A Spy Alone: The Oxford Spy Ring, Book 1

by Charles Beaumont, David Thorpe (narrator), Tantor Audio (publisher)

Everyone knows about the Cambridge Spies from the fifties, identified and broken up after passing national secrets to the Soviets for years. But no spy ring was ever unearthed at Oxford. Because one never existed? Or because it was never found . . . ?

2022: Former spy Simon Sharman is eking out a living in the private sector. When a commission to delve into the financial dealings of a mysterious Russian oligarch comes across his desk, he jumps at the chance.

But as Simon investigates, worrying patterns begin to emerge. His subject made regular trips to Oxford, but for no apparent reason. There are payments from offshore accounts that suddenly just . . . stop.

Has he found what none of his former colleagues believed possible, a Russian spy ring now nestled at the heart of the British Establishment? Or is he just another paranoid ex-spook left out in the cold, obsessed with redemption?

From Oxford's hallowed quadrangles to brush contacts on Hampstead Heath, agent-running in Vienna and mysterious meetings in Prague, A Spy Alone is a gripping international thriller and a searing portrait of modern Britain in the age of cynical populism.

Contains mature themes.

Audible Audio

Published July 30, 2024

Reviews

[Daniella · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story follows Simon on his journey to uncover a Russian plot to infiltrate the British government. This dense storyline takes you through the ins and outs of being an old fashioned spy in the age of technology. This book kept me wanting more action, and I can’t wait to see what book two has in store for Simon. Thank you to Camelot and Goodreads for the giveaway. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Diana M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles Beaumont (if that really is his name? ) certainly has the background to write this book. It started a bit slow, but picked up speed. Like any good spy novel, he had me trying to out-guess "who done it." I would read another by this author.

[Sue Fysh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good spy novel. This one was a little difficult to get in to but I’m glad I persisted. I’ll be looking for the second book😊

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthy successor to le Carré.

[Gary]

DNF

[John Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good espionage drama. Very up-to-date on theme. A bit excessive on British/Euro politics for a US reader.

[Amanda Hodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me a little while to get in to it but so glad I did! Very exciting towards the end. Loved it. Very believable which is a bit worrying! Excellent book. Looking forward to the next one.