Silesian Station (John Russell)

“Grade: A. . . . Downing’s mingling of history and thrills makes this a must read.”—Rocky Mountain News

“Russell is a canny and likable protagonist.”—BookPage

“Wry, secretive and clever. . . . Russell is good company in this intelligent thriller.”—Hadassah Magazine

“Twists and turns aplenty make this espionage novel a superb read full of tension and suspense. . . . An amazing piece of fiction which I hope is part of a much larger series.”—Crimespree Magazine

Summer, 1939. British journalist John Russell has just been granted American citizenship in exchange for agreeing to work for American intelligence when his girlfriend Effi is arrested by the Gestapo. Russell hoped his new nationality would let him safely stay in Berlin with Effi and his son, but now he’s being blackmailed. To free Effi, he must agree to work for the Nazis. They know he has Soviet connections and want him to pass on false intelligence. Russell consents but secretly offers his services to the Soviets instead.

It’s a good plan, but soon things become complicated. A Jewish girl has vanished, and Russell feels compelled to search for her. A woman from his past, a Communist, reappears, insisting he help her reconnect with the Soviets. Meanwhile, Europe lurches toward war, and he must follow the latest stories—to places where American intelligence assignments await him.

David Downing is the author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction for both adults and children, including Zoo Station, the first novel featuring John Russell. He lives in Guildford, England.