The Umbrella Murder

The Umbrella Murder cover
Good Books rating 4.33
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Technical
  • ID: 2758
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780753560198
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2024-07-11
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 1978, exiled Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov was assassinated on Waterloo Bridge with a poison-tipped umbrella, a crime that remains one of the Cold War's most notorious unsolved killings. Decades later, journalist Ulrik Skotte is drawn into a quarter-century-long investigation, uncovering a web of secrets involving eccentric conspiracy theorists, former spies, and a shadowy figure known as Agent Piccadilly. Drawing on original documents and interviews, this gripping account delves into the intrigue and deception surrounding Markov's murder, offering jaw-dropping revelations about the killer and those who protected him. /n/nThe Umbrella Murder is a meticulously researched true crime narrative that reads like a spy thriller, blending historical intrigue with investigative journalism. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the covert operations of the Cold War era, as Skotte's relentless pursuit of the truth brings him face to face with the enigmatic Agent Piccadilly and the enduring mysteries of one of history's most baffling assassinations.

Reviews
The Times Literary Supplement · James Robins · 2025-10-03
engaging 4.00

Skotte's style is clean, crisp, and journalistic, making the story of the hunt for the assassin both engaging and accessible. The review notes that the book's subtitle is apt, as it truly is a hunt.

James Robins from The Times Literary Supplement commends Ulrik Skotte's writing style, describing it as clean, crisp, and journalistic. They note that the book's subtitle, 'The Hunt for the Cold War's Most Notorious Killer,' is apt, as the narrative truly feels like a hunt. Robins appreciates the author's ability to keep the reader engaged with a story that could have been overwhelmingly complex. They also highlight the book's accessibility, making it suitable for both casual readers and those with a deep interest in Cold War history.


Quick quotes

    Skotte's style is clean, crisp, journalistic and abrupt.

    And, true to his subtitle, his story really is a 'hunt', though his quarry does not ...

    The narrative is engaging and accessible, making it suitable for both casual readers and those with a deep interest in Cold War history.

The Guardian · 2024-07-07
masterly 4.50

This masterly investigation into the assassination of Georgi Markov reveals a meticulous and gripping account of a Cold War era murder. The author's dedication to uncovering the truth over three decades is commendable.

The Guardian's review highlights the depth and thoroughness of Ulrik Skotte's investigation into the 1978 murder of Georgi Markov. They praise the book for its detailed and gripping narrative, which spans three decades of relentless pursuit of the truth. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to transform a complex historical event into a compelling story, making it a must-read for those interested in Cold War history and espionage. They also note that the book's journalistic style keeps the reader engaged throughout.


Quick quotes

    This masterly investigation, spanning 30 years, into the assassination of a cold war dissident, Georgi Markov, in London in 1978 exposes an assassin worthy of ...

    The author's tireless pursuit of Agent Piccadilly is a testament to his dedication and journalistic prowess.

    Skotte's narrative is both meticulous and gripping, making it a standout in the genre of true crime and espionage.

The Times · 2024-07-06
gripping 4.50

The book is described as a real-life spy thriller, with the author's 30-year obsession with the case driving a compelling narrative. The reviewer finds the book to be a gripping account of a Cold War era murder.

The Times' review describes 'The Umbrella Murder' as a real-life spy thriller, highlighting the author's 30-year obsession with the case. They praise the book for its compelling narrative, which keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The reviewer finds the author's dedication to uncovering the truth both admirable and captivating. They also note that the book's detailed account of the Cold War era makes it a valuable addition to the genre of true crime and espionage.


Quick quotes

    How the Cold War killing of a Bulgarian dissident on Waterloo Bridge in London obsessed a dogged hack for 30 years.

    A real life spy thriller.

    The author's dedication to uncovering the truth is both admirable and captivating.