Spymaster, Helen Fry
Spymaster, Helen Fry
List: $24.99 | Sale: $17.50
Club: $12.49

Spymaster
The Man Who Saved MI6

Author: Helen Fry

Narrator: Shaun Grindell

Unabridged: 10 hr 39 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 11/30/2021


Synopsis

The dramatic story of a man who stood at the center of British intelligence operations, the ultimate spymaster of World War Two: Thomas Kendrick

Thomas Kendrick (1881–1972) was central to the British Secret Service from its beginnings through to the Second World War. Under the guise of "British Passport Officer," he ran spy networks across Europe, facilitated the escape of Austrian Jews, and later went on to set up the "M Room," a listening operation which elicited information of the same significance and scope as Bletchley Park. Yet the work of Kendrick, and its full significance, remains largely unknown.

Helen Fry draws on extensive original research to tell the story of this remarkable British intelligence officer. Kendrick's life sheds light on the development of MI6 itself—he was one of the few men to serve Britain across three wars, two of which while working for the British Secret Service. Fry explores the private and public sides of Kendrick, revealing him to be the epitome of the "English gent"—easily able to charm those around him and scrupulously secretive.

About Helen Fry

Historian and biographer Helen Fry is the author of The Walls Have Ears, Spymaster, MI9, and more than twenty books on intelligence, prisoners of war, and the social history of World War II. She appears regularly in media interviews and podcasts and has been involved in numerous documentaries.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Karen

I love when a non-fiction book that reads like fiction is donated to my Little Free Library Shed. It makes my reading experiences so enjoyable! This truly is a remarkable story. A story of Thomas Kendrick, who was seemingly forgotten in the history books. And yet… He played quite a pivotal role in hist......more

3.5 stars A well researched look at the early days (pre-WWI) of British intelligence, & Thomas Kendrick’s role in establishing MI6 & guiding it through WWII. [What I liked:] •It was quite interesting to learn about the early days of the British intelligence services. I had no idea that they largely......more

Goodreads review by Evelyn

Though Fry is an academic rather than a fiction writer, in Spymaster she has a compelling, even at times thrilling story to tell. Though her writing isn't particularly exciting, indeed she's often rather repetitive, the true story itself carries the day. This book is her effort to cast some light on......more

Soldier to Spymaster Double agents, fake passports, invisible ink, prisoners of war, hidden microphones, and planted spies, and so much more can be found in this historical read! Helen Fry delivers binge-worthy information on the beginnings of MI6 and the vital role that Thomas Kendrick played in the......more