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A Spy Alone

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A Spy Alone

By: Charles Beaumont
Narrated by: David Thorpe
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Everyone knows about the Cambridge Spies from the 1950s, 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?

©2023 Charles Beaumont (P)2023 Isis Audio Action & Adventure Espionage Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Russia Suspense
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One of the best spy stories I have read in many years. Gripping, frustrating and exciting in equal measure. The style is excellent and the narrative voice is first class. Outstanding all round, from story and plot through to narration.

Superb!

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For a book I rated highly, I started out almost returning it.

I am glad I stuck with it. it has been one of the most enjoyable listens of the year for me so far.

The narration takes a little getting used to, but once it clicks, this is a well-plotted story with more twists and turns than the proverbial twisty-turny thing.

Excellent work all round, I look forward the authors next one.

Outstanding

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Mischievous school boy narration, imparts this almost lampoon tale of what spies ex or otherwise are up to these days, with some call backs to the days when Le Carre/Clancy/Freemantle/Forsythe ruled the roost, which will amuse those who read their books back in the day. A fraught factionalized fillip on the state of the state?

It showcases how woke tiptoed into the now and how concepts no one from 1980/1990 ever contemplated or envisioned, but which can cripple all the institutions set up back in the year dot and what we are expected to do and think about it.

Where is George Smiley or Charlie Muffin when you need them? Personally I have long sided with Bill Hicks and his "It's just a ride" scenario.

AN ENJOYABLE TRIP

The 666th Protocol

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I particularly enjoyed the narrative closeness to contemporary political events and current geopolitical realities. These are dealt with deftly and with a light, wry touch. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Contemporary yet timeless spy thriller

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I am about 2/3rds through this - will keep plodding on but really have lost interest.
All the people seem absolutely ghastly - starting with the " charismatic" Mckenzie whose voice is most unpleasant.
Hard to believe our hero Simon has been a secret agent for 20 years, he seems curiously naive.
I think part of the problem (as with most modern thrillers) is that the book is about 100 pages too long - the 39 Steps, the Spy who came in from the cold, etc. are about 250 pages. Le Carre got quite dull when he forgot his audience and real marathon books,
However, shall look out for Beaumont's next books.

This seems interminable

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