Really entertaining book, so much so that I intend to read my way through all the Slough House books, in order of course. If you like books about ‘Spooks’ then this will be right up your street, so my advice is to read it and enjoy.

Like some of the others reviewers this book almost lost me as reader because of the slow start. It was if the writer was still thinking how the full plot would develop. Thanks goodness I persevered. I enjoyed it once it got going and then I read it right through. I would have given it 5 stars but for the time the plot took to develop.

I nearly gave up on this book it started so meekly and ponderously although I’m glad I didn’t. Once it took off, about half way through, it was a real page turner that I picked up more often than is my usual habit. I’m hoping now that the characters and structure are established, the next book will take off sooner and grip me like the second half of this one did.

It seems impertinent to review the first book in this highly acclaimed series but I cannot refrain from recommending this extraordinary book. Extraordinary because, although firmly rooted in the tradition of British spy thrillers and referencing directly and sometimes subtly many of the masters of the genre, the writer has created a group of credible and humanly flawed agents to wrestle with enemies within as well as enemies of the nation.

I’m going to read more and more and more, binge reading of quality writing, plotting and character creating, much better than binge watching formula-driven tv.

Cynically world weary. Self-consciously obscure. Aspiring to wit and humour but destined to be a slow horse on a grey and rain swept course like the anonymous and unlikeable characters of this disappointing novel. But maybe the enthusiastic reviewers read an un-redacted version which retained the illusion of life and excitement. I shall not be tempted to continue the series.

First Mick Herron book I have read and now on 'catch up'! Great characters in this particular novel and the plot moves along at a nice pace. Like his style of writing.