Ken Follett’s The Key to Rebecca took readers and critics by storm when first published forty years ago. Today, it remains one of the best espionage novels ever written. A brilliant and ruthless Nazi master agent is on the loose in Cairo. His mission is to send Rommel’s advancing army the secrets that will unlock the city’s doors. In all of Cairo, only two people can stop him. One is a … him. One is a down-on-his-luck English officer no one will listen to. The other is a vulnerable young Jewish girl. . . .
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Follett never disappoints! This is a riveting tale with an engrossing ending. Highly recommended spy novel.
Should be classic
Set during World War II, the book immerses the reader in the world of espionage. Follett creates a level of suspense that lasts throughout the book The characters, while realistic and sympathetic, are not the focus of the book — the plot is what kept me turning the pages far into the night.
Outside of his two trilogies, I think this is his best book. Does it seem as perfunctory in its writing if some of this later thrillers. Also, interesting historical setting and characters.
I remember liking this book but unfortunately it was so long ago I don’t remember it enough to write a review. Well written or I wouldn’t have liked it.
Didn’t want to put the book down.
Loved it as I feel about all of his books. However, I read it quite a while ago, but I’m never disappointed with his writing.
Follet seldom disappoints
I like all of Ken Follett’s books. He really brings the characters and the settings to life.
Ken Follett has never let me down with one of his books. His writing is so superb and yet easy to read, He builds and keeps suspense in just the right amounts that you can’t put the book down. He’s a true top-notch writer.
WWII, Cairo, code breaking, spies, Rommel…what more can a reader want!
Ken Follett is an awesome writer. I always enjoy his books. The Key to Rebecca is
no exception and I would love a movie of it.
Good but not up to Follett’s usual.
Love Ken Follet. This book is a really good story. It’s a bit cringe worthy with the violence and sexual situations. It’s a good book, but I wouldn’t read it again.
The Key to Rebecca is set during World War II. The protagonist is a very humanized character. He risked so much for the war effort but he always tried to do the right thing . The spy he was chasing was a character you loved to hate .
While I like this novel my favorite Ken Follett novel is always The Day of the Jackal. I have reread it three times .
loved the plot and the character development, so much detail about Rommel and his whereabouts that I found myself skipping pages and pages of description.
Good espionage but slow paced.
Great book and author. His books are great
I first read this book 30+ years ago. It is a classic spy story that I enjoyed both in print and as an audio book.
I read this book in the late 60’s early 70’s. Great spy novel. Historical fiction WW2. I may read this again some day but I remember it dry clearly!