The English Assassin

By: Daniel Silva

Narrated by: John Lee

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 World War II record of profiteering and collaboration with Nazi Germany.


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.

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 Carré'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. Tense, taut, expertly crafted, and brimming with unexpected reversals, The English Assassin is Daniel Silva at his storytelling best.©2002 Daniel Silva; (P)2002 Books on Tape, 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

If you like Da Vinci Code...

Hey! It's another espionage/art history novel! Except for theological musings in Da Vinci Code, there are some pretty major similarities between the two. Of course, here the emphasis is on the espionage. The art history is more incidental in this one.

Unlike an earlier reviewer, I did not like the narrator. The accents kept on coming, which is authentic and all, but not always pleasing to the ear, and I got a little sick of listening to them. His regular narration is also laid on a bit thickly. Given it's high rating, Mr. Lee was not a problem for most listeners, but if you are careful in your purchases, you might want to give the sample a listen.

Another minor point. I don't find the title to be very descriptive of the major narrative thread. I would have thought the English assassin to be more central to the plot based on the title. If you are dying to here a lot about British people who kill, you may want to check out something by Ian Fleming.

I am interested in listening to more stories about Gabriel, but I might check for a different narrator and see if that helps.

Just ok

I've been trying to get into this series and just can't. The hero is not compelling enough to encourage rapid listening. I found it very easy to walk away from this story (and the first) for long periods of time. I really want to like him, but he just doesn't compare to Rapp or Harvath.

Good read

I really like Daniel Silva books. John Lee has a beautiful voice, but sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between characters. And while I enjoy the more recent Gabriel Allon books a bit more, this was a very engaging read. I would prefer less F-bombs, but other than that Very enjoyable.

enjoyable story

I found this story very enjoyable. the ending was not as expected which was a nice change from everything being neatly rapped up.

Excellent

My 2nd book of Silva!! Can’t wait for the next in the series!! Excellent Narrator