David Goodman (10)

Jamie is a 'Legend'. He has spent the last ten years being given career 'opportunities' by MI6 and avoiding making friends or appearing online. This is so that one day an agent who looks like him can step into his life and carry out a mission. Except that when Jamie's time comes it all goes wrong and Jamie finds himself on the mission for real.

The narrative was from a variety of points of view, which kept destroying the suspense that was building in one context. If you accept the unlikely show more premise that Jamie would turn out to be fearless and a half good spy even though barely trained, this was fun at times. However, towards the end the CIA swooped in, explained what was going on and more or less took over, which was deflating. The final gunfight went on too long for my liking.

I have the second in this series to read now. show less

Jamie Tulloch, an IT software salesman, allows his identity to be used by a British spy. Things go wrong and Jamie finds himself replacing the spy on a dangerous mission against a Russian oligarch on the island of Zanzibar. Working with his SIS handler he infiltrates the Russian compound and gathers useful intelligence before he is captured and his cover blown. A rescue mission expands to attempt to bring down the Russian team. Meanwhile, back in London, a frantic operation is under way to show more catch the British turncoat who betrayed Jamie in the first place.

A good strong plot line with plenty of adventure, derring-do and drama. Takes a little while to get going, but when it does the pace is relentless. The action is always believable and the story has a logic to it.

I really enjoyed this book. show less