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Running Blind

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Running Blind

By: Desmond Bagley
Narrated by: Paul Tyreman
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About this listen

Action thriller by the classic adventure writer set in Iceland.

The assignment begins with a simple errand – a parcel to deliver. But to Alan Stewart, standing on a deserted road in Iceland with a murdered man at his feet, it looks anything but simple. The desolate terrain is obstacle enough. But when Stewart realises he has been double-crossed and that the opposition is gaining ground, his simple mission seems impossible…

"Unbeatable for sheer gripping excitement." ( Daily Telegraph)©2017 Brockhurst Publications (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers Action & Adventure Classics Mystery Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Suspense Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives Fiction Detective Polar Region

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Editor reviews

"Bagley is a master storyteller." ( Daily Mirror)

Critic reviews

'As long as meticulous craftsmanship and honest entertainment are valued, and as long as action, authenticity, and expertise still make up the strong framework of the good adventure/thriller, Desmond Bagley's books will surely be read.' REGINALD HILL, Twentieth Century Crime and Mystery Writers

'Bagley is a master storyteller.' DAILY MIRROR

'Mr Bagley has no equal at this sort of thing.' SUNDAY MIRROR

‘Unbeatable for sheer gripping excitement’ DAILY TELEGRAPH
All stars
Most relevant  
Great book a true classic of the cold War spy novel, Mr bagley at his best

simply superb

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I remember watching this when it came on TV, since I have read the book twice and now listen to the audio book. It's just brilliant and I'm sure I will watch, read or listen to it again.

brilliant

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I read Desmond Bagley books years ago and always a good story. This one feels a little dated now as it is over 50 years old. It’s still a great story, but technology has changed and you have to put yourself back into the 1970s!

Good yarn

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As a teenager, I read a few Desmond Bagley books when they were first published (including this one) and always thought he was a 'step up' from Alistair McClean. Bagley's stories always have twists and a decent amount of 'boys toys' detail. I like knowing about the guns and ammunition being used and how effective they are. This level of detail adds credibility - much like Fleming's Bond novels - naming specific brands and why they are liked (or not) shows familiarity with the product and gives confidence to the reader/listener.

Having said that, being a bit of an 'anorak', the Land Rover shown on the front cover is a short wheelbase, 'open top', but the hero drives a long wheelbase model with an extendable roof - which would be a hardtop!

The story was as good as I remember reading in paperback (in 1973) although I can now see a few 'holes in the plot', and some obvious missed opportunities: e.g. the villains Jeep could have been immobilised from across the first river with a couple of rifle rounds into the radiator! (might have shortened the story though). However, these are minor quibbles and the story spins along at a good pace with gratifying moments, throughout.

The only real negative to the audiobook is the mediocre narration - Paul Tyreman has an odd way of pausing and emphasising words which don't really need emphasis and his voice, somehow, doesn't match the 'daring-do' of the hero! His pronunciation of Icelandic place names was quite good though.

Great yarn - shame about the narration

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Read this late in my teens and enjoyed it! Enjoyed it even more as an adult. Great characters, lovely atmosphere and description and a really good yarn! Super vocal performance. Would highly recommend!

Cracking story

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Great listen. The narrator’s butchered pronounciation of Icelandic names was quite confusing and made me wince a lot. However, if you aren’t familiar with how Icelandic actually sounds it shouldn’t be a problem. It was also a little jarring to have an Englishman cast as a Scot. Would have loved to hear Angus King read this. Still good though, and I always looked forwards to listening on. Recommended

Gripping suspense

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Surprisingly this is my first novel by the late Desmond Bagley, but it won't be my last, as if Running Blind is anything to by he writes a well crafted, enjoyable tale.
Written in the first person, this Cold War espionage adventure set in Iceland has it all, a resourceful hero in ex British spy Alan Stewart [the narrator], a Russian double agent [Slade], CIA, KGB & MI6 double crosses a plenty, a cross-country pursuit and a good old fashioned shoot out finale.
And, the descriptions of the rugged, desolate & dramatic Icelandic scenery, with it's craters, geysers, glacier feed rivers, renewed my desire to visit Iceland; had me researching the route taken, following the chase on a map.

A spies tour guide to Iceland!

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If you just want action, real men, real women and no politically correct nonsense, this is the story for you

A classic action story

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Would you listen to Running Blind again? Why?

I originally listened to the abridged story on cassette when it was read by Martin Jarvis many moons ago. I've been waiting for a full version for a while. The story is still exciting even when you know it (I don't intend to give the game away here), and swings one way, then the other and back again, whilst exhibiting the stark reality, directness, and lack of Hollywood theatrics that is Bagley's style. Of the Bagley books I have read this is the one I come back to.The setting is wonderful and Bagley spent time in Iceland researching it, when writing the book. The characters are representative of the time, and you have to remember that this was written in the 1960's! Additionally I like they way that the back story unfolds and supplements the main story line.

What does Paul Tyreman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Tyreman does a better job where, when compared to the other book I have reviewed, High Citadel. There are less accents to jump between, and, although the Icelandic names are difficult, it seems that he had researched them, and delivers them. They all sound good. It is a better performance than High Citadel, and it seems that he is improving, he just isn't Martin Jarvis! (OK I am probably being a little harsh there).

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I always love the start of this book....this and the opening lines of When Eight Bells Toll by Alistair Maclean are two of my favourite openings to any book.

Bagley's Best?

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This is a book one returns to many times. The setting, Iceland, is clearly well know nand this well described and fitted into the plot. The story is fundamentally about a man determined against all the odds, including his own organization to show that a major espionage figure is in fact a Russian enemy of Cold war Britain . It is truly so gripping that one cannot stop listening. If you don't know Bagley start here. You will want to hear more of his ever exciting works.

Bagley's best

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