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Stonehouse

Cabinet Minister, Fraudster, Spy

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About this listen

The true story behind the 2023 ITV series, STONEHOUSE, starring Matthew Macfayden and Keeley Hawes.

In November 1974, British MP and former cabinet minister John Stonehouse walked into the sea off a beach in Miami and disappeared, seemingly drowned.

Then he was found - on the other side of the world, in Australia - and his extraordinary story began to come to light: a Labour cabinet minister and a devoted family man; also in a long-term affair with his secretary, and a spy for the Czech State Security agency, who had committed fraud and attempted to fake his own death to escape catastrophic business failures.

Was it a mental breakdown as he later claimed? Or were there more sinister reasons for his dramatic disappearance?

This is the definitive biography of Stonehouse, written by Julian Hayes, who, as the son of Stonehouse's nephew and lawyer, Michael Hayes, is uniquely placed to tell the story of this charismatic but deeply flawed politician.

©2022 Julian Hayes (P)2021 Hachette Audio UK Law Psychology Psychology & Mental Health True Crime White Collar & Corporate Crime Espionage Crime

Critic reviews

"The minister's nephew recounts an extraordinary life...a vivid account." (Henry de Quetteville, Telegraph)

"Completely absorbing and told with huge compassion, integrity and skill." (Carol Ann Lee, author of The Murders at White House Farm and A Passion for Poison)

"What a book. I didn't have to turn the pages. They turned themselves I literally consumed the book in just a few hungry sittings.... Julian Hayes is perfectly placed to tell this story, particularly its captivating human side...most definitely a must-read." (Dr Saleyha Ahsan, filmmaker and journalist, Cambridge)
All stars
Most relevant
A well written examination of the events surrounding the Stonehouse saga with considerable depth attained.

Captivating

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This is a captivating narration of a piece of British History which tells the story of John Stonehouse. The author has written the book exceptionally well. The narration is Brilliant. Highly Reccomend. A true page turner!

Captivating Book!

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Stonehouse by Julian Hayes. A bizarre story of a desperate cabinet minister who gave away useless state secrets. He faked his death, was caught & sentenced. The end. It's so bad I havent asked for my money back as they could probably use the change 💰. 📚2/5🌟 #BookReview

Don't bother, seriously

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