Search - Hornet Flight

Based on Nazi occupied Denmark in 1941, the rebellion of a group of freedom fighters, the Nightwatchmen, takes them on some harrowing escapades that keep you on edge. Follett tends to go into great detail about the subjects in his books, which makes me want to jump ahead to the exciting parts, but that's what makes him a great writer. He makes you feel as if you are there.

"Have you ever dug into the pockets of an old coat and found a wadded five dollar bill? Imagine the secret delight, the sense of discovery, the feeling of regaining something you'd totally forgotten about.

"Hornet Flight" is that sort of delight. I was an early Follett fan, devouring "The Eye of the Needle," "The Key to Rebecca," and "The Man from St. Petersburg." His strengths--his characters, his detailed research, his pacing--kept me coming back for more. Then, as Follett branched into other areas of fiction, my interest wavered.

The WWII theme of this latest book brought me back, and I discovered that forgotten "five dollar bill." The story revolves around young Harald Olafsun, a Danish man faced with the occupation of the Nazis and the bland apathy of many of his countrymen. When he realizes that the Nazis have a new technology that gives them the edge in air-battles, when he finds himself entangled in a budding resistance movement, he uncovers his own courage and the surprising resilence of his fellow people...and the treachery of some of her trusted authorities. Soon, Harald and an attractive Danish upperclass girl come to the realization that they alone have the ability to get invaluable info to the British by way of a dangerous flight in a dilapidated Hornet Moth.

"Hornet Flight" is not the most valuable thriller I've ever found, not the slickest or most modern, but it's a nice surprise all the same. Follett's old skills are evident--characters we can believe, well-balanced pacing, and the details to make wartime Denmark seem touchable. I'm sure glad I dug into these old pockets. You just never know what you might find."
- Eric Wilson

Great Adventure!

great book....Follett does it again!

A novel about espionage during World War I in Britain. Follett always writes a good story.

WWII suspense. Good beach read.

An excellent Follet thriller.

Germans able to determine British bomber path in 1941. Brits attempt to determine secret.

Britain is in trouble in this WWII novel because the Germans somehow know their flight patterns and bombers are being shot down. A young 18 year old stumbles upon the secret and it's up to him to deliver the information. All he has at his disposal is an old Hornet Moth biplane. This story of espionage will keep you at the edge of your seat and of course, there's a love angle.

WWII spy type novel. Good read.

Intrigue and espionage based around early days of WWII

Good WWII story set in Europe.