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The Poseidon Network
From USA TODAY Bestselling Author, Kathryn Gauci, comes a mesmerising, emotional espionage thriller that no fan of WWII fiction will want to miss."One never knows where fate will take us. Cairo taught me that. Expect the unexpected. Little did I realise when I left London that I would walk out of one nightmare into another."
1943. SOE agent Larry Hadley leaves Cairo for German and Italian occupied Greece. His mission is to liaise with the Poseidon network under the leadership of the White Rose. Before long he finds himself involved with a beautiful and intriguing woman whose past is shrouded in mystery. he finds himself involved with a beautiful and intriguing woman whose past is shrouded in mystery.
In a country where hardship, destruction and political instability threaten to split the Resistance, and terror and moral ambiguity live side by side, Larry's instincts tell him something is wrong. Aer the devastating massacre in a small mountain village by the Wehrmacht, combined with new intelligence concerning the escape networks, he is forced to confront the likelihood of a traitor in their midst. But who is it?
Time is running out and he must act before the network is blown. The stakes are high. From the shadowy souks and cocktail parties of Cairo's elite to the mountains of Greece, Athens, the Aegean Islands, and Turkey, The Poseidon Network, is an unforgettable cat-and-mouse portrait of wartime that you will not want to put down.
1943. SOE agent Larry Hadley leaves Cairo for German and Italian occupied Greece. His mission is to liaise with the Poseidon network under the leadership of the White Rose. Before long he finds himself involved with a beautiful and intriguing woman whose past is shrouded in mystery. he finds himself involved with a beautiful and intriguing woman whose past is shrouded in mystery.
In a country where hardship, destruction and political instability threaten to split the Resistance, and terror and moral ambiguity live side by side, Larry's instincts tell him something is wrong. Aer the devastating massacre in a small mountain village by the Wehrmacht, combined with new intelligence concerning the escape networks, he is forced to confront the likelihood of a traitor in their midst. But who is it?
Time is running out and he must act before the network is blown. The stakes are high. From the shadowy souks and cocktail parties of Cairo's elite to the mountains of Greece, Athens, the Aegean Islands, and Turkey, The Poseidon Network, is an unforgettable cat-and-mouse portrait of wartime that you will not want to put down.
360 pages, Paperback
Published November 8, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 24, 2020
It is always refreshing to read something about World War II that is not set in the more usual region of France or Germany. And even more refreshing when the story has a good plot, believable characters and is very well written.
Ms Gauci has a talent for describing her locations so well that you are transported there; like a fly on the wall you are immediately a part of what is happening at a Cairo cocktail party or holding your breath, back against a wall in a hidden spot in a souk, or trudging up a mountain path in Greece wary, scared, of what is around the corner...
Narrated first person by special agent Larry Hadley, from the opening paragraph I felt I was immersed in a breath-taking Humphrey Bogart/Lauren Bacall thriller movie. Ms Gauci's talent for writing the description of events and landscape is as superb as the tension she builds. The characters spring to life, the atmosphere is as real as the hot Greek sun.
Nor is this novel glamorised. The real Greek Resistance was populated by passionate people who believed in fighting for their freedom, regardless of the consequences if caught by the German or Italian occupiers. Danger, treason, death, was there at every step, and Ms Gauci portrays this very well. Her characters are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Some of them survive, others do not.
For the reader, we are there, alongside Larry and the Resistance, aware of the danger, aware that somewhere there is a traitor about to betray us - and we turn each page with an eager, held breath wondering what is to happen next...
An excellent novel which will keep you reading into the early hours... and beyond.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
Ms Gauci has a talent for describing her locations so well that you are transported there; like a fly on the wall you are immediately a part of what is happening at a Cairo cocktail party or holding your breath, back against a wall in a hidden spot in a souk, or trudging up a mountain path in Greece wary, scared, of what is around the corner...
Narrated first person by special agent Larry Hadley, from the opening paragraph I felt I was immersed in a breath-taking Humphrey Bogart/Lauren Bacall thriller movie. Ms Gauci's talent for writing the description of events and landscape is as superb as the tension she builds. The characters spring to life, the atmosphere is as real as the hot Greek sun.
Nor is this novel glamorised. The real Greek Resistance was populated by passionate people who believed in fighting for their freedom, regardless of the consequences if caught by the German or Italian occupiers. Danger, treason, death, was there at every step, and Ms Gauci portrays this very well. Her characters are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Some of them survive, others do not.
For the reader, we are there, alongside Larry and the Resistance, aware of the danger, aware that somewhere there is a traitor about to betray us - and we turn each page with an eager, held breath wondering what is to happen next...
An excellent novel which will keep you reading into the early hours... and beyond.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
April 11, 2020
Review of; POSEIDON NETWORK by Kathryn Gauci
Larry Hadley, a newspaper correspondent leading a double life of an agent for Britain’s Special Operations Executive known as SOE, had been tasked to assist with helping the Greek resistance movement code-named Poseidon, to increase its efforts in undermining the German and Italian occupation of Greece.
Hadley begins his Greek operation in Cairo Egypt where he had been instrumental during 1941/42 in helping Britain defeat the Italians in various expeditions from Egypt. It’s here he receives his mission briefing from his controller.
Hadley’s amorous exploits with the opposite sex, which he considers part of his character in place, is further enhanced when he meets a beautiful Greek goddess at a party in Cairo. While nothing happens between them during their brief but close dancing encounter in Cairo, Hadley is shocked when he arrives in Greece to coordinate the Poseidon underground and finds the woman he cannot get off of his mind, is part of the Greek resistance.
Hadley discovers that the head of the Poseidon Network whose nom-de-plume is The White Rose has been killed in a German ambush. This fact and some additional questions arise when certain operational missions become compromised, and Hadley suspects a double agent is operating in their midst.
The author has accurately captured the period in WWII when both the Germans and the Italians were occupying Greece but with the Germans taking a more aggressive role against the Greek civilians than their Italian counterparts.
Kathryn Gauci’s grasp and depiction of the geopolitical status of the area, her understanding and description of SOE activities as well as the immense sacrifices made by the Greek population, gives the reader a solid sense of the strategic importance this country had in the overall war effort by the Allies.
It is ironic indeed, that the birthplace of democracy fought so valiantly against two oppressors to keep that flame alive. The reader cannot fail to learn some history within these pages while enjoying a gripping intrigue.
David E. Huntley, Dallas Texas April 10, 2020
Larry Hadley, a newspaper correspondent leading a double life of an agent for Britain’s Special Operations Executive known as SOE, had been tasked to assist with helping the Greek resistance movement code-named Poseidon, to increase its efforts in undermining the German and Italian occupation of Greece.
Hadley begins his Greek operation in Cairo Egypt where he had been instrumental during 1941/42 in helping Britain defeat the Italians in various expeditions from Egypt. It’s here he receives his mission briefing from his controller.
Hadley’s amorous exploits with the opposite sex, which he considers part of his character in place, is further enhanced when he meets a beautiful Greek goddess at a party in Cairo. While nothing happens between them during their brief but close dancing encounter in Cairo, Hadley is shocked when he arrives in Greece to coordinate the Poseidon underground and finds the woman he cannot get off of his mind, is part of the Greek resistance.
Hadley discovers that the head of the Poseidon Network whose nom-de-plume is The White Rose has been killed in a German ambush. This fact and some additional questions arise when certain operational missions become compromised, and Hadley suspects a double agent is operating in their midst.
The author has accurately captured the period in WWII when both the Germans and the Italians were occupying Greece but with the Germans taking a more aggressive role against the Greek civilians than their Italian counterparts.
Kathryn Gauci’s grasp and depiction of the geopolitical status of the area, her understanding and description of SOE activities as well as the immense sacrifices made by the Greek population, gives the reader a solid sense of the strategic importance this country had in the overall war effort by the Allies.
It is ironic indeed, that the birthplace of democracy fought so valiantly against two oppressors to keep that flame alive. The reader cannot fail to learn some history within these pages while enjoying a gripping intrigue.
David E. Huntley, Dallas Texas April 10, 2020
November 10, 2019
“The Poseidon Network” is an atmospheric, tension-charged historical fiction/thriller populated with unforgettable characters. Told from Larry Hadley’s (a correspondent and an SOE agent) point of view, it transports you right back in time to occupied Greece, Turkey, and Cairo, where the stakes are as high as they can be and where virtually no one can be trusted, and particularly, a beautiful stranger.
What I enjoyed the most about this novel, apart from the riveting plot, was the setting. Kathryn Gauci is a master when it comes to vivid descriptions, which she manages to write in such a way that you feel like you’re watching a movie and not reading a book. The workings of the Greek Resistance and Poseidon Network, in particular, were incredibly interesting to follow; I also appreciated how the author didn’t turn their activities into some glamorized version of the Resistance but instead showed the plight of ordinary people who had to fight, lose their loved ones, risk their own freedom and life on a daily basis, and that’s a wonderful tribute to all real Greek resistance fighters, in my opinion.
Meticulously researched and compelling, this novel will satisfy all fans of the historical fiction genre. Highly recommended!
What I enjoyed the most about this novel, apart from the riveting plot, was the setting. Kathryn Gauci is a master when it comes to vivid descriptions, which she manages to write in such a way that you feel like you’re watching a movie and not reading a book. The workings of the Greek Resistance and Poseidon Network, in particular, were incredibly interesting to follow; I also appreciated how the author didn’t turn their activities into some glamorized version of the Resistance but instead showed the plight of ordinary people who had to fight, lose their loved ones, risk their own freedom and life on a daily basis, and that’s a wonderful tribute to all real Greek resistance fighters, in my opinion.
Meticulously researched and compelling, this novel will satisfy all fans of the historical fiction genre. Highly recommended!
March 18, 2020
A very compelling read.
For lovers of World War II, spies, espionage, Resistance, double agents suspense, and much much more, this book is a must-read.
Beginning in Cairo during 1942, the story is told from the perspective of SOE agent Larry, who is sent to occupied Greece to infiltrate the undercover Poseidon network.
Travel from Egypt to Greece and Turkey in this brilliantly written and researched story by top historical fiction writer, Kathryn Gauci.
This is a real page turner and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
For lovers of World War II, spies, espionage, Resistance, double agents suspense, and much much more, this book is a must-read.
Beginning in Cairo during 1942, the story is told from the perspective of SOE agent Larry, who is sent to occupied Greece to infiltrate the undercover Poseidon network.
Travel from Egypt to Greece and Turkey in this brilliantly written and researched story by top historical fiction writer, Kathryn Gauci.
This is a real page turner and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
March 3, 2020
The Poseidon Network mainly focuses around the resistance groups in Greece. I found the book a little hard for me to get into, but once I did I found it to be a very interesting read. The author has the ability with her descriptions to bring the storyline to life. In my opinion this book could fall into several catorgeries historical fiction, with a thriller edge to the book. I would certainly recommend this book to others. I received a copy of the book from the author as a gift, and this is my fair and honest review.
April 18, 2020
Greece sets the stage for this World War 2 drama that highlights the brave men and women in the Resistance Movement. I don’t think enough has been written about the German occupation of Greece and the Nazi’s unconscionable slaughters of the Greek citizenry. I applaud Kathryn Gauci for tackling this difficult subject and creating a drama that paints a vivid representation of this period in history. Her complex characters are interesting, and we readers are engaged right along with the protagonist to discover who is loyal and who is a traitorous Nazi sympathizer.
My compliments to Ms. Gauci.
My compliments to Ms. Gauci.
November 5, 2020
We are proud to announce that THE POSEIDON NETWORK by Kathryn Gauci is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
December 15, 2019
To put it mildly, WWII was a harsh time for everyone around the globe. Life was particularly difficult for those living in areas occupied by enemy forces. In such areas there were always pockets of resistance and secret networks connecting those groups fighting to free their homelands.
This book focuses mainly on the story of some of those working among the resistance groups in Greece. The lives of the people there were particularly difficult, especially when the undercover forces began to suspect that there was a traitor in their midst reporting back to the germans. Can they discover if there truly is someone in the resistance who is working against them, who the traitor is, and how their reports are being delivered to the enemy before all of the resistance's efforts are undone? And all this must be accomplished without giving away their suspicions and while still managing to accomplish their own mission.
I enjoyed the story told by Ms. Gauci. The historical aspects were clearly very well researched and the plot was well thought out. Seeing how the resistance operated while undercover was truly interesting and I enjoyed seeing the historical notes as well as the directions on how to make a few of the drinks mentioned inside the story at the end of the book. It is always fascinating to see a bit of the reality behind the historical fiction in any book.
This book focuses mainly on the story of some of those working among the resistance groups in Greece. The lives of the people there were particularly difficult, especially when the undercover forces began to suspect that there was a traitor in their midst reporting back to the germans. Can they discover if there truly is someone in the resistance who is working against them, who the traitor is, and how their reports are being delivered to the enemy before all of the resistance's efforts are undone? And all this must be accomplished without giving away their suspicions and while still managing to accomplish their own mission.
I enjoyed the story told by Ms. Gauci. The historical aspects were clearly very well researched and the plot was well thought out. Seeing how the resistance operated while undercover was truly interesting and I enjoyed seeing the historical notes as well as the directions on how to make a few of the drinks mentioned inside the story at the end of the book. It is always fascinating to see a bit of the reality behind the historical fiction in any book.
April 25, 2020
Great story!
Really enjoyed this book. Lots of surprise twists and turns. The author is great! Characters are very real and believable. The countries and locations are all brought together in an understandable way. I didn’t want to put this book down. From the beginning I kept wanting to read more. Done very well.
pamarella
PRCS
Really enjoyed this book. Lots of surprise twists and turns. The author is great! Characters are very real and believable. The countries and locations are all brought together in an understandable way. I didn’t want to put this book down. From the beginning I kept wanting to read more. Done very well.
pamarella
PRCS
January 10, 2020
The Poseidon Network by Kathryn Gauci has received a a Chill with a Book Readers' Premier Award.
www.chillwithabook.com
The Poseidon Network, a really enjoyable read, well written and a good fast moving plot.
Pauline Barclay - Founder of Chill Awards
www.chillwithabook.com
The Poseidon Network, a really enjoyable read, well written and a good fast moving plot.
Pauline Barclay - Founder of Chill Awards
March 24, 2020
Really loved this book with such amazing detail and great writing put into this. I really loved this authors writing and have now added her to my favorite historical authors! A first by me won’t be my last. Very intense and intriguing! I highly recommend this book.
June 2, 2020
Really good!
This WWII novel set in Egypt and Greece centers on espionage and the Greek Resistance movement whilst Greece is occupied by both Italy and Germany.
This is a fast-paced plot with loads of action as the main character is a British agent sent in missions to support the Greek Resistance known as the Poseidon Network. The author seems to have done a good amount of research here and makes for a very interesting read.
I would recommend to readers of historical fiction.
This WWII novel set in Egypt and Greece centers on espionage and the Greek Resistance movement whilst Greece is occupied by both Italy and Germany.
This is a fast-paced plot with loads of action as the main character is a British agent sent in missions to support the Greek Resistance known as the Poseidon Network. The author seems to have done a good amount of research here and makes for a very interesting read.
I would recommend to readers of historical fiction.
December 22, 2019
It took a while for me to get to this book, but it was certainly worth the wait! This would be the first book I have read about WWII Greece and I have found this story both distressing and educational. This is the second book I have read by this Author, the first being Conspiracy of Lies, which is also an amazing story. My next book by Kathryn Gauci will be The Embroiderer. I would recommend both Conspiracy of Lies and The Poseidon Network, both works of fiction but based on true facts. Thank you Kathryn for my copy of The Poseidon Network.
March 10, 2021
The Poseidon Network
This is an amazing story that takes place in Balkans during WWII. Much has been written about WWII in Europe, however this is an area I had not read much about until I read Kathryn’s books. It is enlightening to learn so much. This book has a terrific storyline, with a lot of interesting and believable characters. The main character is a British Spy on a mission to infiltrate a resistance group called The Poseidon Network, and their leader called The White Rose. The areas travelled in the book are from Cairo Egypt, to The Balkan Peninsula. The geography and history is thoroughly elucidated so the reader can visualize exactly where all this is taking place. I could actually feel the heat, rain, and the sounds the smells with great comprehension Kathryn’s description’s were so perfect. The information about the bartender in Cairo is fascinating. Love the drink The Suffering Bastard! I could hardly put the book down, and read late into the night. Definitely a 5 star plus.
Another terrific book written by Kathryn Gauci.
This is an amazing story that takes place in Balkans during WWII. Much has been written about WWII in Europe, however this is an area I had not read much about until I read Kathryn’s books. It is enlightening to learn so much. This book has a terrific storyline, with a lot of interesting and believable characters. The main character is a British Spy on a mission to infiltrate a resistance group called The Poseidon Network, and their leader called The White Rose. The areas travelled in the book are from Cairo Egypt, to The Balkan Peninsula. The geography and history is thoroughly elucidated so the reader can visualize exactly where all this is taking place. I could actually feel the heat, rain, and the sounds the smells with great comprehension Kathryn’s description’s were so perfect. The information about the bartender in Cairo is fascinating. Love the drink The Suffering Bastard! I could hardly put the book down, and read late into the night. Definitely a 5 star plus.
Another terrific book written by Kathryn Gauci.
December 31, 2021
An absorbing yet harrowing depiction of war with such descriptive detail.
This novel is so 'un-put-downable' that it should be made into a film!
I felt like I was living through the events portrayed.
Human nature , when it comes to survival is sorely tested .Loyalty became hard to come by when there were family mouths to feed! Fortunately, there were enough passionate Resistant Fighters in the German ,Italian,French,Greek Austrian and so on , organizations prepared to put an end to the despicable atrocities of torture and execution constantly inflicted upon innocent innocent! a BRILLIANTLY told novel, mostly compiled from actual facts and of course from Kathryn Gauci's imagination.👌
This novel is so 'un-put-downable' that it should be made into a film!
I felt like I was living through the events portrayed.
Human nature , when it comes to survival is sorely tested .Loyalty became hard to come by when there were family mouths to feed! Fortunately, there were enough passionate Resistant Fighters in the German ,Italian,French,Greek Austrian and so on , organizations prepared to put an end to the despicable atrocities of torture and execution constantly inflicted upon innocent innocent! a BRILLIANTLY told novel, mostly compiled from actual facts and of course from Kathryn Gauci's imagination.👌
March 7, 2023
Enjoyed reading this WW2 novel & like Kathryn Gauci's way of writing. Almost a "Who done story"at times . Very pleased that evil was beaten by goodness eventually but at such a cost to human innocent lives.Look forward to her next WW2 novel !
February 18, 2024
A ripper spy espionage novel set in Greece during WW11. The more I read of the story the more intriguing it became. People are not who they appear to be and how the spies manipulate situations is interesting . Would recommend
June 5, 2021
The Poseidon Network
A well written book, best I've read in a while. I liked it was set in North Africa and greece. It was filled with a lot of suspense and intrigue.
A well written book, best I've read in a while. I liked it was set in North Africa and greece. It was filled with a lot of suspense and intrigue.
September 27, 2022
great read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book it was full of mystery and intrigue, cannot recommend it enough you will love it
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book it was full of mystery and intrigue, cannot recommend it enough you will love it
December 14, 2022
one of her better novels
I liked the way women were portrayed in this book. The insight into Greece during WWII is often glazed over. Great insight
I liked the way women were portrayed in this book. The insight into Greece during WWII is often glazed over. Great insight
February 21, 2023
The Greek Tragedy
Enjoyed this book very much especially as my late father in law wrote his story. radio operater SOE. Pretty accurate
Enjoyed this book very much especially as my late father in law wrote his story. radio operater SOE. Pretty accurate
August 2, 2025
4.5 stars
November 19, 2020
Terrible gave up which I rarely do on a book
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews