a-spy-aloneSynopsis: “Everyone knows about the Cambridge Spies from the Fifties, identified and broken up after passing national secrets to the Soviets for years… But no spy ring was ever unearthed at Oxford. Because one never existed? Or because it was never found…? 2022: Former spy Simon Sharman is eking out a living in the private sector. When a commission to delve into the financial dealings of a mysterious Russian oligarch comes across his desk, he jumps at the chance. But as Simon investigates, worrying patterns begin to emerge. His subject made regular trips to Oxford, but for no apparent reason. There are payments from offshore accounts that suddenly just… stop. Has he found what none of his former colleagues believed possible, a Russian spy ring now nestled at the heart of the British Establishment? Or is he just another paranoid ex-spook left out in the cold, obsessed with redemption? From Oxford’s hallowed quadrangles to brush contacts on Hampstead Heath, agent-running in Vienna and mysterious meetings in Prague, A Spy Alone is a gripping international thriller and a searing portrait of modern Britain in the age of cynical populism. Perfect for readers of Charles Cumming, Mick Herron and John le Carré.“

My Review

I really enjoyed this espionage thriller, and I’m glad I took a chance on it when I spotted it on NetGalley recently.

As the synopsis states above it’s about Simon Sharman a former spy, now working in the financial sector who gets caught up in what could be a Russian spy ring in Oxford.

It was partly set in Oxford, which I loved as one of my sisters used to live there and I knew it quite well back in the 80s and 90s. It took me to a few other European locations as well, which really added to my enjoyment of the story.

I liked Simon right for the start, and enjoyed following him on his deep delve into the murky world of the British government with possible links to Russian Oligarchs. At times it felt like I was reading news headlines as the war in Ukraine is mentioned, as well a Prime Minster with a secretive special advisor!

As Simon got closer to finding out the truth I really didn’t know who to trust, and really didn’t know how it was going to end, considering it’s book one in a new series. I needn’t have worried though as the ending was perfect with a good lead into the next book. 

Definitely recommended if you enjoy realistic espionage thrillers.

Thanks so much to Canelo and NetGalley for my digital copy via the NetGalley app.