Book description
Ever wondered what real spy work feels like? Not the glossy Hollywood version, but the tense, intricate reality where trust is the rarest commodity? Stella Rimington-the first female MI5 director general-doesn't just write about it; she lives it. In The Hidden Hand, her insider authenticity isn't just a detail-it's the heartbeat of a thriller that crackles with chilling plausibility.
Set against Oxford's ancient stones, the story follows Li Min, a Chinese student secretly recruited by a shadowy Chinese study center at St Felix's College, and its new head, who uncovers a terrifying mission: stealing cutting-edge research from British universities. When he turns to CIA agent Manon Tyler for help, the stakes skyrocket. Li and another student are pulled deeper into a lethal game where every whisper could be a betrayal.
What makes this audiobook essential is Rimington's voice-her own, clear and measured, delivering every tense exchange with the weight of hard-won knowledge. You don't just hear the plot; you feel the pressure in Manon's quiet resolve, the dread in Li's calculated choices. It races like Alex Gerlis called it: "intriguing and very cleverly-plotted," with insider details that make the world feel terrifyingly real. As M.W. Craven noted, it's a "breakneck" ride packed with the kind of authentic spy craft that only someone who's lived it could craft.
Forget fabricated thrills. This is spy fiction that prizes truth-the kind Mail on Sunday praised as "true to the character and spirit of intelligence work." You'll lean in as Rimington's narration reveals secrets in hushed tones, making you hear the footsteps outside the door, feel the weight of a hidden file. It's not just a story; it's a masterclass in suspense, delivered with the calm authority of a legend. For fans of smart, urgent spy fiction, this isn't just a must-read-it's a must-listen. You'll be turning pages (or pressing play) long after the last word.
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience