Crossfire by Wilbur Smith & David Churchill Book Review
Table of Contents
My Rating of Crossfire – 4 out of 5
Crossfire by Wilbur Smith – Book Review – Introduction
Crossfire by Wilbur Smith is a gripping addition to the Saffron Courtney Adventure series, blending fast-paced action with the author’s signature storytelling set against the backdrop of England and America. Known for his thrilling novels, Wilbur Smith delivers yet another tale of courage, danger, and survival that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. In this Crossfire book review, we dive into the plot, characters, and themes that make this novel stand out among modern adventure thrillers.
Packed with suspense, family drama, and high-stakes twists, Crossfire is more than just an action-packed story—it’s a deep look at loyalty, betrayal, and resilience. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Wilbur Smith or discovering the Saffron Courtney series for the first time, this review will help you understand why Crossfire is a must-read for lovers of thrillers and African adventure novels, though this one is not set anywhere near Africa. But Saffron Courtney’s Africa connection is frequently mentioned.
Crossfire by Wilbur Smith: plot and characters
Set in the times of the Second World War, this is about Saffron Courtney and her work as a Special Agent of the British SOE. She has just returned from her assignment in the Low Countries (in Europe) and is still recovering from the trauma of her encounters there. To the extent that Saffron needed to visit a psychiatrist to get her PTSD treated. That is when her Commanding Officer, General Gubbins, sends her on another mission.
But this is supposed to be a safe and relatively risk-free one. Saffron is supposed to travel to New York and Washington, DC, hobnob with the politicians and men in power in the US to curry favor for the embattled SoE. Even though America had just entered the war, it had no resemblance to war-ravaged Europe, and thoroughly bombed London. The highly valued Saffron Courtney would only be holding meetings with some powerful people, attending parties, and returning to London without having taken any great risk.
But Saffron is a trouble magnet! Wherever she goes, trouble seems to find her. From a U-boat attack during her crossing of the Atlantic to the possibility of a spy in the British embassy in the US, danger and risk await her at every step. And the dangerously beautiful Saffron Courtney also finds time to get romantically involved with a suave US Air Force doctor, Clayton Stockpole. In this tale of espionage and intrigue, allies and friends are as much suspects as are known enemies. Wilbur Smith and David Churchill weave the tale nicely.
In New York and then in Washington, Saffron cannot shake off the feeling that the spy is in their midst – in the British Embassy, but on the surface, everything seems okay and normal. It is during her time in Washington that the heads of state of both the UK and the US decide to meet, joined by the disgraced King of England. It is the SoE’s theory that the Germans are planning something sinister to destabilize America’s war efforts, and if America can be kept distracted and away from the war in Europe, Germany’s advance will continue unabated.
But not if Saffron has her way! Determined to stop whatever the Germans are planning and find the spy in the British Embassy, Saffron races against time to uncover the sinister plot. Little does she know that there are other shadowy characters in play, who will do their best to ensure Hitler’s designs of world domination come true. In true masterly fashion, the two authors combine well to bring out the political machinations of the time, the evil intentions of the Third Reich, and the disaster that war brings to human society.
Though this novel comes out after Wilbur Smith’s passing in 2021, the outline was all his, before he passed away. David has carried his legacy forward very well, and this feels like it’s entirely written by Wilbur Smith himself. Though the Africa angle is mostly missing, as this is based in London, New York, and Washington, the touch is felt on every page. In today’s world, this historical novel takes us back to the dark days of World War 2 and reminds us again of the futility of war and amplifies the feeling of loss that war brings.
Conclusion – Crossfire by Wilbur Smith – Book Review
In conclusion, Crossfire by Wilbur Smith is a thrilling and immersive read that perfectly captures the essence of a historical adventure novel while delivering the pulse-racing tension of an old-fashioned historical thriller. The story of Saffron Courtney is not only action-driven but also rich in emotional depth, exploring themes of family, survival, and resilience in extraordinary circumstances that are synonymous with war. Fans of Wilbur Smith will recognize his trademark ability to transport readers into vivid landscapes and dangerous conflicts. At the same time, newcomers will find Crossfire an excellent introduction to the Saffron Courtney series.
If you enjoy fast-paced adventure books, character-driven thrillers, and old-world settings, Crossfire is a must-read that lives up to its reputation. With unexpected twists, high stakes, and unforgettable moments, this novel is a standout in Smith’s collection. Whether you’re searching for your next great page-turner or curious about the latest Wilbur Smith release, Crossfire is a book that should be on your reading list. Though the general excitement around Wilbur Smith’s books has been going down since his death, for die-hard fans, it still smolders.
*I hope you have enjoyed reading this book review as much as I have enjoyed writing this review! Please watch this space for more reviews and navigate through the links below for any additional information. Thank you! *
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