The English Assassin

by Daniel Silva
The English Assassin cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £10.99
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Format • £10.44
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Technical
  • ID: 5478
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781101209714
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2003-02-25
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Gabriel Allon, a former Israeli spy and skilled art restorer, arrives in Zurich to restore a valuable piece for a wealthy banker. Upon his arrival, he finds the banker dead and himself framed for the murder. As Allon races to clear his name, he becomes entangled in a complex web of Nazi art theft, a mysterious suicide from decades past, and a series of brutal killings. The spy world he thought he had left behind resurfaces, forcing him to confront an assassin he once trained. Allon must use all his skills to survive and unravel the truth behind the conspiracy that threatens his life. The story blends high-stakes espionage with the intricate world of art restoration, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Reviews
NB Risson Book Blog · 2018-06-13
fantastic 4.50

The protagonist is portrayed as a more human and relatable character, which adds depth to the story. The reviewer appreciates the blend of action, history, and character development.

The reviewer finds the protagonist, Gabriel, to be a refreshing change from typical spy thriller characters. They appreciate his humanity and relatability, which adds depth to the story. The reviewer also praises the book's blend of action, history, and character development. They note that the book's settings and historical backdrop enhance the overall reading experience. The reviewer finds the book to be a well-crafted thriller that keeps readers engaged with its complex characters and intriguing plot.

Quick quotes

    In the spy thrillers I have read, the best agents are not necessarily warm, cuddly individuals. Gabriel actually seems, to me, a bit more human

    The book's settings and historical backdrop enhance the overall reading experience.

    The English Assassin is a well-crafted thriller that keeps readers engaged with its complex characters and intriguing plot.

The Bibliophage · 2017-12-11
excellent 4.00

The book masterfully blends brutal violence with historical and cultural lessons, creating a gripping narrative. The author's ability to intertwine these elements makes the story both intense and educational.

The reviewer highlights the book's unique ability to balance brutal violence with historical and cultural insights. They praise the author's skill in seamlessly blending these diverse aspects, making the story both intense and educational. This duality adds depth to the narrative, making it a compelling read. The reviewer appreciates how the book manages to be both thrilling and informative, catering to a wide range of reader interests.

Quick quotes

    Parts of this book are brutally violent, while others are a lesson in history and culture.

    Silva effortlessly blends the two diverse aspects

    The book is a compelling read that manages to be both thrilling and informative.

The New York Times · 2002-03-11
great 4.00

The book is written in a nimble, efficient style that covers a lot of ground. The reviewer notes that the author's version of the world of art and espionage is both intriguing and engaging.

The reviewer commends the author's writing style, describing it as nimble and efficient. This style allows the author to cover a lot of terrain, making the book a rich and engaging read. The reviewer finds the author's portrayal of the world of art and espionage particularly intriguing. They appreciate how the book manages to be both fast-paced and detailed, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. The reviewer also notes that the book's setting and characters add to its overall appeal.

Quick quotes

    The English Assassin is written in a nimble, efficient style that allows Mr. Silva to cover a lot of terrain.

    If his version of the world of art and espionage is not entirely plausible, it is certainly intriguing.

    The book is a rich and engaging read that manages to be both fast-paced and detailed.

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