Customer Reviews

The Lisbon Crossing: A Novel

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When we last met Jack, we were in Berlin in 1963, 5 months before the assassination of President Kennedy in Dallas (cf. Berlin Conspiracy). We now find ourselves at another turning point in the 20th century -- Europe in 1940 -- and Jack will once again become a part of history. As with the author's first book, we know what happened eventually (in this case, the Allies saved Europe) but there is much we don't know. Gabbay succeeds brilliantly in weaving a tale that could have happened, and once again, we are on the edge of our seats as the tale unfolds. I'm eagerly looking for the third installment of a Jack Teller trilogy and wondering what pivotal moment in time will provide the backdrop for Jack's next adventure.

There is something enticing about reading about life leading up to or during the second world war. We all know about the battles, the generals, the invasions and the bombs, but what about the people who didn't fight it, just tried to live through it. Alan Furst is the master of life in France and other parts of Europe during the conflict. His characters are the writers, the diplomats and some very bright women. Joseph Kanon is a bit closer to the dark side. Gabbay, on the other hand, writes as if he is producing a script for the movies. The women are beautiful and the male lead, an unemployed movie stunt man, is from the streets. He speaks like Sam Spade or Guy Noir would if they were around in 39-40 and even mentioned sex. There is not a lot of introspection or history here. The 2000 year history of Portugal is covered in one sentence. But there is an abundance of action, murder and intrigue. Its a page turner which is hard to put down because, unlike the war, the reader does not know how it is going to turn out. Don't read too many reviews, start at the beginning and don't peek at the end.

What a fantastic novel! Tom Gabbay does not disappoint with his second effort. I found this prequel to be just as entertaining, fast paced, well written and exciting as the first, if not more so. This book was virtually unputdownable and the story stayed with me long after I reluctantly finished the last page. I would highly recommend this book.

Tom Gabbay's second novel "The Lisbon Crossing" is a slam-dunk winner. Jack Teller surfaces again. This time he is asked to accompany mega-movie star Lili Sterne to Portugal to help a childhood friend escape wartime Europe. Of course, the simple rescue mission turns out to be anything but. No one is who they appear to be and everything seems to be wrapped in some sort of conspiracy.

What author Tom Gabbay does so well is tell an intriguingly complex plot in an uncomplicated manner. The story moves crisply and tautly without extraneous tangents until a pretty good climax. You don't lose track of who the multiple characters are or what's happening. The characters' wry repartee is a plus. Loved the way real historical figures (like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor) are woven into the storyline. Ten pages from the end I still hadn't figured out the ending and that always pleases me. Nothing worse than figuring out an espionage thriller halfway through a book.

I enjoyed "The Lisbon Crossing" immensely and have nothing but praise for it. I would recommend it to those who love spy novels.

The hero of Berlin Conspiracy returns in this prequel that suggests he's some kind of Forrest Gump of 20th Century intrigue. Once you get over the improbability of his CV, this story is engaging with plenty of agreeable action and atmosphere, but it does seem a little too much like one big put-on with a giant wink to the reader. It's amusing, but given the taut thriller that came before I expected something a little sturdier than this game entertainment.

First of his books I'd read. On the edge of your chair suspense. So I searched for his first book.Great for goosebumps ! Waiting anxiouly for next.

Tom Gabbay's second novel (first of a trilogy I believe) is a great read. His writing is authoratitve and provides a fascinating, if not chilling view of secret government. Highly recommended.

I didn't read the first book from this author, but this one was a good, succinct telling of an interesting story. I'll be looking for him again.

I liked his first work which is why I picked this up as well. Entertaining and a page turner, but somewhat formulaic and it eventually became difficult to suspend disbelief. The thread of plausibility is thin, and at several points you just have to swallow it for better or worse. The story is not necessarily intricate but it does pop and weave a bit like a prize fighter, hard to pin down. I'll read more by the author, but my expectations meter will be turned down a hair. Overall not bad, but his other work is better.

My first book by Gabbay. The book is not bad, he appears to be a good writer, the book is easy to read, the characters are mildly entertaining, the book is a great period piece and captures the period nicely. Lisbon during and just before WWII must have been a fascinating place. Lots of intrigue and spies. This book has something of the movie Casablanca.