Until the Curtain Falls

by David Ebsworth

October 1938, and foreign correspondent Jack Telford is on the run in northern Spain, territory now controlled by Franco's fascists. And he's killed somebody close to the GeneralIsimo's heart. Telford's a hunted man, and hunted by three different and deadly enemies. In a climactic chase from Madrid to the Republic's last outpost, in Alicante, during the closing days of the Spanish Civil War, Jack will learn hard lessons about the conflict between morality and survival.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Spain

342 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2017

About the author

David Ebsworth is the pen name of writer, Dave McCall, a former negotiator and Regional Secretary for Britain's Transport & General Workers’ Union. He was born in Liverpool (UK) but has lived since 1980 in Wrexham, North Wales, with his wife, Ann. Following their retirement in 2008, the couple have spent about six months of each year in southern Spain. Dave began to write seriously in the following year, 2009.

Reviews

[L.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was more than a story about the Spanish Civil War to me. Having  lived in Alicante many years, this book delivered much more than an account of the Civil War. Seen through Jack Telford's eyes, the events - often bloody, frequently horrific, and sadly too real - were brought to life as a result of familiar towns, sayings, and places that I now know so well.

Jack's story is a turbulent one. Frequently falling down the proverbial rabbit hole, he is an unfortunate victim of circumstances, the first being when he learns of the true allegiances of a woman decorated by Franco, a woman who intends to frame him for a most treacherous act. Jack is forced to deal with her ... and flee. He makes plans to head home to England but nothing is ever as simple as it seems. As a hunted man he seeks help with diplomats and priests alike, but not everyone is who they appear to be. 

Capture, torture, imprisonment and many a dramatic chase across Spain follow. Jack's journalistic prowess attracts the powerful from all sides of the battle. His freedom depends on who he helps, and whose secrets  - if any - he is willing to expose. 

The author combines the horrors of war with real relationships. We see suffering, corruption, an evil abuse of power, yet also good people, kindness, loyalty and a hint of romance. 

The backdrop is delicious in its detail, both beautiful and gruesome. In a country divided by war, there is fury and resentment from some while others just seem to carry on in their own merry way. The contrast couldn't be more glaring, yet this is fiction with a whole lot of factual evidence to support it. 

I was enthralled, disturbed, amazed and saddened in equal measures. I will revisit the localities mentioned in this book with renewed interest and complete respect. 

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The further adventures of Jack Telford are even more thrilling than the first book Assassin's Mark. This is a gripping adventure story set amidst the final weeks of the Spanish Civil War. A real page turner and Jack Telford ranks with Richard Hannay as one of the all time great adventure story heroes.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recently finished reading this book by David Ebsworth and I must tell you that it has been another roller coaster ride.

I always seem to get drawn into David’s books and can almost feel what the characters are going through. Glimpses into the events surrounding the Spanish Civil War provide the backdrop to this plot and reveal multiple hazards most of which, quite frankly, are best avoided. The perils of finding yourself in a war torn country, on the wrong side of the establishment, abound. I really felt for Jack in this book, he has a resilience that most others do not. Who to trust and who not? He embarks on many dangerous pursuits across Spain and is given succour by some but definitely not all. Not many are as they seem. Some of his pursuers are downright evil, you wouldn’t want to meet them on a bright day let alone in a dank dark prison.

It seems to me that David is my own personal time traveller, he takes me to different times & places (The battle of Waterloo, 6th Century Britain, The Spanish Civil War & more) and everything is so real, even when holding my breath I never want to leave. Thanks again David for another fantastic journey.

[Lel Budge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until the curtain falls - David Ebsworth


Jack Telford is an English journalist who has got himself in some trouble. Franco's soldiers are looking for him, the Russians are after him and even the British want him. He killed a ‘colleague’ and, instead of making up a believable story about what happened, he decides to go on the run and to assassinate General Franco.

This is a complex story mixing factual elements of the Spanish Civil War, the lies, truths, politics of socialism, the people of Spain and the many horrors of the prison camps.


The author, David Ebsworth is a brilliant story teller, he describes the people and areas of Spain so well, you feel you know them. I learnt a lot about the Spanish civil war and those that were part of it.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and parts reminded me of George Orwell’s Homage to Catalonia.


This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review

[Monika Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sequel to “The Assasin’s Mark”! Jack Telford continues his extraordinary journey being pursued by the British, Franco’s soldiers and the Russians. Saying it’s a great thriller is an understatement - again, Ebsworth takes you on a gripping journey which captivates the reader throughout. David’s signature writing: short sentences, sharp dialogues and excellent and vivid description of places will keep you engaged at all times. It can be read as a standalone book but I highly recommend ready reading “The Assassin’s Mark” first. A must have book for all action lovers!!!

[Helen Hollick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Highly recommended as a well crafted, top class novel about a rarely written episode of world history.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exciting Spanish Civil War novel, as seen through Rojo-tinted spectacles. Franco’s henchmen are cartoon villains (the book is part-dedicated, after all, to the International Brigades Memorial Trust) and the actions of the Republican hero are morally ambiguous to say the least, but the author weaves a gripping thriller from the coarse threads.

[Phil Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d never heard of David Ebsworth before I submitted myself to an online course we shared. I decided to give his books a go, and I am so glad I did. Homage to Catalonia was one of my favourites, Orwell and all, with a scathing report on the corruption and ineptitude of the POUM. Ebsworth’s Jack Telford is a brilliant piece of characterization and the story is worthy of Orwell himself. Loved it from start to finish.

[lesley budge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until the curtain falls - David Ebsworth


Jack Telford is an English journalist who has got himself in some trouble. Franco's soldiers are looking for him, the Russians are after him and even the British want him. He killed a ‘colleague’ and, instead of making up a believable story about what happened, he decides to go on the run and to assassinate General Franco.

This is a complex story mixing factual elements of the Spanish Civil War, the lies, truths, politics of socialism, the people of Spain and the many horrors of the prison camps.
the sequel.

The author, David Ebsworth is a brilliant story teller, he describes the people and areas of Spain so well, you feel you know them. I learnt a lot about the Spanish civil war and those that were part of it.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and parts reminded me of George Orwell’s Homage to Catalonia.


This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review