04 October 2024

The Berlin Agent


By Stephen Ronson

Review

It's 1940 and a German invasion along the South Coast of England is imminent. A parachute drops from a German bomber during a night-time air raid and is spotted by farmer John Cook. He rushes to the scene and discovers the parachute hanging from a tree — but there's no sign of the parachutist. Upon searching the area a smashed wooden crate is found in the undergrowth; its contents a strange-looking machine. It would appear a German spy has landed on British soil.  

This second book featuring John Cook paints a vivid picture of rural life under threat from wartime invasion. The author sets the scene perfectly and the story pulls the reader in. A veteran of the First World War, John Cook is prepared to sacrifice his life for his country. Skills acquired as a soldier have stood him in good stead for what is about to happen.

The plot is excellent and compelling — it's a period in my country's history I'm personally very interested in. The characters feel realistic and the pacing is spot on. I really hope the author has more books planned. A great read!

★★★★☆

  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
  • Publication Year: 2024
  • Author: Stephen Ronson
  • Genre: Historical Fiction, Thriller, War & Military

Synopsis

A country at war. Bombers fill the skies. A parachute drops in the dead of night...

England 1940: Paris has fallen to the Third Reich. Farmer John Cook and society heiress Lady Margaret are waiting for the day when German tanks roll across the green fields of their homes. Both are ready for the moment they will disappear into the woods and the fields to carry out their top-secret orders - to do whatever it takes to fight the Nazis once they arrive on British soil.

Their worst fears are realised when a parachutist drops from a German bomber during an air raid. Arriving at the scene, Cook finds the white silk hanging from a branch, and a mysterious crate containing a complex piece of machinery. The spy is nowhere to be found.

But at night, Cook and Margaret hear German voices in the darkness. Reports come in of others hearing similar things, and there are whispers of an agent from Berlin...

With enemies already hiding among them, how far will Cook and Margaret go to protect the country and the people they love? 

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