Midnight in Istanbul
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2024
Midnight in Istanbul is an exciting story of spies, love and danger set in Turkey when the Allies and Axis, both desperately wanted it on their side. The setting is atmospheric and detailed. The author knows the country and it shows. You root for the main characters Elliot Caldwell and the mysterious Ilona, who walk a dangerous tightrope. Who is friend and who is foe? Who can be trusted and who can’t? Lives and the outcome of the war are at stake. Kathryn Gauci has woven a grand story. Well done.
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 18, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2024
I’ve never been to Istanbul but Kathryn Gauci transported me there during the WWII era in her thrilling novel, MIDNIGHT IN INSTANBUL. I walked the streets and dark alleyways, and felt present in the nightclubs, eating and drinking local food and drinks, and heard the sounds of the singers and musicians. This intriguing war novel focuses on the danger, suspense, romance and espionage activities of secret agent Caldwell, posing as a correspondent. His secret assignments involve aiding the Austrian resistance. Danger for him lurks around every dark corner and he barely escapes death several times. His difficult work is made bearable by a torrid, extramarital romance with a seductive, talented nightclub singer Ilona. One of the memorable quotes in the book was “the spying game is a dirty business”. Gauci does not spare the reader the dirty work carried out by the spy, with knife and gun and only moments to decide who lives or dies to save his own life. This is a thoroughly researched thriller – tense, gritty and expertly written.
Sema Karaoglu
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2024
Excellent historical novel.
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2024
I’m always interested in well-written historical novels, especially concerning WWII, but didn’t realize I would enjoy what’s considered a thriller. It was great, though, and I hated it to end. Loved this book!
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2024
Another excellent novel by one my favorite writers. Once again Kathryn Gauci delivers a suspenseful, well researched book. I loved being transported back to Istanbul, a beautiful and interesting city. I really was not very familiar with Turkey’s roll in WWII as they were neutral so not many books based on it. Very informative read with lots of twists and turns. Bravo Kathryn!
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2024
In this espionage novel, both the risks and the stakes could not be higher as life, death and freedom hang in the balance. This intense tale, based on true events, is set mainly in Istanbul during World War II, at a time when Turkey remained neutral and Istanbul was a hotbed of espionage activity on both sides. Following the clandestine activities of a the main character, the author weaves in a flowing narrative sensuous, life-fulfilling pleasures with the horrors of war., creating a tense, underlying irony, our main spy character experiencing it all.
Amazon Customer Brenda Cummings
5.0 out of 5 stars Another enthralling read by the great writer
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 19, 2024
Informative engrossing and educational of wwll of espionage in Turkey characters come alive to you by the great writer filling one in with true history