Thomas Sneum was a Danish spy who worked for Britain's spy agency. He was an incredible British spy who went on huge espionages, a legend to the people who knew him. Sneum went through a number of high-risk operations, but lived an adventure-filled life. Speaking fluent German, Sneum handed German information over to the British. But even the British didn't know they had a spy, and nearly executed him. Thomas survived this all, and can be celebrated as a true hero, during his time. Mr.Sneum died in 2007, but his legend and feats still remain heroic and action-filled.

I enjoyed this book and rated it 4 stars, because I loved watching the James Bond movies, and so naturally, I wanted to read this book. The Hornet's Sting tells a fine story of a James Bond-like spy, who goes on thrilling espionages. But Thomas Sneum can be a little hard to see as a good guy, though. As the husband who left his wife and young daughter to continue his spy work.. I can't really understand that. But to see that much dedication for his country and job, it makes me impressed. Even if he had his moments, Sneum is still a good hero to read about. I recommend this book for people who like reading about real life spies, and WWII. ( )

The first half of the book almost read like a thriller. Thomas Sneum's exploits defy belief and Ryan captures some of the gutsy, restless energy that must have driven Sneum. The second half of the book bogs down and becomes more consumed with the bureaucratic rivalry between SIS and the SOE, before rallying for an epilogue. ( )

The history of Thomas Sneum in World War II Denmark captivating, - in the words of historian Jørgen Hæstrup 'standing all by itself'. Sneum was among the very first spies in Denmark after the German occupation in 1940, perhaps the first. Taking the initiative himself when most of the rest of Denmark took a business as usual stand against the Germans. Given the effort of Sneum it is strange that the story has not been told more widely before. Jørgen Hæstrup doctoral thesis on the subject of early Danish resistance is almost embarrassingly short in this aspect, failing to mention Sneum's boss in Britain. Perhaps the clandestine operation of SIS may excuse Hæstrup. A few articles have appeared, but Michael Ryan's book is the first attempt on a thorough account of the Sneum's story. Though another Dane of the time, Anders Lassen, has been hailed with statues, the story of Sneum is sad, lamentably full of misunderstandings and outright conflicts, in Denmark, Sweden and Britain. Perhaps Sneum's espionage was too early and energetic in comparisons with latecomers and the dull Danish military. In R.V. Jones wry words 'the men who go first are rarely popular with those who wait for the wind to blow'. However, Ryan's account is not a weeping story. Sneum appears as jamesbondish and in terms of women and his own personal security lives as with no tomorrow. ( )