This is my third Charles Cumming book, and I thought it was the best, so far. I like the fact that his books don't rely on a lot of violence, but involve more thinking. The main character doesn't even feel comfortable using a gun.

The story definitely kept me interested, and I went through it very quickly. ( )

Charles Cumming has been heralded by many critics as the likely successor to John le Carre as master of the espionage novel. I can see why, because his stories are well crafted, and show great insight into the workings of the intelligence services, but I don’t think he can match le Carre’s wonderful prose. Still, who can?

This is certainly a strong novel, and one that I feel took Cumming onto a different plane. His previous books had been good, but he changed gear here, with far greater development of his characters.
The principal protagonist is Thomas Kell, who has recently ‘retired’ from his post as an officer in MI6, and is currently awaiting a subpoena to appear as a witness in a prosecution arising from alleged incidents of ‘extraordinary rendition’.

Out of the blue he receives a call from a former colleague asking for help tracing the woman who has been chosen by the powers that be as the next head of MI6, as she appears to have disappeared while on a holiday visit to the south of France. Having nothing better to do, Kell agrees to help, flying down to Nice to try to pick up her trail. Cumming gives a fascinating insight into low level spycraft, much of which will certainly lead me to change my own habits when staying in a hotel!

The novel has numerous twists and turns, but never loses its basic plausibility. It did, however, keep taking me by surprise, and I found it an immensely enjoyable read. There is a more serious element to the novel though, with Kell’s departure from the Service allowing for detailed consideration of the various sides of the argument around extraordinary rendition. ( )

suspense, thriller, mystery, detective, adventure, spy, espionage, MI6, British fiction

perhaps a 3.5 speeds up at the end. ( )

Solid spy thriller from someone who knows the trade. After a shaky start settles into a good page-turner. ( )