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Kamil Rahman #4
The Spy
ONE MISSING BOY. ONE MAN UNDERCOVER. A WHOLE NATION AT RISK.
Detective Kamil Rahman is working for the Met Police when he gets the call from MI5.
They’ve received intelligence of a terrorist plot, and it’s Kamil they need.
Posing as a disaffected cop and working in his friend Anjoli’s restaurant on Brick Lane, Kamil attempts to infiltrate the cell. What he uncovers leads him halfway across the world to Kashmir, and face to face with an old nemesis.
Meanwhile Anjoli starts to investigate the disappearance of a young boy who’s sending coded messages to his parents. As she attempts to solve his clues, she finds herself in greater danger than she could have imagined.
Time is running out for Kamil and Anjoli: can they save the boy, and save a nation, before it’s too late?
Detective Kamil Rahman is working for the Met Police when he gets the call from MI5.
They’ve received intelligence of a terrorist plot, and it’s Kamil they need.
Posing as a disaffected cop and working in his friend Anjoli’s restaurant on Brick Lane, Kamil attempts to infiltrate the cell. What he uncovers leads him halfway across the world to Kashmir, and face to face with an old nemesis.
Meanwhile Anjoli starts to investigate the disappearance of a young boy who’s sending coded messages to his parents. As she attempts to solve his clues, she finds herself in greater danger than she could have imagined.
Time is running out for Kamil and Anjoli: can they save the boy, and save a nation, before it’s too late?
384 pages, Hardcover
Published April 4, 2024
5 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 24, 2023
Kamil Rahman is working as a Detective with the Metropolitan Police. He’s not popular with his boss and the feeling is reciprocated. However, when MI5 receive information about a terrorist plot, they decide that Rahman fits the bill, and he accepts their request to infiltrate the terrorist cell and is sent by the cell to Kashmir to make a delivery. But Rahman’s beliefs begin to change the more he learns about the cell, and he finds himself looking more sympathetically at the terrorists cause!
This is a really tense read that sees Rahman in some very difficult and dangerous situations. Alongside this, his love life isn’t faring much better as he is pushed into making a choice between very close friend Anjoli, and his ex fiancée Maliha. Fast paced with a great storyline that results in a gripping read. Humour, Politics, Action and Romance, something for everyone?
*Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Vintage for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
This is a really tense read that sees Rahman in some very difficult and dangerous situations. Alongside this, his love life isn’t faring much better as he is pushed into making a choice between very close friend Anjoli, and his ex fiancée Maliha. Fast paced with a great storyline that results in a gripping read. Humour, Politics, Action and Romance, something for everyone?
*Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Vintage for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
August 3, 2023
Kamil Rahman #4
Detective Kamil Rahman is now employed at the Met though, as per usual, he’s in a spot of bother at work and Anjoli is not happy with him. At all. When he receives a phone call from Imam Masroor expressing concern about extremism and terrorism linked to Kashmir, Kamil goes to meet him to learn more. When Kala Naag- The Black Cobra is mentioned, Kamil takes this information to his friend and boss, DI Tahir Ismael, who in turn informs SO 15 (Counter Terrorism) at New Scotland Yard. Kamil is asked to go undercover by MI5 to infiltrate a group of potential militants at a mosque in Loxford, East London. Initially Kamil refuses, but when things take a serious turn with the disappearance of the Imam, he agrees. His role is to pose as a disgraced and disaffected cop in order to infiltrate the cell. His quest takes him on a physical journey to Kashmir, but also an uncomfortable journey down memory lane as it’s clear his old nemesis in India is linked to the investigation. Meanwhile, Anjoli at the Tandoori Knights restaurant is wrestling with her feelings for Kamil and has a side investigation of her own.
This is a bit drawn out at the start with the author starting to connect the plot dots but once it gets going we’re off and a fast paced, rapidly moving storyline keeps you glued to the pages. This is a complex plot and is very believable and I find the Kashmir angle fascinating. The descriptions when Kamil is there are excellent with its beauty jumping from the pages but its difficulties are clear to see. The plot has tension in abundance with the obvious dangers of undercover work with all its attendant possibility of discovery as Kamil discovers himself at the heart of the big puzzle. Kamil has to think on his feet on more than one occasion and you wonder if he can pull it off. He’s at great risk, who can you trust and what moves should I make to get the information MI5 want without endangering himself or others? As the plot develops it’s very good on how torn Kamil becomes and you can understand why. This is a very topical plot which the author handles well as there is a balance of views. You do require a little suspension of disbelief towards the end, but it makes for very exciting reading
AJ Choudhury has created some marvellous characters here. This is a crowded genre, but Kamil and Anjoli stand out in my opinion. I love the will they/won’t they vibe between those two and the added confusion of the arrival in London of Kamil’s ex Maliha, who is also an interesting character. The scenes that take place in the restaurant always add colour and taste to the storytelling and they are excellent at relieving the tension of Kamil’s under cover task. The peppering of humour is welcome too though there’s less of Anjoli’s T- shirts this time. What a shame, I love those!
Overall, this is another good addition to the series, there’s a different tone this time but it makes for a compelling reading. I’m looking forward to the next adventure or should that be venture?
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Vintage for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Detective Kamil Rahman is now employed at the Met though, as per usual, he’s in a spot of bother at work and Anjoli is not happy with him. At all. When he receives a phone call from Imam Masroor expressing concern about extremism and terrorism linked to Kashmir, Kamil goes to meet him to learn more. When Kala Naag- The Black Cobra is mentioned, Kamil takes this information to his friend and boss, DI Tahir Ismael, who in turn informs SO 15 (Counter Terrorism) at New Scotland Yard. Kamil is asked to go undercover by MI5 to infiltrate a group of potential militants at a mosque in Loxford, East London. Initially Kamil refuses, but when things take a serious turn with the disappearance of the Imam, he agrees. His role is to pose as a disgraced and disaffected cop in order to infiltrate the cell. His quest takes him on a physical journey to Kashmir, but also an uncomfortable journey down memory lane as it’s clear his old nemesis in India is linked to the investigation. Meanwhile, Anjoli at the Tandoori Knights restaurant is wrestling with her feelings for Kamil and has a side investigation of her own.
This is a bit drawn out at the start with the author starting to connect the plot dots but once it gets going we’re off and a fast paced, rapidly moving storyline keeps you glued to the pages. This is a complex plot and is very believable and I find the Kashmir angle fascinating. The descriptions when Kamil is there are excellent with its beauty jumping from the pages but its difficulties are clear to see. The plot has tension in abundance with the obvious dangers of undercover work with all its attendant possibility of discovery as Kamil discovers himself at the heart of the big puzzle. Kamil has to think on his feet on more than one occasion and you wonder if he can pull it off. He’s at great risk, who can you trust and what moves should I make to get the information MI5 want without endangering himself or others? As the plot develops it’s very good on how torn Kamil becomes and you can understand why. This is a very topical plot which the author handles well as there is a balance of views. You do require a little suspension of disbelief towards the end, but it makes for very exciting reading
AJ Choudhury has created some marvellous characters here. This is a crowded genre, but Kamil and Anjoli stand out in my opinion. I love the will they/won’t they vibe between those two and the added confusion of the arrival in London of Kamil’s ex Maliha, who is also an interesting character. The scenes that take place in the restaurant always add colour and taste to the storytelling and they are excellent at relieving the tension of Kamil’s under cover task. The peppering of humour is welcome too though there’s less of Anjoli’s T- shirts this time. What a shame, I love those!
Overall, this is another good addition to the series, there’s a different tone this time but it makes for a compelling reading. I’m looking forward to the next adventure or should that be venture?
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Vintage for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
March 14, 2024
I was somewhat underwhelmed by this book since a friend had raved about the first three in the series. Perhaps I just chanced on the one different one since it was much less about solving a crime in an amateur fashion rather than a political manifesto about the shocking things happening in Kashmir.
The story has a few strands - the kidnapping of the teenage son of Anjoli's friends is investigated by Anjoli while Kamil (having burned his bridges with Anjoli) is back in the Police Force and his own flat. But not for long as he is poached by MI5 to investigate a possible terrorist plot which will take him all over London and back to India.
The plot isn't complicated. However the kidnap of the teenager involves many references to Harry Potter and, after a while, it began to feel like I was reading a JK Rowling book. The whole feel of the novel is quite juvenile and it would probably appeal to a YA audience.
The characters felt quite flat too. Perhaps that is because I haven't read the first three books but Kamil really got on my nerves with his vacillating between whether he wanted to be with Maliha or Anjoli. If I were either of the women I'd tell him to sling his hook. It became a very irritating part of the narrative.
The plot itself becomes rather fantastical towards the end and I fear that if half of the things that happened to Kamil had happened to an actual person they'd have been locked up in their own best interests. It certainly wandered into that Potter/James Bond vibe at times.
So I was, on the whole, not blown away by the plot although it did make for some sickening further reading about Kashmir's current state.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Random House, Vintage for the advance review copy.
The story has a few strands - the kidnapping of the teenage son of Anjoli's friends is investigated by Anjoli while Kamil (having burned his bridges with Anjoli) is back in the Police Force and his own flat. But not for long as he is poached by MI5 to investigate a possible terrorist plot which will take him all over London and back to India.
The plot isn't complicated. However the kidnap of the teenager involves many references to Harry Potter and, after a while, it began to feel like I was reading a JK Rowling book. The whole feel of the novel is quite juvenile and it would probably appeal to a YA audience.
The characters felt quite flat too. Perhaps that is because I haven't read the first three books but Kamil really got on my nerves with his vacillating between whether he wanted to be with Maliha or Anjoli. If I were either of the women I'd tell him to sling his hook. It became a very irritating part of the narrative.
The plot itself becomes rather fantastical towards the end and I fear that if half of the things that happened to Kamil had happened to an actual person they'd have been locked up in their own best interests. It certainly wandered into that Potter/James Bond vibe at times.
So I was, on the whole, not blown away by the plot although it did make for some sickening further reading about Kashmir's current state.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Random House, Vintage for the advance review copy.
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January 6, 2025Loved the first three in this series about a disgraced Calcutta detective living in London. This one wasn't quite so successful for me. Largely it's because of the dual plotlines. The thriller plot is a really serious one about terrorism, torture, indoctrination, Hindu nationalism, Islamophobia, and the ongoing brutal oppression in Kashmir. The other plot is about Kamil's relationship travails (can't decide which woman to commit to) and Anjoli being an amateur detective and running a restaurant with a poncy chef. The tones are too different and for me the combination really jarred. (Also, I just don't feel Kamil deserves either of the women in question. I would however read an entire series of Anjoli-helmed cosy mysteries, just saying.)
May 18, 2024
3.0 / 5
A tad too political for me to understand and follow throughout the plot. It’ll too much was going on and developing, felt alittle too easy to get lost in. Unfortunately it didn’t have the impact it had.
A tad too political for me to understand and follow throughout the plot. It’ll too much was going on and developing, felt alittle too easy to get lost in. Unfortunately it didn’t have the impact it had.
March 10, 2024
Kahmil Rahman is back and he’s now a fully fledged police Constable in this 4th book from Ajay Chowdury.
As with any series, it always helps to read them all, and with these being so good I would recommend doing just that.
This 4th book feels much more personal and serious than it’s predecessors as Ajay Chowdhury brings a very real and live political situation in real life firmly to the forefront this new thriller. He maybe does bring the political Angle a little too heavily.
Kamil continues to be the most indecisive character in the world as he battles many inner demos but first and foremost he always does what’s right.
So an intriguing, powerful and politically charged thriller this time around ticks many boxes and whilst the love triangle of earlier books is still there it’s been very much toned down in favour of a new character into the series.
Chowdhury is a fine crime writer and I am thoroughly invested in this superb series
As with any series, it always helps to read them all, and with these being so good I would recommend doing just that.
This 4th book feels much more personal and serious than it’s predecessors as Ajay Chowdhury brings a very real and live political situation in real life firmly to the forefront this new thriller. He maybe does bring the political Angle a little too heavily.
Kamil continues to be the most indecisive character in the world as he battles many inner demos but first and foremost he always does what’s right.
So an intriguing, powerful and politically charged thriller this time around ticks many boxes and whilst the love triangle of earlier books is still there it’s been very much toned down in favour of a new character into the series.
Chowdhury is a fine crime writer and I am thoroughly invested in this superb series
February 5, 2025
Book 4 in the Kamil Rahman series finds Kamil reluctantly working for MI5 pursuing potential terrorists and in the uncomfortable position of having to inform on his own community. As with the others, this book moves along at a rapid pace with Kamil getting into various scrapes and some life threatening situations. There is a lot of action and you have to keep abreast of a number of minor characters in order to follow the main plot.
The storyline is quite believable and the main characters provide strong presences. I particular like Anjoli, one of two love interests for Kamil and a woman who is not easily stopped from getting her own way and brave enough to pursue her own lines of enquiry on a separate case.
I've very much enjoyed this series to date but have marked this one down to 3 stars (Good in my rating) because there is a little bit too much repetition particularly round Kamil's relationships with Anjoli and Mileha. However, the vibrant Brick Lane area and the sinister yet beautiful Kashmir are very well described and Kamil's worry about doing the right thing is very endearing. I recommend the books be read in sequence in order to get the best from them.
The storyline is quite believable and the main characters provide strong presences. I particular like Anjoli, one of two love interests for Kamil and a woman who is not easily stopped from getting her own way and brave enough to pursue her own lines of enquiry on a separate case.
I've very much enjoyed this series to date but have marked this one down to 3 stars (Good in my rating) because there is a little bit too much repetition particularly round Kamil's relationships with Anjoli and Mileha. However, the vibrant Brick Lane area and the sinister yet beautiful Kashmir are very well described and Kamil's worry about doing the right thing is very endearing. I recommend the books be read in sequence in order to get the best from them.
March 14, 2025
The Spy is Ajay Chowdhury's 4th book featuring Kamil Rahman, one time Kolkata police officer, now reinventing himself in London. Each of the books would work well as a standalone but, as a series, there is a lot of extra enjoyment from the character development.
Kamil is not enjoying life in the Metropolitan Police as he'd hoped, not least because his boss is jealous of him. When his friend and mentor, the local Imam, disappears Kamil finds himself in the middle of a potential terrorist plot and he has to decide how deep to throw himself into the mix. While his professional life becomes fraught with danger, Kamil is also walking an emotional tightrope as he can't decide whether to take the plunge beyond friendship with Anjoli (who readers of the earlier books will know well) or his ex-fiance who has turned up from Kolkata.
This is another rip roaring read. I really enjoyed returning to these characters and the reinvention of Kamil's role in each book keeps the plotting entirely fresh. The subtext is interesting and it kept me guessing throughout. The narrative is nicely set for the next book in the series.
There is a slightly odd sub-plot involving clues from Harry Potter books but that didn't reduce my enjoyment. Would definitely recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Kamil is not enjoying life in the Metropolitan Police as he'd hoped, not least because his boss is jealous of him. When his friend and mentor, the local Imam, disappears Kamil finds himself in the middle of a potential terrorist plot and he has to decide how deep to throw himself into the mix. While his professional life becomes fraught with danger, Kamil is also walking an emotional tightrope as he can't decide whether to take the plunge beyond friendship with Anjoli (who readers of the earlier books will know well) or his ex-fiance who has turned up from Kolkata.
This is another rip roaring read. I really enjoyed returning to these characters and the reinvention of Kamil's role in each book keeps the plotting entirely fresh. The subtext is interesting and it kept me guessing throughout. The narrative is nicely set for the next book in the series.
There is a slightly odd sub-plot involving clues from Harry Potter books but that didn't reduce my enjoyment. Would definitely recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
January 9, 2025
Solid book, well paced but let down by a few childish elements. The romance and some of the crime solving is a bit YA but the plot raises some key awareness regarding the current situation in the sub continent.
A book filled with politics but an interesting read.
Probably one of the better books in the series.
A book filled with politics but an interesting read.
Probably one of the better books in the series.
June 11, 2024
A good story about Kamil Rahman and his troubles. I enjoyed it but felt Kamil was a little irritating with his indecisiveness and it all felt thin and rushed. Would I read another in this series? Not sure.
July 15, 2023
I've been a big fan of the Kamil Rahman series since the first in the series, 'The Waiter' came out in 2021. Now here we are in 2023 and the fourth in the series 'The Spy'.
I have to admit, I started to read this one with tiny bit of reservation; having enjoyed the first three books in the series as much as I have, would it start to lose steam like so many ongoing series I've read recently where the author has a strong premise but not one that necessarily has the legs to last and become either retreads of similar themes or devolve into parodies of themselves.
I'm pleased to say there was no need to worry with 'The Spy'.
Kamil Rahman has had a busy and complicated life since book 1 - disgraced police officer in his Kolkata home he moved to London and took up a role as a waiter at his extended family's restaurant in Brick Lane. Since then he's solved *(with help from his friend and pseudo partner in several senses of the word, Anjoli) some twisty crimes that saw him join British law enforcement. Now, he's asked to take on a new role as the titular spy for MI5 to infiltrate a terrorist plot.
The book continues themes explored in the series - his personal relationship with his closest friend in the world Anjoli and his ex-fiance Maliha, his career, and the 'displacement' and confusion Kamil continues to feel - ramped up more in this book as he is forced to explore wrongs committed from those in power in his home country and atrocities going on he realises he is woefully unaware of in Kashmir,
One of the real strengths of this book - apart from the continuingly endearing characters and strong story, is the political environment that sits behind it: a central part of the story that made me want to learn more about the subject ,but never became distractingly polemic.
In a genre where an extended series can become unrealistic in order to keep them going (why DOES that person keep coming across crimes?) or the more traditional/ overdone police procedurals, the Kamil Rahman series continues to move along organically and, at the end of this one, suggests an exciting opportunity for book #5, whenever it might come.
I have to admit, I started to read this one with tiny bit of reservation; having enjoyed the first three books in the series as much as I have, would it start to lose steam like so many ongoing series I've read recently where the author has a strong premise but not one that necessarily has the legs to last and become either retreads of similar themes or devolve into parodies of themselves.
I'm pleased to say there was no need to worry with 'The Spy'.
Kamil Rahman has had a busy and complicated life since book 1 - disgraced police officer in his Kolkata home he moved to London and took up a role as a waiter at his extended family's restaurant in Brick Lane. Since then he's solved *(with help from his friend and pseudo partner in several senses of the word, Anjoli) some twisty crimes that saw him join British law enforcement. Now, he's asked to take on a new role as the titular spy for MI5 to infiltrate a terrorist plot.
The book continues themes explored in the series - his personal relationship with his closest friend in the world Anjoli and his ex-fiance Maliha, his career, and the 'displacement' and confusion Kamil continues to feel - ramped up more in this book as he is forced to explore wrongs committed from those in power in his home country and atrocities going on he realises he is woefully unaware of in Kashmir,
One of the real strengths of this book - apart from the continuingly endearing characters and strong story, is the political environment that sits behind it: a central part of the story that made me want to learn more about the subject ,but never became distractingly polemic.
In a genre where an extended series can become unrealistic in order to keep them going (why DOES that person keep coming across crimes?) or the more traditional/ overdone police procedurals, the Kamil Rahman series continues to move along organically and, at the end of this one, suggests an exciting opportunity for book #5, whenever it might come.
May 1, 2024
This is the first book in this series that I have read, I may have to get the previous 3. Although this is okay to read as a stand-alone for me personally I like to see the characters grow from the beginning, and with this one there are references made to things that have previously happened. Although that in no way detracts from this story.
Kamil Rahman is working as a detective for the Metropolitan Police. He had had a good career in Kolkata until something had gone wrong and he was dismissed. Now he is trying to work his way up the ladder in the Met. When Kamil gets a phone call from Imam Masroor asking him to meet him, Kamil goes straight away, but what the Imam tells him worries him and he wants to tell his boss, but the Imam asks him to hold back for 24 hrs as he is due to meet someone and he may have more information then. Kamil is not happy the only way he agrees is if he can be nearby in a car for when he comes out. But things don’t quite work out and the next thing the Imam is missing.
When Kamil tells his friend and boss DI Tahir Ismael, what he knows and mentions Kala Naag or translated The Black Cobra. It’s not long before Kamil finds himself at MI5 being asked to work undercover to infiltrate a group of potential militants at a mosque in Loxford, East London. He initially refuses but when the Imams car is found along with other things Kamil changes his mind. But in order for this to look real it means he has to be kicked out of the Met and it has to be in the newspapers to make it real. This choice sees Kamil going back to Kashmir, and a very uncomfortable trip to the past as it becomes clear that his old nemesis in India is linked to the investigation.
Not only is Kamil dealing with this but he is also dealing with his relationship’s with Maliha his ex fiancée who is now in London, and Anjoli who owns Tandoori Knights restaurant where Kamil used to cook. Until he got into the Met. He was seeing Anjoli until things got complicated with Maliha turning up, which means currently Kamil has no one until he decides who he wants. Whilst Kamil is doing his job Anjoli is investigating something herself on the side.
This is one fast paced cracking read, the tension builds keeping you engrossed throughout the story, Kamil who has not been trained in undercover work has to keep his wits about him so that he isn’t discovered as working for MI5. Can he do it? There is a stage where Kamil is completely torn as to his loyalties which is understandable in the circumstances he finds himself.
I loved Kamil and Anjoli, they are terrific characters that the author has created. I also love the will they/ won’t they scenario that always works for me as I am telling them to just go with it, I know no one can hear me but you just want them to commit. This is not just an adrenaline fuelled ride, there is more, I like the added humour as in Anjoli’s T.shirts with fun sayings that she comes up with. Overall this is a brilliant read with a bit of everything in. Romance, danger, tension, excitement, great characters that are believable, three dimensional, you feel like you know them. What more do you want? One minute you are laughing the next you are on the edge of your seat biting your fingernails. I look forward to what comes next for Kamil and Anjoli. In the meantime I need to read those previous books.
This is a definite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💥💥💥💥💥 read I look forward to more from Ajay Choudhary. Thank you so much to the publishers @vintagebooks and @ameliarushen for a copy of this book all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kamil Rahman is working as a detective for the Metropolitan Police. He had had a good career in Kolkata until something had gone wrong and he was dismissed. Now he is trying to work his way up the ladder in the Met. When Kamil gets a phone call from Imam Masroor asking him to meet him, Kamil goes straight away, but what the Imam tells him worries him and he wants to tell his boss, but the Imam asks him to hold back for 24 hrs as he is due to meet someone and he may have more information then. Kamil is not happy the only way he agrees is if he can be nearby in a car for when he comes out. But things don’t quite work out and the next thing the Imam is missing.
When Kamil tells his friend and boss DI Tahir Ismael, what he knows and mentions Kala Naag or translated The Black Cobra. It’s not long before Kamil finds himself at MI5 being asked to work undercover to infiltrate a group of potential militants at a mosque in Loxford, East London. He initially refuses but when the Imams car is found along with other things Kamil changes his mind. But in order for this to look real it means he has to be kicked out of the Met and it has to be in the newspapers to make it real. This choice sees Kamil going back to Kashmir, and a very uncomfortable trip to the past as it becomes clear that his old nemesis in India is linked to the investigation.
Not only is Kamil dealing with this but he is also dealing with his relationship’s with Maliha his ex fiancée who is now in London, and Anjoli who owns Tandoori Knights restaurant where Kamil used to cook. Until he got into the Met. He was seeing Anjoli until things got complicated with Maliha turning up, which means currently Kamil has no one until he decides who he wants. Whilst Kamil is doing his job Anjoli is investigating something herself on the side.
This is one fast paced cracking read, the tension builds keeping you engrossed throughout the story, Kamil who has not been trained in undercover work has to keep his wits about him so that he isn’t discovered as working for MI5. Can he do it? There is a stage where Kamil is completely torn as to his loyalties which is understandable in the circumstances he finds himself.
I loved Kamil and Anjoli, they are terrific characters that the author has created. I also love the will they/ won’t they scenario that always works for me as I am telling them to just go with it, I know no one can hear me but you just want them to commit. This is not just an adrenaline fuelled ride, there is more, I like the added humour as in Anjoli’s T.shirts with fun sayings that she comes up with. Overall this is a brilliant read with a bit of everything in. Romance, danger, tension, excitement, great characters that are believable, three dimensional, you feel like you know them. What more do you want? One minute you are laughing the next you are on the edge of your seat biting your fingernails. I look forward to what comes next for Kamil and Anjoli. In the meantime I need to read those previous books.
This is a definite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💥💥💥💥💥 read I look forward to more from Ajay Choudhary. Thank you so much to the publishers @vintagebooks and @ameliarushen for a copy of this book all thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 9, 2025
You know what? I really quite enjoyed this book. It has me wondering just how I've managed to let the series slip under my radar this far. The book features series protagonist, Detective Kamil Rahman, a former Indian Police Officer who left his job, and country, in disgrace, setting up a new life in London. Now, I'm sure that other books in the series will fill in Kamil's backstory, and there is some information shared with readers in this book that will enable newcomers like me to treat this as a standalone, but for the sake of clarity, this book does link back into some of the reasons for Kamil's new life and residence, so it may be that you want to read the prior books first to have that full picture.
That said, this does work as a standalone, with Kamil approached by his Imam for advice when he believes one of the worshippers from his Mosque may be in trouble. When the Imam also goes missing, and a burned body is found, Kamil fears the worst. He is approached by MI5 to help infiltrate a potential terrorist cell and Kamil may be just the person for the job. What follows is a mixture of intelligence gathering, action and potentially deadly situations that push Kamil to the limit, and sees him and those he loves placed in grave danger. Oh, and if that's not enough, Kamil is going to have to decide between the two women in his life before his indecision costs him them both.
I really liked Kamil. Don;t get me wrong, he is not without flaws, and at times it almost appeared that he was likely to sympathise with the potential terrorists too much, but so much of his personality, his conflict about his feelings, both romantic and work wise, actually made him quite endearing. Ajay Chowdhury has created a character I am more than happy to spend time with, even if he is a tad disenfranchised with the whole Met Police experience. I liked the blend between the professional - and the conflict that comes from this - and the personal, and getting to see Kamil out of work, competing at times for the attention, and affection, of restaurant owner and his former employer, Anjoli, whilst not quite sure if he is completely over his ex fiance, Maliha, really did give him a kind of humanity that made me smile. That's not to say he doesn't make some mad decisions, but I like to think with all good interests.
Now there is a secondary thread to this book, and Anjoli plays a key part in it. A young man has been abducted, and Anjoli has been asked by his mother to help find him. The reason for his abduction is not quite clear, but the clues that are fed to Anjoli, and the way they play out in the book are so very cleverly thought through I have to congratulate the author. It seems odd, but it really works, and highlights how well Anjoli is suited to the role of investigator, even if it shouldn't really be her main priority. It is interesting to see how Ajay Chowdhury feeds this into the narrative, and how this sub-plot links to the main case that Kamil is caught up in. Yes, certain elements of it may seem convenient, but it worked for me, and led to quite the interesting showdown towards the end of the book.
This story does feedback into what I guess must be Kamil's main story arc, and with quite a dramatic and somewhat painful conclusion to his undercover work, the author delivers what could be a life changing proposal for Kamil, and a series changing event for readers. I'm intrigued to see how this plays out in future, but, based on what I've read so far, the possibilities are endless and quite exciting. A pacy, often tense, action and intelligence based investigation that had me hooked from the start. Ajay Chowdhury has created engaging characters, an all too believable set up - who'da thunk that a politician may use any means necessary for political gain? - as well as enlightening me on some aspects of Indian culture and history I wasn't aware of. We know prejudice and racial/theological rifts exist the world over. The question really is how far people are willing to go to further their cause, and if the ends can ever justify the means. Recommended.
That said, this does work as a standalone, with Kamil approached by his Imam for advice when he believes one of the worshippers from his Mosque may be in trouble. When the Imam also goes missing, and a burned body is found, Kamil fears the worst. He is approached by MI5 to help infiltrate a potential terrorist cell and Kamil may be just the person for the job. What follows is a mixture of intelligence gathering, action and potentially deadly situations that push Kamil to the limit, and sees him and those he loves placed in grave danger. Oh, and if that's not enough, Kamil is going to have to decide between the two women in his life before his indecision costs him them both.
I really liked Kamil. Don;t get me wrong, he is not without flaws, and at times it almost appeared that he was likely to sympathise with the potential terrorists too much, but so much of his personality, his conflict about his feelings, both romantic and work wise, actually made him quite endearing. Ajay Chowdhury has created a character I am more than happy to spend time with, even if he is a tad disenfranchised with the whole Met Police experience. I liked the blend between the professional - and the conflict that comes from this - and the personal, and getting to see Kamil out of work, competing at times for the attention, and affection, of restaurant owner and his former employer, Anjoli, whilst not quite sure if he is completely over his ex fiance, Maliha, really did give him a kind of humanity that made me smile. That's not to say he doesn't make some mad decisions, but I like to think with all good interests.
Now there is a secondary thread to this book, and Anjoli plays a key part in it. A young man has been abducted, and Anjoli has been asked by his mother to help find him. The reason for his abduction is not quite clear, but the clues that are fed to Anjoli, and the way they play out in the book are so very cleverly thought through I have to congratulate the author. It seems odd, but it really works, and highlights how well Anjoli is suited to the role of investigator, even if it shouldn't really be her main priority. It is interesting to see how Ajay Chowdhury feeds this into the narrative, and how this sub-plot links to the main case that Kamil is caught up in. Yes, certain elements of it may seem convenient, but it worked for me, and led to quite the interesting showdown towards the end of the book.
This story does feedback into what I guess must be Kamil's main story arc, and with quite a dramatic and somewhat painful conclusion to his undercover work, the author delivers what could be a life changing proposal for Kamil, and a series changing event for readers. I'm intrigued to see how this plays out in future, but, based on what I've read so far, the possibilities are endless and quite exciting. A pacy, often tense, action and intelligence based investigation that had me hooked from the start. Ajay Chowdhury has created engaging characters, an all too believable set up - who'da thunk that a politician may use any means necessary for political gain? - as well as enlightening me on some aspects of Indian culture and history I wasn't aware of. We know prejudice and racial/theological rifts exist the world over. The question really is how far people are willing to go to further their cause, and if the ends can ever justify the means. Recommended.
April 2, 2024
Imam Masroor hopes to stop a bomber by talking him and his leader out of it. Next morning, the bomber is found dead, and the Imam is missing. This is devastating news for DC Kamil Rahman, who had been told of the plan by the Imam, and who was supposed to be tailing them. The meeting time had suddenly been brought forward, and he was too far from Bethnal Green to get to the rendezvous in time. However, his involvement brings him to the attention of MI5 (with whom he has history) and he agrees to go undercover and try to infiltrate the supposed cell planning the attack. However, he is not unknown within the community so “undercover” is an inappropriate description. Instead, he presents as a former police officer, unfairly fired by his Islamophobic superiors for withholding evidence. This is the second time he has been fired from a police force, because four years ago he was expelled from the Kolkata force, and essentially expelled from India, because he had evidence that the Indian (Hindu) Prime Minister, Jaideep Sanyal, was involved in murder. Sanyal has been persecuting Muslims in India, particularly Kashmir, so Kamil’s antipathy towards him is a plus from the point of view of the plotters. He rapidly gets involved but is he at risk of getting too close to their ideology, of becoming an active member? Alternatively, is he taking too many risks? Will the plotters realise he is a spy?
This is the fourth in the series but works perfectly well as a standalone, although the usual love triangle element seems a bit underpowered, lacking the depth provided by the earlier books. All the main characters are here and all are fairly well drawn and believable, although Kamil is a bit of a procrastinator which seems a shade unlikely for such a heroic character. It takes a little while to get properly in the groove, but picks up well and there are some good jeopardy scenes, especially that set in Kashmir. There is a subplot concerning Anjoli’s kidnapped nephew which feeds into the main plot but feels a bit like it is designed to keep her, and her sleuthing skills, in the reader’s mind. The nature of the plot, Islamic terrorists concerned with the persecution of Muslims by the Hindu majority party in India, requires quite a lot of detail about the political situation there; perhaps too much detail. Although this is a work of fiction, the situation it describes is very close to the actual situation pertaining in India today, which makes some sections feel more like a political statement rather than necessary background. This does provide a menacing aura to the story.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
This is the fourth in the series but works perfectly well as a standalone, although the usual love triangle element seems a bit underpowered, lacking the depth provided by the earlier books. All the main characters are here and all are fairly well drawn and believable, although Kamil is a bit of a procrastinator which seems a shade unlikely for such a heroic character. It takes a little while to get properly in the groove, but picks up well and there are some good jeopardy scenes, especially that set in Kashmir. There is a subplot concerning Anjoli’s kidnapped nephew which feeds into the main plot but feels a bit like it is designed to keep her, and her sleuthing skills, in the reader’s mind. The nature of the plot, Islamic terrorists concerned with the persecution of Muslims by the Hindu majority party in India, requires quite a lot of detail about the political situation there; perhaps too much detail. Although this is a work of fiction, the situation it describes is very close to the actual situation pertaining in India today, which makes some sections feel more like a political statement rather than necessary background. This does provide a menacing aura to the story.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
August 18, 2024
This is the fourth novel in Ajay Chowdhury’s series about Kamil Rahman, the disgraced Indian ex-detective who has ended up living in London. The series has followed Kamil through different job transitions since arriving in the UK – waiter, cook and detective – before arriving at this, 'The Spy'. I think the stories have got better with each instalment, and they can certainly be read as standalone novels. They are good mysteries, written with a light touch and very enjoyable.
'The Spy' begins with Kamil slogging away as a lowly detective constable in the Met Police, trying to recapture his original career path and one year away from achieving British citizenship. Then he’s approached by MI5 to work undercover on an investigation into a terrorist group they believe is based in one of the local mosques. They’ve concocted a cover story for Kamil which involves him being publicly sacked from his job with the Met and going back to working as a waiter in a restaurant in Brick Lane, disenchanted and angry, and ripe for recruitment by the terrorists.
Kamil is eventually approached by the group but has to prove himself with various tests of loyalty, which include a trip to Kashmir, arrest, torture and a hasty escape back to London where the scale of the plot is revealed. At the same time as all this, Kamil’s on-off girlfriend, Anjoli, is looking into the kidnap of the young son of some family friends and (perhaps not surprisingly) the two cases are linked.
My verdict
As the protagonist of these books, Kamil is very human. The author Amanda Craig describes him as “engagingly modest, emotionally confused and very brave” which sums him up pretty well. But these books, as well as having clever plots are very entertaining and full of humour, which makes them fun to read.
I read 'The Spy' around the time of the recent elections in India and the book gave me a very different slant on what was being reported in the news here. That didn’t make the book heavy going because it’s done so carefully, it just added more layers to the background which were thought-provoking and interesting. I enjoyed that aspect of this novel very much.
As I’ve already said, I’ve read all the Kamil Rahmen books, in the correct order, and in my view they’ve got better with each instalment. 'The Spy' is a grittier tale than the others but still written with Chowdhury’s light touch. He makes his serious points without being preachy and they’re all the more powerful for that. This story bowls along at a good speed, the characters are believable, and the plot is clever with some interesting twists. All in all, it was a jolly good read and I recommend it. I’m looking forward to the next Kamil Rahmen book, whenever it appears. 4+ Stars.
Review by: Cornish Eskimo
'The Spy' begins with Kamil slogging away as a lowly detective constable in the Met Police, trying to recapture his original career path and one year away from achieving British citizenship. Then he’s approached by MI5 to work undercover on an investigation into a terrorist group they believe is based in one of the local mosques. They’ve concocted a cover story for Kamil which involves him being publicly sacked from his job with the Met and going back to working as a waiter in a restaurant in Brick Lane, disenchanted and angry, and ripe for recruitment by the terrorists.
Kamil is eventually approached by the group but has to prove himself with various tests of loyalty, which include a trip to Kashmir, arrest, torture and a hasty escape back to London where the scale of the plot is revealed. At the same time as all this, Kamil’s on-off girlfriend, Anjoli, is looking into the kidnap of the young son of some family friends and (perhaps not surprisingly) the two cases are linked.
My verdict
As the protagonist of these books, Kamil is very human. The author Amanda Craig describes him as “engagingly modest, emotionally confused and very brave” which sums him up pretty well. But these books, as well as having clever plots are very entertaining and full of humour, which makes them fun to read.
I read 'The Spy' around the time of the recent elections in India and the book gave me a very different slant on what was being reported in the news here. That didn’t make the book heavy going because it’s done so carefully, it just added more layers to the background which were thought-provoking and interesting. I enjoyed that aspect of this novel very much.
As I’ve already said, I’ve read all the Kamil Rahmen books, in the correct order, and in my view they’ve got better with each instalment. 'The Spy' is a grittier tale than the others but still written with Chowdhury’s light touch. He makes his serious points without being preachy and they’re all the more powerful for that. This story bowls along at a good speed, the characters are believable, and the plot is clever with some interesting twists. All in all, it was a jolly good read and I recommend it. I’m looking forward to the next Kamil Rahmen book, whenever it appears. 4+ Stars.
Review by: Cornish Eskimo
March 28, 2024
This is the fourth book starring Detective-Waiter-Cook-Detective, and now Spy Kamil Rahman... And I would suggest that you do play catch up and read the first three books before this one (and in order obviously) as you will benefit from the backstory and character development that has already occurred...
So, Kamil is in trouble again after the events of the previous book and is sacked from the Police Force (again). But this time, it is all for show as he has been asked by MI5 to help them infiltrate a cell. This invitation coming about after he is asked by his Imam to help with his concerns regarding extremism and terrorism that he has learned about. Kamil agrees to help the Imam, only to be scuppered on his surveillance, the Imam disappearing. Although reluctant, Kamil agrees to assist and starts to worm his way in, aided by the news of his sacking.
And so begins a rather convoluted, and also quite politically heavy, tale which has Kamil travelling to Kashmir, getting in more trouble than in any previous book, and that's saying something. It also has him, once again, pitting his wits against his old nemesis! Meanwhile, outwith all the terrorist infiltration, he still has a personal choice to make... Anjoli or Maliha? An aside that on occasion lends humour to the overall story, assuring that it never becomes over the top too heavy. We also have Anjoli who is conducting her own investigation into a missing boy.
This book is heavier than those that came before. I expect you'd easily guess this yourself given the main topic, but also gave me food for thought as to what is happening in Kashmir, something I had no idea about before I read this book. But something I feel I need to know more about after finishing it.
But that said, it is balanced and the political side of things drives the narrative rather than being preachy. A narrative that had me hooked from the start and held captive throughout. It's extremely well and imaginatively plotted and that plot ably executed with assistance from some cracking characters. Spitting me out at the end, wholly satisfied at what had gone before, and also, with the way it ended, very excited to see what happens next time in book 5.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So, Kamil is in trouble again after the events of the previous book and is sacked from the Police Force (again). But this time, it is all for show as he has been asked by MI5 to help them infiltrate a cell. This invitation coming about after he is asked by his Imam to help with his concerns regarding extremism and terrorism that he has learned about. Kamil agrees to help the Imam, only to be scuppered on his surveillance, the Imam disappearing. Although reluctant, Kamil agrees to assist and starts to worm his way in, aided by the news of his sacking.
And so begins a rather convoluted, and also quite politically heavy, tale which has Kamil travelling to Kashmir, getting in more trouble than in any previous book, and that's saying something. It also has him, once again, pitting his wits against his old nemesis! Meanwhile, outwith all the terrorist infiltration, he still has a personal choice to make... Anjoli or Maliha? An aside that on occasion lends humour to the overall story, assuring that it never becomes over the top too heavy. We also have Anjoli who is conducting her own investigation into a missing boy.
This book is heavier than those that came before. I expect you'd easily guess this yourself given the main topic, but also gave me food for thought as to what is happening in Kashmir, something I had no idea about before I read this book. But something I feel I need to know more about after finishing it.
But that said, it is balanced and the political side of things drives the narrative rather than being preachy. A narrative that had me hooked from the start and held captive throughout. It's extremely well and imaginatively plotted and that plot ably executed with assistance from some cracking characters. Spitting me out at the end, wholly satisfied at what had gone before, and also, with the way it ended, very excited to see what happens next time in book 5.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
March 17, 2025
Rating: 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
There comes a time in every spy’s life when they must retire… or at least pretend to. Enter Maggie Bird, a former CIA operative who has swapped high-stakes espionage for peaceful days on her chicken farm in the sleepy town of Purity, Maine. Sounds idyllic, right?
Well, not for long, because surprise! A dead body turns up in her driveway, and just like that, Maggie’s past is knocking (or rather, bleeding out) at her front door.
One of the best parts of The Spy Coast is the crew of not-so-retired spies Maggie calls on for help. Officially, they’re just a bunch of old-timers enjoying their golden years. Unofficially? They’re the Martini Club, a group of ex-CIA operatives who still have a few tricks (and contacts) up their sleeves.
Think The Golden Girls, but with government secrets, surveillance skills, and a knack for handling dead bodies without breaking a sweat.
Meanwhile, we have Jo Thibodeau, Purity’s acting police chief, who is way more used to handling rowdy tourists than dead spies. As she investigates, it becomes painfully obvious that Maggie and her friends are always one step ahead, frustrating, intriguing, and slightly terrifying.
What I Loved:
✔️ Spy Thriller… but make it cozy – This is a perfect blend of action, humour, and small-town charm. It’s Mission: Impossible meets Murder, She Wrote, and it WORKS.
✔️ Maggie is a badass, period. She may be tending chickens now, but she’s still got her edge and a lot of secrets.
✔️ A unique take on aging spies. Most spy thrillers focus on young, dashing agents in their prime. This book proves that experience (and a lifetime of knowing how to disappear) is far more powerful.
✔️ The tension is real. The book bounces between Maggie’s current dilemma and her past career, which we quickly learn was far from a clean break.
Absolutely recommend! If you love thrillers but want something fresh and unexpected, The Spy Coast delivers. It’s fast-paced without being too intense, witty without being cheesy, and genuinely engaging from start to finish.
The mystery is layered, the characters are chef’s kiss, and I guarantee you’ll never look at your elderly neighbours the same way again.
There comes a time in every spy’s life when they must retire… or at least pretend to. Enter Maggie Bird, a former CIA operative who has swapped high-stakes espionage for peaceful days on her chicken farm in the sleepy town of Purity, Maine. Sounds idyllic, right?
Well, not for long, because surprise! A dead body turns up in her driveway, and just like that, Maggie’s past is knocking (or rather, bleeding out) at her front door.
One of the best parts of The Spy Coast is the crew of not-so-retired spies Maggie calls on for help. Officially, they’re just a bunch of old-timers enjoying their golden years. Unofficially? They’re the Martini Club, a group of ex-CIA operatives who still have a few tricks (and contacts) up their sleeves.
Think The Golden Girls, but with government secrets, surveillance skills, and a knack for handling dead bodies without breaking a sweat.
Meanwhile, we have Jo Thibodeau, Purity’s acting police chief, who is way more used to handling rowdy tourists than dead spies. As she investigates, it becomes painfully obvious that Maggie and her friends are always one step ahead, frustrating, intriguing, and slightly terrifying.
What I Loved:
✔️ Spy Thriller… but make it cozy – This is a perfect blend of action, humour, and small-town charm. It’s Mission: Impossible meets Murder, She Wrote, and it WORKS.
✔️ Maggie is a badass, period. She may be tending chickens now, but she’s still got her edge and a lot of secrets.
✔️ A unique take on aging spies. Most spy thrillers focus on young, dashing agents in their prime. This book proves that experience (and a lifetime of knowing how to disappear) is far more powerful.
✔️ The tension is real. The book bounces between Maggie’s current dilemma and her past career, which we quickly learn was far from a clean break.
Absolutely recommend! If you love thrillers but want something fresh and unexpected, The Spy Coast delivers. It’s fast-paced without being too intense, witty without being cheesy, and genuinely engaging from start to finish.
The mystery is layered, the characters are chef’s kiss, and I guarantee you’ll never look at your elderly neighbours the same way again.
March 22, 2024
"Made of red brick, with two slim minarets and large arched windows on both sides, it looks distinctly exotic amongst the rows of identikit terraced Victorian houses. How did the residents react when it was built forty-odd years ago? Their alienation must have been extreme. I suspect most of those families have moved out and been replaced by Muslims. Where have they gone? Suburbs further out? Another city? In one way, it's sad, but the East End is a tapestry in constant change. The Cockneys gave way to the Chinese and Africans; they to the Christian Huguenots; the Huguenots to the Jews; the Jews to the Bengali and Pakistani Muslims. And so it goes, layer on layer of strata that forms the bedrock of this tiny part of London that has become my home."
Book 4 for the Detective Kamil Rahman Anglo-Indian crime series sees Kamil recruited to MI5 to stop a suspected terror plot. Kamil finds himself in an unenviable position, trying to do the right thing as ever, but being pulled this way and that - politically and romantically - in this powerful, espionage thriller.
Depicting returning, well-draw characters alongside some new ones, all set against a background of extremism made understandable and the search for identity. I always enjoy the Kamil / Anjoli / Maliha triangle (although would like to see Kamil and Anjoli together!) and can see there is more to come for them. I found this a darker and more powerful novel than the earlier books in the series. Perhaps this was as a result of the parallels of the imperialist and racist situation in Kashmir, eloquently and evocatively described by the author, to that in Palestine, which is at the forefront of my mind at the moment; perhaps it is the natural progression for Kamil as he learns and his character develops further. Being agnostic with a Church of England upbringing, I always find fascinating the different languages, foods (from Anjoli's restaurant) and Islamic terms that contribute to the unique identity of this series. A very dangerous mission that Kamil manages to survive by using his wits. I look forward to the next installment.
Book 4 for the Detective Kamil Rahman Anglo-Indian crime series sees Kamil recruited to MI5 to stop a suspected terror plot. Kamil finds himself in an unenviable position, trying to do the right thing as ever, but being pulled this way and that - politically and romantically - in this powerful, espionage thriller.
Depicting returning, well-draw characters alongside some new ones, all set against a background of extremism made understandable and the search for identity. I always enjoy the Kamil / Anjoli / Maliha triangle (although would like to see Kamil and Anjoli together!) and can see there is more to come for them. I found this a darker and more powerful novel than the earlier books in the series. Perhaps this was as a result of the parallels of the imperialist and racist situation in Kashmir, eloquently and evocatively described by the author, to that in Palestine, which is at the forefront of my mind at the moment; perhaps it is the natural progression for Kamil as he learns and his character develops further. Being agnostic with a Church of England upbringing, I always find fascinating the different languages, foods (from Anjoli's restaurant) and Islamic terms that contribute to the unique identity of this series. A very dangerous mission that Kamil manages to survive by using his wits. I look forward to the next installment.
May 23, 2024
Ajay Chowdhury’s Kamil Rahman series is only four books old but has managed to constantly reinvent itself. The book in the series The Waiter was a hard edged cosy crime story in which a disgraced Kolkata detective working in his family’s London restaurant helps solve a crime. By book 3, The Detective, Rahman found himself back in the police force and delivered an interesting but slightly underwhelming procedural. With The Spy, Chowdhury reinvents his premise again, having Rahman go undercover for MI5, with much better effect.
When The Spy opens, Rahman is still, doing penance in the police force for the unorthodox way he dealt with the crimes in The Detective. He is approached by his Imam, who believes that one of his parishioners has fallen in with Islamic extremists. Soon the Imam and is missing and Rahman is approached by MI5 to go undercover at a local mosque to try and find out what has happened to the Imam and uncover the plot. In order to do so he has to be drummed out of the police force. Meanwhile his on-again, off-again girlfriend Anjoli, finds herself trying to help a couple whose son has been kidnapped.
The Spy is a definitely a change of pace for Chowdhury and his characters. More thriller than whodunnit or procedural with secret identifies, kidnapping, torture and more than one ticking clock. But baked into this new formula are the same issues Rahman has been dealing with since book one – racism and Islamaphobia in both Inda and the UK, and the use of these in the service of greed and power. In The Spy Chowdhury also explores the siren song of fundamentalism, and how good ethical people can be slowly turned to do things that might not otherwise contemplate. But as always the focus is on the central characters of Kamil and Anjoli and their relationship complicated further by the presence of Kamil’s ex-fiancé Mahlina in London.
For a series that started strongly, The Spy feels like a return to form for Chowdhury. It is tense, deals with real world issues, and remains anchored around two engaging characters. And it feels by the end that Chowdhury may well pivot again should Kamil and Anjoli return for a fifth time.
When The Spy opens, Rahman is still, doing penance in the police force for the unorthodox way he dealt with the crimes in The Detective. He is approached by his Imam, who believes that one of his parishioners has fallen in with Islamic extremists. Soon the Imam and is missing and Rahman is approached by MI5 to go undercover at a local mosque to try and find out what has happened to the Imam and uncover the plot. In order to do so he has to be drummed out of the police force. Meanwhile his on-again, off-again girlfriend Anjoli, finds herself trying to help a couple whose son has been kidnapped.
The Spy is a definitely a change of pace for Chowdhury and his characters. More thriller than whodunnit or procedural with secret identifies, kidnapping, torture and more than one ticking clock. But baked into this new formula are the same issues Rahman has been dealing with since book one – racism and Islamaphobia in both Inda and the UK, and the use of these in the service of greed and power. In The Spy Chowdhury also explores the siren song of fundamentalism, and how good ethical people can be slowly turned to do things that might not otherwise contemplate. But as always the focus is on the central characters of Kamil and Anjoli and their relationship complicated further by the presence of Kamil’s ex-fiancé Mahlina in London.
For a series that started strongly, The Spy feels like a return to form for Chowdhury. It is tense, deals with real world issues, and remains anchored around two engaging characters. And it feels by the end that Chowdhury may well pivot again should Kamil and Anjoli return for a fifth time.
December 25, 2025
Detective Kamil Rahman has a lot on his plate: he may need to make a choice between the two most important women in his life; his professional career is not necessarily heading in the right direction; and back home in India his parents are struggling to accept his choices.
When the imam he befriended disappeared and the violent conflict surrounding Kashmir back home are about to threaten the security and lives of Londoners, he is faced with some dramatic decisions. He will join MI5 under cover trying to inflitrate an extremist mosque where the next deadly attack is probably originate from. As the race to stop the attack starts, he is by far one of the most unluckiest spy in the recent history of spy thrillers, and by far not the usual hero.
The Spy by Ajay Chowdhury is the fourth book from the detective Kamil Rahman series and although it can be read as a stand alone, there are few references that may sound differently to someone familiar with the previous installments - not my case.
Although from the very beginning the book starts on a very dramatic tone, and similar twists are changing the course of the story, what is in my opinion the strongest point of this book is the deep psychological manipulation of identity discourse. Using the ´oppressed´ narrative in order to manipulate hearts and minds through religious arguments may easily convince at first and second sight, especially if no other options are put on table. The perverse logic of this rhetoric may sound convincing not only in literary context, fuelled simply by the suicidal tendency to destroy and kill for the sake of escalation.
There are a lot of serious thoughts to be left with after this book, but there are also purely enjoyable moments, including of high gourmet cuisine and Harry Potter´s clues based on which the smart and brave Anjoli was able to ultimately find a kidnapped boy leading to Kamil´s rescue.
I am tempted to give a try to other books from Kamil Rahman series as well, as I am sure it will give more context about the author and his characters as well.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
When the imam he befriended disappeared and the violent conflict surrounding Kashmir back home are about to threaten the security and lives of Londoners, he is faced with some dramatic decisions. He will join MI5 under cover trying to inflitrate an extremist mosque where the next deadly attack is probably originate from. As the race to stop the attack starts, he is by far one of the most unluckiest spy in the recent history of spy thrillers, and by far not the usual hero.
The Spy by Ajay Chowdhury is the fourth book from the detective Kamil Rahman series and although it can be read as a stand alone, there are few references that may sound differently to someone familiar with the previous installments - not my case.
Although from the very beginning the book starts on a very dramatic tone, and similar twists are changing the course of the story, what is in my opinion the strongest point of this book is the deep psychological manipulation of identity discourse. Using the ´oppressed´ narrative in order to manipulate hearts and minds through religious arguments may easily convince at first and second sight, especially if no other options are put on table. The perverse logic of this rhetoric may sound convincing not only in literary context, fuelled simply by the suicidal tendency to destroy and kill for the sake of escalation.
There are a lot of serious thoughts to be left with after this book, but there are also purely enjoyable moments, including of high gourmet cuisine and Harry Potter´s clues based on which the smart and brave Anjoli was able to ultimately find a kidnapped boy leading to Kamil´s rescue.
I am tempted to give a try to other books from Kamil Rahman series as well, as I am sure it will give more context about the author and his characters as well.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
November 22, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK, Vintage for an advance copy of The Spy, the fourth novel to feature Kamil Rahman, set mostly in London.
Kamil is working as a DC in the Met when MI5 ask him to go undercover. They have discovered the hint of a terrorist plot and want him to get the detail. He is sacked from the Met as a cover story and successfully infiltrates the cell, which sends him to Kashmir as a loyalty test. Meanwhile his friend Anjoli is looking for a missing teenager who is sending coded messages in his videos.
I enjoyed The Spy, which is a novel of two halves. The first half is relatively slow as Kamil gradually insinuates himself into an extremist cell, whereas the second half is nonstop action and tension as Kamil dices with death.
I’m not greatly interested in spies or militant extremism in my reading matter, but the chance to spend time with Kamil and Anjoli was too good to pass up. Having said that the novel has a harder edge than its predecessors, exposing the Hindu nationalism in India and the violence in Kashmir. I have no idea if it is a true depiction, but it feels as if it could be. It paints a grim picture.
As I said a novel of two halves. I didn’t feel overly engaged in the first half with the terrorists promoting a pipe dream. Still, all you need is to convince the gullible and a cell is born. Even the naive Kamil found something enticing in their argument. The second half is full of action as Kamil swings into action to save the world, or at least one part of it. The novel is well put together with a clever plot and a neat, if fanciful, ending of just desserts. It is satisfying but hardly believable.
Kamil is still dithering about the ladies in his life, should he choose his friend Anjoli or go back to his former fiancée Mahliha. After four novels he finally makes a choice, but he may be too late. I like Kamil, but he’s a strange mixture of rash and indecision. His heart’s in the right place.
The Spy is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Kamil is working as a DC in the Met when MI5 ask him to go undercover. They have discovered the hint of a terrorist plot and want him to get the detail. He is sacked from the Met as a cover story and successfully infiltrates the cell, which sends him to Kashmir as a loyalty test. Meanwhile his friend Anjoli is looking for a missing teenager who is sending coded messages in his videos.
I enjoyed The Spy, which is a novel of two halves. The first half is relatively slow as Kamil gradually insinuates himself into an extremist cell, whereas the second half is nonstop action and tension as Kamil dices with death.
I’m not greatly interested in spies or militant extremism in my reading matter, but the chance to spend time with Kamil and Anjoli was too good to pass up. Having said that the novel has a harder edge than its predecessors, exposing the Hindu nationalism in India and the violence in Kashmir. I have no idea if it is a true depiction, but it feels as if it could be. It paints a grim picture.
As I said a novel of two halves. I didn’t feel overly engaged in the first half with the terrorists promoting a pipe dream. Still, all you need is to convince the gullible and a cell is born. Even the naive Kamil found something enticing in their argument. The second half is full of action as Kamil swings into action to save the world, or at least one part of it. The novel is well put together with a clever plot and a neat, if fanciful, ending of just desserts. It is satisfying but hardly believable.
Kamil is still dithering about the ladies in his life, should he choose his friend Anjoli or go back to his former fiancée Mahliha. After four novels he finally makes a choice, but he may be too late. I like Kamil, but he’s a strange mixture of rash and indecision. His heart’s in the right place.
The Spy is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
April 22, 2024
The fourth book to feature Kamil Rahman in a series that goes from strength to strength, I like the way that the author tackles themes prevalent to today but does so without being wholly judgemental, but turns them into a read that a has a freshness about it, with a powerful and engaging storyline. This is a read where plot and character are king
A crime thriller which just resonates, superbly plotted, with two differing strands, intelligent, complex, thought provoking, the plot takes things off in a different direction, which makes for a different dynamic and read, it felt like there is a sea change within this book and that made it completely gripping
The writing in the book deserves your attention, there is a quality to the narrative which hooks you in
To a large extent Kamil is very much on his own and that creates its own suspense and tension, you can feel the doubt and at times fear within Kamal
Kamil comes across as a somewhat quiet character, definitely conflicted when it comes to women, you can see him struggle and question himself as to what he wants, principled with a desire to do the right thing
Anjoli on the other hand knows what she wants strong with an independence though sometimes rash in her decision making, there is something about the way she is written that appeals, They kind of need each other but also need some level of independance, they certainly spark off each other. I particularly enjoyed the role she played within the book, pivitol in allowing Kamil the freedom to play the part he did
I love the way that the author brings a London I don’t know to life , very much a character in its own right within the book
You see a change to Kamil’s character within the book which as you read you can see the reasons and the justification, it made for an interesting change in the dynamic of the story and to some degree set the story off an a different course, it also causes Kamil conflict which adds an air of intrigue as your’e not sure what direction the story will take
It was also interesting the Harry Potter references which were brought into play, cleverly constructed, I didn’t get it at first
A read which in part has a political statement running throughout, turns the book into a political crime thriller. This is a well balanced read, tackling difficult subject matter, but doing so with sensitivity
Everything about the book is designed to keep the reader gripped, fast paced with a level of intensity which just keeps on getting notched up. The twists come at you at moments when you least expect, all building up to the finale, at this point I couldn’t stop reading
This comes highly recommended but then I would urge you to read the three previous books in the series, cannot wait until the next read
A crime thriller which just resonates, superbly plotted, with two differing strands, intelligent, complex, thought provoking, the plot takes things off in a different direction, which makes for a different dynamic and read, it felt like there is a sea change within this book and that made it completely gripping
The writing in the book deserves your attention, there is a quality to the narrative which hooks you in
To a large extent Kamil is very much on his own and that creates its own suspense and tension, you can feel the doubt and at times fear within Kamal
Kamil comes across as a somewhat quiet character, definitely conflicted when it comes to women, you can see him struggle and question himself as to what he wants, principled with a desire to do the right thing
Anjoli on the other hand knows what she wants strong with an independence though sometimes rash in her decision making, there is something about the way she is written that appeals, They kind of need each other but also need some level of independance, they certainly spark off each other. I particularly enjoyed the role she played within the book, pivitol in allowing Kamil the freedom to play the part he did
I love the way that the author brings a London I don’t know to life , very much a character in its own right within the book
You see a change to Kamil’s character within the book which as you read you can see the reasons and the justification, it made for an interesting change in the dynamic of the story and to some degree set the story off an a different course, it also causes Kamil conflict which adds an air of intrigue as your’e not sure what direction the story will take
It was also interesting the Harry Potter references which were brought into play, cleverly constructed, I didn’t get it at first
A read which in part has a political statement running throughout, turns the book into a political crime thriller. This is a well balanced read, tackling difficult subject matter, but doing so with sensitivity
Everything about the book is designed to keep the reader gripped, fast paced with a level of intensity which just keeps on getting notched up. The twists come at you at moments when you least expect, all building up to the finale, at this point I couldn’t stop reading
This comes highly recommended but then I would urge you to read the three previous books in the series, cannot wait until the next read
November 14, 2023
An enjoyable series which entertains and educates.
"The Spy" is the fourth book featuring disgraced Detective Kamil Rahman and it finds him working for the Metropolitan Police. When he is asked by his imam to help with a suspected bomber within the mosque, things soon escalate and events (somewhat implausibly) overlap when he is asked by MI5 to infiltrate a terrorist cell.
Soon our hero is embroiled in a plot which takes him from Brick Lane in London to Kashmir and beyond, and confrontations with enemies new and old. In another sub-plot, Anjoli investigates the kidnapping of a young boy who’s sending coded video messages to his parents.
Kamil's life is a list of un-made decisions - not least, which of the two women in his life he wants the most. There's his ex-fiancée Maliha and his partner-in-crime Anjoli. Both strong women, and both pressing him to make a choice. This thread for me was the most frustrating in the book - after four books, the man just can't make up his mind!
"The Spy" continues to explore themes from the previous books - largely concerning the situation in Kamil's home country, with corruption and atrocities in India and Kashmir escalating by the day, but also the growing hatred aimed at ethnic groups in Britain. The narrative is strong and emotive, and it fairly carries you along. This isn't a "spy story" in the sense of Le Carre or Deighton, but it's a find read.
I have only read one of the previous Rahman books, and although it's not essential to have done so to enjoy "The Spy", I'd recommend reading them before opening this latest chapter. The author does a good job of filling in the characters' past exploits, but I feel there's a lot of good stuff to absorb before reading this.
Fans of the series will no doubt love this book, but newcomers might do well to catch up first.
"The Spy" is the fourth book featuring disgraced Detective Kamil Rahman and it finds him working for the Metropolitan Police. When he is asked by his imam to help with a suspected bomber within the mosque, things soon escalate and events (somewhat implausibly) overlap when he is asked by MI5 to infiltrate a terrorist cell.
Soon our hero is embroiled in a plot which takes him from Brick Lane in London to Kashmir and beyond, and confrontations with enemies new and old. In another sub-plot, Anjoli investigates the kidnapping of a young boy who’s sending coded video messages to his parents.
Kamil's life is a list of un-made decisions - not least, which of the two women in his life he wants the most. There's his ex-fiancée Maliha and his partner-in-crime Anjoli. Both strong women, and both pressing him to make a choice. This thread for me was the most frustrating in the book - after four books, the man just can't make up his mind!
"The Spy" continues to explore themes from the previous books - largely concerning the situation in Kamil's home country, with corruption and atrocities in India and Kashmir escalating by the day, but also the growing hatred aimed at ethnic groups in Britain. The narrative is strong and emotive, and it fairly carries you along. This isn't a "spy story" in the sense of Le Carre or Deighton, but it's a find read.
I have only read one of the previous Rahman books, and although it's not essential to have done so to enjoy "The Spy", I'd recommend reading them before opening this latest chapter. The author does a good job of filling in the characters' past exploits, but I feel there's a lot of good stuff to absorb before reading this.
Fans of the series will no doubt love this book, but newcomers might do well to catch up first.
June 26, 2024
Another super-addictive instalment of the Kamil Rahman 'saga' - where he becomes a spy for MI5! Kamil is getting disillusioned in his police role under Protheroe who is resentful of him, and his professional relationship with DI Tahir Ismail. His Mentor, Imam Masroor comes to him with concern about a regular and trusted worshipper who is possibly being led astray; he refers to 'something suspicious' but asks Kamil to keep it quiet for 24 hours; something Kamil later regrets. The Imam goes missing, along with Akhtar (the worshipper of concern). When a burned body is found, Kamil feels guilty and gets focussed.
MI5 approach Kamil, but he feels he wants to use conventional police methods - until he finds their shortcomings and lack of resources. MI5 is the only way to help his Imam and mentor. - Cue his second firing from a police force! His ‘persona’ is set – a man with a grievance against the establishment.
Kamil is living on his own, having moved out of Tandoori Knights. He is still infuriatingly undecided about where his heart lies - with Anjoli or his ex-fiance, Maliha. Anjoli is devastated when she meets up with her Aunt who, in a state of shock explains that her 15 year old son has been kidnapped and that her husband will not go to the police. Anjoli decides to try and solve the mystery herself, not involving Kamil who she notices has inexplicably turned 'religious', has grown a beard and has taken to wearing traditional dress - quite unlike his usual self.
Mr Chowdhury's usual wit and quick mind make for an addictive, fast-moving and entertaining plot. His writing about the situation in Kashmir is both beautiful and devastating. You understand how torn Kamil is in his loyalties, and how this can be taken advantage of by unscrupulous and persuasive people in order to use him to further their ambitions. An excellent read.
MI5 approach Kamil, but he feels he wants to use conventional police methods - until he finds their shortcomings and lack of resources. MI5 is the only way to help his Imam and mentor. - Cue his second firing from a police force! His ‘persona’ is set – a man with a grievance against the establishment.
Kamil is living on his own, having moved out of Tandoori Knights. He is still infuriatingly undecided about where his heart lies - with Anjoli or his ex-fiance, Maliha. Anjoli is devastated when she meets up with her Aunt who, in a state of shock explains that her 15 year old son has been kidnapped and that her husband will not go to the police. Anjoli decides to try and solve the mystery herself, not involving Kamil who she notices has inexplicably turned 'religious', has grown a beard and has taken to wearing traditional dress - quite unlike his usual self.
Mr Chowdhury's usual wit and quick mind make for an addictive, fast-moving and entertaining plot. His writing about the situation in Kashmir is both beautiful and devastating. You understand how torn Kamil is in his loyalties, and how this can be taken advantage of by unscrupulous and persuasive people in order to use him to further their ambitions. An excellent read.
January 27, 2024
Last year, I was fortunate to receive an ARC for 'The Detective', the third novel in the highly enjoyable Detective Kamil Rahman Mystery series by Ajay Chowdhury. It was my first time reading one of the Kamil Rahman novels, and afterwards, I decided to catchup my reading the first two novels in the series.
If you are a newcomer, then do not hesitate to dive straight into the series because as always the author has carefully crafted the storyline to provide sufficient information re the characters background to peak the reader's interest in reading the previous novels, and not too much information to overload the reader.
As the story begins, Kamil is continuing to work
as a Detective constable in the London Metropolitan police, though he faces a daily struggle in the face of the balant racism of his boss. He also is caught trying to decide where his heart truly lies - with the funny Anjoli, or his long ago love Maliha.
The storyline here is a complex one, and as in previous novels, gives the reader pause for thought, when the thorny issues of religion, identity and politics collide.
I did struggle on occasion to keep track of the storyline and this is not down to the writing but (and I'm embarrassed to admit this) but to my lack of knowledge about the topics covered so although a work of fiction, the issues covered and the history of Kashmir is indeed true and has encouraged me to read more non-fiction about this region. And that can only be a good thing.
Of and before I forget, can Anjoli please start producing those fab t-shirts as I would certainly be a customer!
This is another intelligent and well written thriller in the series that I can't recommend highly enough and I'm looking forward to more adventures with Kamil, Anjoli and Maliha.
If you are a newcomer, then do not hesitate to dive straight into the series because as always the author has carefully crafted the storyline to provide sufficient information re the characters background to peak the reader's interest in reading the previous novels, and not too much information to overload the reader.
As the story begins, Kamil is continuing to work
as a Detective constable in the London Metropolitan police, though he faces a daily struggle in the face of the balant racism of his boss. He also is caught trying to decide where his heart truly lies - with the funny Anjoli, or his long ago love Maliha.
The storyline here is a complex one, and as in previous novels, gives the reader pause for thought, when the thorny issues of religion, identity and politics collide.
I did struggle on occasion to keep track of the storyline and this is not down to the writing but (and I'm embarrassed to admit this) but to my lack of knowledge about the topics covered so although a work of fiction, the issues covered and the history of Kashmir is indeed true and has encouraged me to read more non-fiction about this region. And that can only be a good thing.
Of and before I forget, can Anjoli please start producing those fab t-shirts as I would certainly be a customer!
This is another intelligent and well written thriller in the series that I can't recommend highly enough and I'm looking forward to more adventures with Kamil, Anjoli and Maliha.
March 30, 2024
Book 4 in the Detective Kamil Rahman Series and I definitely think my favourite. I would recommend reading the previous books for context/background but it does read well as a stand-alone. Now working for the Metropolitan Police Kamil is not enjoying his job as he feels he is not being treated fairly by his bosses. After ‘falling out’ with his best friend Anjoli he is no longer living over the restaurant he previously worked in and his personal life is further complicated as his former fiancée Maliha is currently working in London.
Briefly, Kamil’s life is turned upside down when his friend and Imam goes missing and he is approached by MI5 for his help in trying to uncover a possible terrorist threat, and the Imam’s disappearance may be connected. Meanwhile Anjoli’s restaurant is doing well with a new chef in charge so when she is approached by a friend whose son has been kidnapped she is determined to help find him, but she can tell no one!
Both threads were very good but I particularly enjoyed deciphering the clues the missing boy was giving in his video messages to his parents. There is quite a lot of politics in this book around the conflict in Kashmir which I found interesting as I really wasn’t aware this was still such a sensitive issue. I did get a bit annoyed about the way Kamil was treating Anjoli and Maliha as he was trying to decide which of them he wished to have a relationship with, he seemed completely impervious to their feelings. That said this was a really good read and one I thoroughly enjoyed. A very good plot, engaging characters and all in all a very entertaining read.
Briefly, Kamil’s life is turned upside down when his friend and Imam goes missing and he is approached by MI5 for his help in trying to uncover a possible terrorist threat, and the Imam’s disappearance may be connected. Meanwhile Anjoli’s restaurant is doing well with a new chef in charge so when she is approached by a friend whose son has been kidnapped she is determined to help find him, but she can tell no one!
Both threads were very good but I particularly enjoyed deciphering the clues the missing boy was giving in his video messages to his parents. There is quite a lot of politics in this book around the conflict in Kashmir which I found interesting as I really wasn’t aware this was still such a sensitive issue. I did get a bit annoyed about the way Kamil was treating Anjoli and Maliha as he was trying to decide which of them he wished to have a relationship with, he seemed completely impervious to their feelings. That said this was a really good read and one I thoroughly enjoyed. A very good plot, engaging characters and all in all a very entertaining read.
July 30, 2023
The Spy
I have read the previous three in this series about Kamil Rahman: The Cook, The Waiter and The Detective and enjoyed them all. The Spy continues in the same vein but you have to have your wits about you to keep up with the plot.
Kamil Rahman is working for the Met as a lowly detective when he is recruited by MI5 to go undercover to thwart a terrorist plot. In order to do this there is quite a back story to fabricate, including throwing Kamil out of the Met police. I knew little about Kashmir or the rise of right wing Hinduism in India which are key parts of the plot; so found myself googling for more as I read this book. It was more of a challenge than the previous three.
Of course, we get also to hear about Kamil’s convoluted love life as he continues to seesaw between his ex-fiancée from India and Anjoli, the owner of the restaurant where he has been both waiter and cook. I enjoyed these bits.
Anjoli is more central in this book, with a sub plot and a new possible love interest. I find her a compelling character and more so than the ex-fiancée, Malhia. I would be happy to read a stand alone novel about Anjoli.
I dropped a star because I felt there were plot holes/directions which were not explained. I read a copy provided by NetGalley and the publishers but my views are my own. I recommend all the books in this series.
I have read the previous three in this series about Kamil Rahman: The Cook, The Waiter and The Detective and enjoyed them all. The Spy continues in the same vein but you have to have your wits about you to keep up with the plot.
Kamil Rahman is working for the Met as a lowly detective when he is recruited by MI5 to go undercover to thwart a terrorist plot. In order to do this there is quite a back story to fabricate, including throwing Kamil out of the Met police. I knew little about Kashmir or the rise of right wing Hinduism in India which are key parts of the plot; so found myself googling for more as I read this book. It was more of a challenge than the previous three.
Of course, we get also to hear about Kamil’s convoluted love life as he continues to seesaw between his ex-fiancée from India and Anjoli, the owner of the restaurant where he has been both waiter and cook. I enjoyed these bits.
Anjoli is more central in this book, with a sub plot and a new possible love interest. I find her a compelling character and more so than the ex-fiancée, Malhia. I would be happy to read a stand alone novel about Anjoli.
I dropped a star because I felt there were plot holes/directions which were not explained. I read a copy provided by NetGalley and the publishers but my views are my own. I recommend all the books in this series.
April 4, 2024
This is the fourth book in the Kamil Rahman series. It was my first read from this author so lost out on a lot of the background as to what has happened in the previous three books. That said I picked up the storyline and it became a good read.
Kamil is a serving Metropolitan Police Officer although is feeling undervalued by his immediate boss. When a close friend and confidant goes missing after disclosing some worrying information to him he chooses to approach Mi5 to report his loss, believing a terrorist group to be involved. They in turn recruit Rahman to infiltrate the alleged terrorist network to find out what is going on, amid a threat of an impending terrorist attack. The investigation takes him from London to Kashmir and back again. This part of the story shows a political and religious situation that I was broadly unaware of.
Whilst this is going on Rahman is trying to work out which of two previous girlfriends he wants to be with whilst one of them is acting as an amateur detective trying to find a boy that has been kidnapped.
The book is quite fast paced with lots happening in it and has many twists and turns along the way. As previously stated I probably would have enjoyed it more had I read the previous books in the series but it still read well as a standalone without knowing the background as to what had happened with the characters before.
Kamil is a serving Metropolitan Police Officer although is feeling undervalued by his immediate boss. When a close friend and confidant goes missing after disclosing some worrying information to him he chooses to approach Mi5 to report his loss, believing a terrorist group to be involved. They in turn recruit Rahman to infiltrate the alleged terrorist network to find out what is going on, amid a threat of an impending terrorist attack. The investigation takes him from London to Kashmir and back again. This part of the story shows a political and religious situation that I was broadly unaware of.
Whilst this is going on Rahman is trying to work out which of two previous girlfriends he wants to be with whilst one of them is acting as an amateur detective trying to find a boy that has been kidnapped.
The book is quite fast paced with lots happening in it and has many twists and turns along the way. As previously stated I probably would have enjoyed it more had I read the previous books in the series but it still read well as a standalone without knowing the background as to what had happened with the characters before.
January 26, 2025
I read The Cook, an earlier one in this series when it was published. The Spy is I think the 4th book in the series.I think, in common with many contemporary thrillers and detective stories, it's been written with an eye to being picked for a screen adaption. I found the political backdrop related to India and Kashmir interesting though the mix of real life politicians with fictional ones was confusing. It did inspire me to research more about the geopolitics of the area. The plot and the characters were very predictable. The unravelling of the mystery was straight out of Enid Blyton's Famous Five books. In fact the book itself read more like a teen read. The main protagonists are in their 30s but act as if they're teenagers. Though, I'm guessing that's a 'thing' and the books are probably aimed at 30 somethings. There's a fair bit of effing and jeffing which I don't think added much to the atmosphere and might put off some readers. I've read professional reviews which make much of the food descriptions. But again it all sounded a bit teen-speak to me. It's an easy read which can be welcome if you need something unchallenging and the finale sets up the next book. The hardback version that I read included an already published short story which was similarly predictable from page one.
October 31, 2023
I've really enjoyed this series as we've followed the story of Kamil, disgraced from the Indian police force and relocated to London, working first as a waiter, then as a cook and then joining the Met, only to bend the rules on his first case. In this book, rather improbably, MI5 decide they need a Muslim undercover operative and Kamil is their choice. So he is again apparently ejected from the Force in disgrace as he tries to infiltrate to find what plans terrorists are plotting.
The strands of the story were a bit implausible and it wasn't really a surprise when they began to intersect. The story further explores his relationship with the two women in his life, but it gets a bit repetitive as he angsts over who he wants to spend his life with. If the choice is that difficult, I'd say the answer is 'neither'!
So not quite as sharp and incisive as the previous books, but still a good read, very topical and relevant. The trip to Kashmir and India was particularly interesting to read. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The strands of the story were a bit implausible and it wasn't really a surprise when they began to intersect. The story further explores his relationship with the two women in his life, but it gets a bit repetitive as he angsts over who he wants to spend his life with. If the choice is that difficult, I'd say the answer is 'neither'!
So not quite as sharp and incisive as the previous books, but still a good read, very topical and relevant. The trip to Kashmir and India was particularly interesting to read. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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