The Tristan Betrayal

By: Robert Ludlum

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 16 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's Summary

In the fall of 1940, the Nazis are at the height of their power. France is occupied, Britain is enduring the Blitz and is under threat of invasion, America is neutral, and Russia is in an uneasy alliance with Germany. Stephen Metcalfe, the younger son of a prominent American family, is a well-known man about town in occupied Paris. He's also a minor asset in the U.S.'s secret intelligence forces in Europe. Through a wild twist of fate, it falls to Metcalfe to instigate a bold plan that may be the only hope for what remains of the free world. Now he must travel to wartime Moscow to find, and possibly betray, a former lover, a fiery ballerina whose own loyalties are in question, in a delicate dance that could destroy all he loves and honors.

©2003 Myn Pyn, LLC. (P)2003 Audio Renaissance, A Division of Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC

Critic Reviews

"The fast-paced plot reflects Ludlum's genuine knack for constructing good stories�" (Booklist)

The Tristan Betrayal

Excellent from beginning to end. The depiction of the main character running from rooftop to rooftop in Paris and street to street and through the the Moscow subway system was breathtaking. I could picture every step and every jump. The love story was great and I was surprised at the ending. Just loved it.

Entertaining Listen--Pure Ludlum!

Being both a Ludlum fan and fan of WWII material, I thought this was a very good book. After having not read Ludlum for a few years, I was a little bit leery about his titles that were published after his death, but for me, this was pure Ludlum. I had just finished listening to The Janson Directive which was good, but the Tristan Betrayal was much closer to what I remembered from Ludlum. I had a hard time putting this one down and found myself taking the long-way to my destinations in my car to get to the next chapter. The reader also does a great job with all the different accents that make the book that more interesting. A definite read for Ludlum fans.

Another great spy story

I have been a Ludlum fan for many years and this story didn't let me down. If you like a WWII spy novel you'll like this. I enjoyed the narrator also.This is just my fourth book I've listen to and he did a wonderful job keeping me interested in the characters and the feeling of the characters at all times.

Best Ever

Of all the books Robert Ludlum has written, this ranks among the best. The plot was excellent; he did a tremendous job in foreshadowing, as well as character development. I would highly recommend this book.

breathtaking historical novel

great details, including all the scenes and sights are accurate to those who have been there, the novel keeps you in suspense untill the lasted pages listened to.

Great

A good story. I got lost a couple of times between the present and the past in the story, but good overall.

Best Performance Ever

What did you love best about The Tristan Betrayal?

The absolute best thing was the acting ability of the performer Paul Michael. The story itself was good but somewhat predictable, however, the acting made it so much more interesting.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

No, as above, it was good but obvious in places.

Which character – as performed by Paul Michael – was your favorite?

All the foreigners. Michael's ability to do accents and read foreign languages well was superior.

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

No extreme reaction.

Any additional comments?

If I could've given Paul Michael a 6 I would have. He made the book worthwhile.

Can't put down must read book!

My first Robert Ludium book. I was not disappointed in the least. The writer has a way in sucking you in and holding you. The action and supense is there the whole way thru the book.

The narrator was first rate. He pulled off the 4 accents quite well.

This is a book that you should read.

Not this time

I have been reading Ludlam for years. He must be rolling in his grave. The plot was thin, the characters unbelievable and the last-second-pull-through-against-all-odds just not believable. There were so many holes, even I could have escaped through one of them. It kept my mind busy whilst I was gardening, but only just.

Not his best

I've read 95% of Ludlum's books. I am usually enthralled by his stories, but this is not one of his best. I agree with the reviewer who said the main character is not the brightest bulb - I found myself saying, "Well, duhhh" after it took Metcalf forever to figure something out. The plot is predictable. I found myself looking forward to it being over.

Long and involved spy story with great narration

A rollocking romp through second world war Paris, Moscow and Berlin, intertwined with a modern day plot. Plenty of action, plot twists and turns, and a bold story-line. Kept me absorbed through the whole recording. Brilliant narration and coverage of a wide range of accents with great authenticity. Recommended.

Great Book - will make me read more Ludlum

Would you listen to The Tristan Betrayal again? Why?

Yes, great story and good narration

What about Paul Michael’s performance did you like?

well narrated and easy to follow

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Tristan Betrayal - Once war ends, the story begins

Okay but not great.

What did you like best about The Tristan Betrayal? What did you like least?

The story line about an American spy operating in wartime Germany and Russia was satisfying enough. However the fortuitous link to the "Conductor" which solved all problems stretched credulity beyond the bounds of my imagination. The book rushed headlong to its conclusion in the last chapter in a most unsatisfactory way.

Would you be willing to try another book from Robert Ludlum? Why or why not?

It wouldn't be my first choice on the basis of reading this book.

Have you listened to any of Paul Michael’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No.

Was The Tristan Betrayal worth the listening time?

Only just. It passed a few hours when there was nothing worth watching on television but I would not rate it higher than that.