The Berlin Agent is book 2 in the John Cook series by Stephen Ronson. Set in the Sussex countryside, war veteran and farmer John Cook and society heiress Lady Margaret have a directive to 'do whatever it takes' to impede the potential German invasion. Although the book is a thriller, I didn't find it gripped me nor did I find it especially fast-paced. The storyline felt a little far-fetched though cleverly written and did pick up pace towards the end. I hadn't read book 1 so maybe I wasn't as invested in John and Margaret as much as I might have been, and I felt a little misinformed about some of the characters which its possible are introduced in book 1. Definitely a series to read if you enjoy wartime fiction or thrillers set in England but try book 1 first!

With thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Exciting early WW11 story set in rural Sussex with farmer John Cook involved in the hunt for Nazi infiltrators. Full of murders ,dodgy aristocrats and our hero with his history of survival from the Great War has abilities few suspect. The description of rural life at the time works well with the storyline from reaping the harvest to dark deeds in the dead of night all leading to the promise of more to come.

A well written book set in 1940. An unlikely story about John Cook a farmer in Sussex stumbles on something in his field that doesn’t add up and he starts to wonder about what is going on in the area that no one sees . Are people around really who they appear to be or are they enemy in plain sight. A fast paced read filled with full of intrigue that keep the reader on their toes. I also had a bonus as I used to live in Uckfield where this story starts.

It is June 1940. Despite the intense bombing and artillery fire, 328,000 Allied troops have been successfully evacuated from the Dunkirk beaches and transported back to England.

John Cook, who was entrusted with the responsibility of forming a covert unit, the Auxiliary Unit,  comprised of former military personnel, farmers, and landowners, unexpectedly encounters a former teacher of his. Upon noticing concerning bruises on her wrist, he feels compelled to accompany her home, where he discovers that she and her husband are facing eviction from their home. True to his character, he cannot simply stand by and allow this injustice to occur. This turn of events leads him to reconnect with a former schoolmate named Kate. However, it becomes evident that Kate is not the actual landlord but rather an intermediary. The question arises: who is after the Leckies' land, and for what purpose? Could it be connected to the mysterious fenced-off structure that has been erected nearby?

Why he is hearing strange voices speaking German in the woods. Could it be related to the parachute he observed descending in the forest and the damaged radio he discovered?

Soon, Cook and Margaret find themselves attempting to infiltrate German sympathizers. Will he be able to uncover the identity of the parachuter and at what price?

Another captivating read, and after that ending, I can not wait for the next installment!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Gripping and realistic.
Not my usual genre but I loved this. The description of rural life during the war and characters were fascinating and the pacing was excellent.

The coast of England, 1940.

Paris has fallen. The war and its German forces are inching ever closer. The fear that they will soon move through John Cook's fields is real. And it all too soon becomes a reality when a parachute drops from the sky. Cook is able to find it, and a mysterious piece of machinery along with it. But the spy, if that is what they are, is nowhere to be found, and the enemy is far closer than John knows.

I must admit that there was a moment, not that very long ago, when I became somewhat tired of World War II stories. But here is an author who has completely restored my faith in the genre. Mostly because his approach is so very different from the other stories that are out there. These are regular people fighting with what they have against an enemy they currently can't quite see yet. They come from various walks of life, some have no skills whatsoever but they're happy to learn and do their bit.

I find it utterly fascinating to realise that amidst all this fear of the war landing in front of their doors, people were still out there farming the land. One must still eat, after all. But that daily grind seems so inconceivable and is very much in contrast with people's preparation for the doom that might befall them. Kind of like, sure, hey, planes are flying overhead. Could be us, could be them, but let's fix the tractor first. Boggles the mind somewhat, doesn't it?

As much as John Cook has that Reacher vibe, I find him much more likeable. He will always try to do what's right. His heart is in the right place, he's smart about things, and a brilliant tactician. Yet, in 'The Berlin Agent', he seemed slightly more infallible than in the previous book, somewhat less invincible. It felt to me as if he was missing important clues along the way, that he was failing to see the big picture. Not that I knew what it was at first, but I did have my eye on certain people. Whereas John's approach of "if you want something done right, do it yourself" might just get him in trouble.

For someone who reacts rather "eeww-y" to anything romance, I adore the complicated relationship John and Margaret have. There is still so much the reader, and John for that matter, needs to learn about her. In her own right, she is a force to be reckoned with. But also, this massive mystery you want to get to know better. Just like with any other enigmatic character, you sometimes wonder if she can be trusted entirely. It was also a true delight so see characters like Elizabeth and Frankie finding their way somehow.

Who is the spy? What are they looking for? Will they find it? Or will John be able to put the pieces of the puzzle together in order to thwart their mission? Guess you'll have to read it to find out. Prepare yourself for yet another action-packed adventure. 'The Berlin Agent' grabbed my attention from the very first page and didn't let go. I found it quite hard to put down and late at night, I most definitely fell victim to that whole "one more chapter" thing. A suspenseful, tense and well-plotted addition to the series and can't wait for the next one!

When I read The Last Line, Ronson’s first book in the John Cook series, little did I expect to be eagerly awaiting the next installment, let alone hoping and praying for an entire series…there will be, right?

It was a book I quickly passed on to my non-reader of a husband who also inhaled it and probably also fell a little in love with John Cook…swoon. The Berlin Agent is set on the south coast in Uckfield, right in Hitler’s line of invasion. Don’t worry though, we’ve got farmer John Cook keeping an eye out for any rogue Nazis or the first hint of the threatened attack. It’s a fast paced thriller with plenty of action to keep you turning the pages. It’s like James Bond but World War II. I can’t praise this series enough and I’m keeping everything crossed for a swift arrival of book three.

Quite a simplistic way of writing, but the subject matter was fascinating!
I think that fans of Chris Ryan and Andy McNab would enjoy this story.
Set in Sussex during WW2 a farmer called Cook stumbles upon things that just don’t add up. Are there German spies in England or Nazi sympathisers or is it something completely different?
Fast paced and intriguing.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on The Berlin Agent early, thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher! After loving The Last Line, I was beyond excited to dive back into John Cook’s world, and this sequel completely delivered.

The mystery around the parachutist and those eerie broadcasts had me hooked right away. Stephen Ronson really knows how to keep the tension high, and I loved every twist and reveal. Huge thanks to NetGalley, Stephen Ronson, and the publisher for the early copy—I couldn’t put it down, and I’m already looking forward to what’s next for Cook!

I was looking forward to this as I had enjoyed The Last Line very much, and it didn't disappoint.

The story focuses on Nazi sympathisers and the role that propaganda played in the Second World War which is something I don't know very much about. It's incredibly interesting to learn of the tactics that were used and how the people on the home front played such an important part in the war effort. The amount of research that Stephen must do is vast and he really brings this time in history to life with the way he combines the almost mundanity of life in rural England in the 40's with the horrors of what is going on in the world.

John Cook is like the WWII equivalent of The Equalizer, willing to coldly dispatch people if necessary for the greater good and equipped with the skills and strength to do so, he's a great character with a strong sense of morality. His interactions with the evacuee children show his softer side as he tries to build relationships with them and encourages them to learn the ways of the country. Margaret is one of those silently strong women, seeming to not have a care in the world but shouldering anything that needs to be done without a bat of her eye.

The pace of the writing is fast and adds to the mounting tension as the story reaches its climax, which hooked me right in. A great second instalment.

Stephen Ronson is back with the second instalment in the John Cook series! The Berlin agent is a well-written sequel that plunges the reader right back in to the complex world of espionage, impending invasion, and country life in World War 2. Layered with suspense and tension, building on that created in the last book, the reader finds themself right in the middle of the action, where danger and betrayal lurk at every corner, and loyalty is just a seven letter world. Ronson has this ability to continuously build suspense, letting the tension slowly build throughout the novel and as a reader, you are unable to look away, the sense of unease and anticipation is palpable!

What sets Ronson apart from other historical fiction is his ability to create incredibly authentic characters who we follow as they navigate their precarious world of undercover operations. Ronson uses his protagonist and other prominent characters to strike a balance between plot and characterisation, allowing the readers to not only invest in the harsh realities of pre-invasion Britain, but the lives that continue to be affected.

Just as readers feel settled within the narrative, Ronson throws a bomb of a plot twist, that completely reshapes the narrative, whilst bringing the storylines together, providing a sense of closure, yet leaving the reader with questions we hope will be answered. For fans of ww2 and espionage thrillers, The Berlin Agent delivers. An absolute must-read standout series in spy thrillers, that resonates with you as the reader and will stay with you long after you close the book.

This is an unforgettable story where the reader is transported back to the 1040s, into a country at war. It is so well written that as you read you are given a glimpse into a life so far removed from our own time. As the pages turn the reader becomes acquainted with the hardships faced and through the written word we can see and hear and taste and smell and feel the fear of those caught up in it all, it felt like I was back in time with them. Every noise I heard in my own time eg an aircraft in the sky and loud noise made me feel like I was back listening for the bombers in the sky. Sitting in the twilight of today with the first chills of winter felt like I was back in time, so powerful was the atmosphere the author created. It felt like the parachute had landed in my garden, I felt the terror of the moment. It made me realise that bravery comes in many forms and sometimes we have to become vulnerable to become brave. Thank you to the author for writing this so realistically; thank you to Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ahead of publishing - my review is that it is one of the best reads I have experienced. I loved every minute.

Another good installment of John Cook and Lady Margaret. I like how the two characters are from different backgrounds but fit together so well. John Cook, a military man and Lady Margaret make a good team and it's an enjoyable read. So much happens in this book but it's easy to follow, keeps you engaged and it's believable.

Miriam is introduced, as is Vaughan, characters that come into themselves later on. You also meet Freddie and Elizabeth, two children that help on the farm.

I like how fast paced Stephen's books are, this is the second book and would make more sense read in order as you get John's background from the first book. I can imagine him being a really genuine guy, one that looks after you and will defend your honour. He knows his tasks but doesn't like putting ones close in danger and will do his best to keep them safe.

Enjoyable and was happy to see that John will return in another book at some point.

A tense war story with believable characters, based on facts. John Cook, the main character, is ex-armed forces and now a farmer in the South Downs. He finds a parachute and hears German voices so goes to investigate. What happens next is an exciting story with twists and turns galore. A bit unlikely at times but a good read. Will look out for the previous book and the next in the series.

Good story, set in war time. It had a varied mix of characters, and the places, and some of the people were real but the author wrote them into a fictional tale.
There were aspects of the story that were exciting and full of mystery and angst and others which were extremely sad. I wasn’t expecting some of it so it came as a bit of a shock!
The epilogue was really informative and helped fill in some aspects of things which happened during the war and how the author had brought them into the story. Those who want more information can spend time reading around the author’s recommended reading.
A really good read and
I look forward to the next.

Double agents, secret bunkers, Nazi sympathisers and plenty of action, the second book in the Cook series is a great read.

If Jack Reacher was around in WW2 and a farmer, this would be his story!

Some of the more fantastical places in the book actually existed back in 1940.

A joy to read.

Having read the first book in this historical series I so glad to get the opportunity to read ‘The Berlin Agent. The next book in the John Cook series.
England June 1940 The war is raging, and Paris has fallen under the third Reich, and everyone is waiting for the Germans to arrive on British shores. John Cook, a local farmer who wanted to join the war but now too old discovers a parachute on the outskirts of his farm. But the person is missing and there is a crate with a strange contraption left inside. John goes on toe search for the Spy when he hears German voices in the woods, The Germans must already arrive.
This is well research historical story based on facts. It is also a great atmospheric and action-packed thriller with well written plot. The story has some great likeable characters especially John and Lady Margaret that made me want to keep turning the pages to find out more, This is a great read and I will look forward to book 3. 5 stars from me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.

This is a great read, a good, solid, wartime, spy type mystery with a brilliant main character in John Cook, farmer, ex soldier and who knows what else?

John is a skilled and practical man, now farming in the South Downs. One day he notices that his old primary school teacher has bruises on her arms, he suspects her husband but all is not as you might think and we are plunged into a really tense and exciting story about secret underground bunkers, a disappearing parachutist, fences which speak in German, Peace societies, Fifth Columnists and more besides.

My interest did not flag for one second and it is a great story. When I came to think about it later i suppose there were some quite convenient and possibly unlikely parts but, who cares? I was so intrigued by John, we get tantalising glimpses into his past, and I hope John will be back. I see from other reviews that there is a first book which I now must read immediately! This book stands alone though.

If you are into self defence there are some pretty good tips about how to counter and attack an opponent.

A tremendous yarn which I really recommend.

John Cook #2

England 1940: Paris has fallen to the Third Reich. Farmer John Cook and society heiress Lady Margaret are waiting for the day when German tanks roll across the green fields od their homes. Both are ready for the moment they will disappear into the woods and the fields to carry out their top-secret orders - to do whatever it takes to fight the Nazis once they arrive on British soil. Their worst fears are realises when aa parachutist drops from a German bomber during an air raid. Arriving at the scene, Cook finds the white silk hanging from a branch, and a mysterious crate containing a complex piece of machinery. The spy is nowhere to be found.

This story covers Nazi sympathisers and WWII propaganda. A German bomber drops a parachutist and farmer John Cook rushes to scene only to find a mysterious crate and the parachute hanging from a tree, but there was no sign of the parachutist. John Cook becomes involved with a plot to sabotage a local radio transmitter to help defend the country.

I liked the author's style of writing. This fast-paced historical fiction held my attention throughout. Several sub-plots were running through this thrilling read. The characters were well-developed.

3.5 stars rounded up. I do love historical stories and WW2, so this was right up my alley. I hadn’t read book 1, so John Cook was new to me and I think I’d expected someone more Everyman. I wasn’t expecting what was virtually a Sussex Jason Bourne 🤣.

I liked the tone/writing style, which helped moved things along at a fair clip, and the characters too. I didn’t quite follow the plot about the parachutist, fence wires and infiltrating the underground facility, but I think that was just me…!

I am looking forward to going back to read book 1, and future ones in the series, as I enjoyed this quite a lot.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.