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The Man From St Petersburg

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The Man From St Petersburg

By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: Martin Shaw
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About this listen

Abridged edition, read by Martin Shaw (The Professionals)

The Man From St Petersburg is a dark tale of family secrets and political consequences. Ken Follett's masterful storytelling brings to life the danger of a world on the brink of war.

A Secret Negotiation
1914. Tensions are rising as Europe finds itself caught in a web of alliances and dangerous warmongering. To help tip the balance in their favour, Britain aims to draw Russia into an alliance with them instead of Germany. Czar Nicholas’s nephew, Prince Aleksei, is sent to London for secret naval talks with Lord Walden.

A Play for Power
Walden has a personal connection to Aleksei; his wife is Aleksei’s aunt. And they are not the only ones interested in the Russian's arrival; so too are Walden’s wilful, idealistic daughter, the head of Special Branch, and a ruthless Russian anarchist.

A World at War
With the British desperately needing a signed treaty and the fate of the world hanging in the balance, the destinies of these individuals become inextricably linked, as tragedy threatens to shatter the Waldens’ complacency . . .

© Ken Follett; (P) Macmillan Publishers Ltd 20th Century Action & Adventure Espionage Historical Historical Fiction Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Spies & Politics Suspense Thriller & Suspense World War I Russia Fiction War Destiny

Critic reviews

Ken Follett has done it once more . . . goes down with the ease and impact of a well-prepared martini
Eerily plausible . . . one of Follett's finest
All stars
Most relevant
His early books are not History Lessons, but excellent Paperback Thrillers, ideal to distract during Trips etc.
Only offering Abridged versions is a disservice to members. There is simply not much to be distilled.
This effort falls between two Stools. You are never swept away or have the chance to care and understand the Characters.
Gave it 4 Stars as it has been over a Decade since enjoying the full novel & this was an Expensive Refresher. Hope that Key to Rebecca is re-released as an unabridged story, along with The Man from St. Petersburg & Lie Down with Lions.

Ken Follett's Early Thrillers have little fat to Abridge. Full Length far more Entertaining

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Such a pleasure to listen to this well-known story in the voice of this very talented and experienced narrator

Classic story, best of all narrators

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A story as old as time. Young lovers driven apart and reunited in tragedy. Martin Shaw’s many wonderful voices and dramatisation.

Tragic love

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