Iron Spy

The True Story of The Greatest Double Agent in World War II

By: Ethan Quinn

Narrated by: Guy Mott

Known as Fritz to his German spy-handlers and Zig-Zag to the British secret service, Eddie Chapman was a man of many faces. While his early life was rife with petty crime, gang activity and a dishonorable discharge from the British military, Chapman’s unique skills were eventually sought out by Nazi Germany, and after convincing them he could use his criminal contacts to sabotage the English forces, he was quickly recruited.

But Chapman’s loyalty to his country knew no limits. A talented, handsome, and reckless Englishman, Chapman was a traitor on the surface but a fearless patriot on the inside. After cracking Germany’s military code, the British sought Chapman for their own affairs, and Chapman was happy to oblige.

Eventually being awarded the prestigious Nazi Iron Cross for services to Germany while acting as a double agent for Britain, Chapman’s espionage efforts involved masterful deceit and feats which few men alive could ever boast of.

Eddie Chapman’s life story is an unbelievable journey of crime, jail-breaks, treachery, and love. He was responsible for saving countless lives during his career, cementing himself as the ultimate double agent during World War II.

©2019 Ethan Quinn (P)2019 Ethan Quinn

True Crime Spy Story

I found this a very interesting book because I really enjoyed the history side of it and was looking forward to the 007 stories. I have to admit it was a little hard for me to get through at times mainly because I felt it read more like a paper then a book so I would find myself not paying attention to the story and having to go back and re-listen. The narration was a bit slow at times too, which didn't help to keeping me actively listening. I probably should have bumped the speed up a bit but didn't think about until after I finished it. Overall, I did like it and found it very interesting but I do wish it was a bit more engaging like his Anti-Hero book. It does have some more mature content (no sex scenes) but it does to into his philandering and womanizing. I would recommend high school and up level read.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

the reality of this era

it was very very interesting book Eddi was a very interesting character and I think that in his situation he was very strong and very brave man. the story was written very well and the narrator was good enough it was an interesting listen and another piece of History of the most horrible time in the world

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review

Enjoyable WWII Crime & Spy Story

This is a briskly-paced, engaging story about Eddie Chapman, a British petty criminal-turned-German spy-turned-double-agent during WWII. I appreciated that the author wasted no time with long passages about Chapman's childhood before pulling us right into the action. Instead; he gives us just enough early detail to understand how and why Chapman got started down the strange, treacherous path that led him to become one of the greatest unheralded legends of WWII. The man's story really is remarkable, and Iron Spy gives you just enough of it to make you want to watch a 3-part BBC mini-series about it. I don't know if they ever made one, but I suddenly very much want to watch it. The writing is precise and workmanlike without flowery descriptions or unnecessary, peripheral details, and the narration was perfectly suited to the material. It left me satisfied but wanting more, and I always appreciate that after reading too many bios that tend to leave you unsatisfied and wanting them to be over. If you're at all interested in true crime or WWI spy stories (and this story ends up being both), Iron Spy is a good bet.

Great read

A story with twists and turns. Eddie Chapman lived an exciting life. The author keeps you hooked from the first page.

Rogue Delivers the Goods

I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.

The British and the Germans certainly had their hands full with a rogue like Eddie Chapman. He led a very interesting, and at times, a very scary life during World War II. Eddie was a criminal who was always interested in bettering his situation - whether it was with the ladies or financially. However, given his history, who could have predicted that Eddie was incredibly patriotic and was able to so deftly play the Germans to Britain's benefit during WWII - and of course, benefit personally.

The narrator, Guy Mott, did a good job. I did not have any trouble with his pace or his delivery as mentioned by some other reviewers.