The Scarlet Papers cover art

The Scarlet Papers

The Times Thriller of the Year 2023

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The Scarlet Papers

By: Matthew Richardson
Narrated by: Leighton Pugh, Lucy Scott
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

ONLY SHE KNOWS THE TRUTH. ONLY HE CAN TELL THE WORLD.

VIENNA, 1946
A brilliant German scientist spirited out of the ruins Nazi Europe in search of a new life

MOSCOW, 1964
A rising star of the British diplomatic service whose job is not what it seems

LONDON, THE PRESENT DAY
A once promising academic offered an opportunity to seal his place in history

Their stories, their lives, and the fate of the world, are bound by a single document:

THE SCARLET PAPERS

The devastating secrets contained within teased by a brief invitation:

Tomorrow 11AM. Take a cab and pay in cash. Tell no one.


'Smart, slick and totally gripping...The Scarlet Papers is always credible, always startling and almost painfully human. A total triumph.' TONY PARSONS

'Look out for The Scarlet Papers...An engrossing adventure' STEVE CAVANAGH

'A masterpiece' TIM GLISTER

'Grand in scope, and packed with fascinating insights' MICK HERRON


©2023 Matthew Richardson (P)2023 Penguin Audio

 Espionage Genre Fiction Historical International Mystery & Crime Mystery Political Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Fiction Exciting

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Critic reviews

Chosen by many readers as the best spy novel of this year
Superbly constructed and written with flair, it manages to debunk John le Carré's world and to reaffirm its mystique. It's highly unlikely that there will be a better espionage novel this year
Standout
A natural-born storyteller
A shot in the arm for thriller fans
Blissfully ingenious
A breathtaking thriller. A classic in the making (PETER JAMES)
This is the most impressive espionage debut since Mick Herron's Slow Horses. Filled with fast-moving action and a fine line in threat, it weaves a thrilling spell
Hugely impressive and compelling (WILLIAM BOYD)
Look out for The Scarlet Papers . . . Engrossing (STEVE CAVANAGH)
All stars
Most relevant
There’s nothing to not like about this book! Definitely worth a listen. Brilliantly read from start to finish.

Fantastic !

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Intricately woven story which kept me gripped. Great narration . Could listen to it agin easily.

Great story!

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Everything that I would want in a spy thriller is here. Layers of secrets that keep being revealed, a complex plot but one that can be followed on audio, never quite knowing where your allegiance should lie. A hugely enjoyable listen and exceptionally well narrated.

Superb Spy Thriller

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This was a great book. No bangs, fights and car chases - just lots of clever conversations, different points of view and time jumps. It was really engaging from start to finish. You’ll need to listen to every word though - it isn’t one you can listen to in the background while you do other things. Best enjoyed somewhere comfortable with a coffee or on a long drive where you can absorb yourself into it.

Really enjoyed this. So clever

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Can’t say anymore than I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read a lot of spy books but none like this. The mix of old and new and the two different narrators was spot on. I’ve listened to a few books with more than one narrator and never really enjoyed them. This wouldn’t have worked any other way. Great storyline, a few breadcrumbs to follow and characters you can really buy into. Highly recommended !

What a spy story should be like

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