Louis - The story of a real spy
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No one wants to be a spy. Circumstances create spies. For a young innocent boy, there was no choice. He was born to be a spy. This is the story of Teremum who begins life in Cairo and becomes my friend Louis in a small country town in Australia sixty years later.
It is a story I have been wanting to tell for more than forty years. A story of a man who lived, and then disappeared from all memory. I felt this was unworthy of a man who had sacrificed his life for what he believed to be right. Not that he always was, but in his heart he lived a life true to his morals and an understanding of a side of life we will never know.
Two world wars shaped his life as they did for many others. However Louis moved through them, between them and after them as a chameleon. Ever changing and ever re-inventing himself. He was a man of secrets. Both in his work and in his life. He was a man who had few friends, but a plethora of faceless enemies. Above all he was a human who lived an extraordinary life. A life that should not be forgotten.
Read the first chapter of Louis.
It is a story I have been wanting to tell for more than forty years. A story of a man who lived, and then disappeared from all memory. I felt this was unworthy of a man who had sacrificed his life for what he believed to be right. Not that he always was, but in his heart he lived a life true to his morals and an understanding of a side of life we will never know.
Two world wars shaped his life as they did for many others. However Louis moved through them, between them and after them as a chameleon. Ever changing and ever re-inventing himself. He was a man of secrets. Both in his work and in his life. He was a man who had few friends, but a plethora of faceless enemies. Above all he was a human who lived an extraordinary life. A life that should not be forgotten.
Read the first chapter of Louis.
Reviews
A Decidedly Different Spy Novel
By Ms. Eden
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This review is from: Louis (Kindle Edition)
Based in historical fact and accuracy, I found Louis by Derek Haines to be a very entertaining, thrilling read. The book takes the best attributes of writers like Ian Fleming, Louis L'amour and Dan Brown, and creates a unique blend of spy novel. I've been a fan of Haines work after reading one of his previous books, and continue to find his style fresh and exhilarating. The book is spot-on with dialog, characterization and plot, giving a wonderful glimpse into spying and intelligence during the previous century. Espionage, intrigue, nostalgia- this well-written tale delivers on many fronts. I look forward to reading more from this author. Five stars.
By Ms. Eden
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Louis (Kindle Edition)
Based in historical fact and accuracy, I found Louis by Derek Haines to be a very entertaining, thrilling read. The book takes the best attributes of writers like Ian Fleming, Louis L'amour and Dan Brown, and creates a unique blend of spy novel. I've been a fan of Haines work after reading one of his previous books, and continue to find his style fresh and exhilarating. The book is spot-on with dialog, characterization and plot, giving a wonderful glimpse into spying and intelligence during the previous century. Espionage, intrigue, nostalgia- this well-written tale delivers on many fronts. I look forward to reading more from this author. Five stars.
I haven't enjoyed reading a book this much in a while
By Dennis Turner
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Louis (Kindle Edition)
If you are looking for a high quality book, then look no further because you just found one. The author did an outstanding job writing this one, and he has obviously conducted quite a long and thorough research, to be able to describe so vividly and accurately events and facts from the early 20th century, in different regions of the world. To me that's a great bonus since I always find it interesting when historical events are seamlessly incorporated into the plot and are given a new angle of perspective.
The story itself is very well written and I found myself captivated right from the get go and all the way through, there isn't a dull moment in it, you are always kept involved and thinking. This book made a very enjoyable read.
By Dennis Turner
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Louis (Kindle Edition)
If you are looking for a high quality book, then look no further because you just found one. The author did an outstanding job writing this one, and he has obviously conducted quite a long and thorough research, to be able to describe so vividly and accurately events and facts from the early 20th century, in different regions of the world. To me that's a great bonus since I always find it interesting when historical events are seamlessly incorporated into the plot and are given a new angle of perspective.
The story itself is very well written and I found myself captivated right from the get go and all the way through, there isn't a dull moment in it, you are always kept involved and thinking. This book made a very enjoyable read.
Grips the Reader
By Robin Moore
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This review is from: Louis (Paperback)
LOUIS by Derek Haines is a gripping novel portraying the lifetime of a spy. I definitely found it fascinating. Loved the complexities of the turns in Louis's life. The changes portrayed as Louis adapts his identities over and over to accomodate his life as a spy, grip the reader with an intimate look at a lifestyle most of us wouldn't dare to choose. A life he didn't choose, but it chose him. His adventures through the decades also portrays the changing of eras. A must read, yet suave James Bond he isn't. Louis is much more subtle and feeling.
By Robin Moore
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Louis (Paperback)
LOUIS by Derek Haines is a gripping novel portraying the lifetime of a spy. I definitely found it fascinating. Loved the complexities of the turns in Louis's life. The changes portrayed as Louis adapts his identities over and over to accomodate his life as a spy, grip the reader with an intimate look at a lifestyle most of us wouldn't dare to choose. A life he didn't choose, but it chose him. His adventures through the decades also portrays the changing of eras. A must read, yet suave James Bond he isn't. Louis is much more subtle and feeling.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Priyam wrote this review of Louis.
This review is from: Louis (Paperback Edition)
“The thing that strikes you about this book is that from the first page you get the idea how much the author researched for this. The amount of labour that must have gone into it must have been staggering. When they say books are things that help you see places you haven't really visited, I'm sure they are talking about a book like this. It is written in a very personal way which makes it very engaging.
Another thing about the writing here is that even though the words don't really describe *everything*, you understand it because I guess that's how the author wanted it to be. Sometimes, things hidden are the things you notice first. In the end when you close the book, you remember that the author mentions in the beginning that it took him 40 years to write the book. Then you say to yourself that 40 years to polish a story like that was worth it. I loved it! :)”
Priyam wrote this review of Louis.
This review is from: Louis (Paperback Edition)
“The thing that strikes you about this book is that from the first page you get the idea how much the author researched for this. The amount of labour that must have gone into it must have been staggering. When they say books are things that help you see places you haven't really visited, I'm sure they are talking about a book like this. It is written in a very personal way which makes it very engaging.
Another thing about the writing here is that even though the words don't really describe *everything*, you understand it because I guess that's how the author wanted it to be. Sometimes, things hidden are the things you notice first. In the end when you close the book, you remember that the author mentions in the beginning that it took him 40 years to write the book. Then you say to yourself that 40 years to polish a story like that was worth it. I loved it! :)”
5.0 out of 5 stars
Couldn't put it down
By George Goehl (Southern Indiana)
This review is from: Louis (Kindle Edition)
This novel definitely held my interest. Lots of twists and turns. Filled with interesting characters. Reading this book was time well spent.
Couldn't put it down
By George Goehl (Southern Indiana)
This review is from: Louis (Kindle Edition)
This novel definitely held my interest. Lots of twists and turns. Filled with interesting characters. Reading this book was time well spent.
Mary rated it 
Book Review by Mary Crocco
This review is from: Louis (Paperback)
Derek Haines describes his friend, Louis, as an enigma. He reflects how Louis was someone who taught him how to imagine. Haines engages his readers to travel alongside Louis to all parts of the world. At the end of the trip, we all wish we were friends of Louis.
Teremum was born in Cairo. As a young boy, his almost non-existent family contributed to a perfect resume for being a spy in the British Secret Service. As a spy, Louis led a secret life where he used both his Egyptian and English heritage to his advantage. He used different names to match his secret identities. He was a compassionate man who completed his missions with integrity. As a spy, he had to kill and also be a target. We feel his triumphs and his pain as we travel with Louis.
Louis is a historical fiction, and the author shares his secret life during both World Wars. Readers feel the emotions, the ups and downs, that Louis experiences. One of my favorite phrases in the book is . . . his mind started to wander the corridors of his life again. Derek Haines’s words sum up how Louis felt after suffering a severe stroke. Throughout the book, Derek once again makes us feel his characters true to life.
The ending was abrupt. I selfishly wanted the last chapter expounded. Without spoiling the ending, I am thinking, maybe a sequel Derek?
Book Review by Mary Crocco
www.Mrc-bookreviewer.blogspot.com
Book Review by Mary Crocco
This review is from: Louis (Paperback)
Derek Haines describes his friend, Louis, as an enigma. He reflects how Louis was someone who taught him how to imagine. Haines engages his readers to travel alongside Louis to all parts of the world. At the end of the trip, we all wish we were friends of Louis.
Teremum was born in Cairo. As a young boy, his almost non-existent family contributed to a perfect resume for being a spy in the British Secret Service. As a spy, Louis led a secret life where he used both his Egyptian and English heritage to his advantage. He used different names to match his secret identities. He was a compassionate man who completed his missions with integrity. As a spy, he had to kill and also be a target. We feel his triumphs and his pain as we travel with Louis.
Louis is a historical fiction, and the author shares his secret life during both World Wars. Readers feel the emotions, the ups and downs, that Louis experiences. One of my favorite phrases in the book is . . . his mind started to wander the corridors of his life again. Derek Haines’s words sum up how Louis felt after suffering a severe stroke. Throughout the book, Derek once again makes us feel his characters true to life.
The ending was abrupt. I selfishly wanted the last chapter expounded. Without spoiling the ending, I am thinking, maybe a sequel Derek?
Book Review by Mary Crocco
www.Mrc-bookreviewer.blogspot.com
4.0 out of 5 stars
An enjoyable read By jenku
This review is from: Louis (Paperback)
"Louis" is the fascinating story about a man who had little choices in his life, yet lived a life many a young boy dreams of living. Raised from early childhood to become a spy, he is sent to places like Egypt, Switzerland, Palestine and South Africa. Still, his life is a lonely one, without the company of a woman or family. Whether it is all true or not doesn't really matter, it's a fascinating tale to read and Derek Haines' easy style of storytelling makes it a enjoyable read throughout.
An enjoyable read By jenku
This review is from: Louis (Paperback)
"Louis" is the fascinating story about a man who had little choices in his life, yet lived a life many a young boy dreams of living. Raised from early childhood to become a spy, he is sent to places like Egypt, Switzerland, Palestine and South Africa. Still, his life is a lonely one, without the company of a woman or family. Whether it is all true or not doesn't really matter, it's a fascinating tale to read and Derek Haines' easy style of storytelling makes it a enjoyable read throughout.
Touching tale
By K. Hedges "hertstore"
This review is from: Louis (Kindle Edition)
I enjoyed the way the author managed to bring to life a story of a man who lived his life in constant danger and without friends but still managed to keep his moral base intact, despite all of it. I was glad someone was able to tell his story before he eventually passes on and it can now be shared in a thoughtful and provoking manner.
There is sadness and emotion couple with adventure and spirit, all captured through the eyes of a man who lived anything but a normal life and documented by some skilful writing.
By K. Hedges "hertstore"
This review is from: Louis (Kindle Edition)
I enjoyed the way the author managed to bring to life a story of a man who lived his life in constant danger and without friends but still managed to keep his moral base intact, despite all of it. I was glad someone was able to tell his story before he eventually passes on and it can now be shared in a thoughtful and provoking manner.
There is sadness and emotion couple with adventure and spirit, all captured through the eyes of a man who lived anything but a normal life and documented by some skilful writing.
More Reviews
A Spy Novel that Delightfully Exceeds your Expectations
By Meghan
This review is from: Louis (Kindle Edition)
If you're fond of reading spy novels from such luminaries as Ian Fleming or John Le Carre, then you "get" why Derek Haines' `Louis' can be a "jarring" experience--it does not pander to our need for a cheap thrill ride, but instead elevates the spy novel genre into something more well-rounded.
`Louis' tells the story of a half-Egyptian, half-British spy who happens to be more "born" into the role than merely picked to train for it. What sets `Louis' apart, however, is its humanity--you don't see a spy with all the awesome gadgets or the deadly martial arts expertise, or even the cunning tricks that keep a spy alive as long as possible. Instead, what you'll find in this book is a deeper treatment of the subject, with a more pwoerful emotional anchor.
`Louis' somehow carries a few genetic strains of John Le Carre's `The Spy Who Came in from the Cold', although this one is definitely more laidback--with the author taking time to flesh out the milieu in which the main protagonist, a person compelled by his birth to serve as a spy, moves and makes his decisions and fulfill his missions. Louis does not hurry to build up--his background, his circumstances and the import of his royal Egyptian blood is painted one painstaking piece after another in order to give the reader a more comprehensive vision of what makes the main character the way he is.
`Louis' is a good read. I found it after reading Derek Haines' other work, One Last Love. But while One Last Love is a literary romance of some sort, Louis is not easily boxed in any neat genre. I consider it as some sort of a `literary spy novel'--it's beyond the usual thrills of a typical spy novel, as the author makes it a point to get under your skin and, ultimately, inside your heart. Pick up a copy of it or download it if you'd like a thoughtful book with enough excitement in the right places to go with a peaceful weekend. I'm betting `Louis' will not disappoint.
By Meghan
This review is from: Louis (Kindle Edition)
If you're fond of reading spy novels from such luminaries as Ian Fleming or John Le Carre, then you "get" why Derek Haines' `Louis' can be a "jarring" experience--it does not pander to our need for a cheap thrill ride, but instead elevates the spy novel genre into something more well-rounded.
`Louis' tells the story of a half-Egyptian, half-British spy who happens to be more "born" into the role than merely picked to train for it. What sets `Louis' apart, however, is its humanity--you don't see a spy with all the awesome gadgets or the deadly martial arts expertise, or even the cunning tricks that keep a spy alive as long as possible. Instead, what you'll find in this book is a deeper treatment of the subject, with a more pwoerful emotional anchor.
`Louis' somehow carries a few genetic strains of John Le Carre's `The Spy Who Came in from the Cold', although this one is definitely more laidback--with the author taking time to flesh out the milieu in which the main protagonist, a person compelled by his birth to serve as a spy, moves and makes his decisions and fulfill his missions. Louis does not hurry to build up--his background, his circumstances and the import of his royal Egyptian blood is painted one painstaking piece after another in order to give the reader a more comprehensive vision of what makes the main character the way he is.
`Louis' is a good read. I found it after reading Derek Haines' other work, One Last Love. But while One Last Love is a literary romance of some sort, Louis is not easily boxed in any neat genre. I consider it as some sort of a `literary spy novel'--it's beyond the usual thrills of a typical spy novel, as the author makes it a point to get under your skin and, ultimately, inside your heart. Pick up a copy of it or download it if you'd like a thoughtful book with enough excitement in the right places to go with a peaceful weekend. I'm betting `Louis' will not disappoint.
Truly Exciting and Emotional!
By Meow Meow Kitty
This review is from: Louis (Kindle Edition)
Truly one of Derek Haines' best work! Perhaps the most interesting fact is this a fictional novel, however, it is slightly based on the truth and on a particular man's mysteriousness. However, it is through this man's mysteriousness that a true mystery develops. The story unravels the true sadness and isolation associated with the elusive spy profession is explored and developed. Within this secretive occupation there is a journey and an opportunity for those unfortunate, gifted individuals. With the perfect, yet missing background, you are able to follow Charles voyage to becoming a spy.
Using his background in Arabic and English, Charles/Louis/etc. is able to make a profession, ultimately hunt and be hunted. Despite the glorious connotation, it is not easy nor glorious by any means requiring great hardship and daunting situations. No one wishes to kill, however, when your life is one the line, it may be necessary. True there are many guises, situations, and identities but it is important to remember the truth and human aspect to this exciting yet emotionally draining career path. He may be a spy, however, Louis was a friend. And a friend is an identity to be remembered. 5/5 stars.
By Meow Meow Kitty
This review is from: Louis (Kindle Edition)
Truly one of Derek Haines' best work! Perhaps the most interesting fact is this a fictional novel, however, it is slightly based on the truth and on a particular man's mysteriousness. However, it is through this man's mysteriousness that a true mystery develops. The story unravels the true sadness and isolation associated with the elusive spy profession is explored and developed. Within this secretive occupation there is a journey and an opportunity for those unfortunate, gifted individuals. With the perfect, yet missing background, you are able to follow Charles voyage to becoming a spy.
Using his background in Arabic and English, Charles/Louis/etc. is able to make a profession, ultimately hunt and be hunted. Despite the glorious connotation, it is not easy nor glorious by any means requiring great hardship and daunting situations. No one wishes to kill, however, when your life is one the line, it may be necessary. True there are many guises, situations, and identities but it is important to remember the truth and human aspect to this exciting yet emotionally draining career path. He may be a spy, however, Louis was a friend. And a friend is an identity to be remembered. 5/5 stars.
Maria Andersen
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Louis (Kindle Edition)
It is an engaging story about a man who lived an extraordinary life.I dont usually read this genre but got caught up in the description and decided to give it a try. Good characters and a period mystery kept me reading longer into the night. Keep 'em coming.
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Louis (Kindle Edition)
It is an engaging story about a man who lived an extraordinary life.I dont usually read this genre but got caught up in the description and decided to give it a try. Good characters and a period mystery kept me reading longer into the night. Keep 'em coming.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Un-put-down-able
By R. Hubbard (Drums, PA)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
"Louis" is un-put-down-able. It is a more realistic version of James Bond. The protagonist is someone that it is impossible not to care about. Louis could have penned Green Day's "I Walk Alone". The ending was surprising.
Un-put-down-able
By R. Hubbard (Drums, PA)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
"Louis" is un-put-down-able. It is a more realistic version of James Bond. The protagonist is someone that it is impossible not to care about. Louis could have penned Green Day's "I Walk Alone". The ending was surprising.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Louis,
By Jack Eason (Beccles, Suffolk, England)
This review is from: Louis (Paperback)
Take a child of mixed race born in the early twentieth century and give him over to a woman, not his birth mother, to bring up. Then when he is twelve, send him away from his home country to a boarding school in England, then on to Oxford University. What do you get from this far from unsatisfactory beginning - Derek Haines' hero Louis, an intelligence officer in the employ of the British government?
Half Egyptian, half English, fluent in many languages and adept at his job, we follow Louis through his many guises and name changes, a requirement for his own protection in the nineteen twenties and thirties, and more particularly so, through the second world war.
In short, Derek has written a beauty here. If you love history as I do, especially if you love twentieth century history, then with the shadowy world of espionage thrown into the mix for good measure, you will enjoy following Louis' journey through his life as I did.
Should I wax lyrical about the story at this point, I would be giving away a truly brilliant read. Suffice to say, if you don't feel you have read a great tale told well when you reach the last page, then quite frankly you seriously need help.
Louis,
By Jack Eason (Beccles, Suffolk, England)
This review is from: Louis (Paperback)
Take a child of mixed race born in the early twentieth century and give him over to a woman, not his birth mother, to bring up. Then when he is twelve, send him away from his home country to a boarding school in England, then on to Oxford University. What do you get from this far from unsatisfactory beginning - Derek Haines' hero Louis, an intelligence officer in the employ of the British government?
Half Egyptian, half English, fluent in many languages and adept at his job, we follow Louis through his many guises and name changes, a requirement for his own protection in the nineteen twenties and thirties, and more particularly so, through the second world war.
In short, Derek has written a beauty here. If you love history as I do, especially if you love twentieth century history, then with the shadowy world of espionage thrown into the mix for good measure, you will enjoy following Louis' journey through his life as I did.
Should I wax lyrical about the story at this point, I would be giving away a truly brilliant read. Suffice to say, if you don't feel you have read a great tale told well when you reach the last page, then quite frankly you seriously need help.
5.0 out of 5 stars
An interesting take on the spy novel
By Bishop Joey -
This review is from: Louis (Paperback)
Instead of a Bond-like adventure in which the hero gets in a shedload of trouble, gets the girl, kills the baddies and fights another day, Louis takes on a MI6 operative's entire life, starting with youth as a Cairo orphan through pre-WWII Europe and post-War Palestine. Gripping and swift reading all around. I'd have liked to know more about the secondary characters, and perhaps have seen a page or two from one of those black notebooks, but all-around good stuff.
An interesting take on the spy novel
By Bishop Joey -
This review is from: Louis (Paperback)
Instead of a Bond-like adventure in which the hero gets in a shedload of trouble, gets the girl, kills the baddies and fights another day, Louis takes on a MI6 operative's entire life, starting with youth as a Cairo orphan through pre-WWII Europe and post-War Palestine. Gripping and swift reading all around. I'd have liked to know more about the secondary characters, and perhaps have seen a page or two from one of those black notebooks, but all-around good stuff.
Louis a boy raised to become a spy
By DareToBeADreamer "Mary"
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Louis (Kindle Edition)
Louis by Derek Haines
Louis is a book that offers an inside look at the life of a Spy. I got a complete "Start to Finish" experience of Louis's(Charles, aka Teremun) life. This book offers everything a spy could possibly go through. From the decisions he must make to the decisions made for him. The obstacles Louis had to face were detailed and made easy to understand. There wasn't a moment while reading this book, that I thought the book was a work of fiction.
In the beginning of this book I got pulled in by a tragic episode in Louis's life and the end I was left feeling overwhelmed about how the story had ended.
I did find myself getting a bit confused with all the identities that Louise had to consume, throughout the book. At first I didn't understand why the book was called Louis, but once I reached the ending, I understood perfectly. I won't spell it out for you; I just hope you yourself understand. I really just want to start discussing every aspect of this book, but I am afraid I might ruin it for everyone else. I will tell you this, if you ever wanted to be a spy, then this book is for you.
By DareToBeADreamer "Mary"
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Louis (Kindle Edition)
Louis by Derek Haines
Louis is a book that offers an inside look at the life of a Spy. I got a complete "Start to Finish" experience of Louis's(Charles, aka Teremun) life. This book offers everything a spy could possibly go through. From the decisions he must make to the decisions made for him. The obstacles Louis had to face were detailed and made easy to understand. There wasn't a moment while reading this book, that I thought the book was a work of fiction.
In the beginning of this book I got pulled in by a tragic episode in Louis's life and the end I was left feeling overwhelmed about how the story had ended.
I did find myself getting a bit confused with all the identities that Louise had to consume, throughout the book. At first I didn't understand why the book was called Louis, but once I reached the ending, I understood perfectly. I won't spell it out for you; I just hope you yourself understand. I really just want to start discussing every aspect of this book, but I am afraid I might ruin it for everyone else. I will tell you this, if you ever wanted to be a spy, then this book is for you.
