Flight from Berlin: Summary and book reviews of Flight from Berlin by David John, plus links to an excerpt from Flight from Berlin and a biography of David John.

A cynical English reporter and a beautiful, headstrong, American Olympic hopeful are caught in a lethal game of international espionage during the 1936 Berlin Olympics in Flight from Berlin, a riveting debut thriller from breakout novelist David John. Combining the suspense and atmosphere of Alan Furst's spy novels with the exciting narrative drive of Daniel Silva's Gabriel Allon adventures, John delivers an unforgettable masterwork of thrilling suspense set against the backdrop of one of the most monumental summers in history - a contest of champions, including the remarkable Jessie Owen, that captivated the world as the specter of Nazi Germany continued its rise to threaten the globe.

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If Berlin feels like a scary fog, John's coverage of scenes from the Olympic competitions puts the reader smack inside the roar and excitement of the crowds. Combining the pressure of young athletic performances with the stress of Hitler's efforts to stage a phony humanitarian show for the watching world and the unwinding fictional espionage plot highlights John's authorial mastery. It rivals the very best of spy novels. I would like to see more of Richard Denham, maybe in another adventure since this one is definitely a first rate nail-biter.  (Reviewed by Donna Chavez).

Full Review (778 words).

Media Reviews

Library Journal Starred Review. This first novel by British journalist John is a stunning example of its genre. The characters are fully realized, the plots twist and turn, the pages flip at lightning speed. Lovers of historical thrillers, World War II stories, athletic history, and espionage novels will be mesmerized by this offering.   The Denver Post Throw in a missing dossier with a secret that could topple the Reich along with a host of real life characters making cameo appearances and it all adds up to an exciting ride...

Recent Reader Reviews

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