Eye of the Needle

A Novel

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: Samuel West

Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

The worldwide phenomenon from the best-selling author of The Pillars of the Earth, World Without End, A Column of Fire, and The Evening and the Morning

His code name was “The Needle.” He was a German aristocrat of extraordinary intelligence - a master spy with a legacy of violence in his blood, and the object of the most desperate manhunt in history....

But his fate lay in the hands of a young and vulnerable English woman, whose loyalty, if swayed, would assure his freedom - and win the war for the Nazis....

©1978 Ken Follett (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Top-notch suspense . . . a terrific thriller . . . spellbinding." (The Miami Herald)

"Great . . . one of the twelve best thrillers from the last fifty years." (Rocky Mountain News)

"Extraordinarily satisfying . . . a truly suspenseful novel . . . heart-stopping, nerve-freezing terror." (Los Angeles Times)

All-time great thriller, great reader, great idea

What thriller rates higher than this classic from Ken Follett? It is beautifully written and wonderfully plotted, especially the last 100 pages. The only previous recording of the novel I am aware of is an old one by Brilliance audio, a multi-voice approach. I have that one, but it is rather routine compared to the nuanced, attentive work of Samuel West, who is absolutely excellent here--not an indifferently read sentence in the whole book! In particular, West's pacing is perfect. Penguin gave new voice to a handful of older Follett novels along with this classic. Audible should do likewise--look for some older titles that would similarly benefit from a face- or voicelift. Maybe the novels of Dick Francis or Rex Stout would experience a jump of popularity with new readings.

Better than Bourne

Because I love international spy thriller movies, I began to feel I might venture outside my regular reading genres and try a spy novel. I picked up the first book in the Bourne Series and I was very surprised to find that I absolutely hated it. I felt the writing was terrible. I then read “beneath a scarlet sky” which is also a WWII novel, and when a friend suggested I try a spy thriller set in WWII, I thought, why not? I’m very glad I did! The plot was great and the narrator was incredible. Bravo! I listen to audible during my commute to and from work, and while listening to the Eye of the Needle I found myself not being too bothered when my commute was extra long due to traffic as it meant I had more time to immerse myself in the story.

Great Writer 👍

Good narrator! My first time listening to a book. Listening while on a long trip.

Glad I purchase it

World War II cannot be put on the shelf. Many try to because they feel it can't happen again. They are right. The next one will be far worse. There are many parts of the federal government with which I take issue but those who protect us from attack have my complete support. At all levels, we need dedicated people who guard all of our borders, physical, media, societal. All are under attack.

How does this relate to the story? Dedicated and talented people were able to negate the impact of someone having knowledge that, if delivered, would have made the world we live in today something far different. Imagine a Europe dominated by an unopposed Hitler. Now, pick one of several world leaders who have the same desire to dominate.

Think it can't happen? It can and it just might.

WWll spy thriller

Intriguing through out! Very well written and great characters plus good action. Plausible twice and turns.

Excellent in every way

Fabulous narration, riveting story, brilliant locale. I listened through in 2 days! One of the best books I’ve listened to with audible. I highly recommend,

Suspenseful

Mesmerizing. Thoroughly enjoyable. Best of some 45 books I’ve listened to or read this year. Will this WWII spy be caught?

Bulls Eye on multiple levels!

Written and delightful audio broadcast. Full of suspense, excitement, curiosity. Only shortcomings is that the story had to have an end. I would be much thrilled and delighted were there somehow a second volume. I must admit, I was very surprised at how well written the story was by Ken Follet. Is the first one of his novels that I have taken the time to read or listen to and it was well worth the time and effort.

Better than I I remembered

Read the hard-bound in the late 70s, and remember liking it. But I’d forgotten how entrancing is the story, and how skillful is Follett’s turn of phrase.

excellent

loved it! saw the movie many years ago and of course the book was even better.