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Goodbye to an Old Friend cover art

Goodbye to an Old Friend

By: Brian Freemantle
Narrated by: Matthew Benham
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Summary

At the height of the Cold War, a British intelligence agent investigates a Russian defector with a deadly secret

Adrian Dodds is a man without hobbies, friends, or family, who works a very peculiar job. Though he looks like a pencil pusher, he is a British counter-intelligence agent. In his own quiet, bureaucratic way, Dodds is vital to the security of the United Kingdom. His latest assignment is debriefing Viktor Pavel, a Soviet aeronautics genius who escapes his handlers to become the Cold War’s most high-profile defector. Can he be trusted, or was he sent over as part of an elaborate Russian ruse? The truth is more complex than Dodds can imagine.

Based on years of experience covering foreign affairs for English newspapers, this is one of the first novels by Brian Freemantle, one of the finest espionage authors of the Cold War.

©1973 Brian Freemantle (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

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What listeners say about Goodbye to an Old Friend

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Gripping storyline

The narration was odd with mispronunciation and strange emphasis as though the reader had not rehearsed. I found the character of Adrian Dodds interesting but also frustrating- can’t believe anyone in his position would only have one suit and that Eton and Oxford(or was it Cambridge?) would not have improved his confidence and low self esteem. But he came through at last! The Russians were well described and the denouement although you could see it coming was clever. Doesn’t make one want to be a Russian.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Good storytelling

Bit off with the pronunciation of Russian names (Aleksandr and Georgi in particular) but otherwise extremely enjoyable!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A crown servant Vs the government

A good story, well written and nicely narrated, the cat and mouse relationship between an interrogator and the interrogated with political interference and a shaky personal life all adding to the developing intrigue.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another cracking spy story

Excellent story telling with well developed characters, psychological insight, and a great reading by Mathew Benham.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Hmmmmmm

Good narration. Not the best tale from this astounding author; it was more like an essay or warm up for another book. Didn't feel the twists and turns usual from this author and was sadly disappointed. Being a short book, I don't feel it was an absolute waste of time.

OK in parts

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