Zoo Station

John Russell WWII Spy, Book 1

By: David Downing

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

By 1939, Anglo-American journalist John Russell has spent over a decade in Berlin, where his son lives with his mother. He writes human-interest pieces for British and American papers, avoiding the investigative journalism that could get him deported. But as World War II approaches, he faces having to leave his son as well as his girlfriend of several years, a beautiful German starlet.

When an acquaintance from his old communist days approaches him to do some work for the Soviets, Russell is reluctant, but he is unable to resist the offer. He becomes involved in other dangerous activities, helping a Jewish family and a determined young American reporter. When the British and the Nazis notice his involvement with the Soviets, Russell is dragged into the murky world of warring intelligence services.

©2007 David Downing (P)2021 Recorded Books Inc.

Thoroughly enjoyable

One of my favorite narrators. The story and characters were surprisingly satisfactory. The fact that the characters were woven into a story that followed actual historical events made it even more interesting and the suspense was palpable. The author managed to capture the danger of day-to-day living during an incredible period of time.

I love this series!

I’ve read the first two and am so excited there are more! Outstanding series!! The characters, the storyline…all of it was amazing.

Intense drama

Don’t start this book if you have a blood pressure problem. It will worsen it. I had to take several breaks from listening because it was too intense. Great spy story. Excellent descriptions of European cities just before WW2. Well worth the time to listen.

Great story

Interesting, enlightening and shocking insight of brutality of Nazi regime written to insert reader into those horrific conditions and time.

Loved this story

Unusual location and time for a spy novel. Great story- it did a great job of capturing the time and place of pre WW II Berlin and Nazi Germany.
Highly recommend and I look forward to listening to the rest of the series