Precipice

A Novel

By: Robert Harris

Narrated by: Samuel West

“Robert Harris is, simply put, masterful.”—Karin Slaughter

A spellbinding novel of passion, intrigue, and betrayal set in England in the months leading to the Great War from the bestselling author of Act of Oblivion, Fatherland, The Ghostwriter, and Conclave.

Summer 1914. A world on the brink of catastrophe.

In London, twenty-six-year-old Venetia Stanley—aristocratic, clever, bored, reckless—is part of a fast group of upper-crust bohemians and socialites known as “The Coterie.” She’s also engaged in a clandestine love affair with the Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith, a man more than twice her age. He writes to her obsessively, sharing the most sensitive matters of state.

As Asquith reluctantly leads the country into war with Germany, a young intelligence officer with Scotland Yard is assigned to investigate a leak of top-secret documents. Suddenly, what was a sexual intrigue becomes a matter of national security that could topple the British government—and will alter the course of political history.

An unrivaled master of seamlessly weaving fact and fiction, Precipice is another electrifying thriller from the brilliant imagination of Robert Harris.

outstanding in every way

First, this reading was superb. I am admirer of Samual West an actor in many different roles, brilliant as an admirable character and equally good as a despicable one.
The story was as well written as all Harris' books and has the added value of being historically accurate. It is a wonderful insight into a terrible period of British history.

untold story

liked it all. Robert Harris' novels have terrific pace. I learn so much in each one. great storyteller. If I could write a book, this is how I'd do it. thank you Mr Harris

Outstanding historical novel!!!

Beautifully written; historically accurate and edifying. Superb characterization and dialogue. A real human interest story. Sheer pleasure!

An unlikely wartime love story-but true!

The narration by Samuel West was superb and kept me going when the story of Asquith’s obsessive relationship with Venetian wore thin! The backdrop of the First World War was titillating and inspired one to do more research about the characters. Asquith’s character as a lovestruck man served the purpose of the book but was not quite satisfying as a measure of the whole man. As usual Harris writes splendidly and one can participate in the story as if one were actually there in time and place.

Early death throws of imperial Britain in the onset of modern warfare

As always, Robert Harris has produced an extremely insightful novel focused on actual moments of history. Great book! Highly recommend.