Marco Polo, If You Can : A Blackford Oakes Mystery

William F. Buckley Jr.

Geoffrey Blaisdell (Narrator)

10-06-09

7hrs 45min

Abridgement

Unabridged

Genre

Fiction/Mystery & Detective

As low as $0.00
Play Audio Sample

10-06-09

7hrs 45min

Abridgement

Unabridged

Genre

Fiction/Mystery & Detective

Description

“Cuts closer to the bone than Le Carré has ever cut.” New Republic

Master of espionage fiction and National Book Award winner William F. Buckley Jr. brings us another in his bestselling series starring the intrepid CIA agent Blackford Oakes.

When a shadowy Russian mole threatens to undermine the free world's defenses by infiltrating President Eisenhower's National Security Counsel, CIA super-secret agent Blackford Oakes is called in to unmask the imposter. Then, Oakes turns the tables on the Communists by piloting a U-2 spy plane on a Gary Powers–style one-way mission behind the Iron Curtain. Sentenced to death and trapped in the depths of the Lubyanka prison, Oakes may have turned his last trick. Or has he?

Praise

“Cuts closer to the bone than Le Carré has ever cut.” New Republic

“Moves along at the exhilarating pace of a Porsche on the Autobahn.” Philadelphia Bulletin

“Delightful reading for the spy thriller fan...absolutely must reading.” UPI

“Mixes politics, humor, suspense, and ingenious espionage capers in an enjoyable blend.” Publishers Weekly

“It’s 1960, and American agent Blackford Oakes faces a Moscow court, charged with flying a spy plane in Soviet air space. Geoffrey Blaisdell narrates the convoluted story of how Oakes has ended up on trial with an erudite voice that echoes Buckley’s own. As Blaisdell emphasizes the wry humor in Oakes’ account, listeners may forget that Buckley himself isn’t actually narrating. Blaisdell also delights in the portrayals of the real-life figures, especially the tense, needling relationship between President Eisenhower and Soviet Premier Nikita Kruschchev. Blaisdell’s strong reading emphasizes nostalgia and character more than the thrills of a spy mission…an entertaining take on Buckley’s novel.” AudioFile

Details
More Information
Language English
Release Day Oct 5, 2009
Release Date October 6, 2009
Number in Series 4
Series Display String The Blackford Oakes Mysteries
Release Date Machine 1254787200
Imprint Blackstone Publishing
Provider Blackstone Publishing
Categories Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Thriller & Suspense, Suspense, Fiction - All, Fiction - Adult, Bestselling Mysteries, Bestselling Mystery
Author Bio
William F. Buckley Jr.

William F. Buckley Jr. (1925–2008)—a syndicated columnist, author, editor, television host, and adventurer—was the founder of National Review and the host of the Emmy Award–winning Firing Line, the longest-running public affairs program in television history with a single host. Buckley was the award-winning author of many bestsellers, starting with God and Man at Yale.

Narrator Bio
Geoffrey Blaisdell

Geoffrey Blaisdell is a professional actor who has appeared on and off Broadway, in Broadway national tours, and in regional theater.

Overview

Master of espionage fiction and National Book Award winner William F. Buckley Jr. brings us another in his bestselling series starring the intrepid CIA agent Blackford Oakes.

When a shadowy Russian mole threatens to undermine the free world's defenses by infiltrating President Eisenhower's National Security Counsel, CIA super-secret agent Blackford Oakes is called in to unmask the imposter. Then, Oakes turns the tables on the Communists by piloting a U-2 spy plane on a Gary Powers–style one-way mission behind the Iron Curtain. Sentenced to death and trapped in the depths of the Lubyanka prison, Oakes may have turned his last trick. Or has he?

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