The Book of Spies

By: Gayle Lynds

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 14 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

From the best-selling author who co-wrote three books with Robert Ludlum comes a thriller about a rare-book expert who must find the Library of Gold, believed to contain books lost for centuries and secretly controlled by the world's most powerful and richest men - who will stop at nothing to protect their interests.

Ann Blake, a rare-book expert and conservator, was imprisoned for a drunk-driving accident that she doesn't remember, one that resulted in the death of her husband, a famous rare-book expert. But she is freed from prison by CIA undercover agent Tucker Anderson in exchange for her help and expertise on the Library of Gold, a legendary collection of books that have been lost to the world for over a century.

Sent to an exhibit on the Library of Gold at the British Museum, Ann sees the one person she never expected to see again: her dead husband, Charles. After Charles first flees, then tries to kill her, Ann finds herself in the midst of several powerful, secret forces who either want her dead or want to use her to find the Library of Gold. The only person unequivocably on her side is Matt Kelly, who is seeking the people responsible for his father's death.

©2010 The Gayle H. Lynds 2007 Revocable Trust (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Gayle Lynds is one of the best suspense writers in the world. The Book of Spies is a completely unique work, but for the purpose of inciting all of you to read it, let me say Da Vinci Code meets Bourne Identity–which happens to be completely accurate.” (James Patterson)

“Today’s finest espionage writer” (Lee Child)

"A modern classic...Rich with history, breathtaking in plot and pacing, ripe with living, breathing characters we truly care about--or utterly fear-- The Book of Spies will consume you from page one." (Jeffrey Deaver)

Exciting spy tale, and then....

It is not often that I am predisposed to write any sort of review, however, I felt I had to comment on this one - the story itself has good momentum, and ultimately it ends well - very James Bond kind of a tale - but then there is the hour long history lesson at the end. I'm not adverse to learning about illuminated manuscripts and their corresponding history, and while it is interesting to me (I minored in art history with a focus on medieval art & architecture) the gross amount of historiana coupled with a James Bond type spy story was much like eating chocolate and then topping that off with a big bowl of bran.

A good mystery

Any additional comments?

I have insomnia so I listen to books in the middle of the night - I like to be read back to sleep ... well I can not recommend this book for that purpose ... I started this book at 1:30 in the morning for the second time thinking I could sleep thru it ... no such luck! ... 4 hours later I realized I was hooked - AGAIN! ... my preference leans to straight up fast paced mystery-thrillers and this one is a very entertaining story - good twists and turns without feeling like your lost in the plot ... Kate Reading does a superb job reading the story ... another fun listen!

Library

It is hard to listen to a commercial production of a book when the story is about a library, but the narrator keeps pronouncing it “liberry”.

Surprisingly Good Read

I purchased this book quite a while back; however, I just had not had a chance to listen to it. I finally decided to listen to some of my older books and decided I had made a mistake not listening to this book. This book was very entertaining and a good read, while at the same time making me want to continue reading until the book was completed. The plot was complex and kept the reader’s attention. It delved back into history and brought it into today’s world in an intriguing way. The characters were interesting and well thought out by the writer. Their interpersonal relationships kept my attention throughout the read and there were some twists and turns that were unexpected. I can I truly enjoyed the book and will read more by this author.

A Golden Read

Any additional comments?

Here is a great story and all credit to Gayle Lynds as author and Kate Reading as narrator. This fast paced adventure has plenty of goodies and baddies and surprises once the identity of each became apparent. I liked the frequent inclusion of first person dialogue and that tedious passages of over detailed description were kept to a minimum. I will certainly be looking for more from this author.

Enjoyed, not my favourite

Would you listen to The Book of Spies again? Why?

The topic about the library of gold is interesting

What other book might you compare The Book of Spies to and why?

I am looking for a replacement for Mitch Rapp; not even close. Like I said, the book is interesting but a bit slow and not enough action.

Which scene was your favorite?

the one with the most action at the very end; better not describe it

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The narrator was excellent

Any additional comments?

Good book

Very interesting !!!

I really enjoyed this mystery/thriller. New idea and very interesting research went into this book. Ms Reading was perfect choice.

They are just not smart enough

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

Not really - kept hoping it was going to get better.

What was most disappointing about Gayle Lynds’s story?

How uninformed all the characters are. "Everyone" knows that your mobile will give you away - but not in this book.

Which scene was your favorite?

none

Was The Book of Spies worth the listening time?

nope

Any additional comments?

Competent narrator

Great listen!

If you love a little history mixed in with your mysteries, you are going to love this!

Captivating

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

The book kept you engaged in the story right until the end

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes it did, because of so many twists and turns

Which character – as performed by Kate Reading – was your favorite?

The main character, all through the book you never knew who she really was, and of course, the story didn't end with the damsel falling in love and following the hero