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Richard Prince #2
Sea of Spies
The Allies are desperate to stop neutral Turkey supplying vital materials to the Nazis – materials which could help them win the war. But then a British agent makes a fatal mistake, and disappears in Istanbul.
In England, detective turned spy Richard Prince – back from a clandestine mission in Nazi-occupied Europe – is hunting for his lost son. Before long he is drawn into a dangerous follow-up operation, posing as a journalist in Turkey.
The mission soon goes wrong. Out of touch with London and stranded hundreds of miles behind enemy lines, Prince will have to find evidence of the Turks secret trade with the Nazis, as well as a way out.
Chances of survival? Low. Chance of completing his mission? Prince will do whatever it takes.
In England, detective turned spy Richard Prince – back from a clandestine mission in Nazi-occupied Europe – is hunting for his lost son. Before long he is drawn into a dangerous follow-up operation, posing as a journalist in Turkey.
The mission soon goes wrong. Out of touch with London and stranded hundreds of miles behind enemy lines, Prince will have to find evidence of the Turks secret trade with the Nazis, as well as a way out.
Chances of survival? Low. Chance of completing his mission? Prince will do whatever it takes.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2020
582 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Alex Gerlis
37 books328 followersAlex Gerlis was born in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, in 1955. He graduated with a degree in Law and Politics from Hull University in 1977 and, after working as a political researcher and journalist, joined the BBC in 1983 as a researcher on Panorama.
Over the next twenty years he worked on a number of BBC News and Current Affairs programmes, including making documentaries for The Money Programme and election programmes with David Dimbleby and Jeremy Paxman. He has also edited Breakfast News, the One o'Clock News, the Six o'Clock News and the Weekend News for the BBC. In August 1998 he was the BBC TV News duty editor on the day of the Omagh bomb in Northern Ireland, the coverage of which later won a Royal Television Society award. In September 2001 he was one of the BBC Newsroom team covering the attack on the Twin Towers. He has also worked for the BBC throughout Europe, the United States, the Middle East and in China, and from 2005 to March 2011 was Head of Training at the BBC College of Journalism – the body in charge of the training of the corporation's 7,500 journalists.
Alex's first novel was inspired by his work covering the 50th anniversary of D-Day from Normandy. He is married with two daughters and lives in west London.
Over the next twenty years he worked on a number of BBC News and Current Affairs programmes, including making documentaries for The Money Programme and election programmes with David Dimbleby and Jeremy Paxman. He has also edited Breakfast News, the One o'Clock News, the Six o'Clock News and the Weekend News for the BBC. In August 1998 he was the BBC TV News duty editor on the day of the Omagh bomb in Northern Ireland, the coverage of which later won a Royal Television Society award. In September 2001 he was one of the BBC Newsroom team covering the attack on the Twin Towers. He has also worked for the BBC throughout Europe, the United States, the Middle East and in China, and from 2005 to March 2011 was Head of Training at the BBC College of Journalism – the body in charge of the training of the corporation's 7,500 journalists.
Alex's first novel was inspired by his work covering the 50th anniversary of D-Day from Normandy. He is married with two daughters and lives in west London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
June 13, 2020
Sea of Spies is the second instalment in the Richard Prince Espionage Thrillers series detailing his time in MI6 and set against the backdrop of World War II. I highly recommend reading the series opener before this as although the main plot is self-contained there are a few sub-plots that are a continuation of the occurrences in Prince of Spies. Hand-picked and plucked from the obscurity of his job as a Police Detective to be trained as a spy to be used against the Axis Powers in the Second World War, Prince diligently carries out his missions which come with the utmost danger and it is no different in this second book. It's 1943 and the war efforts are starting to take a toll on all involved so a shift towards employing different tactics is more important than ever. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill holds a crucial meeting with the Turkish President to attempt to get the neutrally-declared Turkey to join the Allied efforts to halt Nazism knowing full well that Turkey had been supplying Nazi Germany with tonnes of chromium (under the Clodius Agreement) in return for receiving military equipment from the Germans. The mineral was an essential raw material in the production of steel which could be used in weaponry and other military necessities and therefore sustained the Nazis and lengthened the war.
At the same time as the PM’s effort towards Turkey back in London, Prince receives his assignment. Under the guise of being an innocuous journalist called Michael Doyle, he is sent to Istanbul to trace and collate evidence on the route used for the shipments. Despite it being well known that Turkey is trading with Germany, the Turks deny this is the case and so irrefutable evidence must be sought to put a stop to the supply chain altogether. Weaving his way across occupied Europe he ducks and dives trying to evade the Nazis and their backers in order to bring the information he has collected back to Britain. Along his journey he is aided by many people each with different motives for helping; for some it’s merely money but for those who are members of the Resistance this is a lifestyle. He must get the requested information back to his handlers no matter the cost; not least because those at MI6 have said they will help trace Richard’s missing son Henry if he carries out this latest mission. Richard is also desperate for any information on his beau, Danish police officer Hanne Jakobsen, who after aiding him on his last assignment was arrested by the Gestapo and sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp. Are they both still alive?
Gerlis is extremely underrated and pens exceptionally captivating historical spy thrillers that could rival even le Carré. The fact meets fiction narrative has you engrossed throughout and is so realistic you have no problem imagining that these characters are real-life individuals; certainly a rarity when it comes to reading espionage. It’s a fast-paced, superbly written and high-octane thrill ride from the moment it opens right through to the denouement, and at times it had my heart-pounding and a bit of a jittery mess. The idea that Prince never knew who to trust as Nazis frequently employed underhand techniques to catch those working in foreign intelligence has you questioning everyone he comes into contact with. The author creates a palpable tension that grows with each turn of the page and there is always the oppressive feeling that danger may be lurking just around the corner and frequently is. On top of all this, Gerlis has crafted the perfect protagonist; he's likeable, resourceful and really quite fascinating and the fact that the author subverts the usual ”superhuman” characters often portrayed in these novels and presents a mere mortal trying his best for his country takes my appreciation the next level. A real nail-biting page-turner. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Canelo Action for an ARC.
At the same time as the PM’s effort towards Turkey back in London, Prince receives his assignment. Under the guise of being an innocuous journalist called Michael Doyle, he is sent to Istanbul to trace and collate evidence on the route used for the shipments. Despite it being well known that Turkey is trading with Germany, the Turks deny this is the case and so irrefutable evidence must be sought to put a stop to the supply chain altogether. Weaving his way across occupied Europe he ducks and dives trying to evade the Nazis and their backers in order to bring the information he has collected back to Britain. Along his journey he is aided by many people each with different motives for helping; for some it’s merely money but for those who are members of the Resistance this is a lifestyle. He must get the requested information back to his handlers no matter the cost; not least because those at MI6 have said they will help trace Richard’s missing son Henry if he carries out this latest mission. Richard is also desperate for any information on his beau, Danish police officer Hanne Jakobsen, who after aiding him on his last assignment was arrested by the Gestapo and sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp. Are they both still alive?
Gerlis is extremely underrated and pens exceptionally captivating historical spy thrillers that could rival even le Carré. The fact meets fiction narrative has you engrossed throughout and is so realistic you have no problem imagining that these characters are real-life individuals; certainly a rarity when it comes to reading espionage. It’s a fast-paced, superbly written and high-octane thrill ride from the moment it opens right through to the denouement, and at times it had my heart-pounding and a bit of a jittery mess. The idea that Prince never knew who to trust as Nazis frequently employed underhand techniques to catch those working in foreign intelligence has you questioning everyone he comes into contact with. The author creates a palpable tension that grows with each turn of the page and there is always the oppressive feeling that danger may be lurking just around the corner and frequently is. On top of all this, Gerlis has crafted the perfect protagonist; he's likeable, resourceful and really quite fascinating and the fact that the author subverts the usual ”superhuman” characters often portrayed in these novels and presents a mere mortal trying his best for his country takes my appreciation the next level. A real nail-biting page-turner. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Canelo Action for an ARC.
October 9, 2023
It's 1943 and World War II is finely balanced. Former police detective Richard Prince now works for MI6 (British military intelligence) and his latest mission is to trace the route of "The Chromium Trail".
Britain's Prime Minister Winston Churchill is also on a mission - a secret meeting with the President of Turkey to try to persuade the Turks to join the Allies in the war against Nazi Germany. Although neutral, Turkey has been supplying the Germans with large quantities of chromium, vital to their war machine in the production of stainless steel. If the Turks join the Allies, the chromium supplies will cease and the war will be shortened.
So begins Prince's tortuous journey. Posing as a journalist, he travels to Turkey and later from there to Greece on a rescue mission as a favour to a criminal who has promised Richard he will help him..
On his return to Turkey, he begins following the Chromium Trail on a journey by ship up the River Danube on through Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and into Nazi Germany itself. Along the way, Prince is helped by various people. Some are criminals and others do it for money, but most because they are members of the Resistance.
The entire trip unfolds in nerve wracking detail as Prince is constantly on his guard to avoid being arrested by police or the Gestapo, not always knowing who he can trust.
Parts of the story reads like a travelogue more than a spy thriller, but it's all part of building the tension of this vital mission - the sort of espionage that lasts for months and has the agent in constant danger.
He also has to endure long spells where he waits in safe houses to avoid capture, before continuing his perilous journey.
There are two sub plots which are a continuation of the first book in the series. Prince's young son Henry went missing after an air raid and MI6 have promised to search for him if he undertakes this latest mission.
And there is Hanne Jakobsen, a Danish police officer who helped him during his first secret mission and with whom he fell in love. When Hanne's link to him was discovered by the Gestapo, she was arrested and is currently in Ravensbruck concentration camp. Richard is determined to find out whether she is alive or dead.
Although the action slows in parts, this is a solid World War II spy thriller partly based on actual events. I hope there's another in this series.
My thanks to the publisher Canelo and to Netgalley for a copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
Britain's Prime Minister Winston Churchill is also on a mission - a secret meeting with the President of Turkey to try to persuade the Turks to join the Allies in the war against Nazi Germany. Although neutral, Turkey has been supplying the Germans with large quantities of chromium, vital to their war machine in the production of stainless steel. If the Turks join the Allies, the chromium supplies will cease and the war will be shortened.
So begins Prince's tortuous journey. Posing as a journalist, he travels to Turkey and later from there to Greece on a rescue mission as a favour to a criminal who has promised Richard he will help him..
On his return to Turkey, he begins following the Chromium Trail on a journey by ship up the River Danube on through Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and into Nazi Germany itself. Along the way, Prince is helped by various people. Some are criminals and others do it for money, but most because they are members of the Resistance.
The entire trip unfolds in nerve wracking detail as Prince is constantly on his guard to avoid being arrested by police or the Gestapo, not always knowing who he can trust.
Parts of the story reads like a travelogue more than a spy thriller, but it's all part of building the tension of this vital mission - the sort of espionage that lasts for months and has the agent in constant danger.
He also has to endure long spells where he waits in safe houses to avoid capture, before continuing his perilous journey.
There are two sub plots which are a continuation of the first book in the series. Prince's young son Henry went missing after an air raid and MI6 have promised to search for him if he undertakes this latest mission.
And there is Hanne Jakobsen, a Danish police officer who helped him during his first secret mission and with whom he fell in love. When Hanne's link to him was discovered by the Gestapo, she was arrested and is currently in Ravensbruck concentration camp. Richard is determined to find out whether she is alive or dead.
Although the action slows in parts, this is a solid World War II spy thriller partly based on actual events. I hope there's another in this series.
My thanks to the publisher Canelo and to Netgalley for a copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
June 8, 2020
My thanks to NetGalley and publisher Canelo for the ARC.
This is #2 in the Richard Prince series of WWII espionage thrillers - and it's brilliant! No need to worry if you haven't read book #1 - the author succinctly brings the reader up to speed on background without losing the momentum of the current story - and momentum there is: this is a real page-turner with heart-stopping moments as Prince once again has to use all his resourcefulness and skills to obtain information and get it safely across occupied Europe in 1943/1944. Although fictional, some of it is based on fact - it all feels extremely realistic, which I found exceptionally enjoyable.
Prince's son Henry is still missing; Hanne Jakobsen, a Danish police officer who helped him on his last mission, and with whom he fell in love, is incarcerated in Ravensbruck concentration camp, and he's called upon once more to carry out a clandestine operation to obtain proof that Turkey is exporting large quantities of Chromium to the Germans. The metal is integral to the manufacture of their armaments. Turkey, a neutral country, denies it is happening unless they are given proof.
Under the guise of being a journalist. Prince's journeys take us to Istanbul, over to Greece and thence through occupied Europe. Resistance groups and sympathisers help to smooth his way but when his back is against the wall - well, he does what needs to be done.
He will get his information back to London come what may, not least in the hope that whilst he's away the whereabouts of his son is being traced.
Hair-raising exploits, perilous journeys, heart-stopping moments, all encased in the atmosphere of war-torn Europe and the prospect of bringing the war to an end.
What can I say, if you like Le Carre, you'll love this. I'd really like this in film, or perhaps a good long series on TV based on each book. Can't wait for the next instalment.
This is #2 in the Richard Prince series of WWII espionage thrillers - and it's brilliant! No need to worry if you haven't read book #1 - the author succinctly brings the reader up to speed on background without losing the momentum of the current story - and momentum there is: this is a real page-turner with heart-stopping moments as Prince once again has to use all his resourcefulness and skills to obtain information and get it safely across occupied Europe in 1943/1944. Although fictional, some of it is based on fact - it all feels extremely realistic, which I found exceptionally enjoyable.
Prince's son Henry is still missing; Hanne Jakobsen, a Danish police officer who helped him on his last mission, and with whom he fell in love, is incarcerated in Ravensbruck concentration camp, and he's called upon once more to carry out a clandestine operation to obtain proof that Turkey is exporting large quantities of Chromium to the Germans. The metal is integral to the manufacture of their armaments. Turkey, a neutral country, denies it is happening unless they are given proof.
Under the guise of being a journalist. Prince's journeys take us to Istanbul, over to Greece and thence through occupied Europe. Resistance groups and sympathisers help to smooth his way but when his back is against the wall - well, he does what needs to be done.
He will get his information back to London come what may, not least in the hope that whilst he's away the whereabouts of his son is being traced.
Hair-raising exploits, perilous journeys, heart-stopping moments, all encased in the atmosphere of war-torn Europe and the prospect of bringing the war to an end.
What can I say, if you like Le Carre, you'll love this. I'd really like this in film, or perhaps a good long series on TV based on each book. Can't wait for the next instalment.
January 21, 2022
I would actually give this 4 1/2 stars . The setting , characters and plot were well delivered . I am looking forward to the third entry in this series .
July 8, 2020
Alex Gerlis is in absolutely top form with his latest novel, Sea of Spies featuring Richard Prince. There are three threads to the plot; tracking down his lover whom we know, but he doesn't, is in Ravensbruck, trying to find his missing infant son Henry and his very dangerous mission which takes him to Istanbul, Thessaloniki, Plzen, Prague, Munich and so on.
It's a good job that Prince is such a resourceful man because a lot goes wrong and he does have some slices of luck which every agent needs to successfully complete his mission. Locations in Sea of Spies are superbly and atmospherically described and the cross section of characters remind me of an Eric Ambler tale or perhaps Alan Furst, both masters of their trade who, if he carries on like this, Gerlis will soon be joining.
There's plenty of excitement too and some tragedy. Overall, Sea of Spies is a thoroughly entertaining espionage novel, very well written and cleverly plotted.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press.
It's a good job that Prince is such a resourceful man because a lot goes wrong and he does have some slices of luck which every agent needs to successfully complete his mission. Locations in Sea of Spies are superbly and atmospherically described and the cross section of characters remind me of an Eric Ambler tale or perhaps Alan Furst, both masters of their trade who, if he carries on like this, Gerlis will soon be joining.
There's plenty of excitement too and some tragedy. Overall, Sea of Spies is a thoroughly entertaining espionage novel, very well written and cleverly plotted.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press.
August 9, 2020
So tense and exciting that I'm still recovering from finishing this - it has to be another 'best in year' for me!
September 10, 2020
The stories of undercover spy Richard Prince continues and it is really astonishing what can happen behind the lines as well as what happens in the headquarters in England during wartime. I was a little sceptical at first but got into Alex Gerlis writing after a couple of chapters in the first book and now with the second found it really entertaining. I actually are really looking forward to reading the third which will be released soon.
February 24, 2024
Gerlis’s masterful tale of World War 2 spy craft
Alex Gerlis is a master story teller of World War 2 spy fiction. I just loved Sea of Spies and cannot rave enough about this book. Gerlis delivers a tautly developed storyline that deftly bobs and weaves from one tense moment to the next as his protagonist, Richard Prince, attempts a perilous mission to hunt down the trail of suspected chromium shipments from Turkey to Germany. Along the way, he meets hapless resisters who seek to liberate their various homelands from the Germans. At the same time, his young son is missing back home, taken away during a bombing raid when he was mistaken for an orphan.
Gerlis has created a hero who is a well-rounded and is torn between helping his struggling country and finding the child he has lost and the female agent he fell in love with along the way. The Audible book version of Sea of Spies was narrated by Rupert Bush. He is the perfect storyteller for this type of book. His is the masterful voice to Alex Gerlis’s matchless tales of World War 2 spy craft. I cannot imagine a more pairing.
Alex Gerlis is a master story teller of World War 2 spy fiction. I just loved Sea of Spies and cannot rave enough about this book. Gerlis delivers a tautly developed storyline that deftly bobs and weaves from one tense moment to the next as his protagonist, Richard Prince, attempts a perilous mission to hunt down the trail of suspected chromium shipments from Turkey to Germany. Along the way, he meets hapless resisters who seek to liberate their various homelands from the Germans. At the same time, his young son is missing back home, taken away during a bombing raid when he was mistaken for an orphan.
Gerlis has created a hero who is a well-rounded and is torn between helping his struggling country and finding the child he has lost and the female agent he fell in love with along the way. The Audible book version of Sea of Spies was narrated by Rupert Bush. He is the perfect storyteller for this type of book. His is the masterful voice to Alex Gerlis’s matchless tales of World War 2 spy craft. I cannot imagine a more pairing.
September 5, 2025
4* Sea of Spies - Alex Gerlis. The second in the Richard Prince series is as fun a wartime spy caper as the first.
Richard Prince, Lincolnshire policeman and accidental espionage agent, has been back from Nazi Germany for several months when a key mission is jeopardised by the loss of an agent. Despatched to Istanbul to obtain intel on key exports which are being used by Nazi armaments suppliers, Prince finds himself in increasing jeopardy. In a meandering trail that takes him to Turkey, Greece, Spain and Germany, he is never far from a potentially fatal mistake.
Another great spy thriller from Alex Gerlis. The plot is fast paced and while often reliant on huge coincidence or happen-chance, it nevertheless is hugely enjoyable. The character of Prince is a joy to be back with and there are superb breadcrumbs of plot from the previous book waiting to be resolved.
Two more to go in this series and I’m looking forward to them. This would do well as a standalone but it would be a shame not to start with the first book.
I listened on audio, narrated well by Rupert Bush, and enjoyed every minute.
Richard Prince, Lincolnshire policeman and accidental espionage agent, has been back from Nazi Germany for several months when a key mission is jeopardised by the loss of an agent. Despatched to Istanbul to obtain intel on key exports which are being used by Nazi armaments suppliers, Prince finds himself in increasing jeopardy. In a meandering trail that takes him to Turkey, Greece, Spain and Germany, he is never far from a potentially fatal mistake.
Another great spy thriller from Alex Gerlis. The plot is fast paced and while often reliant on huge coincidence or happen-chance, it nevertheless is hugely enjoyable. The character of Prince is a joy to be back with and there are superb breadcrumbs of plot from the previous book waiting to be resolved.
Two more to go in this series and I’m looking forward to them. This would do well as a standalone but it would be a shame not to start with the first book.
I listened on audio, narrated well by Rupert Bush, and enjoyed every minute.
November 12, 2021
The second in this series about a local cop who becomes a spy for the British during WWII. Mostly taking place in seemingly neutral Istanbul. We also travel to Greece, Romania, Prague, Munich and Switzerland. Richard Prince has had no formal training in the world of espionage and the tension is palpable as he maneuvers his way around local threats as well as the barbaric Gestapo. Great story telling.
June 9, 2021
Another satisfactory spy story where Richard Prince seems to stumble upon secrets with a mixture of intelligence, subterfuge and good old luck. Despite that, or maybe because of that, you are rooting for the makeshift spy to get the info required then get back home, no matter how convoluted the path is. Throw in his missing son (back in England) and you have a very good espionage novel.
November 29, 2021
2nd in series and I continue to like the characters and plots. Clean adventure, mystery, and some romance all in a WWII historical fiction (which ends like a real life adventure leaving one to wonder). Narrator enhances the plot, always a plus.
March 24, 2022
3.5 stars
February 20, 2023
Fast action and exciting, a real thriller. Enjoyed it so much I'm on to the next in this three part series.
August 1, 2021
Exciting
First read Prince of Spies and it ended with wanting to and needing to find out the next adventure and it didn't disappoint!
First read Prince of Spies and it ended with wanting to and needing to find out the next adventure and it didn't disappoint!
November 12, 2020
Curate’s eggish
Apparently, this is the second in the series of the Richard Prince series, but it is a proper stand-alone thriller with few, if any, references to the first novel.
The book is set during the Second World War and takes the reader from the UK to Turkey, Greece, Egypt etc. Nazi Germany is on the back foot after the recent success of the Allies in the region. Richard Prince was a police Superintendent before the war started and is now a spy who gets sent behind enemy lines. His mission on this occasion is to prove that neutral Turkey is supplying Germany with chromium. There is a decent family-related subplot as well, but to describe it here might spoil the first few chapters.
So why – good in parts rather than good all the way through?
The plot took a long time to get going. In fact, apart from the odd death, the first half was mostly scene-setting, where not a lot happened. In comparison, the ending and tying up of loose ends was achieved in just a few pages. The writing style at times was rather wooden and would have benefitted from a change of pace, and a little passion and the events which occurred when our hero had his back against the wall were all together just a little too convenient which meant that there was a lack of tension. In fact, Price came across as rather a poor spy, making basic mistakes on several occasions and relying more on luck than judgement to extricate himself from a difficult situation.
On the whole, though, the main characters were well developed and fleshed out even if some of the minor ones were archetypal. Despite being slow at times, the plot moved along nicely and was never ponderous.
In conclusion, therefore, it’s a solid, if uninspiring, thriller which will have the reader wanting to know how it ends, which in itself is a worthy achievement.
mr zorg
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
Apparently, this is the second in the series of the Richard Prince series, but it is a proper stand-alone thriller with few, if any, references to the first novel.
The book is set during the Second World War and takes the reader from the UK to Turkey, Greece, Egypt etc. Nazi Germany is on the back foot after the recent success of the Allies in the region. Richard Prince was a police Superintendent before the war started and is now a spy who gets sent behind enemy lines. His mission on this occasion is to prove that neutral Turkey is supplying Germany with chromium. There is a decent family-related subplot as well, but to describe it here might spoil the first few chapters.
So why – good in parts rather than good all the way through?
The plot took a long time to get going. In fact, apart from the odd death, the first half was mostly scene-setting, where not a lot happened. In comparison, the ending and tying up of loose ends was achieved in just a few pages. The writing style at times was rather wooden and would have benefitted from a change of pace, and a little passion and the events which occurred when our hero had his back against the wall were all together just a little too convenient which meant that there was a lack of tension. In fact, Price came across as rather a poor spy, making basic mistakes on several occasions and relying more on luck than judgement to extricate himself from a difficult situation.
On the whole, though, the main characters were well developed and fleshed out even if some of the minor ones were archetypal. Despite being slow at times, the plot moved along nicely and was never ponderous.
In conclusion, therefore, it’s a solid, if uninspiring, thriller which will have the reader wanting to know how it ends, which in itself is a worthy achievement.
mr zorg
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
April 12, 2022
Picking up right from where it left off in the first book, this book felt even better than book one. Again Prince is thrust into the mouth of danger to help the Allied war efforts. And this time around he willingly goes into further danger without a second thought and without any help from MI6 and their agents. Again a brilliantly researched book, the descriptions so beautiful and vivid that you can see it right in front of your eyes. And Richard Prince is a wonderful character, a clever man who was born to be a spy. Another brilliant book in this series and I'm moving on straight to the third book in this series. Again a big thank you to Alex Gerlis for this wonderful book. Also a big thank you to NetGalley and Canelo, Action for giving me this book in exchange of my review.
October 2, 2020
I was disappointed. Based on the reviews, I expected a tense and complex espionage story. This was a slow paced and unexceptional piece of historical fiction. My three star review is actually a 2.5 rounded up.
December 12, 2020
I liked the first in this series and thought the character of Richard Price had lots of scope for development, however the second in the series fell flat for me. A rather repetitive and uninspiring story which just didn’t sit right for me.
January 8, 2023
Book 1 was so good that I got book 2 and finished it in a couple of days too. Spoilers ahead.
A typical slow start to Gerlis' books. In fact the meat of the book didn't really get started until about 28% in. I was going to give this book a lower rating but it's a long book and the rest of the book made up for it. The first 28% was also a mix of POVs which I do not like and I thought some of it was unnecessary.
Sketch:
The Turks are supplying the Germans with chromium (for armored steel). The British spymaster meets his Turkish counterpart in Cairo. He wants a commitment from the Turks to stop supplying the stuff but the Turkish spymaster denies shipping it to the Germans unless the Brits can present him with evidence. The Brits decide to send Prince to Istanbul to get evidence.
The whole plot setup is a bit dodgy. Even if the Brits did present the Turks with evidence, I'm sure the Turks would find some way to continue. It's not any evidence that would stop them but some other compelling reason. The other dodgy part is why send Prince? I would send someone local or familiar with the Turks to do this. I mean, you need someone who can blend in or at least doesn't look like he just stepped on a boat from England.
So Prince is trained and sent to Istanbul. He doesn't get very far and almost gets killed by German agents there. But he is accidentally saved by a Greek smuggler. He is willing to help Prince as long as Prince can go to Greece to bring back his son. So there is a short side plot where Prince goes to Greece. Again, why send Prince? The Greek is powerful and rich and has a lot of contacts and should be able to find anyone else.
Once Prince gets back, they decide the best way to document the chromium shipments is to go with a shipment all the way to the factory in Pilsen. So Prince goes to Pilsen and gets photographs and documentation. Now he has to get back to England with the evidence.
The rest of the book is about him one step ahead of the Gestapo as he travels from Pilsen to Germany and then to Switzerland. The meat of the book is of him in occupied Europe (again) and makes for pretty exciting reading.
I enjoyed it a lot and am now reading book 3.
A typical slow start to Gerlis' books. In fact the meat of the book didn't really get started until about 28% in. I was going to give this book a lower rating but it's a long book and the rest of the book made up for it. The first 28% was also a mix of POVs which I do not like and I thought some of it was unnecessary.
Sketch:
The Turks are supplying the Germans with chromium (for armored steel). The British spymaster meets his Turkish counterpart in Cairo. He wants a commitment from the Turks to stop supplying the stuff but the Turkish spymaster denies shipping it to the Germans unless the Brits can present him with evidence. The Brits decide to send Prince to Istanbul to get evidence.
The whole plot setup is a bit dodgy. Even if the Brits did present the Turks with evidence, I'm sure the Turks would find some way to continue. It's not any evidence that would stop them but some other compelling reason. The other dodgy part is why send Prince? I would send someone local or familiar with the Turks to do this. I mean, you need someone who can blend in or at least doesn't look like he just stepped on a boat from England.
So Prince is trained and sent to Istanbul. He doesn't get very far and almost gets killed by German agents there. But he is accidentally saved by a Greek smuggler. He is willing to help Prince as long as Prince can go to Greece to bring back his son. So there is a short side plot where Prince goes to Greece. Again, why send Prince? The Greek is powerful and rich and has a lot of contacts and should be able to find anyone else.
Once Prince gets back, they decide the best way to document the chromium shipments is to go with a shipment all the way to the factory in Pilsen. So Prince goes to Pilsen and gets photographs and documentation. Now he has to get back to England with the evidence.
The rest of the book is about him one step ahead of the Gestapo as he travels from Pilsen to Germany and then to Switzerland. The meat of the book is of him in occupied Europe (again) and makes for pretty exciting reading.
I enjoyed it a lot and am now reading book 3.
August 6, 2020
Sea Of Spies Is A Well-Researched, Informative And Suspenseful WWII Spy Thriller!
Sea Of Spies is the second book in the WWII spy series by Alex Gerlis featuring Richard Prince, an ex-policeman now on another important spy mission for England. I won’t describe the plot of this book, as that it is readily available in the Amazon and GoodReads Book Description sections. Instead, this review will focus on my opinion of it, which is virtually identical to my opinion of Prince Of Spies.
Overall, Sea Of Spies is a well-researched, informative and interesting thriller. As I felt to be true about Prince Of Spies, I found the first half of this book to be quite slow-moving and requires considerable patience on the reader’s part, as it focuses heavily on character development, the specific training required for Richard Prince’s latest mission, and setting the atmosphere of the places to which Prince is sent to carry out his missions. Once you get to the second half of Sea Of Spies, I think you’ll find that your patience will be rewarded, as it, for the most part, is attention-holding, gripping and suspenseful. Further, I particularly enjoyed how the author allows for exciting things to happen without the reader being bombarded with the hero involved in an array of shoot-outs, fistfights and car chases. While it wasn’t a drawback for me, I should point out that Sea of Spies (as does Prince Of Spies) has a “cliffhanger” ending in that an important plot line was left unresolved. It seems pretty clear to me that this unresolved plot line is going to be a major part of the plot in the third (and final) book in the Richard Prince series.
Bottom line, I enjoyed Sea Of Spies and plan to go along with Richard Prince on his next mission.
#Sea Of Spies #NetGalley
Sea Of Spies is the second book in the WWII spy series by Alex Gerlis featuring Richard Prince, an ex-policeman now on another important spy mission for England. I won’t describe the plot of this book, as that it is readily available in the Amazon and GoodReads Book Description sections. Instead, this review will focus on my opinion of it, which is virtually identical to my opinion of Prince Of Spies.
Overall, Sea Of Spies is a well-researched, informative and interesting thriller. As I felt to be true about Prince Of Spies, I found the first half of this book to be quite slow-moving and requires considerable patience on the reader’s part, as it focuses heavily on character development, the specific training required for Richard Prince’s latest mission, and setting the atmosphere of the places to which Prince is sent to carry out his missions. Once you get to the second half of Sea Of Spies, I think you’ll find that your patience will be rewarded, as it, for the most part, is attention-holding, gripping and suspenseful. Further, I particularly enjoyed how the author allows for exciting things to happen without the reader being bombarded with the hero involved in an array of shoot-outs, fistfights and car chases. While it wasn’t a drawback for me, I should point out that Sea of Spies (as does Prince Of Spies) has a “cliffhanger” ending in that an important plot line was left unresolved. It seems pretty clear to me that this unresolved plot line is going to be a major part of the plot in the third (and final) book in the Richard Prince series.
Bottom line, I enjoyed Sea Of Spies and plan to go along with Richard Prince on his next mission.
#Sea Of Spies #NetGalley
August 31, 2025
For readers like me, who are well read on 20th Century and WW2 history, you appreciate Alex Gerlis’s WW2 spy thriller novels even more.
Unlike his earlier series, Spy Masters, which I have reviewed, and although a “series” the books can be read in any order, ideally you should start this series with book 1, PRINCE OF SPIES, so the events unfold in chronological order and you align with the continuity.
I was most impressed with how Alex set the scene, presented the characters, filling in some background on who and where they were in relation to each other and the war. It was then an easy and logical step for Prince to set off on his new mission to Turkey where he is to strive to find out how and how much chromium Turkey is sending to Germany. This is critical in the production of armour plating and its disruption will potentially shorten the war for Britain.
The details of the preparation for sending an agent on a mission, precautions to be taken, the day to day routines and codes all added authenticity to the excellent and credible plot.
Once again Rupert Bush does a fine job with the narration.
And, thank you once again, Alex - a carefully thought out and detailed mission.
Anyone who enjoys spy thrillers will not be disappointed. Highly recommended.
Happy reading, Eric.
Unlike his earlier series, Spy Masters, which I have reviewed, and although a “series” the books can be read in any order, ideally you should start this series with book 1, PRINCE OF SPIES, so the events unfold in chronological order and you align with the continuity.
I was most impressed with how Alex set the scene, presented the characters, filling in some background on who and where they were in relation to each other and the war. It was then an easy and logical step for Prince to set off on his new mission to Turkey where he is to strive to find out how and how much chromium Turkey is sending to Germany. This is critical in the production of armour plating and its disruption will potentially shorten the war for Britain.
The details of the preparation for sending an agent on a mission, precautions to be taken, the day to day routines and codes all added authenticity to the excellent and credible plot.
Once again Rupert Bush does a fine job with the narration.
And, thank you once again, Alex - a carefully thought out and detailed mission.
Anyone who enjoys spy thrillers will not be disappointed. Highly recommended.
Happy reading, Eric.
August 12, 2021
Book two of this series sees us in the middle of the war. Richard Prince has recently returned from the story of book one, Prince of Spies (I don’t think that’s a spoiler!). His handler is keen to get him back in the field. We start in Turkey in January 1943, with the Allies trying to stop the neutral Turks supplying the Nazis with materials critical to the war effort. The man sent to Istanbul disappears, and someone else is needed.
Prince is the man. Posing as a journalist he travels in his predecessors footsteps to try to find proof of what is happening. It does not take long for Prince to get into trouble, but his initial misstep puts him in contact with a man who might just be able to help. We follow Prince across Europe as he attempts to get the proof the Allies need to force the Turkish to halt their trade.
This is another good outing, and I think better than book one. Once again the locations are engaging, and we learn a little more about Prince. Once again, I might quibble about the end. The last two chapters are rather strange and completely separate from the main story. I am not sure why they were added/included – I do not want to say too much in case it is considered a spoiler. Anything, overall a good story and I have the third in the series waiting on my Kindle.
July 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this second instalment of Richard Prince's life as a police detective turned British spy.
This time, Prince has to travel to Istanbul to discover how the Turks are managing to send chromium to Nazi Germany and the German occupied countries.
He arrives in Istanbul, and begins the long waiting game before he can get anywhere near the places where he'll find the best evidence.
Eventually, Prince is helped by the Resistance and he gets the necessary photographs. After many of the resistance people are arrested and 'questioned' by the Germans, Prince has to travel through many European countries, many occupied by Germany, before he arrives back in England.
After he is debriefed by his handlers, Prince returns to looking for his missing son, Henry. The boy is eventually found, unharmed, and living with a couple who believe they have adopted the child.
All is well, and father and son return to their previous lives in Lincolnshire.
However, will Richard Prince ever be happy as a policeman now, after his adventures as a spy?
This time, Prince has to travel to Istanbul to discover how the Turks are managing to send chromium to Nazi Germany and the German occupied countries.
He arrives in Istanbul, and begins the long waiting game before he can get anywhere near the places where he'll find the best evidence.
Eventually, Prince is helped by the Resistance and he gets the necessary photographs. After many of the resistance people are arrested and 'questioned' by the Germans, Prince has to travel through many European countries, many occupied by Germany, before he arrives back in England.
After he is debriefed by his handlers, Prince returns to looking for his missing son, Henry. The boy is eventually found, unharmed, and living with a couple who believe they have adopted the child.
All is well, and father and son return to their previous lives in Lincolnshire.
However, will Richard Prince ever be happy as a policeman now, after his adventures as a spy?
April 21, 2022
It's 1943 and Richard Prince is still recovering from his first mission into Occupied Europe. But he's also bored, so when he's over the worst of his typhus, he agrees to a second mission: going undercover as an Irish journalist in neutral Turkey to gather evidence that the Turks are supplying Nazi Germany with material to help their war effort.
Prince is a very good spy, but in the course of this novel, he travels through close to twenty countries, which is more than most people would visit in peacetime! He is, however, resourceful and tenacious, keeping a clear head even when his back's against the wall and all the odds are stacked against him.
The scene setting is wonderful, evoking the different countries during wartime, from the bustling, exotic Istanbul to claustrophobic, suspicious Prague to grey, bomb-damaged Munich. Throughout his adventures, you can't help but root for Prince, especially when he's faced with a much more personal mission to find his missing son.
I enjoyed this and will definitely read the next in the series.
Prince is a very good spy, but in the course of this novel, he travels through close to twenty countries, which is more than most people would visit in peacetime! He is, however, resourceful and tenacious, keeping a clear head even when his back's against the wall and all the odds are stacked against him.
The scene setting is wonderful, evoking the different countries during wartime, from the bustling, exotic Istanbul to claustrophobic, suspicious Prague to grey, bomb-damaged Munich. Throughout his adventures, you can't help but root for Prince, especially when he's faced with a much more personal mission to find his missing son.
I enjoyed this and will definitely read the next in the series.
January 24, 2025
Poor Richard Prince - really should know when he is told a mission will be simple and only take a month or so that it probably won't pan out that way.
Another good easy read from Alex Gerlis. Book #2 of the series which picked up rather well from the first book. This one felt a little more complete whereas book 1 kind of felt like it stopped mid sentence. Still obviously a few loose ends to be resolved which will force me to read book 3 - I think we can all see where it is going.
As a spy thriller this one was interesting compared to the first book, rather than a rinse-and-repeat it actually took an interesting approach. Some times frustrating in Prince's "Spy craft" failing him but I think it reflected well on him not being a career spy.
What I do like about the way Gerlis has created this series is that is built in quite a believable way without too much reality bending special effects and big heroic actions.
Overall another nice easy read and a good story to go along with it.
Another good easy read from Alex Gerlis. Book #2 of the series which picked up rather well from the first book. This one felt a little more complete whereas book 1 kind of felt like it stopped mid sentence. Still obviously a few loose ends to be resolved which will force me to read book 3 - I think we can all see where it is going.
As a spy thriller this one was interesting compared to the first book, rather than a rinse-and-repeat it actually took an interesting approach. Some times frustrating in Prince's "Spy craft" failing him but I think it reflected well on him not being a career spy.
What I do like about the way Gerlis has created this series is that is built in quite a believable way without too much reality bending special effects and big heroic actions.
Overall another nice easy read and a good story to go along with it.
October 29, 2023
Another impressive page turner from Alex Gerlis.
Once again, Gerlis exhibits the hook and readability that I’ve come to expect from his novels.
Gerlis takes us to a brand new setting which I absolutely loved. Although not overly lovingly described, the setting of the Middle East is believable and the grand tour from here to south and Eastern Europe and finally into Nazi Germany is, in my opinion, the best escape plan from occupied Europe that Gerlis has written.
My only negative view is a gripe which I can often have with Gerlis. The final two chapters of his books are often covering lots of different loose ends and they can often feel quite rushed - Prince of Spies was no exception.
Nonetheless, an absolutely brilliant book that hooked me from beginning to end.
Once again, Gerlis exhibits the hook and readability that I’ve come to expect from his novels.
Gerlis takes us to a brand new setting which I absolutely loved. Although not overly lovingly described, the setting of the Middle East is believable and the grand tour from here to south and Eastern Europe and finally into Nazi Germany is, in my opinion, the best escape plan from occupied Europe that Gerlis has written.
My only negative view is a gripe which I can often have with Gerlis. The final two chapters of his books are often covering lots of different loose ends and they can often feel quite rushed - Prince of Spies was no exception.
Nonetheless, an absolutely brilliant book that hooked me from beginning to end.
April 17, 2024
Despite his desire to locate his son, Richard Prince reluctantly agrees to enter the spy game once more. This time, he doesn’t have the promise of protection and contacts. In fact, his back story encourages him to disavow his English heritage. His quest for proof of providing aid to the Reich led him into danger once more. Will he survive without readily available assistance? Or will the Gestapo get intel from him?
Another interesting look into the harrowing life of a spy. Of course, keeping track of all the names and pseudonyms is also great exercise for the brain. Off to see what happens next…
Another interesting look into the harrowing life of a spy. Of course, keeping track of all the names and pseudonyms is also great exercise for the brain. Off to see what happens next…
June 27, 2020
Sea of Spies. Alex Gerlis
Book two in this series. Richard Prince is a British spy during WWII. He's a cog or a tool to be utilized by his superiors, some of them are incompetent fools. He's a survivor. He will disobey an order to accomplish his mission. He will succeed, but always there is a price to be paid. That said, this is an excellent spy thriller. It depicts the harsh realities and a human side Richard Prince endures to accomplish he's mission. My highest recommendation.
Book two in this series. Richard Prince is a British spy during WWII. He's a cog or a tool to be utilized by his superiors, some of them are incompetent fools. He's a survivor. He will disobey an order to accomplish his mission. He will succeed, but always there is a price to be paid. That said, this is an excellent spy thriller. It depicts the harsh realities and a human side Richard Prince endures to accomplish he's mission. My highest recommendation.
August 5, 2020
The Richard Prince saga continues as he is once again dispatched to Turkey and then Nazi controlled Europe to collect evidence of the Turkish supply of chromium, a vital component of steel, to the Germans. Along the way he is helped by numerous characters, including a Jewish Greek black marketeer and lots of other spies and Resistance fighters. It is touch and go as he tries desperately to make his escape back to England. If you liked Prince of Spies and follow Furst and Le Carre, you'll probably enjoy this one, too.
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