Midnight in Europe

By: Alan Furst

Narrated by: Daniel Gerroll

The latest novel from New York Times bestselling author and the "modern-day master of the genre" (Newsday), Alan Furst.

From the New York Times bestselling author and the acclaimed "grandmaster" of espionage (Boston Globe) comes the taut, suspenseful story, set in Paris and Spain, of a man caught in the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War, and an operation that—with the help of FDR's secret operatives—will determine Europe's fate in the coming world war.

New York City, autumn 1938. Gregorio D'Alba, a minor noble descended from the Spanish Bourbons, is awaiting passage on a freighter to Paris after a failed attempt to convince American oil companies to support the Republican side in the Spanish Civil War. In Paris, surrounded by shifting political allegiances and prying spy services, D'Alba does whatever he can to support the Spanish Republic--smuggling, gathering intelligence, running arms. But the stakes quickly escalate when D'Alba, along with the British and the Americans, undertakes a mission to infiltrate the highest levels of the Spanish government, and to determine the alliances of his country and forever alter the course of the coming world war.

With his signature gripping, heart-pounding story, Alan Furst's new novel confirms his status as "the most talented espionage novelist of our generation" (Vince Flynn).

Superb spy stuff _1938 Spain

What made the experience of listening to Midnight in Europe the most enjoyable?

The narrator had just the right speech pattern to tell the story so that it sounded as though one was right there whether in Paris or Spain.

What did you like best about this story?

I love reading (listening!) About the 1930's Europe..

What about Daniel Gerroll’s performance did you like?

Superb!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Romance and Treachery

Any additional comments?

Great read_Alan First is the best at this era.

WW II Thriller

Great novel. Enjoyed it and look forward to another Alan Furst novel. Highly recommend this book.

HEDONISTIC ABANDON

Alan Furst creates a sense of foreboding, isolation, and hedonistic abandon before WWII in "Midnight in Europe". It is 1938. The Spanish Civil War is raging. France and England are kowtowing to Hitler’s land-grabbing demands and false concessions. By the end of the year, the Franco/English appeasement agreement in Munich will be signed and Czechoslovakia will be ceded to the Nazis.

Spies lurk in Paris’ bars and crooks work on the fringes of clandestine arms’ and munitions’ deals. The spies are working for their governments. The crooks are lining their pockets at the expense of nationalist patriots.

There are several tales of derring-do in Furst’s book but this genre of fiction is overdone and nothing new about pre-war Europe seems revealed by Furst’s effort. Furst is a good writer but he needs a new story line.

Hypnotic Slow Burning Novel

Alan Furst is one of best known authors in the spy genre and Midnight in Europe definitely reflects that.

The dread, resignation, and basic humanity of the characters is gripping, although the plot and storyline is on a slow boil and more meanders than builds. It's the sort of novel that's perfect for an extended read to sink into and get through slowly, and Daniel Gerroll's deep and gentle narration was perfectly suited for it.

This style of writing is generally Frust's trademark, but I would recommend Furst's The Spies of Warsaw for a similar experience with slightly more drama.

A little bland

I didn't enjoy Alan Furst's style that much. His writing seemed choppy and somewhat dull. The audio performance was adequate.