Operation Kronstadt Audiobook By Harry Ferguson cover art

Operation Kronstadt

The Greatest True Tale of Espionage to Come Out of the Early Years of MI6

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Operation Kronstadt

By: Harry Ferguson
Narrated by: Gideon Emery
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The True Story of Honor, Espionage, and the Rescue of Britain's Greatest Spy, The Man with a Hundred Faces

Part Blackhawk Down, part The Riddle of the Sands, former MI6 officer Harry Ferguson has written an extraordinarily gripping non-fiction thriller. Operation Kronstadt not only reveals the early days of intelligence services but also uncovers a truly dramatic story from the Russian Revolution involving a daring rescue attempt and a "mission impossible" against the best defended naval target in Russia.

By May 1919, when the power struggle between former Tsarists and Bolsheviks hangs in the balance, the only British agent in Russia is trapped and in mortal danger. Mansfield Cumming (alias "the first C") dreams up an audacious - probably suicidal - plan to rescue him, and a young naval officer is sent with a specially selected team into the jaws of the Soviet fleet. This is the remarkable true story of the spy Paul Dukes (the only MI6 officer to be knighted for work in the field) and Gus Agar, whose extraordinary escapade won him the Victoria Cross.

©2009 Harry Ferguson (P)2009 Audible, Inc. Espionage Europe Great Britain Military Russia True Crime Soviet Union England War

Critic reviews

"Ferguson's account of both sets of operations is exciting and his enthusiasm is infectious." (Sunday Telegraph, London)
"A tale of adventure, honor, and raw courage quite as exciting as anything found in fiction." (The Daily Mail)
Gripping Spy Thriller • True Historical Account • Perfect Voice • Courageous Acts • Fast-paced Narrative
Highly rated for:
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Would you consider the audio edition of Operation Kronstadt to be better than the print version?

Excellent narration. Better than print.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Operation Kronstadt?

The story of Francis Cromie is is little known. My grandfather was one of the embassy staff that witnessed his murder. This event and the incredible story that follows has shed light on this era for me and exposed it to the world. The best Audible 'read' for me yet.

Have you listened to any of Gideon Emery’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I will search this narrator's other works and read them.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I couldn't put this recording down.

Any additional comments?

Great read

Gripping story!

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Well written well preformed
An unbelievable true story of bravery an ingenuity
An what an account of post revolution Russia

Great book amazing story

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An incredible story! Russian history, the brutal civil war, spy networks, counter spies, survival and incredible acts of courage and daring by everyday people. This is the genuine James Bond.

Why is this not a movie?!?

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The time between the world wars is not often the subject of popular books. This activity by spies and secret police and the British government is very well written and edge of seat exciting.

Very interesting history of a little known time.

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Wonderfully written...kept me on the edge of my seat. The best thing is it's a true story. Very well read too.

Gripping Story

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Would you listen to Operation Kronstadt again? Why?

Absolutely, fast paced story of a fascinating period in Soviet history.

What other book might you compare Operation Kronstadt to and why?

East to Adventure.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Points where courage overcame dispair.

Any additional comments?

Get this book, one of the greatest of the non-fiction spy stories ever written.

Magnificent, all the action of a novel but all tru

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At the end of WW One, during the Russian Civil War, the British were trying to rebuild their spy network, but first they had to get their last agent out before he was taken by the Red Secret Service (Cheka).

This is the story of what the SIS later (MI6) went through to get him and some Russian helpers out of Retrograde in 1919. It reads like an early Ian Fleming novel.

If This Was a Movie You.ld Think It Fictional

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A great description of a little-known chapter of the times of the Bolshevik revolution. The research is excellent and gave life to the events and characters that not only shaped but also were shaped by them. The pictures of the people, politics and events in London and Russia are matched by vivid descriptions of the challenges of running networks in a hostile and difficult place.

I admit to a special curiosity, having visited the island of Kronstadt in 1992 as so much of the Former Soviet Union changed. Even then, Kronstadt was a "special" place with a proud and special history. This book and the excellent narration are worthy of the actual events.

A hidden gem is discovered...

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Where does Operation Kronstadt rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have read many spy stories and this is one of the best.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters

Have you listened to any of Gideon Emery’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I do not know the answer to this question.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Pretty close.... I could not wait to get back to it.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend to any reader that likes spy thrillers.

One of the best

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What did you like best about Operation Kronstadt? What did you like least?

Quite interesting with some good character building. Some good references to history. Overall story line is good.

Would you be willing to try another book from Harry Ferguson? Why or why not?

No

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Nothing. Good narrator.

Did Operation Kronstadt inspire you to do anything?

No.

Good Read!

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