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Night Over Water

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Night Over Water

By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: Russell Bentley
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About this listen

At the outbreak of the Second World War, a mismatched group of passengers flee across the Atlantic to escape Britain and – thousands of feet in the air – find themselves facing grave danger. Night Over Water is a masterful historical thriller from Ken Follett.

The Eve of War
Britain has just declared war against Nazi Germany. In Southampton, the world’s most luxurious airliner, the Pan American Clipper, takes off on its final flight to neutral New York – a haven for those fleeing the conflict.

A Disparate Group Flees
The passengers aboard the plane each have their own reasons for leaving Britain. Amongst them are an English aristocrat fleeing with his family and a fortune in jewels; a German scientist running away from the Nazis; a murderer returning under FBI escort; a wife escaping her controlling husband; and a devious thief determined to keep his spoils.

A Journey into Danger
Trapped on the plane, with only their fellow passengers for company, their journey over the Atlantic becomes increasingly fraught. Especially when it becomes apparent a plot is unfolding that may endanger all of their lives . . .

 20th Century Action & Adventure Espionage Historical Historical Fiction Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense

Critic Reviews

Master of the romantic thriller
The opulent interior of the first airliner on a transatlantic flight from England to New York in war-darkened 1939 is the setting for Follett's high-flying caper, guaranteed to hold the reader in their seat . . . the master of epic suspense spins an excruciatingly taut drama, a whirlwind of romance and intrigue . . . His best since Eye of the Needle.
All stars
Most relevant
Enjoyable multi plot adventure, would like a sequel. Liked the twist at the end with the good guys coming through

Exiting and technical

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This is a rollicking adventure written to encapsulate the beginning of WW2 magnificently, loved the characters and the terrific description of the Seaplane is outstanding, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and recommend it as a great listen, up there with Ken's best stories.

Captures the spirit of the time perfectly

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a great British story, a great talent both in the writing, and in the reading

very easy listening

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The reader does a very nice job of various accents for the characters, and his voice is pleasant enough. However, his general intonation of the story where there is no dialogue is disjointed and flows poorly. He seems to finish every sentence as though it's the end of a chapter.

The story is excellent entertainment, as expected for a Ken Follett novel.

A great story, but a stilted performance

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The story is as tedious as a trans Atlantic crossing would have been. Although the story was obviously well researched, it got totally bogged down in its attempts to keep the reader in the Clipper aircraft .
One of Ken Follets worst books

Slow

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