What do you think?
Rate this book
Alec Milius #2
The Spanish Game
In exile. In danger. On the run. For six years, Alec Milius has been trying to escape his past. But his past refuses to release him. Abandoned by MI6 after a disastrous operation with the CIA, Milius has slowly rebuilt his life in Madrid: he has a flat, a job and a relationship with the wrong woman. Older and wiser than the young spy who first caught the eye of British Intelligence, Milius still has a talent for deception and a fatal weakness for secrets. So when a prominent politician disappears in suspicious circumstances he can't resist tracking him down. But the rules have changed. Alec is now working alone outside the boundaries of any official agency. Paranoid and expendable, he soon becomes vulnerable to the ruthless duplicities of the secret world. He can trust no one. But as he comes face to face with the nightmare of modern terror, Alec is given one last chance for redemption.
416 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2006
About the author
Charles Cumming
28 books1,354 followersCharles Cumming is British writer of spy fiction. His international bestselling thrillers including A Spy By Nature, The Spanish Game, Typhoon and The Trinity Six. A former British Secret Service recruit, he is a contributing editor of The Week magazine and lives in London.
http://www.charlescumming.co.uk/
http://www.charlescumming.co.uk/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
November 30, 2020
The Spanish Game is an enjoyable read for those interested in Madrid & the Basque country and for those who like European thrillers.
Several twists at the end.
Several twists at the end.
November 30, 2020
The Spanish Game is best for readers of European spy thrillers (MI6, etc) and for those who like/know/are interested in Spain. I fall into both categories. With its Madrid and Basque settings, the book transports the reader into the middle of Spanish intrigue.
December 7, 2017
The liar is always vulnerable to his own deceit.
Five years on from a botched industrial espionage project for MI6, Alec Milius is living in exile in Madrid. He works for English investment bank Endiom and is sleeping with his employer Julian’s Spanish wife, Sofía. Old habits die hard: he is constantly vigilant of being followed, keeping a bag of funds and false passport ready for escape.
His domestic routine is disrupted by the arrival of Saul, his oldest friend from England, whose marriage has folded. Saul is the type who pounces on the foibles of his friends while unable to manage his own life, accusing Alec of being paranoid; that “the incident” is largely is his mind but otherwise has all but been forgotten. The pair immediately set about exploring bars, playing chess (hence “The Spanish Game”), following the Madrid tradition of eating late and returning home at dawn. The map drawn of central Madrid is especially useful here.
Amid a trail of domestic chaos, Saul leaves to visit a friend in the south of Spain. Alec is sent to San Sebastian, in the Basque region, to explore options for securing future investment. Julian gives him an introduction to Mikel Arenaza, a flamboyant member of the political wing of ETA. Naturally, they meet in a bar... and their discussion leads to politics.
Another trademark grin, prompting the thought that Mikel Arenaza has a fatal weakness – a desire to be liked. He will say or do anything to achieve that end. What is seduction, after all, if not the constant pursuit of another’s approbation? I would be prepared to make a substantial bet that he has no firm convictions to speak of, only the desire to strip people of theirs.
They agree to meet in Madrid the following week, where Arenaza has a mistress, Rosalía. It is an appointment Arenaza fails to meet, as he is reported missing. Alec decides to conduct his own investigation into the disappearance, by tailing Rosalía. This brings him into contact with Zulaika, a journalist with the Basque newspaper Ahotsa. Alec’s “paranoia” appears justified when, in tailing a suspect, he is intercepted by MI6.
Charles Cumming delivers an impressive and thoughtful thriller of deceit and misdirection in the spy world, told in a cynical, careworn manner: Scepticism is the cancer of spies.
I have noticed over the last few days that parties on either side of the Basque conflict use exactly the same terminology when attacking one another. Thus Aznar is ‘a fascist’, Ibarretxe, the President of the Basque region, is ‘a fascist’, ETA are ‘a bunch of fascists’, and so on. A useful way of polarizing the debate for those with no interest in resolving it.
Amid the twists and turns we are given insights into the Spanish way of life: children still up at midnight; close links with South America; a kinship shared between separatist groups in Northern Ireland and the Basques, both justifying violence as a means to an end; a violence Alec experiences first hand.
For the armchair traveller there are also glimpses of the countryside.
…just after eleven I am passing through Burgos. This is where the landscape really comes into its own: rolling, patched fields of green and brown and the distant Cantabrian Mountains smashed by a biblical sunlight. At the side of the road, little patches of undecided snow are gradually melting as winter draws to an end. To be away from Madrid, from the pressure and anxiety of Saul, is suddenly liberating.
<
Five years on from a botched industrial espionage project for MI6, Alec Milius is living in exile in Madrid. He works for English investment bank Endiom and is sleeping with his employer Julian’s Spanish wife, Sofía. Old habits die hard: he is constantly vigilant of being followed, keeping a bag of funds and false passport ready for escape.
His domestic routine is disrupted by the arrival of Saul, his oldest friend from England, whose marriage has folded. Saul is the type who pounces on the foibles of his friends while unable to manage his own life, accusing Alec of being paranoid; that “the incident” is largely is his mind but otherwise has all but been forgotten. The pair immediately set about exploring bars, playing chess (hence “The Spanish Game”), following the Madrid tradition of eating late and returning home at dawn. The map drawn of central Madrid is especially useful here.
Amid a trail of domestic chaos, Saul leaves to visit a friend in the south of Spain. Alec is sent to San Sebastian, in the Basque region, to explore options for securing future investment. Julian gives him an introduction to Mikel Arenaza, a flamboyant member of the political wing of ETA. Naturally, they meet in a bar... and their discussion leads to politics.
Another trademark grin, prompting the thought that Mikel Arenaza has a fatal weakness – a desire to be liked. He will say or do anything to achieve that end. What is seduction, after all, if not the constant pursuit of another’s approbation? I would be prepared to make a substantial bet that he has no firm convictions to speak of, only the desire to strip people of theirs.
They agree to meet in Madrid the following week, where Arenaza has a mistress, Rosalía. It is an appointment Arenaza fails to meet, as he is reported missing. Alec decides to conduct his own investigation into the disappearance, by tailing Rosalía. This brings him into contact with Zulaika, a journalist with the Basque newspaper Ahotsa. Alec’s “paranoia” appears justified when, in tailing a suspect, he is intercepted by MI6.
Charles Cumming delivers an impressive and thoughtful thriller of deceit and misdirection in the spy world, told in a cynical, careworn manner: Scepticism is the cancer of spies.
I have noticed over the last few days that parties on either side of the Basque conflict use exactly the same terminology when attacking one another. Thus Aznar is ‘a fascist’, Ibarretxe, the President of the Basque region, is ‘a fascist’, ETA are ‘a bunch of fascists’, and so on. A useful way of polarizing the debate for those with no interest in resolving it.
Amid the twists and turns we are given insights into the Spanish way of life: children still up at midnight; close links with South America; a kinship shared between separatist groups in Northern Ireland and the Basques, both justifying violence as a means to an end; a violence Alec experiences first hand.
For the armchair traveller there are also glimpses of the countryside.
…just after eleven I am passing through Burgos. This is where the landscape really comes into its own: rolling, patched fields of green and brown and the distant Cantabrian Mountains smashed by a biblical sunlight. At the side of the road, little patches of undecided snow are gradually melting as winter draws to an end. To be away from Madrid, from the pressure and anxiety of Saul, is suddenly liberating.
<
April 15, 2024
My second book by this author with the spy character Alec Milius, and would you believe book 2👍.
Story set in Madrid allows memories of a few holiday locations. Alec is in hiding from MI6 and his belief that the CIA murdered his girlfriend in the UK. This is a story about the Basque ETA group. Story moves along at pace. But I especially like the Authors prose. Some examples:
‘Like some washed-up private eye in Hammett or Chandler I buy a cup of polystyrene garage coffee and drink it in a freezing front seat, cursing the pain in my back. That’s why all the experts recommend surveillance from a van; you can walk around; you can stretch your legs; you can piss without having to do it in a bottle.’
‘Was just about to have my first mouthful of chicken jalfrezi when you called, he says. ‘Bottle of Cobra on its way, sag aloo, a nice peshwari nan. First normal food in weeks. Not bloody jamon, not bloody tortilla, not bloody chorizo. I’ve been running on a single poppadum since lunch, so make it snappy.’
I will look out for more by Charles Cumming.
Story set in Madrid allows memories of a few holiday locations. Alec is in hiding from MI6 and his belief that the CIA murdered his girlfriend in the UK. This is a story about the Basque ETA group. Story moves along at pace. But I especially like the Authors prose. Some examples:
‘Like some washed-up private eye in Hammett or Chandler I buy a cup of polystyrene garage coffee and drink it in a freezing front seat, cursing the pain in my back. That’s why all the experts recommend surveillance from a van; you can walk around; you can stretch your legs; you can piss without having to do it in a bottle.’
‘Was just about to have my first mouthful of chicken jalfrezi when you called, he says. ‘Bottle of Cobra on its way, sag aloo, a nice peshwari nan. First normal food in weeks. Not bloody jamon, not bloody tortilla, not bloody chorizo. I’ve been running on a single poppadum since lunch, so make it snappy.’
I will look out for more by Charles Cumming.
September 9, 2023
I’m glad I persevered and read this second in the Alec Milius series. The first was ponderous, took ages to get going and left me feeling equivocal about the lead character. This one has a complex plot (involving the Spanish government, ETA, CIA and SIS) and, more importantly, added flesh on the bones of Alec Milius so that he becomes more understandable - but not necessarily more likeable. If you like Madrid, Spain and cross and double cross this is a book for you.
June 12, 2019
The Spanish Game is the second adventure of Alec Milius. Alec is young, self-centered, duplicitous - he lies reflexively and instinctively - methodical, intelligent and extremely paranoid, i.e. the perfect spy - which is why he was recruited by the British Intelligence Service straight out of college. Alec may not be the most likeable protagonist in a thriller series, but he is fascinating.
In The Spanish Game, it's now six years after what transpired in the previous book, A Spy By Nature. Alec has been dismissed - in disgrace - from MI6. In a self-imposed exile, he is now living in Spain working as a researcher for a small bank. Being Alec, he is also romantically involved with his boss' wife and constantly looking over his shoulder - concerned and convinced his past will catch up with him. The story does take a bit to get started as the reader learns all this and becomes acquainted with our hero's new current day to day existence.
On a business trip to Spain's Basque region Alec meets up with an old acquaintance of his boss' - a member of the "controversial" ETA - and becomes embroiled in Spanish politics and terrorism - all with the backdrop of the global War on Terror. The Spanish Game is a psychological and intellectual thriller with more puzzles and mind-games than gun-fire, although there is some "action". Cummings' books are reminiscent of LeCarre's and resemble those of John Lawton's Inspector Troy series, effectively blending historical fact with fiction. And there are more than several crafty twists and turns here to keep the reader guessing. If you like your thrillers with a little more brains than brawn - try this author.
In The Spanish Game, it's now six years after what transpired in the previous book, A Spy By Nature. Alec has been dismissed - in disgrace - from MI6. In a self-imposed exile, he is now living in Spain working as a researcher for a small bank. Being Alec, he is also romantically involved with his boss' wife and constantly looking over his shoulder - concerned and convinced his past will catch up with him. The story does take a bit to get started as the reader learns all this and becomes acquainted with our hero's new current day to day existence.
On a business trip to Spain's Basque region Alec meets up with an old acquaintance of his boss' - a member of the "controversial" ETA - and becomes embroiled in Spanish politics and terrorism - all with the backdrop of the global War on Terror. The Spanish Game is a psychological and intellectual thriller with more puzzles and mind-games than gun-fire, although there is some "action". Cummings' books are reminiscent of LeCarre's and resemble those of John Lawton's Inspector Troy series, effectively blending historical fact with fiction. And there are more than several crafty twists and turns here to keep the reader guessing. If you like your thrillers with a little more brains than brawn - try this author.
March 10, 2016
Was expecting more out this, it never seemed to hit it's stride.
January 10, 2009
This second book in the Alec Milius series finds our young ex-spy living in secret in Madrid, sleeping with his boss's wife and basically hiding out from both the British and the Americans. In the first book in this in series, Alec was involved in a bit of misdirection with the CIA, but has been on the run since it ended poorly and his girlfriend died under mysterious circumstances. Alec has three passports, using multiple fake names and practices his spy craft on everyone. Alec befriends a ex member of ETA when his boss sends him to Basque country to interview the guy as part of his job (the Basque terrorist/freedom fighters fighting for independence from Spain). They make a plan to meet in Madrid but the guy never shows and Alex fatefully decides to investigate the disappearance. From there Cummings weaves an interesting little tale of spies and spying with secret agendas and no person is who you think they are. Alec, I think acquits himself okay in the end but before then he is a recipient of a Jack Bauer beatdown from ETA members and several shrewd plots. As usual, no one comes out smelling good in this modern espionage story
June 22, 2026
To be honest, 3 stars feels a little bit generous for this espionage thriller. In terms of pacing and action, it’s probably more along the 2 star level. I just didn’t feel any tension or investment in the character, especially not during the very slow first half.
That being said, the political plot of this book did appeal to me. I enjoyed geeking out and learning more about the complex world of Basque-Spanish relations and the terrorism aspect of it. That’s probably the only reason this gets bumped up from 2 to 3 - otherwise I was disappointed.
That being said, the political plot of this book did appeal to me. I enjoyed geeking out and learning more about the complex world of Basque-Spanish relations and the terrorism aspect of it. That’s probably the only reason this gets bumped up from 2 to 3 - otherwise I was disappointed.
June 16, 2013
I'm so glad that I went back and re-read "A Spy By Nature" before I started this sequel. You need to understand the reasons for his paranoia to be able to get into this story. As another reviewer commented, I wouldn't want to know Alec Milius, but in this book, I did have some sympathy for him.
It is, I think, better written than its predecessor, particularly in terms of sustaining the pace, despite a lot of interesting exposition about the Basque struggle. It twists and turns and, like Alec, you begin to suspect everyone, and you are right to!
I have already picked up the rest of Cummings' oeuvre and look forward to reading them over the coming weeks with pleasureable expectation
It is, I think, better written than its predecessor, particularly in terms of sustaining the pace, despite a lot of interesting exposition about the Basque struggle. It twists and turns and, like Alec, you begin to suspect everyone, and you are right to!
I have already picked up the rest of Cummings' oeuvre and look forward to reading them over the coming weeks with pleasureable expectation
November 5, 2022
If you removed the first 200 pages, the cringey dialogue, the unlikeable characters, and lazy writing, this might be good. This was give to me as a gift and I’m starting to think that person hates me. Really, really bad.
September 19, 2014
moer plot twists than a plate of spaghetti, involving mi5 mi6 cia gal eta, set about 2003 in madrid and san sebastian.
alex has been let go from mi6 and has been living underground for 5 years (cia fucked him royal, and he was both very sad about that, and fired), but he's finally getting on his feet again in madrid, then solves a big case and thinks london is going to ask him/bring him back from out the cold. not so though.
good book on settings, logistics, geopolitics, fairness.
i would read more charles cummings.
alex has been let go from mi6 and has been living underground for 5 years (cia fucked him royal, and he was both very sad about that, and fired), but he's finally getting on his feet again in madrid, then solves a big case and thinks london is going to ask him/bring him back from out the cold. not so though.
good book on settings, logistics, geopolitics, fairness.
i would read more charles cummings.
September 9, 2012
I really liked this book until the end. I'm very interested in Spanish politics and Basque affairs and I loves how the author covered them but I felt the ending was bad. It was too abrupt and didn't tie up a lot of loose ends. Very disappointing.
October 25, 2025
This is a brilliant spy thriller. The Madrid setting makes a nice change and the story sees with paranoia and regret. The twist at the end is first rate.
October 7, 2024
I'm heading to Spain in a couple weeks for the first time. A friend gave me this book to read before going. It mostly takes place in Centro, Madrid & is full of eating suggestions by locals. It also covers some recent history.
The story is a British spy thriller which takes place in 2003 involving Basque separatists & government corruption. It was an OK thriller with a few twists, but I found several suggestions of places to go while I am in Spain, hence 4 stars instead of 3.
The story is a British spy thriller which takes place in 2003 involving Basque separatists & government corruption. It was an OK thriller with a few twists, but I found several suggestions of places to go while I am in Spain, hence 4 stars instead of 3.
March 3, 2024
Pretty good! Super confusing tho, not sure if I 100% get it but overall very good
January 1, 2021
Interesting about Spain & clever plot
April 26, 2024
This review is for the audiobook version. In the review I will refer to the protagonist by name first and then by the initials A.M beyond that.
This book draws you in quick and keep's you interested until the very end. Alex Milius, a former MI6 spook has exiled himself in Madrid after bungling a previous job against the UK's "big brother" the US. Now working for UK invest firm Endiom, he does basic background research which is passed onto the shareholders. Cumming portray's the paranoid aspects of Milius quite well. It is a major theme throughout the book, maybe THE theme.
Euskadi Ta Askatasuna or ETA was an armed Basque nationalist and far-left separatist organization in the Basque Country, with a goal of independence from Spain. Over the course of 60+ years 800+ are killed in acts of terror. Including the high profile assassination of long time confidant of Franco, Luis Blanco in the 1970s.
Now in the post 911 world, with support (of ETA) dwindling, and the group fracturing, A.M. is sent to see Mikel Arenaza the head of the political arm (akin to Sinn Féin) of ETA in order that he can get a better picture of how things currently stand in the Basque region for Endiom. Ostensibly there to write an analysis for the company, A.M. finds himself empathizing with Mikel's dilemma, a complicated individual for sure. His initial political salvo comes across as inchoate, but A.M. can see through it. He's puppeting the same talking points they all do, and its insincere at best.
When Mikel no-shows a follow up, A.M. fears the worst right away. This is where things kick off in earnest. As more and more elements of his previous life start to rear their ugly head, his paranoia kicks into overdrive. A widening conspiracy begins to assert itself yet A.M. has no idea who is who. Is he a dupe, a pawn, or just a paranoid? Alternate forces begin to converge, ETA, GAL or Grupos Antiterroristas de Liberació—a paramilitary group which aims to counter ETA with violence of their own, the cousins (CIA), her majesty's secret service, the Guardia Civil, a dogged basque reporter with ETA sympathies, not to mention A.M. cuckolded boss, and wife—Sophia his lover.
The interaction of all of these forces, as well as many twists and turns makes this an enjoyable thriller. I particularly liked the way Cumming weaves his yarn with bits of historical fact—ETA and the Basque separatist movement, as well as the allusions towards 911—its brutal aftermath and handling of US policy in regards to terror. It is a well crafted thriller, and worth reading especially if your a fan of other books in the genre, or Cumming in general.
I have read maybe 4-5 of Cummings novel's and I have to say despite its strong aspects this was probably my least favourite. There are a few factors which are important here namely that:
1. The characters are really the biggest gripe. Not one single character did I connect with or feel anything for. Not surprising they all utterly lack personality, their motives transparent, there desire singular. Our protagonist is at times pretentious and conceited he seems to believe he is a great lover and takes pleasure in describing to his friend his sexy, smart, lover. From page 1 to the last A.M. paranoia and fear is a constant. complete rote drivel, add's zero suspense or dread instead makes him very unlikable.
2. One of the WIDE array of things which makes an espionage thriller good-great or excellent (Deighton, LeCarre, Kanon) is plausibility. These are written for our entertainment that being said there is something to be said about authenticity in these stories. There were SO many elements to this story which felt completely absurd to me. Ill list them as they are many.
1. A.M. is apparently suspicious of everyone and everything even as he tells his best mate that he has simple rules if someone approaches him he will view them as suspicious especially if he has never seen them. But when he is offered a job from a bank to do deep background research because he is speaking a certain language. this is absurd. No bank in the world, EVER would do this. Also Alec Milius is qualified to make financial analysis, understand all the complex nuance of national/international economy and markets? absurd.
2. Why on earth is he so interested in following up with the missing Mikel. He is apparently really happy in Madrid and seemingly well paid and safe, got a sexy mistress, and absolutely NO reason to get involved in these shenanagins.
3. A former MI6 agent who was actually out in the field, in Operations who's job now is to do DEEP BACKGROUND research has to fucking hire a shoddy private eye!?! For what? is he not imminently qualified for this task?
4. When he is approached by MI6 he basically just takes it at face value that he just happened to get noticed following another target? its all so incredulous...
To conclude the young bright boy recruited from college to be a spook (this is not the easiest thing to do) is both extremely paranoid and highly op-security conscious, while simultaneously being the most naive, personal honour/redemption driven men.
I have gone a bit off the deep end lol. To be fair, I didnt hate the book, I finished it, and my review probably portrays my annoyance as the implausible stuff a lot more than how I felt. The plot is not bad, its entertaining and has twists. But its got a lot holding it back.
I like this author. His Thomas Kell series is 10 times more nuanced, has way better characters, shit just the protagonist Kell has more authenticity and personality than every character in this book combined.
If you havent read Charles Cumming before I highly suggest you pick up one of his many other thrillers. The aforementioned thomas kell series first book A Foreign Country, or stand alone titles Typhoon (my personal favourite of his) or The Morrocan Girl (stand-alone)
This book draws you in quick and keep's you interested until the very end. Alex Milius, a former MI6 spook has exiled himself in Madrid after bungling a previous job against the UK's "big brother" the US. Now working for UK invest firm Endiom, he does basic background research which is passed onto the shareholders. Cumming portray's the paranoid aspects of Milius quite well. It is a major theme throughout the book, maybe THE theme.
Euskadi Ta Askatasuna or ETA was an armed Basque nationalist and far-left separatist organization in the Basque Country, with a goal of independence from Spain. Over the course of 60+ years 800+ are killed in acts of terror. Including the high profile assassination of long time confidant of Franco, Luis Blanco in the 1970s.
Now in the post 911 world, with support (of ETA) dwindling, and the group fracturing, A.M. is sent to see Mikel Arenaza the head of the political arm (akin to Sinn Féin) of ETA in order that he can get a better picture of how things currently stand in the Basque region for Endiom. Ostensibly there to write an analysis for the company, A.M. finds himself empathizing with Mikel's dilemma, a complicated individual for sure. His initial political salvo comes across as inchoate, but A.M. can see through it. He's puppeting the same talking points they all do, and its insincere at best.
When Mikel no-shows a follow up, A.M. fears the worst right away. This is where things kick off in earnest. As more and more elements of his previous life start to rear their ugly head, his paranoia kicks into overdrive. A widening conspiracy begins to assert itself yet A.M. has no idea who is who. Is he a dupe, a pawn, or just a paranoid? Alternate forces begin to converge, ETA, GAL or Grupos Antiterroristas de Liberació—a paramilitary group which aims to counter ETA with violence of their own, the cousins (CIA), her majesty's secret service, the Guardia Civil, a dogged basque reporter with ETA sympathies, not to mention A.M. cuckolded boss, and wife—Sophia his lover.
The interaction of all of these forces, as well as many twists and turns makes this an enjoyable thriller. I particularly liked the way Cumming weaves his yarn with bits of historical fact—ETA and the Basque separatist movement, as well as the allusions towards 911—its brutal aftermath and handling of US policy in regards to terror. It is a well crafted thriller, and worth reading especially if your a fan of other books in the genre, or Cumming in general.
I have read maybe 4-5 of Cummings novel's and I have to say despite its strong aspects this was probably my least favourite. There are a few factors which are important here namely that:
1. The characters are really the biggest gripe. Not one single character did I connect with or feel anything for. Not surprising they all utterly lack personality, their motives transparent, there desire singular. Our protagonist is at times pretentious and conceited he seems to believe he is a great lover and takes pleasure in describing to his friend his sexy, smart, lover. From page 1 to the last A.M. paranoia and fear is a constant. complete rote drivel, add's zero suspense or dread instead makes him very unlikable.
2. One of the WIDE array of things which makes an espionage thriller good-great or excellent (Deighton, LeCarre, Kanon) is plausibility. These are written for our entertainment that being said there is something to be said about authenticity in these stories. There were SO many elements to this story which felt completely absurd to me. Ill list them as they are many.
1. A.M. is apparently suspicious of everyone and everything even as he tells his best mate that he has simple rules if someone approaches him he will view them as suspicious especially if he has never seen them. But when he is offered a job from a bank to do deep background research because he is speaking a certain language. this is absurd. No bank in the world, EVER would do this. Also Alec Milius is qualified to make financial analysis, understand all the complex nuance of national/international economy and markets? absurd.
2. Why on earth is he so interested in following up with the missing Mikel. He is apparently really happy in Madrid and seemingly well paid and safe, got a sexy mistress, and absolutely NO reason to get involved in these shenanagins.
3. A former MI6 agent who was actually out in the field, in Operations who's job now is to do DEEP BACKGROUND research has to fucking hire a shoddy private eye!?! For what? is he not imminently qualified for this task?
4. When he is approached by MI6 he basically just takes it at face value that he just happened to get noticed following another target? its all so incredulous...
To conclude the young bright boy recruited from college to be a spook (this is not the easiest thing to do) is both extremely paranoid and highly op-security conscious, while simultaneously being the most naive, personal honour/redemption driven men.
I have gone a bit off the deep end lol. To be fair, I didnt hate the book, I finished it, and my review probably portrays my annoyance as the implausible stuff a lot more than how I felt. The plot is not bad, its entertaining and has twists. But its got a lot holding it back.
I like this author. His Thomas Kell series is 10 times more nuanced, has way better characters, shit just the protagonist Kell has more authenticity and personality than every character in this book combined.
If you havent read Charles Cumming before I highly suggest you pick up one of his many other thrillers. The aforementioned thomas kell series first book A Foreign Country, or stand alone titles Typhoon (my personal favourite of his) or The Morrocan Girl (stand-alone)
June 19, 2016
Alec Milius is a complex protagonist. Definitely flawed, but an intriguing and, at times, narcissistic former British spy leaving the ex-pat/exile life in Madrid. After flaming out with SIS (MI-5) in stunning fashion, he flees England for Spain where he works part-time for a British-run bank. While there, he gets involved with his boss's wife and that weirdly draws him into a complex web of political scandal, dirty wars, and triple-crossings. This ain't Jason Bourne, not by a longshot. Nor is it John Le Carre, but Cumming has a talent for character development and nuisanced musings on international politics. The plot is not propulsive, no car explosions or snipers on rooftops, but this is pretty entertaining nonetheless. Recommended.
May 30, 2013
Every bit as enjoyable as the prequel "A Spy by Nature" Cumming continues to engage the reader with clever narrative in "The Spanish Game." While I am only vaguely familiar with the Basque conflict, in the author's note, Cumming states that the book had been written with respect for opinions on both sides. It is never too late for a history lesson and I especially like a story that educates. And I always find it interesting when reviewers totally disagree, in this case on the ending. Regardless of how one feels, "The first thing you should know about people is that you don't know the first thing about them."(Page 332)Perhaps Alec is still an amateur spy but the beat goes on.
February 23, 2019
An OK read, I think the problem for me was Alec was never a likable character - which was intentional. Also everyone else involved, of any note that is, are not likable. The plot line was clear well into the book - roughly 60% in, and the rest of the book was just a slow morass to the inevitable conclusion. The conclusion was inconceivable, improbably, and TBF incalculable given the rogue nature of Alec. YMMV.
February 26, 2022
Mr Cumming is hailed as a successor to John le Carré ! Baloney. This book is all plot, no character, no humour and no style.
If you have read all of le Carré, I would suggest Mick Herron - or a step sideways to Philip Kerr. Both of these writers have humour and style - and characters that aren't cardboard.
If you have read all of le Carré, I would suggest Mick Herron - or a step sideways to Philip Kerr. Both of these writers have humour and style - and characters that aren't cardboard.
October 15, 2013
In the hopes that Cummings would have improved from his first novel, I gave this sequel to A SPY BY NATURE a shot. In the end, my opinion is the same--good writer, lousy storyteller. Way too much scene detail, not enough plot movement.
August 19, 2009
Fun, twisty, spy thriller is thoroughly enjoyable especially for anyone who knows Madrid, San Sebastian, and a bit of the Basque history.
October 4, 2011
Another great read from Charles Cumming. I hope he comes out with another Alec Milius book someday. I like these thrillers because they're more thinking than action-oriented.
December 6, 2017
Onvan : The Spanish Game (Alec Milius #2) - Nevisande : Charles Cumming - ISBN : 014101783X - ISBN13 : 9780141017839 - Dar 480 Safhe - Saal e Chap : 2006
December 31, 2012
Enjoyed the Madrid setting and it moved right along in good thriller fashion.
June 14, 2021
Entertaining but don’t expect a taught, tense thriller.
The story opens with the central figure – Alec Milius - outlining his current situation living in Madrid. Alec lives a rather solitary life, holding a job as a free-lance consultant for a British bank and apart from his mistress, his personal life revolves mainly around the cafés, restaurants & bars he frequents. His best friend, Saul who is going through a divorce, comes to Madrid from the UK to unwind, to complete the context.
What we discover of Alec is that he is incredibly paranoid, fearing & seeing events around him as possible retribution for his failure & deceit of the SIS & CIA in his initial, failed mission (he has been let go by MI5/6 as a result), carries a large degree of guilt for the death of his beloved Kate which occurred during the mission – yet holds a deep longing to find himself back into the espionage arena.
One must be patient as this background covers the first 100 pages or so if the book - mainly to give the necessary background, especially for those who did not read the initial book – A Spy By Nature – such as in my case.
When the bank sends Alec on a fact-finding mission on investment possibilities in the Basque region, he meets up with Mikel Arenaza, a leader in the political arm of the Basque separation movement, of which the military wing – the ETA – is highly active & visible. They strike up a warm liking to each other, as we learn a good deal about the Basque separation movement overall, including the clandestine “anti-terrorist” work by the government to eliminate the ETA. Mikel & Alec agree to meet again during Mikel’s planned visit to Madrid the following week, and although Mikel phones ahead of his flight to confirm, he never shows.
This disappearance leads Alec to launch his own investigation himself, which ratches up the intrigue, but in a paced, even if at times dramatic, way. There are sub-plots, twists & turns of course and Alec’s paranoia is both misplaced and well placed at times (can’t say more).
In short, a fun read, with a likeable central character, intriguing at times, but – in my view – certainly not at the level I expected relative to the hype & accolades surrounding this book.
The story opens with the central figure – Alec Milius - outlining his current situation living in Madrid. Alec lives a rather solitary life, holding a job as a free-lance consultant for a British bank and apart from his mistress, his personal life revolves mainly around the cafés, restaurants & bars he frequents. His best friend, Saul who is going through a divorce, comes to Madrid from the UK to unwind, to complete the context.
What we discover of Alec is that he is incredibly paranoid, fearing & seeing events around him as possible retribution for his failure & deceit of the SIS & CIA in his initial, failed mission (he has been let go by MI5/6 as a result), carries a large degree of guilt for the death of his beloved Kate which occurred during the mission – yet holds a deep longing to find himself back into the espionage arena.
One must be patient as this background covers the first 100 pages or so if the book - mainly to give the necessary background, especially for those who did not read the initial book – A Spy By Nature – such as in my case.
When the bank sends Alec on a fact-finding mission on investment possibilities in the Basque region, he meets up with Mikel Arenaza, a leader in the political arm of the Basque separation movement, of which the military wing – the ETA – is highly active & visible. They strike up a warm liking to each other, as we learn a good deal about the Basque separation movement overall, including the clandestine “anti-terrorist” work by the government to eliminate the ETA. Mikel & Alec agree to meet again during Mikel’s planned visit to Madrid the following week, and although Mikel phones ahead of his flight to confirm, he never shows.
This disappearance leads Alec to launch his own investigation himself, which ratches up the intrigue, but in a paced, even if at times dramatic, way. There are sub-plots, twists & turns of course and Alec’s paranoia is both misplaced and well placed at times (can’t say more).
In short, a fun read, with a likeable central character, intriguing at times, but – in my view – certainly not at the level I expected relative to the hype & accolades surrounding this book.
June 7, 2026
Patsy in the game
Eight years on, Alec Milius - the deluded loser of “A Spy by Nature” - is in self-imposed exile in Madrid, still paranoid that the CIA is out to get him. He is working as a political analyst for a British banker named Julian Church, while having an affair with Julian’s wife, Sofia. Still a man steeped in deceit.
On a research assignment in the Basque Country, Milius agrees to meet an acquaintance of Julian’s named Mikel Arenaza, a somewhat disillusioned politician from Herri Batasuna, the political wing of the armed Basque separatist movement ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna). The two men get on and agree to meet up back in Madrid but then Arenaza disappears.
Milius takes it upon himself to investigate and - predictably - screws up and gets himself into trouble. In stalking Arenaza’s mistress he stumbles across a Portuguese mercenary/arms dealer who is already under surveillance. Thus does Milius come to the attention of some people who are only too glad to use him, and then take their revenge on him for the events of ‘A Spy by Nature’.
Apparently neither his employer nor anyone else notices when he goes AWOL in his madcap desire to find out what happened to Arenaza. And in his obsessive desire to be accepted back into the British Intelligence community it never occurs to Milius that the self-identified MI6 agents he meets and agrees to work with, may be deceiving him. Milius as anti-hero is self-serving and amoral, with so little to commend him: still deluded about his own intelligence and abilities, somehow convincing himself that he is worthy of redemption.
Yet he continues to use and discard other people, continues to deceive himself and others. Even when he reaches a sort of violent epiphany, and the reader thinks that maybe he is capable of self-reflection and growth… he is blind to reality, a rank amateur, filled with paranoia yet unable to ‘see the wood for the trees’. The parallels with ‘Johnny English’ are alluded to, but stripped of all comedy and it is hard to feel empathy for someone so stupidly self-serving.
Eight years on, Alec Milius - the deluded loser of “A Spy by Nature” - is in self-imposed exile in Madrid, still paranoid that the CIA is out to get him. He is working as a political analyst for a British banker named Julian Church, while having an affair with Julian’s wife, Sofia. Still a man steeped in deceit.
On a research assignment in the Basque Country, Milius agrees to meet an acquaintance of Julian’s named Mikel Arenaza, a somewhat disillusioned politician from Herri Batasuna, the political wing of the armed Basque separatist movement ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna). The two men get on and agree to meet up back in Madrid but then Arenaza disappears.
Milius takes it upon himself to investigate and - predictably - screws up and gets himself into trouble. In stalking Arenaza’s mistress he stumbles across a Portuguese mercenary/arms dealer who is already under surveillance. Thus does Milius come to the attention of some people who are only too glad to use him, and then take their revenge on him for the events of ‘A Spy by Nature’.
Apparently neither his employer nor anyone else notices when he goes AWOL in his madcap desire to find out what happened to Arenaza. And in his obsessive desire to be accepted back into the British Intelligence community it never occurs to Milius that the self-identified MI6 agents he meets and agrees to work with, may be deceiving him. Milius as anti-hero is self-serving and amoral, with so little to commend him: still deluded about his own intelligence and abilities, somehow convincing himself that he is worthy of redemption.
Yet he continues to use and discard other people, continues to deceive himself and others. Even when he reaches a sort of violent epiphany, and the reader thinks that maybe he is capable of self-reflection and growth… he is blind to reality, a rank amateur, filled with paranoia yet unable to ‘see the wood for the trees’. The parallels with ‘Johnny English’ are alluded to, but stripped of all comedy and it is hard to feel empathy for someone so stupidly self-serving.
January 8, 2023
I recently read A Spy by Nature (the first Alec Milius book) and was interested to see what Charles Cumming would do with Alec next. This book was written a few years after the first and has a very different setting. I recently met the author at an event - he was fairly dismissive of Alec Milius who was dropped after this book.
The book is 378 pages split into 45 chapters - a comfortable format which should make it easy to read.
I'm not usually a fan of spy thrillers but enjoyed this book for it's simplicity - if I could follow it then anyone can! It's set in 2003 in Madrid which makes the use of technology interesting to read although I see that the book was published in 2006 which means the natural use of technology is understandable. Mobile technology is still new and it's capabilities are not being exploited (for example Alex still receives calls at home on a land line!).
Alec is a well formed character - I love his combination of innocence and suspicion. There are many references to the first book and it is best to have read that before this one but this novel could stand alone if not.
The book is full of detail about the street names and places in Madrid. I suspect that the author thought he would be giving the book authenticity but I found it very distracting. There is a map at the start but I didn't refer back to it at all (again, finding it distracted from the plot).
Conversely, I loved the detail around the actual spaying, particularly the surveillance, both watching and being watched. I also found the period really interesting. I know very little about Spanish terrorism so the book was a huge learning curve. It's clear the author has done his research and he used it in a clear way which supported the plot. Of course, I'm not sure where the line is between fact and fiction which makes the book even more exciting.
Put all the unnecessary distractions aside and this is a really interesting plot with a great ending. It's not an easy book to read but worth sticking with.
The book is 378 pages split into 45 chapters - a comfortable format which should make it easy to read.
I'm not usually a fan of spy thrillers but enjoyed this book for it's simplicity - if I could follow it then anyone can! It's set in 2003 in Madrid which makes the use of technology interesting to read although I see that the book was published in 2006 which means the natural use of technology is understandable. Mobile technology is still new and it's capabilities are not being exploited (for example Alex still receives calls at home on a land line!).
Alec is a well formed character - I love his combination of innocence and suspicion. There are many references to the first book and it is best to have read that before this one but this novel could stand alone if not.
The book is full of detail about the street names and places in Madrid. I suspect that the author thought he would be giving the book authenticity but I found it very distracting. There is a map at the start but I didn't refer back to it at all (again, finding it distracted from the plot).
Conversely, I loved the detail around the actual spaying, particularly the surveillance, both watching and being watched. I also found the period really interesting. I know very little about Spanish terrorism so the book was a huge learning curve. It's clear the author has done his research and he used it in a clear way which supported the plot. Of course, I'm not sure where the line is between fact and fiction which makes the book even more exciting.
Put all the unnecessary distractions aside and this is a really interesting plot with a great ending. It's not an easy book to read but worth sticking with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews