Shadows of War

By: Michael Ridpath

Narrated by: Peter Noble

Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's Summary

October 1939: War has been declared, but until the armies massed on either side of the French/German border engage, all is quiet on the Western Front. But just because its quiet doesn't mean that it's not deadly. There are those who believe the war no one wants to fight should be brought to a swift conclusion, even if it means treachery.

©2015 Michael Ridpath (P)2015 W F Howes Ltd

Critic Reviews

"Brilliant... the writing is typical top-calibre Ridpath." (Craig Russell)

Seems familiar in a good way

Any additional comments?

A good WWII story that falls in comfortably with Jack Higgins and Len Deighton. It only had 4 reviews when I picked it but I am glad I did. It's more straight forward and plot driven that Furst, who I like too, and not as much work to listen to and follow. Narrator does a nice job. If you like this try Greg Iles WWII books perhaps.

Fascinating story on Britain and Nazi Germany

The book shows how in time of crisis it is very important but equally difficult to decide which side one is on. Just like today!!!

A really good listen

Would you listen to Shadows of War again? Why?

I would certainly listen to this book again. It is perfect for listening on a dark and stormy night, sitting by a real fire with a glass of wine. It captures all the drama of the old black and white films of the '40's that I so enjoy.

What other book might you compare Shadows of War to, and why?

It has a similar feel to The Smiler with the Knife by Nicholas Blake. Capturing the chaos and drama of the interwar years and the rise of fascism and the threat of communism to the status quo

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The scene where the hero confronts his pacifist but perfectly clueless parent. I admired the aged french woman and her straightforward solution to the problems presented

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The emotional reaction I had to this book was simply of enjoyment. It did not make me laugh or cry though the scene between Annalisa and the police was quite harrowing.

Any additional comments?

I thoroughly enjoyed this very well crafted story with is twists and turns and would recommend it to anyone, who like me, enjoys books from that era.

History as Fiction

The delivery is stunningly good, with several characters given authentic voice, especially McCabe the MI5 man. The history is accurate but the plot implausible. You don't so much have to suspend your disbelief as bury it in the garden for the duration. That said, a cracking yarn.