readers' attention between them effortlessly, but maintaining the harmony overall, and never to the detriment of our engagement with his cast of characters.
After a hiatus in reading Corpus and Nucleus appearing, I was drawn back instantly into the world of Tom Wilde, a character that has obviously stayed in my mind since, and equally with Lydia Morris, whose personal involvement with Tom has moved on apace in the meanwhile- admittedly with some tribulations along the way. Although they are the real lynchpin to both books, Clements surrounds them again with an interesting, and broad ranging supporting cast, who enliven and colour the story further, and arouse in the reader a mixture of empathy, revulsion or distrust depending on their interactions with Tom and Lydia themselves. By carefully manipulating the foibles, duplicity or amiability of this surrounding cast, Clements has the opportunity to produce a couple of real sucker punch moments, which surprise and unsettle the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed being drawn into this world of contrasting nationalities, social standing and their guiding beliefs, some abhorrent, some not. It's a rich mix, and carries the book along with aplomb.
All in all, Nucleus is a very satisfying thriller that captures the spirit of the era perfectly, enlightens the reader with its intelligent, but never overpowering, use of historical and social detail, and provides a wide ranging and engaging group of characters, who perfectly fit the model of the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Believe me, you'll be consistently changing your mind as to who belongs to each category...
July 8, 2021
Another cracking Tom Wilde adventure, this time the tone was more spy thriller then political thriller but it still had me gripped.
Cambridge and Berlin in those final months before war is declared and there are foul deeds afoot, nuclear secrets to learn and secrets to discover! Who can you trust? (pretty much nobody!)
Loved it and already have the 3rd book on thd shelf ready to read.
Cambridge and Berlin in those final months before war is declared and there are foul deeds afoot, nuclear secrets to learn and secrets to discover! Who can you trust? (pretty much nobody!)
Loved it and already have the 3rd book on thd shelf ready to read.
March 29, 2019
With some reservations I enjoyed the first in this series, and after a bit
of humming and harring I decided to read the second. Some parts of it I found very entertaining, others less so. I think I am just not so taken with the main character ! So, in my view this book was an OK read, not more.
of humming and harring I decided to read the second. Some parts of it I found very entertaining, others less so. I think I am just not so taken with the main character ! So, in my view this book was an OK read, not more.
September 11, 2019
Another excellent Tom Wilde novel. His Cambridge base becomes the centre of Nazi espionage, IRA plotting, murder and child kidnap. Full of unexpected twists and turns and all at a rattling good pace. Quickly becoming a must read series.
March 2, 2018
When a book draws you in and engages you 100% from the beginning - you know you are in for a good read. This second book in the Tom Wilde series is both enthralling and frightening. He has captured the time incredibly well and his descriptions of events in Germany and Britain just before WW2 broke out is excellently researched and crafted. The story of developing the atomic weapon, running alongside the IRA story and the duplicity of virtually everyone involved in the intelligence services everywhere just kept me turning the page. I found myself wincing as parallels with the political and social context of today kept popping up. The rise of fascism and the ability of ordinary people to disregard or even support the ill-treatment of people who have been designated as the other’ was just too close to what is happening in parts of the world today to be ignored. I have recently visited the Holocaust room at the Imperial War Museum in London and know how accurate Clements’ descriptions of the way the Jews were treated to be able to read some of the stuff without weeping. The Characters are three dimensional, well written, believable and imperfect. This book is a rattling good read! I look forward to book 3!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2017
This feels like a romp of an adventure rather than anything more serious: there are multiple storylines of a murdered physicist, an IRA bomber and a kidnapped Jewish child, with quick-switch scenes, often of just a page or less, which makes this feel like a film treatment.
Characters are pretty standard: the heroic history professor, the glamorous Hollywood actress, the traitors and conspirators - and, of course, everyone hates and fears the Nazis with a historical hindsight that doesn't necessarily fit with the realities of pre-war 1939.
If your standard for spy thrillers is le Carre, then this falls well short: everything is on the surface, lacking subtlety of emotion or writing. Ok if you're looking for some page-turning escapism.
Characters are pretty standard: the heroic history professor, the glamorous Hollywood actress, the traitors and conspirators - and, of course, everyone hates and fears the Nazis with a historical hindsight that doesn't necessarily fit with the realities of pre-war 1939.
If your standard for spy thrillers is le Carre, then this falls well short: everything is on the surface, lacking subtlety of emotion or writing. Ok if you're looking for some page-turning escapism.
Want to read
April 9, 2019
February 5, 2018
Splitting up
The plot is simple. It is 1939 and war seems inevitable. The Germans decide to destroy Britain’s atomic capability by destroying the Cavendish laboratory in Cambridge.
I enjoyed this Tom Wilde novel more than Corpus, the first in the series. There was a satisfyingly complex narrative and a good number of twists, turns and unexpected surprises. There was less gratuitous violence also, but enough to keep the narrative exciting, yet plausible.
Tom Wilde and Lydia Morris are very personable and sympathetic heroes who find themselves drawn into murky events rather more than they planned or intended. There were some loose ends in the story and it will be interesting to see how they might develop in future adventures.
The plot is simple. It is 1939 and war seems inevitable. The Germans decide to destroy Britain’s atomic capability by destroying the Cavendish laboratory in Cambridge.
I enjoyed this Tom Wilde novel more than Corpus, the first in the series. There was a satisfyingly complex narrative and a good number of twists, turns and unexpected surprises. There was less gratuitous violence also, but enough to keep the narrative exciting, yet plausible.
Tom Wilde and Lydia Morris are very personable and sympathetic heroes who find themselves drawn into murky events rather more than they planned or intended. There were some loose ends in the story and it will be interesting to see how they might develop in future adventures.
October 16, 2023
I've read the first book in this series and didn't necessarily get on with it and therefore didn't expect much of this next instalment. It was a good concept of a story although certain parts I didn't see how they were relevant and too many characters, making it difficult to follow and a issue I struggle with in stories. The book got better as it went on with a good, if far fetched conclusion.
February 24, 2024
To say this book has taken me nearly a year to finish, I did enjoy it in the end… The first 150 pages are just a massive slog.
February 12, 2020
A good idea for a story, but spoilt by the lack of editing. Why do authors and editors think that 15 words is good, when 10 will do?
January 10, 2018
What. A. Ride. And I’m not talking about Tom Wilde’s Motorcycle at its top speed!
Staying with the subject of speed for a moment, considering the exhilarating twists, turns and the evolving conspiracies, the plot holds the road magnificently. The sheer intensity of the scheming Professor Wilde wades into is 100% brilliance served neat, just like his whiskey.
As this is 1939 it naturally forecasts the imminent threat of physical conflict and yet the focus of “Nucleus” is to oppose intellectual combat, which is fought on a different kind of battlefield.
This era thrives in the hands of this author and the reasons why I fell in love with this book are infinite – its undiluted spirit, emotional challenges, and the fact that it’s resolutely engaging, are just a few. Every character and their actions provide a vital link to the end game, their convictions and ultimately the consequences for them are as explosive as the development of Nuclear Fission.
My unapologetic praise for this book doesn’t end there, as the story progressed to include an appearance by a very real MI6 officer called Frank Foley. Only recently I’d read the story of the extraordinary work of this unassuming man who helped thousands of Jewish people escape persecution by opening doors when all others had firmly slammed shut (if you’re interested it’s called ‘Foley’ by Michael Smith). For me his presence gave the fictional events in “Nucleus” an even greater air of realism.
I’m raring to read the next instalment – can’t wait!
Staying with the subject of speed for a moment, considering the exhilarating twists, turns and the evolving conspiracies, the plot holds the road magnificently. The sheer intensity of the scheming Professor Wilde wades into is 100% brilliance served neat, just like his whiskey.
As this is 1939 it naturally forecasts the imminent threat of physical conflict and yet the focus of “Nucleus” is to oppose intellectual combat, which is fought on a different kind of battlefield.
This era thrives in the hands of this author and the reasons why I fell in love with this book are infinite – its undiluted spirit, emotional challenges, and the fact that it’s resolutely engaging, are just a few. Every character and their actions provide a vital link to the end game, their convictions and ultimately the consequences for them are as explosive as the development of Nuclear Fission.
My unapologetic praise for this book doesn’t end there, as the story progressed to include an appearance by a very real MI6 officer called Frank Foley. Only recently I’d read the story of the extraordinary work of this unassuming man who helped thousands of Jewish people escape persecution by opening doors when all others had firmly slammed shut (if you’re interested it’s called ‘Foley’ by Michael Smith). For me his presence gave the fictional events in “Nucleus” an even greater air of realism.
I’m raring to read the next instalment – can’t wait!
March 25, 2019
Per i lettori italiani, quello di Rory Clements è un nome nuovo.
Non è così oltremanica, Clements è approdato alla narrativa dopo una lunga e rispettata carriera da giornalista.
La sua preparazione professionale è evidente in ogni pagina di Nucleus, il suo secondo thriller storico ambientato all'alba della seconda guerra mondiale (preceduto da Corpus, 2017, pubblicato in italia sempre da La Corte Editore).
Nucleus è un'opera che si posa su un solido lavoro di ricerca storica, eppure regala scorci di narrazione pura che lo rendono una lettura estremamente appassionante. Un thriller che ricorda il miglior Robert Harris, ma riesce a ritagliarsi un'identità specifica, personale, fortissima.
La premessa è familiare, già trattata da opere altrettanto riuscite e importanti, ma è arricchita di livelli di lettura e sfumature poco conosaciute: la minaccia nucleare all'alba del secondo conflitto mondiale.
Si respira un'aria di tensione palpabile, in Nucleus. Le forze politiche e militari, così come la gente comune, sentono il conflitto sempre più vicino. C'è chi non vede l'ora di abbracciarlo, sospinto da ambizione, brama di potere, fede cieca in ideali impossibili da giustificare. E c'è chi ancora stenta a fare pace con il proprio passato e gli spettri della prima grande guerra.
Gli anni raccontati in Nucleus sono tesi, febbrili, in bilico tra volgia di rivalsa e un terrore strisciante che è difficile anche solo tentare di descrivere.
Ma Clements ci riesce, racconta con disinvoltura le meraviglie del panorama inglese, come i terrori della Germania nazista.
E lo fa attraverso un fiorire di punti di vista, e personaggi, dalla natura e dai trascorsi diversi. C'è il professore americano trapiantato in Inghilterra, l'attrice britannica che ha fatto fortuna in america, la moltitudine di menti brillanti che studiano la fissione nucleare, e la prospettiva di un ribelle irlandese con una missione da portare a termine.
Tra tutti, spicca il protagonista Tom Wilde, accademico americano e docente a Cambridge. È un uomo dall'intelletto affinato come un rasoio, ma anche di profonda sensibilità umana. Le sezioni che affondano nella sua visione del mondo, così come nel passato che lo tormenta, sono le più genuinamente appassioanti di tutto il racconto. Wilde è fallibile, schietto, affronta le proprie debolezze con la consapevolezza di un uomo che ha sofferto molto e ha imparato a non inzuccherare la verità, eppure non ha perso la voglia di vivere e la capacità di gioire di dettagli semplici.
Tom Wilde è un protagonosta a cui ci si affeziona facilmente. Dio, prenderei volentieri una pinta di birra con lui, sul serio (o due, o tre... insomma, avete capito).
La recensione completa su:
https://hugmented.weebly.com/letture/...
Non è così oltremanica, Clements è approdato alla narrativa dopo una lunga e rispettata carriera da giornalista.
La sua preparazione professionale è evidente in ogni pagina di Nucleus, il suo secondo thriller storico ambientato all'alba della seconda guerra mondiale (preceduto da Corpus, 2017, pubblicato in italia sempre da La Corte Editore).
Nucleus è un'opera che si posa su un solido lavoro di ricerca storica, eppure regala scorci di narrazione pura che lo rendono una lettura estremamente appassionante. Un thriller che ricorda il miglior Robert Harris, ma riesce a ritagliarsi un'identità specifica, personale, fortissima.
La premessa è familiare, già trattata da opere altrettanto riuscite e importanti, ma è arricchita di livelli di lettura e sfumature poco conosaciute: la minaccia nucleare all'alba del secondo conflitto mondiale.
Si respira un'aria di tensione palpabile, in Nucleus. Le forze politiche e militari, così come la gente comune, sentono il conflitto sempre più vicino. C'è chi non vede l'ora di abbracciarlo, sospinto da ambizione, brama di potere, fede cieca in ideali impossibili da giustificare. E c'è chi ancora stenta a fare pace con il proprio passato e gli spettri della prima grande guerra.
Gli anni raccontati in Nucleus sono tesi, febbrili, in bilico tra volgia di rivalsa e un terrore strisciante che è difficile anche solo tentare di descrivere.
Ma Clements ci riesce, racconta con disinvoltura le meraviglie del panorama inglese, come i terrori della Germania nazista.
E lo fa attraverso un fiorire di punti di vista, e personaggi, dalla natura e dai trascorsi diversi. C'è il professore americano trapiantato in Inghilterra, l'attrice britannica che ha fatto fortuna in america, la moltitudine di menti brillanti che studiano la fissione nucleare, e la prospettiva di un ribelle irlandese con una missione da portare a termine.
Tra tutti, spicca il protagonista Tom Wilde, accademico americano e docente a Cambridge. È un uomo dall'intelletto affinato come un rasoio, ma anche di profonda sensibilità umana. Le sezioni che affondano nella sua visione del mondo, così come nel passato che lo tormenta, sono le più genuinamente appassioanti di tutto il racconto. Wilde è fallibile, schietto, affronta le proprie debolezze con la consapevolezza di un uomo che ha sofferto molto e ha imparato a non inzuccherare la verità, eppure non ha perso la voglia di vivere e la capacità di gioire di dettagli semplici.
Tom Wilde è un protagonosta a cui ci si affeziona facilmente. Dio, prenderei volentieri una pinta di birra con lui, sul serio (o due, o tre... insomma, avete capito).
La recensione completa su:
https://hugmented.weebly.com/letture/...
August 5, 2018
A big improvement on the 1st book of the Tom Wilde series which features the main characters from Book 1 - American born history professor Tom Wilde, his partner Lydia and enigmatic British secret service agent, Eaton.
The plot revolves around Britain's atom bomb project in the months before the outbreak of World War II, with the action switching between Berlin and Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory. The story zips along with all manner of characters on or against the side of the angels. There's an American millionaire who's a fanatical member of 1930's USA pro-Nazi organization, the German American Bund, a glamorous female film start and a smattering of Irish Republican Army members one of whom is aiding the IRA's bombing campaign on mainland Britain.
There are also a few secret agents, from Britain, the USA and Nazi Germany with the latter trying to discover how Britain's work on nuclear fission has progressed.
As the action heats up, the threads of several sub-plots are drawn together as Tom and Lydia try to discover who they can trust as they bid to rescue a young boy, kidnapped from one of the Kindertransport (a British organised rescue effort that took place during the nine months prior to the outbreak of the Second World War. Britain took in nearly 10,000 predominantly Jewish children from Nazi Germany & Austria as well as soon to be occupied parts of Eastern Europe. Many of these children were the only members of their families who survived the Holocaust).
In places, the author Rory Clements, plays a bit fast and loose with the historical fact, but this is a cracking thriller and augurs well for the 3rd book in the series, "Nemesis", due in January 2019.
The plot revolves around Britain's atom bomb project in the months before the outbreak of World War II, with the action switching between Berlin and Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory. The story zips along with all manner of characters on or against the side of the angels. There's an American millionaire who's a fanatical member of 1930's USA pro-Nazi organization, the German American Bund, a glamorous female film start and a smattering of Irish Republican Army members one of whom is aiding the IRA's bombing campaign on mainland Britain.
There are also a few secret agents, from Britain, the USA and Nazi Germany with the latter trying to discover how Britain's work on nuclear fission has progressed.
As the action heats up, the threads of several sub-plots are drawn together as Tom and Lydia try to discover who they can trust as they bid to rescue a young boy, kidnapped from one of the Kindertransport (a British organised rescue effort that took place during the nine months prior to the outbreak of the Second World War. Britain took in nearly 10,000 predominantly Jewish children from Nazi Germany & Austria as well as soon to be occupied parts of Eastern Europe. Many of these children were the only members of their families who survived the Holocaust).
In places, the author Rory Clements, plays a bit fast and loose with the historical fact, but this is a cracking thriller and augurs well for the 3rd book in the series, "Nemesis", due in January 2019.
December 3, 2023
Tom Wilde is the hero in this espionage tale about the race to create the first atom bomb. It is set in June 1939, the very beginning of the second world war, although Britain has yet to feel the effects. Tom's relationship with his partner Lydia is in its infancy and she has a large part to play in the plot, placing herself in danger in her efforts to help a friend. You are never sure who is on who's side and it seems as if the Germans may have the edge on nuclear fission, although the British scientists are working hard to get the better of them. There are many threads in this story, a missing child, the mysterious disappearance of nuclear scientists, a film star with dubious connections and an IRA bombing campaign. It is very well written and has excellent pace.
June 28, 2021
It's the summer of 1939 and already war is in the air. Cambridge Professor Tom Wilde once again becomes involved in subterfuge and covert dealings when a colleague, a scientist working at Cambridge's prestigious Cavendish Laboratory and who was involved in vital top secret research, is murdered. A famous Hollywood actress is in town, as are a couple of German refugee scientists Tom agrees to host. Meanwhile, Lydia is off to Germany to find out what happened to the son of an old friend of hers - one of the scientists who has fled to England - who was meant to arrive on a Kindertransport but apparently went missing from the train en route.
Another cleverly crafted thriller that had me hooked from the start.
Another cleverly crafted thriller that had me hooked from the start.
July 11, 2021
The second in the Tom Wilde series, set up in the days leading up to World War 2. Essentially this is a spy thriller, about the hunt for nuclear secrets in the rush for an atomic bomb, with American Cambridge Historian the accidental spy.
I found the tone of this book different from the first. It’s very definitely an espionage story rather than the more twisting, political story that corpus was. The build up was slow, but the last quarter of the book extremely fast paced. It struck the balance for me and I really enjoyed it.
Looking forward to reading the next!
I found the tone of this book different from the first. It’s very definitely an espionage story rather than the more twisting, political story that corpus was. The build up was slow, but the last quarter of the book extremely fast paced. It struck the balance for me and I really enjoyed it.
Looking forward to reading the next!
June 24, 2023
Erg fijne historische thriller. Spionage, moord, nazis en Engelse professoren. Wat wil een mens nog meer? Lekker geschreven, spannend, prima plot. Beetje typische oversekste hoofdpersoon, maar niet meer dan gemiddeld in dit soort boeken. De karakters hadden nog best enige diepgang. Heb me erg goed vermaakt
June 26, 2024
This is a fast-paced thriller set in the months leading up to the Second World War when the UK, USA and Germany are all engaged in research into that most deadly of weapons, the atom bomb.
Set in and around Cambridge, the book has an intriguing cast of characters, very few of whom turn out to be what they seem.
Well-written, this is an easy read but one I would thoroughly recommend as a bit of light relief.
Set in and around Cambridge, the book has an intriguing cast of characters, very few of whom turn out to be what they seem.
Well-written, this is an easy read but one I would thoroughly recommend as a bit of light relief.
September 7, 2018
A tale of spies / academics set before WWII.
The plot / storyline was probably reasonable, but the writing was so clunky that I struggled to finish this book.
The plot / storyline was probably reasonable, but the writing was so clunky that I struggled to finish this book.
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