On Secret Service cover

On Secret Service

by John Jakes

Narrated by Michael Kramer

3.73 ABR Score (1.8K ratings)
★ 3.84 Goodreads (1.7K) ★ 4.15 Audible (152)
16h 46m Released 2007 Historical Fiction

Why Listen?

Michael Kramer's crisp, intelligent narration transforms this Civil War spy thriller into a genuine page-turner, making the historical intrigue feel urgently contemporary.

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About This Audiobook

Espionage flourishes in the shadows of a nation torn apart by civil war, where loyalty becomes a deadly gamble and information proves more valuable than ammunition. Lon Price finds himself recruited into the newly formed National Detective Police, navigating the treacherous world of Union intelligence while the country bleeds around him. Meanwhile, Confederate sympathizer Margaret faces the brutal consequences of her outspoken defiance when her activities land her behind bars. As both sides deploy networks of spies and saboteurs, these two operatives discover that the most dangerous battles of the war are fought not on familiar battlefields, but in parlors, telegraph offices, and prison cells.

Michael Kramer transforms this intricate tale of wartime espionage into a compelling audio experience, his measured delivery perfectly capturing the tension and uncertainty that permeates every scene. His nuanced performance brings distinct voices to both Union and Confederate characters without resorting to caricature, allowing listeners to become fully immersed in the moral complexities of divided loyalties. The substantial runtime allows Jakes's meticulously researched historical detail to unfold naturally, while Kramer's pacing ensures that the political intrigue and personal drama maintain their grip throughout the extensive narrative.