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The Man From St Petersburg

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The Man From St Petersburg

By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
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About this listen

Read by Richard Armitage (The Hobbit, Missing You)

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 . . .

 20th Century Espionage Historical Historical Fiction Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense World War I Russia Exciting Fiction War Mystery

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
Absolutely loved this book! Will be getting more of his work. Brilliantly read by Armitage as always!

Historical, romance, drama... Everything you need!

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Terrific narration and character voices from Armitage . Follett as usual weaves the plot expertly with the right mix of character setting and action If you like good old-fashioned spy thrillers with great heroes, dastardly villains and stout hearted coppers , then you will probably like this .

Cracking Follett Thriller

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Good fictional story and characters.
Well told. Interesting and at times unable to stop listening.

Really enjoyed it.

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I must admit to thinking that this was a new book, rather than a new recording of one of Follett's earlier historical thrillers.

I didn't find out until after listening and although it doesn't really matter, I was rather glad. I had thought this was a dip in form compared to others I have listened to. As it turns out, Ken Follett seems to have improved as a writer since this book.

The plot is straightforward enough : high stakes diplomacy meets family life and all hell breaks loose. It's all very enjoyable, if you take it with a slight pinch of salt. The plot does veer a little away from the realistic in my opinion but it's such a good story that it doesn't really matter. The usual Follett mix of personal drama interwoven with some of the largest events and characters in history are here.

The narration is flawless. Richard Armitage is one of the finest around and does another impressive job here.







New recording of an early Ken Follett novel

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master work very good yomping yarn on the edge of the seat and seems to be based on a true story to boot hurrah

very good a master work bravo Follett

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