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Spies of the Balkans

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( 6,451 ratings, 714 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Spies of the Balkans by Alan Furst is a gripping espionage novel set in Greece on the eve of World War II. The story follows Costa Zannis, a police official in Salonika whose life becomes entwined with spy networks and perilous missions as Europe edges towards conflict. With tension and intrigue at every turn, the novel explores the dangerous and covert world of intelligence during a tumultuous historical period.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to atmospheric thrillers set during World War II, particularly in the complex landscape of the Balkans. It offers a gripping blend of espionage, danger, and historical intrigue, appealing to anyone who appreciates rich character development and suspenseful narratives set in a vividly depicted past.

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'One of the best novels of the year ... brilliant' ROBERT HARRIS. Reissued behind Alan Furst's new novel, MIDNIGHT IN EUROPE.

'One of the best novels of the year ... brilliant' ROBERT HARRIS. Reissued behind Alan Furst's new novel, MIDNIGHT IN EUROPE.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Salonika, 1940. To the bustle of tavernas and the smell of hashish, a secret war is taking shape. In the back rooms of barbers, envelopes change hands, and in the Club de Salonique, the air is thick with whispers.

Costa Zannis is the city's dashing chief detective - a man with contacts high and low, in the Balkans and beyond. As unknown ships and British 'travel writers' trickle through the port, he is a man very much in demand.

Having helped defeat Italy in the highlands of Macedonia, Zannis returns to a city holding its breath. Mussolini's forces have retreated - for now - but German sights are fixed firmly on the region. As the situation in Germany worsens, Zannis becomes involved in an audacious plot - smuggling Jews to Istanbul, through the back door of Europe.

The British hear he can penetrate the continent's closed borders, and soon Zannis is embroiled in the resistance, and in a reckless love affair that could jeopardise everything. With a remarkable cast of operatives, Spies of the Balkans is a brilliant espionage novel from Alan Furst.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Alan Furst's Spies of the Balkans is highly praised for its captivating and authentic portrayal of Europe on the brink of war. Critics commend Furst's exceptional ability to evoke a sense of place and time, along with his skillful depiction of intriguing characters and suspenseful espionage. The novel is declared a standout in the spy thriller genre, with comparisons suggesting Furst's mastery surpasses his competitors.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781780228914

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 19 June 2014

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 134.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 230g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Alan Furst is widely recognised as the master of the historical spy novel. Now translated into eighteen languages, he is the author of novels including Mission to Paris, SPIES OF THE BALKANS - a TV Book Club choice - The Spies of Warsaw, which became a BBC mini-series starring David Tennant and The Foreign Correspondent. Born in New York, he lived for many years in Paris, and now lives on Long Island.

www.alanfurst.net

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