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Circus

By: Alistair MacLean
Narrated by: Richard Trinder
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Publisher's summary

The classic tale of espionage set in Cold War Europe, where the world’s greatest circus acrobat must break into an impenetrable fortress, from the acclaimed master of action and suspense.

Bruno Wildermann of the Wrinfield Circus is the world’s greatest trapeze artist, a clairvoyant with near-supernatural powers and an implacable enemy of the East European regime that arrested his family and murdered his wife.

The CIA needs such a man, and recruits Bruno for an impossible raid – on the impreganble Lubylan fortress, where his family is held.

Under cover of a circus tour, Bruno prepares to return to his homeland. But before the journey even begins a murderer strikes twice. Somewhere in the circus there is a communist agent with orders to stop Bruno at any cost…

©1975 Alistair MacLean, HarperCollins Publishers (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers
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Critic reviews

‘Great reading’ Sunday Telegraph

‘An action-packed story… finger-biting suspense’ BBC

'A magnificent storyteller' Sunday Mirror

‘The most successful British novelist of his time’ Jack Higgins

What listeners say about Circus

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another MacLean master piece!

MacLean is incredible! Sadly, the narrator, Mr , is far less gifted. But any portin a storm'!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Circus is a fantastic read!

Great book from start to finish. Loved the characters. I wish more of the author’s books (Way to a dusty death) were on audible

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I’m glad that Alistair MacLean books are being release

I’ve waited for a long time to get back to the inimical works of Alistair MacLean. In the mid twentieth century he wrote THE thriller/adventures/spy stories. Just as Rex Stout has almost been washed away by modern publishing fluff and sparkle, I recommend MacLeans’ works be saved and enjoyed by today’s readers

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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Great story, wish the narrator was different.

I love this book, and was thrilled when I found it on audible. I didn’t care for the narrator though, and almost returned the book. I’m glad I kept going though, cause it really is a great book. For the most part, I was able to get used to the narrator.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good narration. But as far as the book goes, Ok, but not the greatest Maclean book

I had read this a long time ago. It was a different experience to listen to it.

The narration was very good.

As compared to other Maclean books, this one has too fantastical a story and too much of a superhuman as the protagonist. Atypical of Maclean’s heroes, Bruno does not get beaten up, doesn’t go through any tragedy, does not fail. Even his tragedy in the past is underplayed.

The story could have been tighter,
Like Breakhart Pass or Night Without End. There wasn’t enough drama, emotion, or heartbreak as compared to other books.

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