The Paris Option

A Covert-One Novel

By: Robert Ludlum, Gayle Lynds

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 14 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

For 30 years, Robert Ludlum's novels have set the standard for the finest in international intrigue and suspense. With an unbroken string of bestsellers in almost every country in the world, Ludlum's books have been enjoyed by hundreds of millions of fans, and are acknowledged as classics in the field. Now, after the bestselling The Hades Factor and The Cassandra Compact comes the third thrilling novel in the Covert-One series—Robert Ludlum's The Paris Option.

An explosion in the middle of the night reduces part of Paris' esteemed Pasteur Institute to rubble. Among the missing is the world's top computer scientist, Emile Chambord. Even though a terrorist group claims responsibility for the bombing, many in the intelligence community suspect the scientist was actually kidnapped and the bomb set to divert attention. Chambord may have been close to devising a working molecular computer which, in the wrong hands, could be the most deadly weapon in the world. If he were now in the hands of hostile forces, the consequences would be unspeakably dire.

From Paris to London, Brussels, and Algiers, Covert-One agent Jon Smith searches for traces of the scientist and the ambitious forces behind the bombing and theft. With the help of MI5 agent Peter Howell, CIA agent Randi Russell, and cyber-wizard Marty Zellerbach, Smith uncovers a web of deception that threatens to reshape Europe and is one step away from destroying the United States.

©2002 Myn Pyn LLC (P)2002 Audio Renaissance, a Division of Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC

Critic reviews

“Ludlum is light years beyond his literary competition in piling plot twist upon plot twist, until the mesmerized reader is held captive...[He] dominates the field in strong, tightly plotted, adventure-drenched thrillers. Ludlum pulls out all the stops and dazzles his readers.” —Chicago Tribune

“Ludlum stuffs more surprises into his novels than any other six pack of thriller writers combined.” —The New York Times

“Reading a Ludlum novel is like watching a James Bond film.” —Entertainment Weekly

I really enjoyed this cliff hanger

With current geopolitical problems, this was almost true to life. Even though it is fiction, the truth runs through the very fibres and gives on a cause for concern. It was very gripping having kept my attention throughout.

very good book. just missing something

enjoyable but missing a little more if the edge-of-the-seat experience like in the abourne series...

Great characters, boring story.

How many times can the main hero get into a fight, loose, get captured and get away? Gets kind of tiring. Not really Ludlum’s best. Story just seams to drag along.

Edge of you seat Riveting!

This was my favorite book in the Covert One series. Funny thing, I bought it not realizing there was a series and my hubby and I listened to it together. We love Marty Zellerbach, and Paul Michael's does such a good job reading him. We were also impressed with Mr. Michael's ease of switching in and out of different accents. This is edge of your seat excitement, and hard to put down!

The Paris Option (unabridged)

I found this book to be a mesmerizing tale that kept my interest right up until the end. Even though this is fiction I believe that there are probably people working on a machine such as this. There were many plot twists that kept you guessing who was the brain behind the plot. I would consider this recommended reading for anyone who likes mystery novels.

Engrossing

My husband and I usually have a hard time choosing something that we both like to listen to on long car trips, but this selection was a hit by all accounts. There was action at every turn. We loved it!

Narrator

At times it’s difficult to tell when each character is speaking. He does not transition well with his accents. His French was great though. He is too monotone. Story is terrific. I love John Smith.

Great story line

But there were several significant mispronunciations, Aspergers and famous in particular. Aspergers was pronounced with a soft 'g' and famous was pronounced 'fu mos' with the accent on 'mos'. There were a few others. but I cannot remember them. The mispronunciations did not impact the story.

Fantastic action spy story

It's an excellent story. Very well narrated. A movie of this will be fantastic, specially these days with so much dependence on electronic gadgets.

Attention

The book held my attention entirely. I listened at home, work, and on the go. I could not wait to see how Dr. John Smith and his Allie’s we’re going to get out of tough predicaments and safe the Country. I’m off to listen to the next book in the series.