Listen to Popular Titles Audiobooks in Fiction, Historical Popular Titles

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Title: The May Bride

Author: Suzannah Dunn

Narrator: Nicola Barber

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-15-14

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Jane Seymour finds herself in the midst of scandal and intrigue at Wolf Hall, in Suzannah Dunn's masterful new novel of the Tudor era.

Jane Seymour is a shy, dutiful 15-year-old when her eldest brother, Edward, brings his bride home to Wolf Hall. Katherine Filliol is the perfect match for Edward, as well as being a breath of fresh air for the Seymour family, and Jane is captivated by the older girl.

Only two years later, however, the family is torn apart by a dreadful allegation - that Katherine has had an affair with the Seymour patriarch. The repercussions for all the Seymours are incalculable, not least for Katherine herself. When Jane is sent away to serve Katharine of Aragon, she is forced to witness another wife being put aside, with terrible consequences.

Changed forever by what happened to Katherine Filliol, Jane comes to understand that, in a world where power is held entirely by men, there is a way in which she can still hold true to herself.

Members Reviews:

One of worst books I have ever read

I don't find house/castle keeping of much interest. 200 or so pages of mostly that. A bit of sex and a few moves for the next half!

One of worst books I have ever read!

This book is very repetitive. It is subtle and ...

This book is very repetitive. It is subtle and uses a lot of innuendo which may or may not be helpful. It presupposes a knowledge of the kings and queens of England, the whole story. It might engender a follow-up story.

Detailed and enjoyable

Despite reading the negative reviews, I chose this book and thoroughly enjoyed every page. It is a change from the usual historical fiction which often focuses on political intrigue and war. This book focuses on a family and the vast levels within each characters' personality. I loved the descriptive details of daily life. Well done.

We enjoyed it. Thanks for sending it so quickly because ...

The book club had a lively discussion. It's revealing of the lifestyle of the period and castle living. We enjoyed it. Thanks for sending it so quickly because it was first on the list.

Good Read

Excellent! Riveting historical fiction. Good characterization and plot development.

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Title: Oh, Cherry Ripe

Author: Claudy Conn

Narrator: Valerie Gilbert

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-02-14

Publisher: Claudy Conn

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 38 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Cherry Elton was beside herself! Her own mother had arranged a marriage for her to a man she had never even met. She had no choice but to run away.

Sky Westbrooke had no wish to marry, but his mischievous siblings sorely needed a firm maternal hand. Yet, how could he court his unseen bride, when into his employ had come the most remarkable, enchanting governess?

And Cherry, playing at being a governess was smitten by the handsome, cavalier Lord Westbrooke. His stolen kisses left her breathless - yet, he was betrothed to another. Whatever was a love struck governess to do?

Members Reviews:

Oh Cherry Ripe

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes highly recommend this book, It is very entertaining being on audio is a plus

Who was your favorite character and why?

Cherry, she is very strong in a time when woman were not suppose to be

What about Valerie Gilberts performance did you like?

the whole book was so well done. She was made to narrate this book

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

when James met Fredrick ,,

Any additional comments?

this book was a pleasure to listen to the narrator was great this is the story of a young woman who is destined to rub people the wrong way. She is not at all the typical woman of this time period A time when arranged marriages are very common and oh my you just did not show any type of strong headed thoughts . Well we have Cherry who has been told she will marry Sky, a good catch for any young woman. Cherry will have none of this, she WILL marry for love or not at all. She runs away and encounters a handsome devil and so begins a battle between the two. Sky is promised to another and has to fulfill this promise as he has siblings that need a mother as well as to carry on the family name. But can not seem to stay away from Cherry. This story is funny and sexy and just plain entertaining. Some books are made to be on audio this is one of those. The author captured the story in such a way that you did not want to stop listening .

Sexy and funny, Cherry will have you hooked.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Cherry was defiantly my favorite, Shes strong, witty and funny.

What does Valerie Gilbert bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Her voice was perfect for the story, She did a wonderful job and makes an amazing Cherry!

Great story. Great Narration!

What a fun read. I really liked the heroine Cherry, she was strong, funny, witty, didn't take any crap from anyone. I liked the story line and the all the secondary characters. The chemistry between Cherry and Sky was great, there was some great sex and lots and lots of dialogue. (I love dialogue in books).

This story was fairly short so it wasn't full of fillers, moved along very nicely and flowed very well.

As for the narration, She did a fantastic job. All the men sounded like men, and everyone had their own distinct voice. She read with feeling and emotion. Great job Valerie Gilbert. I would definitely listen to her again!

What an enriching addition!

I loved being able to listen to this as I read along! It was very relaxing to listen to Valerie's voice narrating the amazing story Claudy Conn crafted.

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Title: Wyatt in Wichita

Subtitle: A Historical Novel

Author: John Shirley

Narrator: John McLain

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-15-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 22 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Author John Shirley turns his pen to the Wild West and the legendary Wyatt Earp! Wyatt in Wichita fuses historical fact with fiction, following the adventures of the young Wyatt Earp. Following the tragic loss of his first wife in the Missouri of 1870 in his early days on the dark side of the West, Wyatt eventually makes his way to Ellsworth and Wichita, where by confronting corruption he would eventually finally find his lifes work as a tough lawman. Could Wyatt Earp have known Billy the Kid when the kid was really just that? Could Wyatt have met up with Wild Bill Hickok in Deadwood? Using the sparse trails of historical evidence available to him, the lives of the famous and infamous intersect in Shirleys novel, which revolves around Wyatts search for the murderer of an innocent young woman of Wichita. With Bat Masterson at his side, and bawdy girls about him in the smoky light of crowded saloons, Shirley explores the possible origins of the legendary figure who would forever remain synonymous with the Wild West. Stemming from a true passion and interest in one of the Wild Wests most indelible characters, Wyatt in Wichita is a thrilling read and an imagined glimpse into a seldom-seen side of Wyatt Earp and the untamed frontiers of early America.

Members Reviews:

Nothing Short of a Masterpiece

Would you listen to Wyatt in Wichita again? Why?

John Shirley, one of the founding fathers of the cyberpunk literary genre, turns his considerable talents to the Wild West in this blend of historical fiction and fact. This is the untold story of a young Wyatt Earp, before Dodge City, before Tombstone, and before the legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral. As frontier fiction, it's right up there with the best of Larry McMurtry and the early westerns of Elmore Leonard. As historical fiction, the story weaves it's way across the territories from Wichita to Deadwood, crossing paths with well known figures like Bat Masterson, Wild Bill Hickok, Martha "Calamity" Jane Cannary, Charlie Utter, and many others, bringing them to life as never before. The novel is dark, but uplifting; unflinchingly violent, but heartfelt. Shirley's decision to use a period voice even in his omniscient narration was bold, but flawlessly executed, and the narrator, John McClain, captures the cadence and the style perfectly. It's a thrilling, action-packed, rip-roaring tale, well told. Don't miss it!

Engaging

This is a historical fiction western. Shirley tells the story of the early years of Wyatt Earp. The author has done extensive research on Earp which shows in the story. Shirley uses fictionalized dialogue and actions to tell about the early life of Earp.

The book starts in Ellsworth, Missouri and includes the death of Urilla Sutherland, his first wife from typhoid fever during childbirth. In real life, the tragedy led to Earps depression and his questionable behavior. The story proceeded on to Wichita, Kansas and to Deadwood in Dakota territory. There is also a mystery as Wyatt solves the murder of Dandy, a young girl from Louisiana. The story has action and lots of interesting characters and real life people.

John Shirley is an award-winning author. John McLean does a good job narrating the story. McLean is a voice over artist and audiobook narrator.

Great story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes, The reader and the story are very well done. Enjoyed it very much.

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Title: Hartford

Subtitle: Keepers of the Ring, Book 3

Author: Angela Hunt

Narrator: Tim Danko

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-15-14

Publisher: Angela Hunt Communications, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 15 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Daniel hated his brother. He knew it was wrong; knew his parents would be grieved if they discovered what was in his heart. But he had his fill of living in Taregan's shadow Taregan the bold, the athletic, the courageous. How Daniel despised him! His only hope was to somehow escape Taregan and the life he'd always known. Then British soldiers arrive, bringing with them the perfect opportunity, which Daniel accepts never dreaming his choices will lead them all into danger, betrayal, and the greatest trial they have ever faced. The adventures of Gilda, Fallon, and their children continue as the keepers of the ring.

Members Reviews:

Exciting story if you can endure the reader

Unfortunately, as others have said, the reading is very stilted and unnatural and can ruin the experience. But if you're patient and really want to hear a great story, then speed it up to 1.25 and it will be worth it.

The story line was good

I wish this series had been read by one narrator. It's hard to have the characters voices change with each new book.

Narrator is awful

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I have enjoyed the other two books, then came this one. The Narrator is awful. If there wasn't a book 4 with a different narrator I would have given up on the book, but I stuck with it till the end so I would know what was happening with the story.

Narrator hurts this book

Good story, but the narrator is sub par, especially compared to the two who read the first two books. I could barely finish it save the story itself. Should be redone by someone who can handle emotion, gender voices, and pronunciation.

good book but not so good reader

the book is captivating and the characters go through many trials but in the end love conquers all.

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Title: China Dolls

Author: Lisa See

Narrator: Jodi Long

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-14-14

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Its 1938 in San Francisco: a worlds fair is preparing to open on Treasure Island, a war is brewing overseas, and the city is alive with possibilities.

Grace, Helen, and Ruby, three young women from very different backgrounds, meet by chance at the exclusive and glamorous Forbidden City nightclub. Grace Lee, an American-born Chinese girl, has fled the Midwest with nothing but heartache, talent, and a pair of dancing shoes. Helen Fong lives with her extended family in Chinatown, where her traditional parents insist that she guard her reputation like a piece of jade. The stunning Ruby Tom challenges the boundaries of convention at every turn with her defiant attitude and no-holds-barred ambition.

The girls become fast friends, relying on one another through unexpected challenges and shifting fortunes. When their dark secrets are exposed and the invisible thread of fate binds them even tighter, they find the strength and resilience to reach for their dreams. But after the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, paranoia and suspicion threaten to destroy their lives, and a shocking act of betrayal changes everything.

Critic Reviews:

"In the beginning of Sees stellar ninth book, three young women, Grace, Helen, and Ruby, meet and form an unlikely but strong bond in San Francisco in 1938. The story alternates between their viewpoints, with each womans voice strong and dynamic, developing a multilayered richness as it progresses. The depth of Sees characters and her winning prose make this book a wonderful journey through love and loss." (Publishers Weekly)

"This is one of those stories Ive always wanted to tell, but Lisa See beat me to it, and she did it better than I ever could. Bravo! Heres a roaring standing ovation for this heartwarming journey into the glittering golden age of Chinese nightclubs." (Jamie Ford, New York Times best-selling author of Songs of Willow Frost)

"China Dolls mines a fascinating part of our cultural history through the story of a trio of women who become a complex constant in one anothers lives even as the world serves up painful transformation. Lisa See gets so much just right here. Youll want to dive right in." (Paula McLain, New York Times best-selling author of The Paris Wife)

Members Reviews:

Disappointing in Language, Character and Narrative

I was very excited to read China Dolls for two reasons; I have read and really enjoyed Lisa See's other books, and I was intrigued by the quote, attributed to Buddha, before the title page..."Only three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth." I THOUGHT this meant I was about to embark on a novel of discovery of long buried and fascinating secrets. I wasn't. I found this book to be so far below the standards of other books by this author, I often wondered if she had REALLY written it; the style of writing and quality of language usage were a disappointment. Although the story itself...three young Asian women living in San Francisco before, during and after WW2 while trying to become nightclub stars... had promise, so much of it was just too incredible. For example, the three women meet and, within 5 minutes, become best friends; Helen, who has led a very sheltered life in her family's compound, has never danced in public, let alone taken a dance lesson...and yet, after her new friends show her a few steps on the sidewalk, she passes the audition and gets a job in the night club show.

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Title: When the World Was Young

Author: Elizabeth Gaffney

Narrator: Caitlin Davies

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-05-14

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 15 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Wally Baker is no ordinary girl. Living in her grandparents' Brooklyn Heights brownstone, she doesn't like dresses, needlepoint, or manners. Her love of Wonder Woman comics and ants makes her feel like a misfit - especially in the shadow of her dazzling but unstable mother, Stella. Acclaimed author Elizabeth Gaffney's irresistible novel captures postwar Brooklyn through Wally's eyes, opening on V-J day, as she grows up with the rest of America. Reeling from her own unexpected wartime tragedy and navigating an increasingly fraught landscape, Wally is forced to confront painful truths about the world - its sorrows, its prejudices, its conflicts, its limitations. But Wally also finds hope and strength in the unlikeliest places. With an unforgettable cast of characters, Elizabeth Gaffney crafts an immersive, beautifully realized novel about the truths that divide and the love that keeps us together.

Critic Reviews:

"A smart coming-of-age tale that upends a raft of Greatest Generation clichés." (Kirkus

Members Reviews:

When The World Was Young

This story of a girl growing up in the Brooklyn Heights in WWII was an enjoyable read. Her family was definitely different than one usually encounters, especially in that time period. Not all the characters were developed as much as I would have liked but her mother and the lodger in their home were. The story has commentary about racial relations during and after the war because of the girl's relationship with the son of her grandmother's housekeeper. The family seemed to be open to accepting all races, but events at times showed that they were not totally tolerant. The adults were quite self-absorbed and not aware of the needs of this young girl as you grew to womanhood, except for the housekeeper who mothered the girl more than her mother or grandmother. There is an added plot to the story, but not quite a subplot, and that is the story of the interest of the two young people in ants. I wasn't totally in tune with this aspect of the book. Still not entirely sure of the meaning, though, I have some ideas.

Three and a half stars

At first I wasn't sure I could get into this book, but it picked up and became interesting. I enjoyed the main character, Wally. But I was bored silly by all the narrative about ants. I could've done without that. The end was a bit odd, descriptively, but it was good nonetheless.

Well worth the read

Great characters. A thoughtful and compelling story with an interesting cultural context. Loss, love, family and the need to choose from our heart no matter what the prejudices of the outside world are nicely explored.

Loved this story!

This is a fascinating tale of a young girl grappling with life and its problems during the second world war and its aftermath.

Great read

Great read

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Title: Tying the Knot

Subtitle: Kansas Quilter, Book 1

Author: Linda Hubalek

Narrator: Judy Rounda

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-15-14

Publisher: Butterfield Books Inc.

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Tying the Knot, the first historical fiction book in the Kansas Quilter series follows Kizzie Pieratt as she packs her family's belongings for her husband's job down in the Indian Territory. The move is meant to be temporary to make money to build a homestead back on their Kansas prairie land.

As Kizzie receives trunks and quilts from her family to use on their trip, she learns about the significant moves previous generations have made for the betterment of their children, just like she is about to do.

This audiobook series shares the stories of Linda Hubalek's pioneer ancestors that homesteaded in Kansas in the 1800s. The Kansas Quilter series continues the family stories written in Hubalek's Trail of Thread series.

A bonus section tells the "story behind the story" of the Kansas Quilter series.

Members Reviews:

Tying the knot

A historical peek into the decisions families made when settling the prairie. The quilting thread throughout the tale is a touch of love through the various generations. Thoroughly enjoyed this book

American History at its best!

Linda Hubalek's books bring the settling of America to life. She brings real life stories from her family history. The book is well researched and the photographs are wonderful. She captures the moments in life that proved out to be the American story. From the moment you start the series, you will not want to put the book down.

I will never be able to read enough of her books

I have never been much of a reader because I was very challenged with dyslexia and didn't really learn to read until I was in my late 20s I now have read all but two of her books and just can't get enough of them I am consumed by her stories and there is nothing that I don't enjoy about them I would encourage anyone to read them I do not like to read total fiction I am more of a history reader and this just what I love about the way she writes

Westward! A woman's tale of moving from Kansas to the Oklahoma frontier

An interesting tale of an often-forgotten time in our history. This true (fictionalized) story is told from the viewpoint of the woman asked to move with her children away from the farmland she had always loved and her extended family to the latest frontier, the Oklahoma Territories. The book is about leaving the familiar for the unknown. She realizes that the women in her family had been doing the same thing for generations. The book contains the author's photos of family members and quilts mentioned in the story.

I often wondered what it was like for our families to move away from those they love.

This is such good writing of letting us know how hard it was to leave family even though they needed to go to make their future better. I am a genealogist and this was right down my alley to read. Not my family but gives me a clue of feelings my family probably felt.

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Title: The Steady Running of the Hour

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Justin Go

Narrator: Steve West

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-15-14

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 76 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

A quest novel and a historical tour de force, The Steady Running of the Hour unravels a tale of passion, legacy, and courage reaching across the 20th century.

In 1924, the English mountaineer Ashley Walsingham dies attempting to summit Mount Everest, leaving his fortune to his former lover, Imogen Soames-Andersson - whom he has not seen in seven years. Ashley's solicitors search in vain for Imogen, but the estate remains unclaimed.

Nearly 80 years later, new information leads the same law firm to Tristan Campbell, a young American who could be the estate's rightful heir. If Tristan can prove he is Imogen's descendant, the inheritance will be his. But with only weeks before Ashley's trust expires, Tristan must hurry to find the evidence he needs.

From London archives to Somme battlefields to the Eastfjords of Iceland, Tristan races to piece together the story behind the unclaimed riches: A reckless love affair pursued only days before Ashley's deployment to the Western Front; a desperate trench battle fought by soldiers whose hope is survival rather than victory; an expedition to the uncharted heights of the world's tallest mountain. Following a trail of evidence that stretches to the far edge of Europe, Tristan becomes consumed by Ashley and Imogen's story. But as he draws close to the truth, Tristan realizes he may be seeking something more than an unclaimed fortune.

The Steady Running of the Hour announces the arrival of a stunningly talented author. Justin Go's novel is heartrending, transporting, and utterly compelling.

Members Reviews:

strong start - but I want all those hours back!!

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The author wove a compelling story - or rather two compelling and extremely detailed story lines. Sometimes it seemed a bit long but it all seemed worthwhile as I was anxious to learn what happened to all the characters. Well, the author doesn't tell you. He does not resolve either plot line - and leaves huge holes in the stories at the very end. After listening for hours and hours and hours... I have no idea what happened. So if Audible still lets you return books that are profoundly unsatisfying I will return this one. That said, the author is clearly a talented writer. If his next effort actually includes a conclusion worthy of the story I will read it.

Disapointing

This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

This was a book for people who enjoy the narrative of war and struggle. Vibrant descriptions of battle and survival.

What was most disappointing about Justin Gos story?

This book marked itself as a riveting, enthralling, whirlwind tale. In actuality, it was a slow paced, but at times gruesome narrative that never went anywhere. The story lacked the proper investment of its characters to draw you in and never truly develop to keep you hooked.

Have you listened to any of Steve Wests other performances before? How does this one compare?

The narration was superb! Unfortunately, the content lacked depth or emtion and never concluded. Leaving the listener feeling unsatisfied.

What character would you cut from The Steady Running of the Hour?

Mere, she was supposed to be a driving force in the story.

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Title: Britannia's Fist: From Civil War to World War

Author: Peter G. Tsouras

Narrator: Phil Holland

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-01-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 44 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The first volume in an extraordinary trilogy of alternative history.

In this, the first volume of renowned author and historian Peter G. Tsourass alternative history trilogy, Great Britains support for the Confederacy takes it to the brink of war with the Union. The escape of a British-built Confederate ironclad finally ignites the heap of combustible animosities and national interests. When the US Navy seizes it in British waters, the ensuing battle spirals into all-out war. Napoleon III eagerly joins the British and declares war on the United States. Meanwhile, treason uncoils in the North as the antiwar Democrats, known as Copperheads, plot to overthrow the US government and take the Midwest into the Confederacy.

Britannias Fist brilliantly describes not just a war of stroke and counterstroke but one in which new technologies - repeating weapons, observation balloons, advances in naval ordnance and armament - become vital factors in the struggle of the young country against the Old Worlds empires. For one of the great missed stories of the Civil War was not the advance of military technology but its impediment by incompetence, disorganization, and in some serious cases outright refusal to contemplate anything innovative. Britannias Fist is the compelling story of powerful historical personalities who come together as the Union goes into total war mobilization in the fight for its life.

Members Reviews:

something different

I've mostly read only of the after story of British intervention in the civil war ex: Harry Turtledove books but this a nice change of pace.

Bad narration

Good story, the narrator was horrifically monotone though, at times it was hard to tell characters apart

Well-written

A good alternate history in that the variance from actually history is quite plausible. Details were awesome. Only drawback was the reader's monotone which grated on my hear frequently. there was also little difference when characters were speaking which made dialogue difficult to follow. Otherwise, the book was quite enjoyable.

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Title: Decoy

Author: Dudley Pope

Narrator: Richard Dadd

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-20-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It is February 1942 and the war in the Atlantic looks grim for the Allied convoys. The "Great Blackout" has started, leaving the spy center of Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire at a loss as to what the Nazis are planning. U-boat Command has changed the Hydra cipher. The Enigma code cannot be broken. Cipher experts can no longer eavesdrop on Nazi command, which leaves convoys open for attack by packs of marauding Nazi submarines. Winning the Battle of the Atlantic will surely give Hitler a final victory. And who can stop him?

Members Reviews:

Four Stars

I like most of what Pope has written, including this book. It was formerly a library book.

Fictional Naval Action in WWII

Dudley Pope's Decoy" is another in his line of maritime fiction winners. "Decoy" tells the fictional story of how the UK obtains a German "Enigma" machine and key book so as to continue reading German radio messages thus helping to save the nation during the early days of WWII. As usual, Pope is meticulous about the scene setting details, and even gives credit for the origional Enigma "steal" where it is due (to Poland).The characters are well drawn, and the descriptions of what would now be called "PTSD" ring true. The sections on existence in a lifeboat in the North Atlantic are priceless. Entertaining and informative read, well worth the price.

A great read

This is one of those books that you just have trouble putting down although alot of the book was spent prepapring for actual task- loved it

Fun read!

If you have read Pope's other books, this will be fun! If not you will "wonder..." About all the fuss, which is a shame.

Great read!

5 staccato sten gun bursts for Convoy sequel

They're back for a return engagement! The heroes of Convoy: Watts, Jemmy, the Croupier, the love interest Clare and the incomparable Ned Yorke. After discovering how German submarines got inside allied convoys in 1942, they are back to capture the German's new 4-rotor Enigma machine. The result, in my opinion, is better than the original. Pope has balanced the characters from the original to give the reader more of the chemistry that worked in the original. Clare is relegated in the back burner. Jemmy and the Croupier are moved up front and centre. Surprisingly, Jemmy's girl friend, Joan, receives more print than the original. The adjustment is an improvement on Convoy and set the stage for subsequent Yorke novels which, regrettably, Pope was not able to write.

Decoy's premise is based on an actual historical crisis. The Allies had the German 3-rotor Enigma and had been able to decipher German codes. Allied convoys could be routed past the German U-boat "wolfpacks" and supplies desperately needed in Britain and elsewhere could get through. The Germans did introduce a 4-rotor Enigma in 1942 that resulted in the wolfpacks operating with a free hand for a month or so. In Decoy, it is Yorke and the rest of the ASIU group who must acquire an Enigma without the Germans knowing about it. Their plan is assemble a team of crack commandos, be dropped off in the middle of the Atlantic in winter, and hope that a U-boat will pull alongside for them to capture. The plan is executed brilliantly only to find that the Enigma machine is broken and won't transmit.