From the New York Times bestselling author and the “modern-day master of the genre” (New York Newsday) comes a gripping novel of espionage and deception in 1938 pre-war Paris.
At the center of the intrigue is Hollywood star, Frederic Stahl. September 1938. On the eve of the Munich Appeasement, Stahl arrives in Paris, on loan from Warner Brothers to star in a French film. He quickly becomes entangled in the shifting political currents of pre-war Paris—French fascists, German Nazis, and his Hollywood publicists all have their fates tied to him. But members of the clandestine spy world of Paris have a deeper interest in Stahl, sensing a potential asset in a handsome, internationally renowned actor.
Ranging from the high society of glittering Paris to film set locations in far-away Damascus and Budapest, Alan Furst’s new novel confirms his status as a writer whose stories unfold “like a vivid dream” (The Wall Street Journal).
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"I confess: I'm a Furst fan. I enjoy the pre-war history of Europe and this book fits the genre. Other reviews are not kind to this book but I will have to disagree. It is a good read with an interesting cast. Mixing Hollywood with Paris is a nice touch. It was a good, suspenseful read."
— S.J. (5 out of 5 stars)
" How an unassuming actor finds himself in the middle of a true thrillers. Nicely done espionage thriller set just before World War II "
— Jean, 2/13/2014" Good spy book. It kept my interest. "
— Susie, 2/7/2014" Europe in the fall/winter of 1938-39, a familiar historical scene. Very well done here -- this was my "first Furst." "
— Janet, 1/26/2014" Not Furst's best, it really bogged down in the middle, and the ending was a let down. However... this was fascinating because it depicted Paris just before the Nazi takeover, and that part was fascinating. People turn on each other, and the fear of betrayal is palpable. I would recommend it. "
— K, 1/19/2014" I didn't realize that this book is part of a series, but I don't think it matters. It is not worth it. Yes, it was worth finishing once I started, but I wish that I never started. I was captivated by the title since I just returned from Paris. I was hoping to have a better glimpse of pre-WW2 France, but I was disappointed. Instead I got a convoluted story about an American actor trying to avoid being sucked into Nazi political warfare. Why the Nazis would care much about this actor is not developed to the point of believability. Plus none of the characters are all than intriguing, even the ones that should be. I think a spy novel should be one that is hard to put down and gives you nightmares. "Mission to Paris" does neither. Every violent, lustful, and treacherous act is pointless as is this book. "
— Laura, 1/18/2014" Quick read. Plot seemed to languish at times and I did not seem to care about the people - loved the Paris atmosphere! "
— Deborah, 1/6/2014" I'm a sucker to Furst's "film noir" style and the nostalgia for 30's films and stars; not to mention what went on underground... However, you shouldn't use the word "panties" for "nickers" in a European setting. "
— Heta, 12/27/2013" Weak, felt like he just cranked it out, ..... "
— Davidb23, 12/27/2013" Great book. I really like Alan Furst. The character and period are always interesting. "
— Charles, 12/23/2013" Alan Furst is a great writer, but he's worn out his theme and setting. His books are all starting to sound and feel alike -- they are all basically depressing tales of people caught up in events when the world is going down the drain with the rise of Naziism. "
— Ray, 12/13/2013" Enthralling look at pre-WW II Paris, as an American actor is lent to a French studio to make a movie, and encounters more than he expects. "
— Gail, 12/13/2013" Easy fun read. He creates a great atmosphere on a rarely explored setting in contemporary fiction of Europe on the brink of war. "
— Leigh, 12/5/2013" Post WW II fiction. An pretty good read. "
— Marshall, 4/27/2013" While, as usual, Alan Furst beautifully (the writing) captures the time, the place, the people, the tone of Europe prior to World War II, this story was a bit predictable and disappointing. "
— Deborah, 12/28/2012" An ok summer read. Found the plot predictable. Thought it would be a better read "
— Jeanette, 11/19/2012" Well done. Quite interesting insight into how political propaganda can subvert a culture. "
— Lou, 10/11/2012" It was sweet, and nostalgic, I guess. I won't read another book by this author anytime soon. I'm sure his books are historically accurate, mostly about the times just before and just after WW II. The book's unlikely, unwilling spy was a 1930's Hollywood star. "
— Lynda, 8/20/2012" Not as good as Spies of The Balkans but an intriguing cast of characters and some interesting geography to think about. "
— Lisa, 8/11/2012" Gave up about 35 pages in. Just wasn't interesting and yet in theory it should be!!! "
— Francine, 8/6/2012Alan Furst is widely recognized as the master of the historical spy novel. He is the author of Night Soldiers, Dark Star, The Polish Officer, The World at Night, and others. He has written for a number of magazines and news publications, including Esquire and the International Herald Tribune. Before becoming a full-time novelist, he worked as a copy writer for ad agencies in Seattle; he has also lived in New York and France. Currently, Furst lives on Long Island, New York.
Daniel Gerroll is an award-winning British actor who has many Broadway productions to his credit. He studied law and philosophy at Nottingham University and trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London and has won an Obie Award for sustained excellence in theater. He has also won five AudioFile Earphones Awards.