The English Assassin

By: Daniel Silva

Narrated by: Campbell Scott

From the New York Times-bestselling author of The Unlikely Spy, Daniel Silva, comes a taut, lightning-paced thriller rooted assuredly in fact: Switzerland's shameful WWII record of profiteering and collaboration with Nazi Germany.

The Unlikely Spy, Daniel Silva's extraordinary debut novel, was applauded by critics as it rocketed onto national bestseller lists. "Briskly suspenseful, tightly constructed...reminiscent of John le Carre's The Spy Who Came in From the Cold," said the New York Times. "Silva has clearly done his homework mixing fact and fiction to delicious effect and building tension - with the breathtaking double and triple turns of plot - like a seasoned pro," praised People. Now, Silva brings his considerable talent to his latest tale of danger and deception, The English Assassin.

When art restorer and occasional Israeli agent Gabriel Allon is sent to Zurich, Switzerland, to restore the painting of a reclusive millionaire banker, he arrives to find his would-be employer murdered at the foot of his Raphael. A secret collection of priceless, illicitly gained Impressionist masterpieces is missing. Gabriel's handlers step out of the shadows to admit the truth - the collector had been silenced - and Gabriel is put back in the high-stakes spy game, battling wits with the rogue assassin he helped to train.

Tense, taut, expertly crafted, and brimming with unexpected reversals, The English Assassin is Daniel Silva at his storytelling best.©2002 Daniel Silva; (P)2002 Random House Inc., Random House Audio, a Division of Random House Inc.

Critic reviews

Praise for Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon Novels

“An exceptionally readable, sophisticated thriller...Silva ranks...among the best of the younger American spy novelists.”—The Washington Post

“A cloak-and-dagger tale [that] moves at a brisk clip, with clean, lucid exposition and characters who are thoughtfully drawn.”—The New York Times

“The plot is rich, multilayered and compelling with issues as timely as the daily headlines and problems as old as humankind...Silva maintains tension and suspense.”—The Denver Post

“Enthralling...a thriller that entertains as well as enlightens.”—The Orlando Sentinel

“Smooth and compelling.”—Detroit Free Press

“Silva’s sophisticated treatment, polished prose, an edgy mood, and convincing research give his plot a crisp, almost urgent quality.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Silva knows how to plot...[he] will draw you in—and you’ll learn something at the same time.”—Rocky Mountain News

“Thrilling...a good, cinematic story.”—St. Louis Post-Dispatch

I love all stories by Daniel Silva

I loved the story but wasn't so crazy about this reader. I prefer George Guidell.

exciting

This series is excellent for all the best reasons. I am catching up from the first of the series.

Surprisingly entertaining

This was my first Silva thriller, and it was a pleasant surprise. I am a great fan of espionage/political suspense, and it is difficult to find new (to me) authors that are both entertaining and interesting. Silva had just enough twists and turns, along with careful plotting to keep one guessing, as well as providing enough stereotypical characters to keep it familiar and comfortable. Highly recommended.

Fun to listen to.

Silva's spy novels are a lot of fun to listen to and this was no exception. Its like watching a good action movie. I am not sure why this was called English Assassin. This book had more to do with Swiss secrecy of looted art.

Campbell Scott brings

Just as the ability and range of the actor can bring a play to life, so is the vocal range and intonations of the narrator of an audible book. "The English Assissin" is very intriguing. I could have read it and been completely captivated by it. But, Campbell Scott's narration had me mezmerized. No other way to describe it. The combination of the book and narration was excellent!