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Spy Hunter
"Skilfully mixing real history with action sequences worthy of Lee Child, this is historical crime-writing at its best." – John Williams, the Mail on Sunday on The Year of the GunSecret Service Agent Wiggins returns for a brand new adventure – and meets with his old mentor, Sherlock Holmes in a story of escalating intrigue, danger and violence.'Engaging series of historical thrillers... The story rattles along at pace, the characters are engaging and the fight scenes burst with action. But Lyle's great strength is in his depiction of time and place; from its stinking tenements, where babies cry from hunger, to its sinister docks and upmarket brothels, the Edwardian city - then still part of Britain - is brought to life in all its squalid, magnificent glory' Financial Times'Full throttle ... delivering entertainment in spades' Myles McWeeney, Irish Independent
304 pages, Paperback
Published September 3, 2024
10 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
H.B. Lyle
4 books31 followersH.B. Lyle lives in South London with his partner and their twin daughters. He has a MA in creative writing, followed by a PhD. He also writes screenplays.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 26, 2023
H. B. Lyle's Spy Hunter features Wiggins (of Sherlock Holmes' Baker Street Irregulars), a Wiggins who is an adult, and who has moved back and forth between what we would call blue collar-jobs and work for the English Crown. He definitely prefers the former over the latter. He knows that while he may be useful to the government and the privileged individuals directing it, he will never be seen as an equal, as fully human.
Spy Hunter opens with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Europe is on the cusp of WWI, yet most of those in England's government see events on the continent as insignificant. They're more interested in the contentious issues of Irish home rule and women's suffrage. One of the few politicians who sees the war on the horizon is trying to persuade Wiggins to re-enter espionage. Wiggins refuses repeatedly. But when Holmes is murdered by a German master spy, the issue becomes one of vengeance for Wiggins, not international power struggles. (Holmes is killed early in the book—as part of its set-up—so my sharing that information really doesn't count as a spoiler.)
The plotting here is interesting with unexpected twists, multiple identities, and individuals both high and low, among them Mata Hari. I'm still reserving judgement on this version of Wiggins. He resorts quickly to violence. His investigations progress as much by his use of his fists as his ratiocenation. I think Lyle's impulse here, to present Wiggins as a complex individual much different from Holmes, is smart, but I still wanted more brain and less brawn. I will, I acknowledge, keep reading this series. Wiggins, even if he's more of a bruiser than I might like, is interesting, and I want to see how his persona develops in future volumes. If you're a fan of Holmes, Spy Hunter is worth seeking out, even if it is rather un-Holmesian.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
Spy Hunter opens with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Europe is on the cusp of WWI, yet most of those in England's government see events on the continent as insignificant. They're more interested in the contentious issues of Irish home rule and women's suffrage. One of the few politicians who sees the war on the horizon is trying to persuade Wiggins to re-enter espionage. Wiggins refuses repeatedly. But when Holmes is murdered by a German master spy, the issue becomes one of vengeance for Wiggins, not international power struggles. (Holmes is killed early in the book—as part of its set-up—so my sharing that information really doesn't count as a spoiler.)
The plotting here is interesting with unexpected twists, multiple identities, and individuals both high and low, among them Mata Hari. I'm still reserving judgement on this version of Wiggins. He resorts quickly to violence. His investigations progress as much by his use of his fists as his ratiocenation. I think Lyle's impulse here, to present Wiggins as a complex individual much different from Holmes, is smart, but I still wanted more brain and less brawn. I will, I acknowledge, keep reading this series. Wiggins, even if he's more of a bruiser than I might like, is interesting, and I want to see how his persona develops in future volumes. If you're a fan of Holmes, Spy Hunter is worth seeking out, even if it is rather un-Holmesian.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
December 7, 2023
I believe this is the fourth book in the irregular series. I haven't read any of the others so was a bit unsure about being able to get to grip with the characters and the background but honestly it wasn't an issue at all. In fact, I enjoyed it so much its made me look out for the other books.
Its a great story about espionage. Lots of spy action, lots of fight scenes, chasing, sneaking, double bluffs. So much fun.
The characters were great. I loved having familiar names in there, both real and fictional.
I can't wait to read the others!
Its a great story about espionage. Lots of spy action, lots of fight scenes, chasing, sneaking, double bluffs. So much fun.
The characters were great. I loved having familiar names in there, both real and fictional.
I can't wait to read the others!
December 1, 2023
It's 1914, eve of World War One, and Sherlock Holmes has been murdered.
The suspect is a German spy but British authorities have their hands full.
The only chance for justice rests with Wiggins, a former member of the great detective's Baker Street Irregulars, his gang of street smart kids.
Wiggins has two advantages. He's way smarter than his toff bosses in intelligence, and hellbent on revenge for the killing of his mentor.
This book has everything, cracking pace, tension, twists and humour.
It mixes a hot plot and historical events with real and fictional characters.
I doff my deerstalker.
The suspect is a German spy but British authorities have their hands full.
The only chance for justice rests with Wiggins, a former member of the great detective's Baker Street Irregulars, his gang of street smart kids.
Wiggins has two advantages. He's way smarter than his toff bosses in intelligence, and hellbent on revenge for the killing of his mentor.
This book has everything, cracking pace, tension, twists and humour.
It mixes a hot plot and historical events with real and fictional characters.
I doff my deerstalker.
November 14, 2023
This is my first read by H B Lyle, however, it most certainly will not be my last, I loved the book from start to finish. It was a breath of fresh air and a more than welcome addition to my reading list.
I found the plot to be wonderfully inventive in it’s make up, and executed with aplomb on the page, in a way that made for a highly engaging and entertaining read. It is one of those reads which you find hard to put down, you are engaged with the characters and the need to know where the plot will lead. It is whipsmart in its prose and hooks you in from the opening pages
There are two plots running throughout the book the murder of Holmes and the impending breakout of War, cleverly these are intertwined as the chase is on
Having not read of the previous exploits of Wiggins I found him to be a most interesting an likeable character, it is clear that his respect and love for Holmes is limitless so his determination to track down the killer is borne out of that respect. Wiggins is the sort of character who you can picture, street wise, a bit of a rogue able to blend into the background., the book is peppered throughout with a wonderful mix of characters, I particularly found Kells wife to be an interestingly written character, equally interesting as you read is the way the author brings Dr Watson into the story. Wiggins seems most at home in the streets of London so when he is in Europe you get the sense that he is somewhat out of his depth but that adds another dimension to the story, a perfect blend of factual and fictional characters
The book takes many a twist and turn with unexpected moments, which always keeps you second guessing, however, the story moves at a slick pace, there is plenty of action and moments which make stop and take stock of things
An exhilerating slice of historical fiction at times you have the feel of John Buchan, the action moves seemlessly. You a get a tremendous sense of time and place within the writing, which is strong and vibrant, it brings the locations to life especially those around London. The book build in suspense and tension as you read on, with the drama increased by the end
A devilishly entertaining read where the characters lead the plot and take the reader on a journey across Europe
I will be going back to the beginning to read the previous books, such was my enjoyment. A book which just thrills the reader
5* one which I heartily recommend, it stands out
I found the plot to be wonderfully inventive in it’s make up, and executed with aplomb on the page, in a way that made for a highly engaging and entertaining read. It is one of those reads which you find hard to put down, you are engaged with the characters and the need to know where the plot will lead. It is whipsmart in its prose and hooks you in from the opening pages
There are two plots running throughout the book the murder of Holmes and the impending breakout of War, cleverly these are intertwined as the chase is on
Having not read of the previous exploits of Wiggins I found him to be a most interesting an likeable character, it is clear that his respect and love for Holmes is limitless so his determination to track down the killer is borne out of that respect. Wiggins is the sort of character who you can picture, street wise, a bit of a rogue able to blend into the background., the book is peppered throughout with a wonderful mix of characters, I particularly found Kells wife to be an interestingly written character, equally interesting as you read is the way the author brings Dr Watson into the story. Wiggins seems most at home in the streets of London so when he is in Europe you get the sense that he is somewhat out of his depth but that adds another dimension to the story, a perfect blend of factual and fictional characters
The book takes many a twist and turn with unexpected moments, which always keeps you second guessing, however, the story moves at a slick pace, there is plenty of action and moments which make stop and take stock of things
An exhilerating slice of historical fiction at times you have the feel of John Buchan, the action moves seemlessly. You a get a tremendous sense of time and place within the writing, which is strong and vibrant, it brings the locations to life especially those around London. The book build in suspense and tension as you read on, with the drama increased by the end
A devilishly entertaining read where the characters lead the plot and take the reader on a journey across Europe
I will be going back to the beginning to read the previous books, such was my enjoyment. A book which just thrills the reader
5* one which I heartily recommend, it stands out
October 11, 2023
This fast paced thriller is full of unexpected twists and turns. Sent in the backdrop of the weeks and months prior to the First World War, the Britsh Secret Service enrol the reluctant Wiggins to track down a spy who is in possession of lethal information. Wiggins reluctance dissolves and the mission becomes personal when his target murders his mentor. The story proceeds at pace and if you are like me, you will be delighted to come across some familiar characters within the literary crime world. It is very difficult to write more without giving spoilers, so go ahead and read it and delight in the Easter Eggs you will find on the way.
Thanks to #Netgalley for providing me with this ARC
Thanks to #Netgalley for providing me with this ARC
August 2, 2023
For Wiggins, things gets personal in this solid spy tale.
Following the events of "The Year of the Gun", our hero Wiggins has returned to civilian life, off the radar. It's 1914 and although the British government is in denial, his former boss Kell, knows war is coming. When his attempts to re-recruit Wiggins fail, he assumes this is the last he will hear of his top (and only) spy.
However, through a series of seemingly unrelated events, Wiggins witnesses the murder of his mentor and friend Sherlock Holmes. Although he only has a glimpse of the killer, he knows who is responsible. With nowhere else to turn, he reluctantly joins forces with Kell, who discloses that Holmes was working for him.
And so the reader is swept into a chase across Europe, in pursuit of an old enemy. Wiggins, wracked with grief and rage uses all the skills and knowledge he learned at the feet of Holmes to track down the killer. He's still the same belligerent, no-nonsense spy readers have come to love, but this time, he's driven. This is full-on Wiggins and it reads like a dream. Von Birk gets a bigger role to play and reveals just how accomplished a spy he is, and as his importance in the run up to war is revealed, the pressure is on Wiggins to run him to ground. The scenes between them are superbly enacted and a delight to read.
As in previous books, while Wiggins is most comfortable in his native London, when he gets to Brussels and beyond, he soon finds how different Europe can be. Although they do have excellent beer. Oh, and he gets to meet Mata Hari, who is revealed in a different light to what might be expected. There are chases, where our hero employs all his skills evading tails, and encounters with so many colourful characters, it's a riot.
Kell also shines here - a man sure of his convictions about the imminent war, but with a suffragette wife and only a belligerent Winston Churchill for an ally, he is a man on the edge. But his trust of and confidence in Wiggins shines through, as does his love for his wife.
Dr Watson has a role to play in the book too - riddled with grief at the death of his friend, he embarks on his own search for the killer. This thread is a poignant one and will resonate with fans of the Conan Doyle stories.
Those fans of Holmes may not agree with "spin-off" stories about their favourite characters, but what HB Lyle has done with one of Conan Doyle's minor characters is nothing short of inspirational. There's echoes of John Buchan in these books and enough hard-core spy stuff to keep aficionado's happy. The story ends with a promise there could be more adventures with Wiggins should you author choose to record them We can but hope.
Thoroughly recommended.
Following the events of "The Year of the Gun", our hero Wiggins has returned to civilian life, off the radar. It's 1914 and although the British government is in denial, his former boss Kell, knows war is coming. When his attempts to re-recruit Wiggins fail, he assumes this is the last he will hear of his top (and only) spy.
However, through a series of seemingly unrelated events, Wiggins witnesses the murder of his mentor and friend Sherlock Holmes. Although he only has a glimpse of the killer, he knows who is responsible. With nowhere else to turn, he reluctantly joins forces with Kell, who discloses that Holmes was working for him.
And so the reader is swept into a chase across Europe, in pursuit of an old enemy. Wiggins, wracked with grief and rage uses all the skills and knowledge he learned at the feet of Holmes to track down the killer. He's still the same belligerent, no-nonsense spy readers have come to love, but this time, he's driven. This is full-on Wiggins and it reads like a dream. Von Birk gets a bigger role to play and reveals just how accomplished a spy he is, and as his importance in the run up to war is revealed, the pressure is on Wiggins to run him to ground. The scenes between them are superbly enacted and a delight to read.
As in previous books, while Wiggins is most comfortable in his native London, when he gets to Brussels and beyond, he soon finds how different Europe can be. Although they do have excellent beer. Oh, and he gets to meet Mata Hari, who is revealed in a different light to what might be expected. There are chases, where our hero employs all his skills evading tails, and encounters with so many colourful characters, it's a riot.
Kell also shines here - a man sure of his convictions about the imminent war, but with a suffragette wife and only a belligerent Winston Churchill for an ally, he is a man on the edge. But his trust of and confidence in Wiggins shines through, as does his love for his wife.
Dr Watson has a role to play in the book too - riddled with grief at the death of his friend, he embarks on his own search for the killer. This thread is a poignant one and will resonate with fans of the Conan Doyle stories.
Those fans of Holmes may not agree with "spin-off" stories about their favourite characters, but what HB Lyle has done with one of Conan Doyle's minor characters is nothing short of inspirational. There's echoes of John Buchan in these books and enough hard-core spy stuff to keep aficionado's happy. The story ends with a promise there could be more adventures with Wiggins should you author choose to record them We can but hope.
Thoroughly recommended.
January 24, 2025
Spy Hunter by H.B. Lyle is a solid addition to the World War II espionage genre, but it doesn’t quite hit the heights of some of the genre’s best. The novel follows John Lawrence, a British intelligence agent tasked with hunting down enemy spies, in a fast-paced narrative that blends action with a touch of moral complexity.
The strengths of the book lie in its ability to create a vivid, atmospheric setting. Lyle does a great job of immersing readers in wartime Europe, with well-placed descriptions that transport you to the foggy streets of London or the tension-filled environments where spies lurk. The pacing is generally strong, with suspense building as Lawrence tracks down enemies and uncovers deeper plots.
Character development is solid but doesn’t always take things to the next level. John Lawrence, while a likable and capable protagonist, feels a bit like a standard spy figure. He’s tough, smart, and dedicated, but his personal struggles and emotional layers don’t always feel fully explored. The secondary characters, too, are functional, but there’s a lack of real depth that could have made the story more compelling.
The action scenes are well done and tense, but there’s a certain predictability to the plot that keeps Spy Hunter from being truly unforgettable. The twists are serviceable, but not mind-blowing, and a few of the spy tropes are a bit too familiar. It’s clear Lyle knows the genre, but it occasionally feels like the book is checking the boxes rather than pushing the boundaries.
While it doesn’t break new ground in espionage fiction, Spy Hunter is still a perfectly enjoyable read for fans of the genre. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it hits the right notes of tension and action, but it doesn’t deliver anything particularly surprising or unique.
Overall, I’d give it 3 stars—an engaging, well-paced thriller that delivers the essentials, but leaves a bit to be desired in terms of character depth and innovation. If you’re looking for a solid spy story, this will do the job, but don’t expect to be blown away.
The strengths of the book lie in its ability to create a vivid, atmospheric setting. Lyle does a great job of immersing readers in wartime Europe, with well-placed descriptions that transport you to the foggy streets of London or the tension-filled environments where spies lurk. The pacing is generally strong, with suspense building as Lawrence tracks down enemies and uncovers deeper plots.
Character development is solid but doesn’t always take things to the next level. John Lawrence, while a likable and capable protagonist, feels a bit like a standard spy figure. He’s tough, smart, and dedicated, but his personal struggles and emotional layers don’t always feel fully explored. The secondary characters, too, are functional, but there’s a lack of real depth that could have made the story more compelling.
The action scenes are well done and tense, but there’s a certain predictability to the plot that keeps Spy Hunter from being truly unforgettable. The twists are serviceable, but not mind-blowing, and a few of the spy tropes are a bit too familiar. It’s clear Lyle knows the genre, but it occasionally feels like the book is checking the boxes rather than pushing the boundaries.
While it doesn’t break new ground in espionage fiction, Spy Hunter is still a perfectly enjoyable read for fans of the genre. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it hits the right notes of tension and action, but it doesn’t deliver anything particularly surprising or unique.
Overall, I’d give it 3 stars—an engaging, well-paced thriller that delivers the essentials, but leaves a bit to be desired in terms of character depth and innovation. If you’re looking for a solid spy story, this will do the job, but don’t expect to be blown away.
February 27, 2024
Firstly I love this series, I’m so glad it came back. It’s been a while since the last book so it took me a minute to get back into this world and remember who everyone was and how they fit together but once I did I was all in. We find Wiggins working on a building site and as far away from the intelligence services as he can get until flipping Sherlock Holmes’s only goes and gets himself murdered and this of course cannot stand. Wiggins must have his vengeance and that means working a case that has dogged himself and the Great Detective for years all while the world descends into the chaos that leads the world to war and Captain Kell is the only one paying attention. I loved this, the sheer audacity of murdering Sherlock Holmes, Wiggins running out of fucks to give last Wednesday and Kell doing his best Cassandra and shouting into the void of British government, a guest appearance from Poirot its all going on. So much fun. I’ll have another please and thank you.
August 30, 2023
This is part of a series which I had not encountered but it did not matter.
The story of Wiggins a secret agent and former Baker Street boy and his attempts to show the powers that be how imminent war is in June and July 1914.
It mixes true events like the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand with fictional characters including Sherlock Holmes via Mata Hari. It has evil killers and secret codes, train adventures and suffragettes.
Great adventure story.
The story of Wiggins a secret agent and former Baker Street boy and his attempts to show the powers that be how imminent war is in June and July 1914.
It mixes true events like the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand with fictional characters including Sherlock Holmes via Mata Hari. It has evil killers and secret codes, train adventures and suffragettes.
Great adventure story.
December 16, 2023
Spy Hunter
Mr Lyle has made a terrific character out of Wiggins & this the fourth in the series is fast paced with all the adventure one might possibly hope for, Historically accurate for the most part with great characters and riveting dialogue. I've read all the books and wait anxiously for the next to arrive. well worth your time.
Mr Lyle has made a terrific character out of Wiggins & this the fourth in the series is fast paced with all the adventure one might possibly hope for, Historically accurate for the most part with great characters and riveting dialogue. I've read all the books and wait anxiously for the next to arrive. well worth your time.
December 26, 2023
This is a well plotted and entertaining series featuring a former Holmes' Irregular, Wiggins.
It's fast paced, action packed and gripping.
An entertaining pastiche that I thoroughly enjoyed
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's fast paced, action packed and gripping.
An entertaining pastiche that I thoroughly enjoyed
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 1, 2025
For some reason this book never really got me too interested. It was cute how the author interweaved historical and fictional characters into the story even subtly introducing a famous Belgian detective at on point, but that only sparked my imagination for a moment.
October 21, 2024
I think this was in a series of books, so I was a little lost at times. But I loved the unconventional Sherlock Holmes story and the historical nods in the story. Fun read.
April 27, 2025
This series is GREAT!! I sure hope there will be more!
April 8, 2024
The book is not easy to read. I like it, but I got myself lost at certain points! The ending was very good. Some layout polishing may be required before the book is ready for publishing.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews