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Amsterdam Calling
Dan and Crystal meet by chance in Amsterdam in the summer of 2013. Dan is 35. He is a British journalist with reasons to take a break. Crystal is 30. She is an American fashion designer, eager to trace her European ancestors.
There is a chemistry, which develops as they visit many places of interest in the wonderful city of Crystal’s heritage. She traces family heroes from the time of the Holocaust. It comes to light that she has at least one living relative still in the area.
During their first days together, the couple discover that a British hit-man is hunting for Dan, and a neo-Nazi group is investigating Crystal, because of her connections to the Dutch Resistance.
There is a chemistry, which develops as they visit many places of interest in the wonderful city of Crystal’s heritage. She traces family heroes from the time of the Holocaust. It comes to light that she has at least one living relative still in the area.
During their first days together, the couple discover that a British hit-man is hunting for Dan, and a neo-Nazi group is investigating Crystal, because of her connections to the Dutch Resistance.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 14, 2014
When I first read the initial blurb for this I was in two minds as to whether I would like it, but based on the author’s previous works I thought I’d give it a try. Thankfully my decision proved to be the correct one. This isn’t a fire fight a minute every other scene type book, but more a slow burning romance/thriller, in which the the two genres are perfectly combined. I particularly liked that neither theme seemed to dominate or simply serve as a vassal for the other; the chance but very believable meeting of the two main characters at Schiphol airport gives rise to a truly delightful romance, beautifully shown against the backdrop of Amsterdam, one of the most beautiful and romantic cities imaginable. Amid the blossoming romance, there are two separate dangers to the happy couple, one in the form of an ex-military professional assassin on the trail of investigative journalist, Dan Galloway, and some shady Neo Nazi characters after American fashion designer, Crystal, on account of her family’s past and present connections with the wartime Dutch Resistance.
As well being a romance, the investigative side of the book is cleverly intertwined on several different levels: Crystal’s researches into her past, Dan’s background checks into who might be stalking them both, as well as the assassin’s own activities. The romance and the emerging story of the dangers they both face is very cleverly brought to life by lots of superbly written dialogue, which serves not only to show off the their surroundings and the feel and history of Amsterdam, but continually drives the story forward - and quintessentially Dutch, often from the saddle of a bicycle - one of the best examples of ‘show, not tell’ I’ve read in a long time.
As in all Tom’s books, there is great attention to detail. Readers who expect and demand authenticity in their reading will not be disappointed; the geography, history, and every other aspect of Amsterdam are thoroughly well researched, a fact which shines throughout the book. Those who have read Tom Benson’s previous book, Ten Days In Panama, will no doubt pick up on the subtle links to that book too. The romance is beautifully developed but without an over-reliance on the physical side. All the characters are totally believable and well developed, complimented by a cleverly interwoven background story of the history and courage of the Dutch people during the war. I’d also say that this is a book that will appeal to a female readership as opposed to the predominantly male readership of the more traditional thriller... An intelligently well written book that ticks all the boxes for me...
As well being a romance, the investigative side of the book is cleverly intertwined on several different levels: Crystal’s researches into her past, Dan’s background checks into who might be stalking them both, as well as the assassin’s own activities. The romance and the emerging story of the dangers they both face is very cleverly brought to life by lots of superbly written dialogue, which serves not only to show off the their surroundings and the feel and history of Amsterdam, but continually drives the story forward - and quintessentially Dutch, often from the saddle of a bicycle - one of the best examples of ‘show, not tell’ I’ve read in a long time.
As in all Tom’s books, there is great attention to detail. Readers who expect and demand authenticity in their reading will not be disappointed; the geography, history, and every other aspect of Amsterdam are thoroughly well researched, a fact which shines throughout the book. Those who have read Tom Benson’s previous book, Ten Days In Panama, will no doubt pick up on the subtle links to that book too. The romance is beautifully developed but without an over-reliance on the physical side. All the characters are totally believable and well developed, complimented by a cleverly interwoven background story of the history and courage of the Dutch people during the war. I’d also say that this is a book that will appeal to a female readership as opposed to the predominantly male readership of the more traditional thriller... An intelligently well written book that ticks all the boxes for me...
July 5, 2018
I first read this book three years ago, and saw recently that Tom Benson had revised it, so having read and enjoyed some of his more recent work, I decided to see what changes he had made. I’m so glad I did. What had been lacking for me initially was a sense of real substance in the main characters, and in this later version they have come properly alive, the chemistry between them palpable and believable. This made all the difference to how the book kept me gripped. The book is a clever combination of romance and mystery thriller, with the added bonus of a taking the reader on a virtual tour of Amsterdam. It’s a place I’ve never actually been to, but now feel I know very well! Tom Benson’s detailed descriptions of the city, its museums and its many sights are obviously based on personal knowledge and experience as well as meticulous research, and this adds a deeper dimension to the story. The storyline involves Dan, a British investigative journalist, and Crystal, an American fashion designer, who by coincidence at the start of the novel both happen to be en route to Amsterdam. She is hoping to find out more about her family’s history after some recent discoveries, and he is pursuing a story of his own. Intimacy soon blossoms as they travel together and explore the city, and as I followed the narrative my fascination with both characters increased. A back story, relevant to the plot, explores the history of the Dutch people during the Second World War, and the bravery of those in the resistance movement. Here past begins to meet present as Dan and Crystal gradually come to realise that she is being pursued with evil intent by Neo Nazis who know about her family’s wartime connections. At the same time, a professional assassin is out to get Dan, for reasons that become apparent as the plot progressively thickens! To say more about the story here would be giving away spoilers! Tom Benson is an accomplished author, with a number of published books written in various genres – each different although with his own unique stamp. I have no hesitation in giving this book five stars, and thoroughly recommend it.
October 17, 2019
Just the right mix of suspense and romance
Stories promising suspense and intrigue have always been a draw for me. Doesn’t matter the genre – paranormal, mystery, thriller, or romance, to name a few. As long as the story is well crafted and leads me down a winding path, I’m hooked.
The author does a good job of weaving in credible backstories to support the multi-layered plot and conflicts by first giving us a glimpse of the main characters who will eventually meet, compliments of destiny, in Amsterdam. There the suspense begins to build when Dan, a British Investigative Journalist, meets Crystal, an American woman who is hoping to trace her family’s history – a history which eventually opens their eyes to a danger Crystal never could have imagined. To make matters worse, Dan has no idea that his last undercover job spurred a contract on his life.
A romantic relationship that develops quickly between Dan and Crystal plays a role here, but it is not the main focus of the story. The heart of the plot is an underlying thread of the past which converges with the present, making for a suspenseful ride.
Well worth your time to read this one!
Stories promising suspense and intrigue have always been a draw for me. Doesn’t matter the genre – paranormal, mystery, thriller, or romance, to name a few. As long as the story is well crafted and leads me down a winding path, I’m hooked.
The author does a good job of weaving in credible backstories to support the multi-layered plot and conflicts by first giving us a glimpse of the main characters who will eventually meet, compliments of destiny, in Amsterdam. There the suspense begins to build when Dan, a British Investigative Journalist, meets Crystal, an American woman who is hoping to trace her family’s history – a history which eventually opens their eyes to a danger Crystal never could have imagined. To make matters worse, Dan has no idea that his last undercover job spurred a contract on his life.
A romantic relationship that develops quickly between Dan and Crystal plays a role here, but it is not the main focus of the story. The heart of the plot is an underlying thread of the past which converges with the present, making for a suspenseful ride.
Well worth your time to read this one!
February 21, 2015
“Amsterdam Calling” by Tom Benson is a beautiful novel. Part romance, part mystery thriller the book has both lighter and deeper tones. Dan, a British journalist, is on his way to Amsterdam after running into trouble in Manchester. He meets Crystal, an American woman who is heading to the Dutch capital, too. In her case it is to find out more about her family’s history. They end up travelling together and explore the city. I’m a big fan of Amsterdam and found the descriptions of the city and its wonderful sights charming, accurate and well incorporated into the story. It took me back to many holidays I had there. Benson captures the spirit of the city and the people wonderfully.
But this is not just a simple travel memoir. It has reflections on European and Dutch history and their effects on the present. For our lovers their personal / familial past comes to haunt them in the present, too, which adds complexity to the story.
This is not as fast paced as you’d expect for a thriller and – thankfully – doesn’t venture suddenly into James Bond territory. Instead of an adrenaline fuelled action piece this novels gives more space to character development and unfolding of the romance. The disturbance of the peace helps well to illustrate how sudden and unexpected the troubles in the past must have hit the city. A fascinating and - despite its relaxed pace - a gripping read.
But this is not just a simple travel memoir. It has reflections on European and Dutch history and their effects on the present. For our lovers their personal / familial past comes to haunt them in the present, too, which adds complexity to the story.
This is not as fast paced as you’d expect for a thriller and – thankfully – doesn’t venture suddenly into James Bond territory. Instead of an adrenaline fuelled action piece this novels gives more space to character development and unfolding of the romance. The disturbance of the peace helps well to illustrate how sudden and unexpected the troubles in the past must have hit the city. A fascinating and - despite its relaxed pace - a gripping read.
December 2, 2014
An Intriguing tale
Sometimes a book surprises me and that is nearly always a good thing. Having read Tom Benson’s page turning ‘Beyond The Law’, I made assumptions about Amsterdam Calling before I read the first page and one should never make assumptions. This was a very different book but nonetheless equally enjoyable. Tom showed he has more than one trick up his sleeve here.
Amsterdam calling has a more delicate side if you will, with romance and intrigue cleverly intertwining to tell an intricate tale or should I say tales as this is a multi-stranded plot. Once again as with ‘Beyond The Law’, Tom has a desire to bring the reader into the location where his books are set. Quite often this can put me to sleep in a book, but Tom Benson is never boring and he details Amsterdam perfectly.
As with any review I am loathe to give away any spoilers but this is essentially a thriller with just the right dose of romance, that revolves around the two central characters Dan and Crystal and stories from their past. With both in danger from very different directions, Tom builds this one at a wonderfully steady pace with just the right injection of action when needed. I suggest you pick this one up; it is my second Tom Benson book and it has sent me looking for number three.
Sometimes a book surprises me and that is nearly always a good thing. Having read Tom Benson’s page turning ‘Beyond The Law’, I made assumptions about Amsterdam Calling before I read the first page and one should never make assumptions. This was a very different book but nonetheless equally enjoyable. Tom showed he has more than one trick up his sleeve here.
Amsterdam calling has a more delicate side if you will, with romance and intrigue cleverly intertwining to tell an intricate tale or should I say tales as this is a multi-stranded plot. Once again as with ‘Beyond The Law’, Tom has a desire to bring the reader into the location where his books are set. Quite often this can put me to sleep in a book, but Tom Benson is never boring and he details Amsterdam perfectly.
As with any review I am loathe to give away any spoilers but this is essentially a thriller with just the right dose of romance, that revolves around the two central characters Dan and Crystal and stories from their past. With both in danger from very different directions, Tom builds this one at a wonderfully steady pace with just the right injection of action when needed. I suggest you pick this one up; it is my second Tom Benson book and it has sent me looking for number three.
December 22, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars Unique! Fun! Awesome!, December 18, 2014
By morgan -
This review is from: Amsterdam Calling (Kindle Edition)
What a great read!
I love a book with suspense. It's my genre forte. When given a chance to read a book with a little romance and fun, I'm all in, and this book, 'Amsterdam Calling', didn't disappoint.
Whenever i can find an author who can weave a tale with multiple story lines, I'm in love. It's like getting more than one book at a time. Here, Tom Benson gives us our money's worth with more than one adventure.
I love the main characters, Crystal and Dan.
How could you not?
They're well fleshed out, great as a team, and believable. Too many authors give you characters that you just can't believe would ever exist. Well, not Tom.
It's like you know them.
They're your neighbors and friends.
You love them from the start!
While our characters navigate the story and plot, you're getting your own guided tour of a beautiful city.
I won't give away spoilers, but you won't be disappointed.
I promise!
By morgan -
This review is from: Amsterdam Calling (Kindle Edition)
What a great read!
I love a book with suspense. It's my genre forte. When given a chance to read a book with a little romance and fun, I'm all in, and this book, 'Amsterdam Calling', didn't disappoint.
Whenever i can find an author who can weave a tale with multiple story lines, I'm in love. It's like getting more than one book at a time. Here, Tom Benson gives us our money's worth with more than one adventure.
I love the main characters, Crystal and Dan.
How could you not?
They're well fleshed out, great as a team, and believable. Too many authors give you characters that you just can't believe would ever exist. Well, not Tom.
It's like you know them.
They're your neighbors and friends.
You love them from the start!
While our characters navigate the story and plot, you're getting your own guided tour of a beautiful city.
I won't give away spoilers, but you won't be disappointed.
I promise!
March 30, 2015
I like the way this story started in three different locations before the separate threads converged in Amsterdam. The book is part thriller, part romance. The blossoming romance between the two main protagonists Crystal and Dan develops during their research into her family. They’ve met by chance and because Dan feels an attraction to this American woman he helps her track down her remaining living relatives. They delve into her family’s history while he shows her the sights. Dan, a Scottish investigative journalist is laying low in Amsterdam after exposing a criminal gang. Neither knows that they're both being followed by people who intent to harm them.
I looked forwards to reading this book by Scottish writer Tom Benson, as I lived the first 20 years of my life in Holland (or the Netherlands as Tom correctly points out) before moving to Scotland. I’ve visited Amsterdam on many occasions, but after starting this book it became clear the writer knows this city better and that I should pay Amsterdam another visit. Tom has done his research well and it shows he loves the Dutch capital. However I found all the detail got in the way of actual plot of the thriller, which I would’ve liked to be more fleshed out.
I would love to take this book with me on my next visit to Amsterdam. I think this book will be most enjoyed as a travelling companion to Amsterdam and a light holiday read.
I looked forwards to reading this book by Scottish writer Tom Benson, as I lived the first 20 years of my life in Holland (or the Netherlands as Tom correctly points out) before moving to Scotland. I’ve visited Amsterdam on many occasions, but after starting this book it became clear the writer knows this city better and that I should pay Amsterdam another visit. Tom has done his research well and it shows he loves the Dutch capital. However I found all the detail got in the way of actual plot of the thriller, which I would’ve liked to be more fleshed out.
I would love to take this book with me on my next visit to Amsterdam. I think this book will be most enjoyed as a travelling companion to Amsterdam and a light holiday read.
May 20, 2016
An intriguing complex plot with equal measures of the mystery, thriller and romance genre nicely balanced out.
A wealthy, attractive American, Crystal travels to Amsterdam to trace her heritage. She discovers not only her ancestors were celebrated members of the Resistance during the German occupation in WW2 but there may be surviving close members of her family living in the city. The reason they can't be traced by normal methods also puts Crystal's life at risk. I have no idea how much of this story-line (the continued conflict between undercover Nazi and Resistance members) is true but I certainly enjoyed this aspect of the story.
Crystal's investigation is assisted by Dan, a British Investigative Journalist. Dan is the love interest but while concentrating on protecting Crystal he is unaware he has a paid assassin on his tail as a result of his last undercover job.
Crystal and Dan pursue their investigations and romance while dodging ever more people out to get them.
The city of Amsterdam along with its canals, museums and libraries is brought to life in great detail. I'm guessing the author has spent quite a lot of time in the city. Dan brings a suave Bond-like feel to the read as he deftly avoids his assassin while entertaining and dining his girl.
A fast paced and enjoyable read.
A wealthy, attractive American, Crystal travels to Amsterdam to trace her heritage. She discovers not only her ancestors were celebrated members of the Resistance during the German occupation in WW2 but there may be surviving close members of her family living in the city. The reason they can't be traced by normal methods also puts Crystal's life at risk. I have no idea how much of this story-line (the continued conflict between undercover Nazi and Resistance members) is true but I certainly enjoyed this aspect of the story.
Crystal's investigation is assisted by Dan, a British Investigative Journalist. Dan is the love interest but while concentrating on protecting Crystal he is unaware he has a paid assassin on his tail as a result of his last undercover job.
Crystal and Dan pursue their investigations and romance while dodging ever more people out to get them.
The city of Amsterdam along with its canals, museums and libraries is brought to life in great detail. I'm guessing the author has spent quite a lot of time in the city. Dan brings a suave Bond-like feel to the read as he deftly avoids his assassin while entertaining and dining his girl.
A fast paced and enjoyable read.
October 30, 2016
Good travelogue mystery.
I really liked this book because I am considering a trip to Amsterdam so I appreciated the way the author described the city. There was a little of everything in this book including murder, mystery, romance , history and geography. It was an enjoyable read.
I really liked this book because I am considering a trip to Amsterdam so I appreciated the way the author described the city. There was a little of everything in this book including murder, mystery, romance , history and geography. It was an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews