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Men at War #6
The Double Agents
W.E.B. Griffin’s iconoclastic OSS heroes face an historic challenge in the brand-new volume of the New York Times-bestselling series. Critics and fans alike welcomed the return of the “shrewd, sharp, rousing” (Kirkus Reviews) Men at War “The Saboteurs is good entertainment and the fast-paced and exciting novel Griffin’s readers have come to expect. This is Griffin’s 36th novel and his son’s first; one wonders how prolific a force Griffin & Son will be!” (Library Journal) Now, Dick Canidy and colleagues in the Office of Strategic Services face an even greater task—to convince Hitler and the Axis powers that the invasion of the European continent will take place anywhere but on the beaches of Nazi-occupied France. “Wild Bill” Donovan’s men have several tactics in mind, but some of the people they must use are not the most reliable—are, in fact, most likely spying for both sides – so the deceptions require layer upon layer of intrigue, and all it will take is one slip to send the whole thing tumbling down like a house of cards. Are the OSS agents up to it? They certainly think so. And then the body is found floating off the coast of Spain. . . . Filled to the brim with action, character, and the deep understanding of the military heart and mind that have made Griffin’s books so outstanding, The Double Agents is irresistible storyteller from a master of the craft.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2007
213 people are currently reading
695 people want to read
About the author
W.E.B. Griffin
351 books1,298 followersW.E.B. Griffin was one of several pseudonyms for William E. Butterworth III.
From the Authors Website:
W.E.B. Griffin was the #1 best-selling author of more than fifty epic novels in seven series, all of which have made The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and other best-seller lists. More than fifty million of the books are in print in more than ten languages, including Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, and Hungarian.
Mr. Griffin grew up in the suburbs of New York City and Philadelphia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946. After basic training, he received counterintelligence training at Fort Holabird, Maryland. He was assigned to the Army of Occupation in Germany, and ultimately to the staff of then-Major General I.D. White, commander of the U.S. Constabulary.
In 1951, Mr. Griffin was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, interrupting his education at Phillips University, Marburg an der Lahn, Germany. In Korea he earned the Combat Infantry Badge as a combat correspondent and later served as acting X Corps (Group) information officer under Lieutenant General White.
On his release from active duty in 1953, Mr. Griffin was appointed Chief of the Publications Division of the U.S. Army Signal Aviation Test & Support Activity at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Mr. Griffin was a member of the Special Operations Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Army Aviation Association, the Armor Association, and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Society.
He was the 1991 recipient of the Brigadier General Robert L. Dening Memorial Distinguished Service Award of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, and the August 1999 recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award, presented at the 100th National Convention in Kansas City.
He has been vested into the Order of St. George of the U.S. Armor Association, and the Order of St. Andrew of the U.S. Army Aviation Association, and been awarded Honorary Doctoral degrees by Norwich University, the nation’s first and oldest private military college, and by Troy State University (Ala.). He was the graduation dinner speaker for the class of 1988 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
He has been awarded honorary membership in the Special Forces Association, the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, the Marine Raiders Association, and the U.S. Army Otter & Caribou Association. In January 2003, he was made a life member of the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and the State of Delaware.
He was the co-founder, with historian Colonel Carlo D’Este, of the William E. Colby Seminar on Intelligence, Military, and Diplomatic Affairs. (Details here and here)
He was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. And he belongs to the Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pensacola, Florida, chapters of the Flat Earth Society.
Mr. Griffin’s novels, known for their historical accuracy, have been praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer for their “fierce, stop-for-nothing scenes.”
“Nothing honors me more than a serviceman, veteran, or cop telling me he enjoys reading my books,” Mr. Griffin says.
Mr. Griffin divides his time between the Gulf Coast and Buenos Aires.
Notes:
Other Pseudonyms
* Alex Baldwin
* Webb Beech
* Walker E. Blake
* W.E. Butterworth
* James McM. Douglas
* Eden Hughes
* Edmund O. Scholefield
* Patrick J. Williams
* W. E. Butterworth
* John Kevin Dugan
* Jac
From the Authors Website:
W.E.B. Griffin was the #1 best-selling author of more than fifty epic novels in seven series, all of which have made The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and other best-seller lists. More than fifty million of the books are in print in more than ten languages, including Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, and Hungarian.
Mr. Griffin grew up in the suburbs of New York City and Philadelphia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946. After basic training, he received counterintelligence training at Fort Holabird, Maryland. He was assigned to the Army of Occupation in Germany, and ultimately to the staff of then-Major General I.D. White, commander of the U.S. Constabulary.
In 1951, Mr. Griffin was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, interrupting his education at Phillips University, Marburg an der Lahn, Germany. In Korea he earned the Combat Infantry Badge as a combat correspondent and later served as acting X Corps (Group) information officer under Lieutenant General White.
On his release from active duty in 1953, Mr. Griffin was appointed Chief of the Publications Division of the U.S. Army Signal Aviation Test & Support Activity at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Mr. Griffin was a member of the Special Operations Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Army Aviation Association, the Armor Association, and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Society.
He was the 1991 recipient of the Brigadier General Robert L. Dening Memorial Distinguished Service Award of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, and the August 1999 recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award, presented at the 100th National Convention in Kansas City.
He has been vested into the Order of St. George of the U.S. Armor Association, and the Order of St. Andrew of the U.S. Army Aviation Association, and been awarded Honorary Doctoral degrees by Norwich University, the nation’s first and oldest private military college, and by Troy State University (Ala.). He was the graduation dinner speaker for the class of 1988 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
He has been awarded honorary membership in the Special Forces Association, the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association, the Marine Raiders Association, and the U.S. Army Otter & Caribou Association. In January 2003, he was made a life member of the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and the State of Delaware.
He was the co-founder, with historian Colonel Carlo D’Este, of the William E. Colby Seminar on Intelligence, Military, and Diplomatic Affairs. (Details here and here)
He was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. And he belongs to the Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Pensacola, Florida, chapters of the Flat Earth Society.
Mr. Griffin’s novels, known for their historical accuracy, have been praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer for their “fierce, stop-for-nothing scenes.”
“Nothing honors me more than a serviceman, veteran, or cop telling me he enjoys reading my books,” Mr. Griffin says.
Mr. Griffin divides his time between the Gulf Coast and Buenos Aires.
Notes:
Other Pseudonyms
* Alex Baldwin
* Webb Beech
* Walker E. Blake
* W.E. Butterworth
* James McM. Douglas
* Eden Hughes
* Edmund O. Scholefield
* Patrick J. Williams
* W. E. Butterworth
* John Kevin Dugan
* Jac
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
April 10, 2021
Dreadful. Boring. No point. 0 of 10 stars
December 21, 2021
I was really looking forward to a nice historical fiction novel. However an overabundance of details and intermissions that halted the flow of the story kept me from enjoying this.
Just when you think the story is about to go, Griffin (et al.) details a biography of one of the characters. There were FIVE pages full of interruptions during one scene well girl was in the bathtub, she heard a noise coming from outside. While she was about to step out the tub to investigate it we get a five page biography about her spoiled life (she was accustomed to getting what she wanted). Could have saved a ton of paper and TIME sans these.
I think I am done reading W.E.B. Griffin novels, they all seem predictable and full of unnecessary descriptions.
Just when you think the story is about to go, Griffin (et al.) details a biography of one of the characters. There were FIVE pages full of interruptions during one scene well girl was in the bathtub, she heard a noise coming from outside. While she was about to step out the tub to investigate it we get a five page biography about her spoiled life (she was accustomed to getting what she wanted). Could have saved a ton of paper and TIME sans these.
I think I am done reading W.E.B. Griffin novels, they all seem predictable and full of unnecessary descriptions.
November 14, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It is about WWII and how the OSS tried to fool the Germans about where the invasion of Europe would take placed.
September 7, 2018
This is the sixth book in Griffin's series on the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in WWII. This book advances the early deployment of intelligence gathering teams in Sicily before the planned Allied invasion of that island. It continues that same operation from the previous book, "The Saboteurs," and remains unfinished business at the end of this novel. This volume also incorporates the real-life Operation Mincemeat, the planting of a body, ostensibly a Royal Marine courier at sea so it would wash ashore in Spain. The body carried documents meant to deceive the Germans as to where the Allies would strike next in the Mediterranean so as to improve the chance of success when the real invasion hit Sicily. The expectation was that the Spanish authorities would make any information known available to German agents in Franco Spain. Griffin includes in his cast of characters visiting the OSS safe house outside London to prepare the ruse several well known figures: David Niven, Ian Fleming, Peter Ustinov, and Ewen Montagu. All were actually working with British Intelligence during WWII. The slice of reality plays well with the novel's version of the preparation for the Sicily invasion. Perhaps General Patton will have a cameo in the next volume.
The multi-volume plot development is complex enough to defy memorizing all the players and their roles, but Griffin provides enough narrative flashbacks to keep the reader current. The series seems to be back on track after a spotty performance in "The Saboteurs." We also need to find out how a couple of other thread are playing out, specifically the American led resistance forces in the Philippines and the development of remote control B-17s to crash into Nazi sub pens in France (this story line includes Joe Kennedy Jr.).
The multi-volume plot development is complex enough to defy memorizing all the players and their roles, but Griffin provides enough narrative flashbacks to keep the reader current. The series seems to be back on track after a spotty performance in "The Saboteurs." We also need to find out how a couple of other thread are playing out, specifically the American led resistance forces in the Philippines and the development of remote control B-17s to crash into Nazi sub pens in France (this story line includes Joe Kennedy Jr.).
March 13, 2022
I have read and enjoyed The Double Agents by W.E.B. Griffin. The war moves on and the operative area for OSS expands, especially now when the invasion of Sicily approaches. This book is another funfilled story with some suspense and a lot of historical accurate pieces. I only have one more to read and I still marvel at the masterful dialogue Griffin has created. It is his signature in all his series and the main reason why I love his work.
July 20, 2018
Another of the Butterworths' highly entertaining historical thrillers. This one, the 6th in the Men at War series, involves the OSS efforts leading up to the invasion of Sicily in 1943. The usual behind the scene capers, the planning in Algiers and in England, the background of competition with the FBI under Hoover, all along with the personal affairs of Canidy and some of the other key characters. This book never disappoints, and is a worthy companion to the others in this series and the other WWII-set books. This is the first to feature W.E. Butterworth IV as co-author, and the writing appears seamless, so I'm sure we'll be more of his contributions in later volumes.
September 25, 2022
Most of this was as enjoyable as the previous novels in this series. The whole "mincemeat" operational details tended to put me off in part because of the whole Niven, Ustinoff, Montagu name dropping and dialogue. It just felt too contrived. One of the more fascinating points made was all the rivalries at play. In France for example, there were half a dozen resistance forces not cooperating with each other because each wanted control of France after the war; same thing in Italy. Then there were all the inter branch military rivalries of US forces. Then there was the "pretended" cooperation of Allied Forces while at odds/sabotaging with each other behind the scenes.
July 12, 2017
Unfortunately, this series has turned into tedious reading. The amount of "copy/paste" duplication from previous books and military rank descriptions must be 25-30% of the book. 85% of the book is setting up the plot and then all the "action" happens in the 15%, which does little to create suspense. While these issues were present to a lesser degree in the earlier books of this series, they "jumped the shark" in this book and persist in the next book (The Spymasters) that I am currently reading.
October 31, 2024
Not a big fan of this particular story: too many details, not enough action. A big portion of the plot is the development of Major Martin's character for the Mincemeat operation, which involves chapters of "witty banter" (according to the cover). I understand it is based on historical events, but there was just way too much explanation of who was who, and how they met who, and what organisation was what, and what they did, and who got along with who, and didn't...
I generally like WEB Griffin,, but I might just give this series a miss.
I generally like WEB Griffin,, but I might just give this series a miss.
January 18, 2025
This latest book in the series was a very interesting and enjoyable one. What made this addition to the series stand out to me was the incorporation of real history regarding Operation Mincemeat into the story and characters. I was really impressed by how well WEB Griffin fit that into the existing storyline.
I also enjoyed reading some of the politics behind real life characters, as they factored into some decisions on the course of the war.
Overall, this was a very fun read and has given me some ideas for writing my own novel. Highly recommended.
I also enjoyed reading some of the politics behind real life characters, as they factored into some decisions on the course of the war.
Overall, this was a very fun read and has given me some ideas for writing my own novel. Highly recommended.
December 25, 2022
Very much back on track.
While #5 was a little slow, W.E.B.G rebounded in #6 with the action and intrigue expected from "The Men at War" series.
I continue to enjoy the stories and back stories of the main characters enmeshed within the fledgling O.S.S.; I should have been born fifty years earlier. While I know this was a terrible terrible time for those who were affected and participated, they at least had a clearly defined and noble cause and calling. The characters in this book personify the best of "The Greatest Generation."
While #5 was a little slow, W.E.B.G rebounded in #6 with the action and intrigue expected from "The Men at War" series.
I continue to enjoy the stories and back stories of the main characters enmeshed within the fledgling O.S.S.; I should have been born fifty years earlier. While I know this was a terrible terrible time for those who were affected and participated, they at least had a clearly defined and noble cause and calling. The characters in this book personify the best of "The Greatest Generation."
May 29, 2017
The Double Agents continues the adventures of Dick Canidy and the O.S.S. as they try to stop Hitler and the Nazi's. It is well written and researched as all of Griffin's books. Each time I read one it is like meeting up with old friends. As for the plot there is just enough history added in with the fictional characters to appeal to any history buff.
August 14, 2017
Another good book in this series, hope that I can get the last one in the series soon from my local library.
Nice to see that Ann is ok, but I am little pissed that Dick did not step up to the plate when she was obviously hinting.
Nice to see that Ann is ok, but I am little pissed that Dick did not step up to the plate when she was obviously hinting.
November 19, 2017
Not a very impressive read. I'm pretty sure the Griffin name is on the cover only for show. I've read at least a dozen of his books in other series & this one is a different style, sloppy, and not the typical realism that draws you in. I really wanted this book to end sooner.
January 7, 2018
Griffin boys - this was a really poor effort. 50% of the book was a rehash from your previous books in this series. There was about 100 pages real/new material. I guess two of you means 1/2 as good, not twice as good. Very disappointing.
October 10, 2021
Another good book in this series...once you are accustomed to the writing style. Quick and easy. Boring to some, but fun. Really only two story lines and that makes it easier to follow. On to the next one.
July 3, 2022
Not by much happens
Boring. A very simplistic mission and a lot of summary afterwords. Meh. Lots of explaining story lines from previous books in the series. This is the second weakest of Griffin’s WWII series’.
Boring. A very simplistic mission and a lot of summary afterwords. Meh. Lots of explaining story lines from previous books in the series. This is the second weakest of Griffin’s WWII series’.
June 25, 2023
not web griffin written
This book and the one preceding it were disappointing. Neither was typical of the author and not worth the money. Most of the time spinning wheels recapping old stuff. Together the last two books didn’t add up to one of the first three.
This book and the one preceding it were disappointing. Neither was typical of the author and not worth the money. Most of the time spinning wheels recapping old stuff. Together the last two books didn’t add up to one of the first three.
March 31, 2018
Got a little too bogged down in the details for me, and I decided to bail on this and the next MAW to go back to an earlier series.
October 19, 2018
Sticking to the series 'cause I don't understand the sunk cost fallacy, I guess, but seriously, the latter stuff starts just getting bad.
June 14, 2020
Good read
This book will hold your attention. It is a page turner that is hard to put down. I think you will agree
This book will hold your attention. It is a page turner that is hard to put down. I think you will agree
September 13, 2020
WEB GRIFFINS novels are consistently exceptional! I'm reading the last is this series next!
May 31, 2021
Good read
Good read and moves along. Would recommend to all. Read the whole series to fully understand. Good for men and women.
Good read and moves along. Would recommend to all. Read the whole series to fully understand. Good for men and women.
January 26, 2022
Good Read
A very good read. Historical passages were very great and I enjoyed the most. The story moved a little slow but was interesting.
A very good read. Historical passages were very great and I enjoyed the most. The story moved a little slow but was interesting.
February 15, 2022
Another typical W.E.B. Griffen book. If you like his books you will like this one.
October 8, 2022
Loved it.
February 15, 2023
I have a paperback copy and recently had eye surgery so the book is impossible to read😢
April 1, 2024
Interesting book about fighting World War II
July 9, 2024
Great character development. Canidy and company warrant a few more episodes. Inclusion of enough historical events and people to make it a great read.
May 26, 2023
So great! The way he writes you feel like you are in the room during discussions and on missions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews