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The Scarlet Papers

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The Scarlet Papers

By: Matthew Richardson
Narrated by: Leighton Pugh, Lucy Scott
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Only she knows the truth. Only he can tell the world.

Vienna, 1946

A brilliant German scientist spirited out of the ruins Nazi Europe in search of a new life.

Moscow, 1964

A rising star of the British diplomatic service whose job is not what it seems.

London, the present day.

A once promising academic offered an opportunity to seal his place in history.

Their stories, their lives, and the fate of the world, are bound by a single document:

The Scarlet Papers

The devastating secrets contained within teased by a brief invitation:

Tomorrow 11AM. Take a cab and pay in cash. Tell no one.

©2023 Matthew Richardson (P)2023 Penguin Audio Espionage Historical International Mystery & Crime Mystery Political Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Fiction Exciting

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Critic reviews

"Smart, slick and totally gripping... The Scarlet Papers is always credible, always startling and almost painfully human. A total triumph." (Tony Parsons)

"Look out for The Scarlet Papers... An engrossing adventure." (Steve Cavanagh)

"Grand in scope, and packed with fascinating insights." (Mick Herron)
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Can’t say anymore than I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read a lot of spy books but none like this. The mix of old and new and the two different narrators was spot on. I’ve listened to a few books with more than one narrator and never really enjoyed them. This wouldn’t have worked any other way. Great storyline, a few breadcrumbs to follow and characters you can really buy into. Highly recommended !

What a spy story should be like

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I did very much enjoy this book and there’s some nice moments reflecting on a writer whose characters mock thrillers but the main character is a frustrated man and sometimes comes across as whiny and entitled while by the end there are so many red herrings that the final reveal left me a bit flat. Still , good fun.

Not just MI5 getting tricked

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Reading this I discovered that I need to have at least one character I like or at least with whom I can empathise . I didn’t like any of the main protagonists. Therefore I couldn’t get into the book. I stopped reading after the first few chapters and skipped to the final part to discover what had gone on. Obviously this disappointment is simply because of my personal requirement and would not prevent other readers reading & enjoying the entire book .

No one to like

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I chose this on the basis of the many positive reviews here but was disappointed. I found the plot reasonably engaging - I stuck with it to the end - but it was let down by the characterisation and the dialogue.

Reasonably engaging plot

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Novel of the year so far for me.Great plot,believable characters and detailed knowledge of the secret world of espionage add up to a first class thriller.

A thoroughly engrossing listen

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The book reads like a true spy thriller. Sedimentary layers of truth are slowly revealed over 80 years of Cold War history from 1946 to the present day. A real page turner.

Excellent read

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Enjoyed the web woven by the author, though it became difficult to follow. There’s one mistake at the end where a post code is added to an address. Post codes were not used when this letter was (allegedly) written!

Intriguing spy story

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Everything that I would want in a spy thriller is here. Layers of secrets that keep being revealed, a complex plot but one that can be followed on audio, never quite knowing where your allegiance should lie. A hugely enjoyable listen and exceptionally well narrated.

Superb Spy Thriller

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A plot worthy of Le Carre. Simply the best thing I’ve listed to in a very long time. Cant wait for this author’s next creation.

Superb! Please write more!!!!

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Multiple stories, woven together at the end. Great characters, superb narration by both narrators, fascinating story. Fantastic!

Mesmerising

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