• The Light of Day

  • Arthur Simpson, Book 1
  • By: Eric Ambler
  • Narrated by: Frederick Davidson
  • Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (418 ratings)

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The Light of Day  By  cover art

The Light of Day

By: Eric Ambler
Narrated by: Frederick Davidson
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Publisher's summary

Alfred Hitchcock said, "Mr. Ambler is a phenomenon," and Graham Greene referred to him as "our greatest thriller writer". This is an ideal title for introducing listeners to this master. Ambler brilliantly paints realistic portraits of his characters and the foreign landscape, mixing suspense with a subtle twist for added color.

When Arthur Abdel Simpson first spots Harper in the Athens airport, he recognizes him as a tourist unfamiliar with the city and in need of a private driver—in other words, the perfect mark for Simpson’s brand of entrepreneurship. But Harper proves to be more the spider than the fly when he catches Simpson searching his wallet for traveler's checks. Soon Simpson finds himself blackmailed into driving a suspicious car across the Turkish border. When he is caught again, this time by the police, he faces a choice: cooperate with the Turks and spy on his erstwhile colleagues or end up in one of Turkey’s notorious prisons. The authorities suspect an attempted coup, but Harper and his gang of international jewel thieves have planned something less sinister but much, much more audacious.

Eric Ambler (1909-1998), a British novelist, is widely considered the father of spy-espionage thrillers. Many of his novels became New York Times best sellers and the basis for motion pictures.

©1962 Eric Ambler (P)1988 Blackstone

Critic reviews

"Ambler is, quite simply, the best." ( New Yorker)
"Mr. Ambler is phenomenal." (Alfred Hitchcock)
"Ambler brings off this comic thriller with consummate zest." ( New York Times Book Review)

What listeners say about The Light of Day

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Tales from number one....

It was a real treat to listen the man who put it all in motion. The man who jump started le Carre,Furst, Forsythe et al....
It was not a bumbling attempt at polishing up a new genre but some fantastic prose: plot, characters, intrigue, noir,
Just take a look at his cannon. Fantastic in depth psychological dissection of modern day cold warriors.

He is a large part of espionage, spy, cloak and you know what..... If you have not read him get ready for a treat.......Rex

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Charming anti-hero and funny writing

I don't quite remember how I chose this book out of the titles included in my Audible subscription. Spy stories aren't exactly my go to. This ended up being such a fun and pleasant surprise. I laughed out loud and was excited to find out how it ended. Mostly I loved the witty, relatable, flawed main character. Arthur is a character I'll keep thinking about after I've finished. I really recommend this book to anyone looking for a lighthearted and well-written ride.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A good yarn.

A good tale well told. I will look for more by this author and reader.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Imaginative story

First book by Eric Ambler I've listened to or read. This story was imaginative and attention keeping to make me want to read and, or listen to another book by Mr. Ambler. The narrator did a great job.

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

good listen

from another era but very enjoyable. interesting characters, locations and era. the story held my interest.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Spy Master

This is a great work on the tradition of the great Spymaster novelists… And who better to do it in Ambler.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A masterpiece

One of the best books I’ve read in my life. Sn absolute masterpiece. Narration was also top notch

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good book but unsatisfying ending

I enjoyed the book, and it kept me listening with rapt attention, but I found the ending unsatisfying and disappointing. It’s worth a credit, but at the end, you may feel the same.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love me a heist

Although dated, this book was great. A flash back to cold war politics. Then a swerve. A totally believable main character with multiple flaws. OUTSTANDING!

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Found a favorite!

This story is everything I enjoy reading! Fast paced, no fluff and immersion breaking interruptions. Women add to the experience and aren’t objects of attraction. Women are shown to be smart.

Looking forward to book 2.

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