Operation Kronstadt

The Greatest True Tale of Espionage to Come Out of the Early Years of MI6

By: Harry Ferguson

Narrated by: Gideon Emery

The True Story of Honor, Espionage, and the Rescue of Britain's Greatest Spy, The Man with a Hundred Faces

Part Blackhawk Down, part The Riddle of the Sands, former MI6 officer Harry Ferguson has written an extraordinarily gripping non-fiction thriller. Operation Kronstadt not only reveals the early days of intelligence services but also uncovers a truly dramatic story from the Russian Revolution involving a daring rescue attempt and a "mission impossible" against the best defended naval target in Russia.

By May 1919, when the power struggle between former Tsarists and Bolsheviks hangs in the balance, the only British agent in Russia is trapped and in mortal danger. Mansfield Cumming (alias "the first C") dreams up an audacious - probably suicidal - plan to rescue him, and a young naval officer is sent with a specially selected team into the jaws of the Soviet fleet. This is the remarkable true story of the spy Paul Dukes (the only MI6 officer to be knighted for work in the field) and Gus Agar, whose extraordinary escapade won him the Victoria Cross.

©2009 Harry Ferguson (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Ferguson's account of both sets of operations is exciting and his enthusiasm is infectious." (Sunday Telegraph, London)

"A tale of adventure, honor, and raw courage quite as exciting as anything found in fiction." (The Daily Mail)

Gripping story!

Would you consider the audio edition of Operation Kronstadt to be better than the print version?

Excellent narration. Better than print.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Operation Kronstadt?

The story of Francis Cromie is is little known. My grandfather was one of the embassy staff that witnessed his murder. This event and the incredible story that follows has shed light on this era for me and exposed it to the world. The best Audible 'read' for me yet.

Have you listened to any of Gideon Emery’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I will search this narrator's other works and read them.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I couldn't put this recording down.

Any additional comments?

Great read

Great book amazing story

Well written well preformed
An unbelievable true story of bravery an ingenuity
An what an account of post revolution Russia

Why is this not a movie?!?

An incredible story! Russian history, the brutal civil war, spy networks, counter spies, survival and incredible acts of courage and daring by everyday people. This is the genuine James Bond.

Very interesting history of a little known time.

The time between the world wars is not often the subject of popular books. This activity by spies and secret police and the British government is very well written and edge of seat exciting.

Gripping Story

Wonderfully written...kept me on the edge of my seat. The best thing is it's a true story. Very well read too.