The Tristan Betrayal cover art

The Tristan Betrayal

A Novel

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The Tristan Betrayal

By: Robert Ludlum
Narrated by: Paul Michael
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In the bestselling tradition of The Scarlatti Inheritance and The Rheineman Exchange, a compelling thriller in which one man's actions can change the course of history.

In the fall of 1940, the Nazis are at the height of their power—France is occupied, Britain is enduring the Blitz and is under threat of invasion, America is neutral, and Russia is in an uneasy alliance with Germany. Stephen Metcalfe, the younger son of a prominent American family, is a well-known man about town in occupied Paris. He's also a minor asset in the U.S.'s secret intelligence forces in Europe. Through a wild twist of fate, it falls to Metcalfe to instigate a bold plan that may be the only hope for what remains of the free world. Now he must travel to wartime Moscow to find, and possibly betray, a former lover—a fiery ballerina whose own loyalties are in question—in a delicate dance that could destroy all he loves and honors.

 Espionage Historical Fiction Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Russia Fiction Imperialism Soviet Union
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Critic reviews

“One heck of a thriller...loaded with all the intrigue, paranoia, and real-life parallels that made Ludlum famous.” —People on The Janson Directive

“Finely crafted...the plot packs more twists than a Rold Gold factory.” —Entertainment Weekly on The Janson Directive
All stars
Most relevant

Would you listen to The Tristan Betrayal again? Why?

Yes, great story and good narration

What about Paul Michael’s performance did you like?

well narrated and easy to follow

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Tristan Betrayal - Once war ends, the story begins

Great Book - will make me read more Ludlum

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A rollocking romp through second world war Paris, Moscow and Berlin, intertwined with a modern day plot. Plenty of action, plot twists and turns, and a bold story-line. Kept me absorbed through the whole recording. Brilliant narration and coverage of a wide range of accents with great authenticity. Recommended.

Long and involved spy story with great narration

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What did you like best about The Tristan Betrayal? What did you like least?

The story line about an American spy operating in wartime Germany and Russia was satisfying enough. However the fortuitous link to the "Conductor" which solved all problems stretched credulity beyond the bounds of my imagination. The book rushed headlong to its conclusion in the last chapter in a most unsatisfactory way.

Would you be willing to try another book from Robert Ludlum? Why or why not?

It wouldn't be my first choice on the basis of reading this book.

Have you listened to any of Paul Michael’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No.

Was The Tristan Betrayal worth the listening time?

Only just. It passed a few hours when there was nothing worth watching on television but I would not rate it higher than that.

Okay but not great.

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Another brilliant spy thriller from Ludlum. Historic fiction with accurate historic details. Keeps you in suspense and wanting more. Great plot, and storytelling. Makes you identify with the characters. Occasionally moves between the past and the future very well.
The book is narrated by Paul Michael superbly. His accents and voices for the characters are spot on. He takes you right there.
Highly recommend this book if you like this genre.

Excellent Narration

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