Shadow of Shadows

by Ted Allbeury

The debriefing of Russian defector Colonel Petrov is nearly over, when suddenly he dries up. SIS agent James Lawler has to find out why, but Petrov will only say he is scared of being killed - like British double-agent George Blake.

But Blake had escaped to Russia, alive. Or had he? To uncover the deadly truth, Lawler has to delve into the murky, intricate past of a traitor and learn the explosive truth behind what could lead a man to betray his country.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller

236 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

1917 - 2005. Also wrote under the pseudonyms Richard Butler and Patrick Kelly.

Ted Allbeury was a lieutenant-colonel in the Intelligence Corps during World War II, and later a successful executive in the fields of marketing, advertising and radio. He began his writing career in the early 1970s and became well known for his espionage novels, but also published one highly-praised general novel, THE CHOICE, and a short story collection, OTHER KINDS OF TREASON. His novels have been published in twenty-three languages, including Russian. He died on 4th December 2005.


See also: http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/2006/j...
and
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/a/t...

Reviews

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had forgotten that I had already read this book and thought it was in my list of having-been-read books by mistake! I quickly recognised it within the first few pages but decided to go on as it was an easy read and I had forgotten the story. First time round I gave it four stars, this time I had just finished a cracking good John le Carré book which rather put Shadow of Shadows in the shade! So only three stars this time.

Good plot, with some interesting historical details. Written with Allbeury’s usual compelling style, it held my attention well. Somewhat less believable at times but overall a worthwhile read.

[Philip Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent Cold War thriller, maybe the best I've read yet from this reliable author. It's two stories in one: the intriguing tale of George Blake, infamous Anglo-Dutch traitor, and that of Petrov his Russian handler many years later.

Despite working against his adopted country for a brutal regime, it's to Allbeury's credit that he elicits some sympathy for Blake. He was certainly naive and picked the wrong side - his treachery did untold damage to US & UK interests and cost agents their lives. He also showed bravery, followed his moral code with no thoughts of self-interest, and suffered at the hands of the North Koreans. It's thought he was 'turned' at this point but the author has it much earlier, from his teenage years in the Dutch Communist resistance.

I found Petrov's story less engaging, but it provided a neat framing device. This book was set in 1969 and the surprising denouement to Blake's story has since been disproven by subsequent events. Or has it? In the world of espionage, you can never be too sure.

[iain finlayson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first experience of Ted Allbeury and it certainly won't be my last. His story is cleverly weaved with the George Blake uncovering and subsequent escape from Wormwood Scrubs. The main story revolves around a Soviet Defector who suddenly stops talking and is worried that he will be blown. Very entertaining read.

[Jak60 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Allbeury-lite; it's an OK read, a nice plot, a trifle too linear for being a spy story, and of of the few by this author not marked by a tragic ending. It offers an interesting read of George Blake's life, seen form the opposition side.
Not among the best, not among the worst, it would be a 2,5 stars, rounded up to 3 as sign of my goodwill for the author.

[Tim Trewartha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another solid spy thriller. Hinges on the fact George Blake died in the 1960s, despite actually still being alive. Oh well.

[Derek Nudd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allbeury picks a largely factual account of the middle part of Blake's career, adds a speculative start and a fictional ending, and weaves a novel into the fabric. I picked this up as a bit of entertainment after reading Hermiston's biography of Blake and was instantly drawn in - I'd forgotten what a superb writer Allbeury was.