Masaryk Station by David Downing, a Mysterious Review.

Review: Prior to the outbreak of war in Europe, John Russell was a British foreign correspondent in Germany, where he had been living for a number of years. When it became apparent that Germany was going to declare war on England, John took his son on a vacation to America. While there he decided to obtain a passport and citizenship papers for both Paul and himself. The Intelligence Department requested in return, and if possible, that he supply them with knowledge, overt or covert, concerning Germany's movement towards the war, which he agreed to. Fast forward to the present, 1948. Russell, still living in Germany, is now a double agent for America's new CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) and Stalin's NKVD (People's Commissanat Internal Affairs). Since the end of the war, although the city is in a state of ruins, Berlin has been occupied by the four Allied Powers. With all the chaos, Berlin has become a breeding ground for spies, counter spies, theft, rape and murder. It is also developing into an arena for a what would be known to history as the Cold War. Russell and his Soviet liaison, Shchepkin, want to find a way to cut themselves loose and return to their families before their roles are discovered. As the tension between Allied Powers grow, especially between the Soviets and Americans, each day becomes a little more treacherous. The two men need to complete one final operation. Although it will be of great risk to Russell, Shchepkin and their families, if they can make it work they will be free at last.

Masaryk Station is the sixth and final entry in this series by David Downing. As with each of the previous books, this one stands tall in the area of historical fiction. Indeed, it is this mix of historical fact with fictional characters that is the hallmark of the series. The actions of Russell and those who work with him are realistically depicted, and the very real danger he faces here makes for a terrific novel of suspense. Though this book can be read as a stand-alone, start at the beginning of John Russell's adventures and follow along as the war, as it must, changes him and the world around him.

Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of Masaryk Station.

Lehrter Station
Soho Press (Hardcover), May 2012
ISBN-13: 9781616950743; ISBN-10: 1616950749

Jack of Spies
Soho Press (Hardcover), May 2014
ISBN-13: 9781616952686; ISBN-10: 1616952687

Masaryk Station

A John Russell Mystery by David Downing