This book was written over 30 years ago and is still an engaging read today. It is historical fiction that involves the attempt to develop an alliance between Great Britian and Tsarist Russia against Germany just prior to World War I. It is an engaging read and I recommend it to those who have not read any of his books.

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The Man from St Petersburg takes place in 1914 England at the time just before World War I and the Russian Revelation. The British need to enlist the help of a Russian Prince who happens to be visiting Lord Walden. Winston Churchill is trying to get the Czar as an ally in case of war. Churchill isn't the only person that has business with the Russian Price. A ruthless Russian Anarchist, Felix is also looking for him, to prevent the Czar from siding with the British. The anarchist group think they are preventing a war.
Nothing is ever simple, Lord Walden's wife, Lydia is Russian and has left a past in Russia. When Lydia was young she had an affair with a young anarchist who turns out to be the assassin who has been entrusted with the killing of the Prince. The plans seem to be following as planned until Lydia's daughter, Charlotte becomes involved.
Many political changes were also developing during this same time. The book looks at women voting, the treatment of women and the treatment of the worker. Much of it seen through the eyes of young Charlotte who is beginning to see the world as it is.
The story is very gripping. With Richard Armitage reading it you get lost in all the story with the characters well defined. Definitely read the book, if you can listen to Richard read it...do it, it's well worth it.

Probably 3.5* rounded down. Not my favorite Follett story.

This historical-intrigue-romance is so convoluted…it’s almost like an opera /Marx brothers movie/ Jane Austen novel where the good guys-bad guy chase scenes are like a revolving door. One enters as the other exits. All close calls. Still, it was a lot of fun and a thoroughly engaging read. I found myself stopping and taking a break because I didn’t WANT to find out what happened next. Lots of twists. Given the historical context, I knew the eventual outcome, but at times you wondered who you were rooting for!