"A mesmerising account. Events play out in real time, shifting focus between the various actors in short, tautly written chapters that ratchet the tension to a climax. Tiny events, meticulously rendered, have the cumulative effect of a good thriller." ― The Times (Book of the Week)

"This is history as it should be written: as page-turning and compelling as the best thriller, rich in human drama yet deeply researched and authoritative... superbly told with compassion, edge-of-seat tension and the deftness of a master story-teller." ― James Holland

"The author provides a sure-footed and sensitive guide to this tragic episode, and his deeply researched account strikes a perfect balance between edge-of-the-seat drama and cool analysis." ― Telegraph

"A Hateful Decision has all the colourful characters, plot twists, ratcheting tension and explosive denouement of a first-rate thriller." ― Radio Times (Book of the Month)

"A dramatic, minute-by-minute retelling." ― Saul David

"A Hateful Decision reads like a thriller and is based on a mass of meticulous and original research. An invaluable contribution to the history of the Second World War." ― Jonathan Dimbleby

"Narrative history at its finest." ― Daily Express

"One of the toughest decisions Churchill was forced to make. Abel Smith takes us right into the heart of the drama... Minute by minute chances slip away, and pride, fate and war collide. Utterly gripping." ― Al Murray

"In war, the worst is not killing the enemy but someone in the way. Read this astonishing book on Churchill's darkest hour." ― John Sweeney

"Meticulously researched and written with panache, A Hateful Decision sheds new light on one of the most compelling yet least known dramas of the Second World War. Authoritative and revelatory - a must read." ― Giles Milton

"Edward Abel Smith brilliantly highlights the often excruciating decisions made by Churchill, the Government and the Royal Navy to protect Britain in 1940. A Hateful Decision is a gripping tale of Britain’s determination to fight on." ― Andrew Chatterton

"A simply fant­astic book. Impec­cably well re­searched and writ­ten ... full of insight, and a reward­ing page-turner." ― History of War

"A stunning account." ― Daily Mirror

"A gritty, fast-paced re-telling that delves deep into the character of figures … as if in a thriller novel which creates the tension that pierces the facts." ― Britain at War

"A fascinating and strongly recommended read, mixing high strategy with the drama of personal decision-making." ― Dr Robert Lyman

"Really gripping." ― The WW2 Podcast

"In what will surely be one of the history books of the year ... history retelling at its best." ― History Book Chat