Crossfire – A Covert War in WWII Washington | Wilbur Smith Audiobook Review

1. About the Authors: Wilbur Smith and David Churchill

Wilbur Smith is a legendary figure in historical adventure fiction. Born in Zambia in 1933 and passing in 2021, he left behind a vast literary legacy of over 40 novels, including the Courtney, Ballantyne, and Egyptian series. His signature style is defined by vivid settings—often in Africa—and powerful explorations of human conflict against grand historical backdrops.

Since 2015, David Churchill has co-authored several of the later Courtney books. He has brought a sharper, more contemporary narrative edge to the saga, particularly in war-themed volumes like War Cry and Legacy of War.

Together, Smith and Churchill successfully usher the Courtney family saga into a thrilling new era, fusing history, action, and espionage.

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2. About the Narrator: Sean Barrett

Sean Barrett is a seasoned British actor and voice artist known for his deep, rich, and expressive narration. He previously narrated several Wilbur Smith novels, including War Cry, receiving praise for his ability to match the intense tone of wartime drama.

In Crossfire, Barrett delivers another masterclass performance, capturing the intrigue, suspense, and emotional nuance of Saffron Courtney’s espionage mission with remarkable precision.

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3. About the Book: Crossfire

Crossfire is the 25th entry in the bestselling Courtney Series, released in May 2025. It blends historical fiction with espionage and high-stakes political drama.

Set in 1943, amidst the tides of World War II, British intelligence agent Saffron Courtney is dispatched to Washington, D.C. Her mission: uncover a traitor inside the British Embassy before the pivotal summit between Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Facing Nazi spies and her own haunted past, Saffron must race against time to save the Allied war effort.

Key details:

• Release date: May 22, 2025

• Genre: Historical fiction, espionage thriller

• Audiobook length: 11 hours 6 minutes

• Average Audible rating: 4.6/5 (based on early reviews)

• Publisher: Bonnier Books UK

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4. Book Review: Crossfire – An Explosive New Chapter in the Courtney Saga

Crossfire is a gripping and fast-paced historical thriller. More than a spy story, it’s a psychological journey through loyalty, trauma, and duty, driven by a strong and multidimensional female lead.

Strengths:

• Taut, suspenseful narrative with smooth transitions between global settings

• Saffron Courtney is a compelling protagonist: resilient, intelligent, but deeply human

• Evocative prose rich in detail, true to Wilbur Smith’s hallmark style

Weaknesses:

• Readers unfamiliar with previous books in the series may find character connections harder to follow

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5. Audiobook Review: A Stellar Performance by Sean Barrett

The audiobook version of Crossfire elevates the narrative thanks to Sean Barrett’s outstanding performance. His range, pacing, and emotion breathe life into every character and scene.

Highlights:

• Skillful pacing in moments of tension

• Emotional depth, especially in Saffron’s inner conflicts

• Captures WWII atmosphere effectively without relying on sound effects

Minor drawback: The slow burn of the opening chapters might feel too subdued for action-focused listeners, but it sets the stage for a powerful payoff.

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6. Who Should Listen to or Read Crossfire?

This book is ideal for:

• Fans of historical fiction, WWII narratives, and spy thrillers

• Devotees of the Courtney Series and Wilbur Smith’s legacy

• Audiobook enthusiasts who appreciate dynamic, well-acted narration

• Busy professionals who enjoy literature through audio while commuting or multitasking

Whether you’re a seasoned reader of Smith or a newcomer to wartime fiction, Crossfire is accessible and thrilling.

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7. Conclusion

Crossfire is not just another installment in a long-running saga—it’s a compelling and relevant historical thriller. With masterful writing and a strong female lead, it dives deep into espionage and sacrifice. This is an audiobook that deserves a spot on every listener’s 2025 must-hear list, and an excellent Father’s Day gift for fans of action and history.

Add Crossfire to your audiobook queue today.

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8. Where to Listen to Crossfire Audiobook

You can enjoy the Crossfire audiobook on the following platforms:

• Audiobooks.com – Stream or download instantly with membership perks

• Audible – 30-day free trial for new members, offline listening, multi-device access

Sign up for a subscription to access Crossfire and a wide range of other top-tier audiobooks anytime, anywhere.