What do you think?
Rate this book
The Protocols of Spying: A morally complex espionage thriller about Middle East conflict, British intelligence and the shadow war that connects them
'Simply put, Merle Nygate is one of the best spy novelists writing today.' I.S. Berry
'Sophisticated and pulse-pounding writing' Express
In the aftermath of Hamas's October 7th attack on Israel, Mossad's London station chief Eli Amiram is fighting battles on all fronts. When his ambitious rival plans an assassination on British soil - supposedly authorized by Trump supporters - Eli suspects a deeper conspiracy.
Meanwhile, British intelligence asset Petra is hunting for redemption. Tasked with recruiting Wasim Al-Arikhi - whose sister she failed to save from becoming a suicide bomber - Petra's drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Can Wasim be trusted or has she become a target?
As Eli and Petra's paths converge, they discover that in the shadow world of international espionage, the greatest threats often come from within. They must confront not just their enemies, but their own moral choices. A sophisticated spy thriller that weaves together tradecraft, betrayal and the human cost of intelligence work.
'Sophisticated and pulse-pounding writing' Express
In the aftermath of Hamas's October 7th attack on Israel, Mossad's London station chief Eli Amiram is fighting battles on all fronts. When his ambitious rival plans an assassination on British soil - supposedly authorized by Trump supporters - Eli suspects a deeper conspiracy.
Meanwhile, British intelligence asset Petra is hunting for redemption. Tasked with recruiting Wasim Al-Arikhi - whose sister she failed to save from becoming a suicide bomber - Petra's drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Can Wasim be trusted or has she become a target?
As Eli and Petra's paths converge, they discover that in the shadow world of international espionage, the greatest threats often come from within. They must confront not just their enemies, but their own moral choices. A sophisticated spy thriller that weaves together tradecraft, betrayal and the human cost of intelligence work.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
43 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Merle Nygate
10 books17 followersI’m the author of The Righteous Spy, winner of the 2017 Little Brown/UEA Crime Fiction Award. It's my first espionage novel. Previously I've worked as a screenwriter and script editor working on BAFTA winning TV, New York Festival audio drama, written original sitcoms and script edited across multiple genres..
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 29, 2025
This is a thoroughly modern espionage thriller, one that reflects the complexities of twenty-first century geopolitics, of the covert world and those who operate in the shadows. A complex world where nothing is black and white, more a myriad shades of grey, a situation perfectly encapsulated within the author’s work. Few can capture the inner turmoil of senior operatives as they battle to retain a degree of morality in carrying out their dirty work.
Not only is this a thoughtful and beautifully written book, it is also a brave one. Having already begun on a series centring upon Israeli intelligence operating in London, the safer option would have been to hold off until after the conflict in Gaza had been resolved. Instead, the author has written a story during the period that expresses the shock and immediacy of the events. There are scenes set during 7 October 2023 that drives home the feelings of those watching in London, five thousand miles from home, who were completely helpless. Later there is the return of students to their reserve units, including Eli’s son who drops in en route to Israel. It is written from an Israeli standpoint but with great nuance, reflecting many perspectives from the protagonists and those on the outside. Her reasoning is set out in the author’s notes at the end and for me she has achieved what she set out to.
The emotions of the central characters are shredded by events outside their control and how those impact on their personal relationships. To be eligible for posting overseas agents must be married, there are no Robert Hunter or Jack Reacher types here. There is anger, angst and surprisingly a sense of guilt. Was the attack a divine response for not being religious enough, as Jews become less devout and more westernised. Plenty of inner turmoil to add to the need for secrecy, trying to compartmentalise life between home and work, as well as deal with betrayal. Espionage is all about betrayal and what you do before either you are betrayed, or you betray someone else. The reader is left in no doubt, there is little glamour in the world of espionage.
There are two plot strands running parallel for most of the storyline before finally coming to resolution together. In the first Eli recognises that there will be a hostage for prisoner swap that should release one of the more moderate Palestinians, seen as a potential West Bank Nelson Mandela. If Mossad can get an asset close to this man, they may be able to influence future Palestinian policy more towards peace. They identify their ideal candidate, a familiar face, but it will fall to British asset Petra to get him onside. She was unable to save his sister, so this is her chance to make amends.
The second strand arises because of the reshuffles required by the internal state of emergency. Yuval, who is hated by Eli, temporarily gets into a position of power and with the Prime Minister’s blessing, accepts a hit on behalf of an American, in order to get closer to presidential candidate Trump. This is seen as a dangerous route by Eli at a time when there is a battle for the moral high ground. Is his assessment correct or is his judgement being clouded by personal animosity?
It is a cleverly constructed plot, that weaves real events, involving electronics and cinemas, within the developing storyline. Electronic surveillance, hacking and manipulation all figure, being mainstays of the modern spy. If the prospect of electronic identity cards and what might follow on from them alarms you, then there is little comfort to be found here. As Eli is aware the only defence is to go electronic free, no phones and cash only, a backward step to ‘old school’ freedoms.
Spy thrillers are rarely fast paced, this one reflects the build up of information and the planting of ideas, things that take months, even years. Compensating for this the split story works perfectly, with one thread eventually becoming a race against time, whilst the other holds the danger and jeopardy. The narrative rotates between the two and is enhanced by the chapters becoming much shorter in the final quarter, pushing the reader towards the excellent finales. Its bloody, messy, dispiriting and leaves a grimy edge you might want to shower away. This is the real-life cost of trying to keep people safe
Modern espionage thrillers don’t come any better.
Not only is this a thoughtful and beautifully written book, it is also a brave one. Having already begun on a series centring upon Israeli intelligence operating in London, the safer option would have been to hold off until after the conflict in Gaza had been resolved. Instead, the author has written a story during the period that expresses the shock and immediacy of the events. There are scenes set during 7 October 2023 that drives home the feelings of those watching in London, five thousand miles from home, who were completely helpless. Later there is the return of students to their reserve units, including Eli’s son who drops in en route to Israel. It is written from an Israeli standpoint but with great nuance, reflecting many perspectives from the protagonists and those on the outside. Her reasoning is set out in the author’s notes at the end and for me she has achieved what she set out to.
The emotions of the central characters are shredded by events outside their control and how those impact on their personal relationships. To be eligible for posting overseas agents must be married, there are no Robert Hunter or Jack Reacher types here. There is anger, angst and surprisingly a sense of guilt. Was the attack a divine response for not being religious enough, as Jews become less devout and more westernised. Plenty of inner turmoil to add to the need for secrecy, trying to compartmentalise life between home and work, as well as deal with betrayal. Espionage is all about betrayal and what you do before either you are betrayed, or you betray someone else. The reader is left in no doubt, there is little glamour in the world of espionage.
There are two plot strands running parallel for most of the storyline before finally coming to resolution together. In the first Eli recognises that there will be a hostage for prisoner swap that should release one of the more moderate Palestinians, seen as a potential West Bank Nelson Mandela. If Mossad can get an asset close to this man, they may be able to influence future Palestinian policy more towards peace. They identify their ideal candidate, a familiar face, but it will fall to British asset Petra to get him onside. She was unable to save his sister, so this is her chance to make amends.
The second strand arises because of the reshuffles required by the internal state of emergency. Yuval, who is hated by Eli, temporarily gets into a position of power and with the Prime Minister’s blessing, accepts a hit on behalf of an American, in order to get closer to presidential candidate Trump. This is seen as a dangerous route by Eli at a time when there is a battle for the moral high ground. Is his assessment correct or is his judgement being clouded by personal animosity?
It is a cleverly constructed plot, that weaves real events, involving electronics and cinemas, within the developing storyline. Electronic surveillance, hacking and manipulation all figure, being mainstays of the modern spy. If the prospect of electronic identity cards and what might follow on from them alarms you, then there is little comfort to be found here. As Eli is aware the only defence is to go electronic free, no phones and cash only, a backward step to ‘old school’ freedoms.
Spy thrillers are rarely fast paced, this one reflects the build up of information and the planting of ideas, things that take months, even years. Compensating for this the split story works perfectly, with one thread eventually becoming a race against time, whilst the other holds the danger and jeopardy. The narrative rotates between the two and is enhanced by the chapters becoming much shorter in the final quarter, pushing the reader towards the excellent finales. Its bloody, messy, dispiriting and leaves a grimy edge you might want to shower away. This is the real-life cost of trying to keep people safe
Modern espionage thrillers don’t come any better.
December 27, 2025
The Protocols of Spying is the third book in Merle Nygate's Eli Amiram series and I think I would have benefitted from reading the previous novels as past events are referred to here. Nevertheless, this elegant spy thriller is a thoughtful, compelling read about recent, tragic events.
The two year anniversary of the October 7th attacks has just passed but obviously the dreadful consequences, particularly the genocide in Gaza, are still ongoing. It was an interesting prospect, therefore to read a novel told from the Israeli perspective. Merle Nygate portrays the horror felt by the global Jewish population in the immediate aftermath of the attacks well. Whether due to personal connections or due to the long history of anti-Semitism and pogroms, it's not surprising that the co-ordinated attacks by Hamas should have been felt by many as another attack on all Jews.
As Mossad's London station chief, Eli Amiram is naturally involved in the global Israeli response. Eli is a likeable character, a man who believes the correct course of action is to endeavour to influence Palestinian politics through the recruitment of a lochesh – a whisperer. The discussions here aren't about the systematic destruction of Palestine and its people but about achieving peace by supporting a secular regime change and by the appointment of somebody capable of becoming a minister or diplomat, somebody who can help impact policy. Meanwhile, both his wife, Gal and son, Doron are drawn back to Israel following the attacks and The Protocols of Spying is as much about the personal cost to those who are engaged in state-sponsored lying and scheming while regularly risking the lives of themselves and others.
Petra is a British Jew but, still wracked with guilt following a previous failure, is desperate to make amends and, despite her relative inexperience, it is agreed that she should try to recruit Wasim Al-Arikhi, following a botched first attempt by Eli. Petra is an intelligent, determined woman but having been unable to prevent the death of Wasim's sister, questions persist throughout as to whether she is too emotionally invested in the mission. She quickly makes contact with Wasim but not everyone is as convinced as she is that he can be trusted.
The Protocols of Spying is a slow-burning read which allows the complicated machinations of intelligence work to unfold steadily before the tension ratchets up in the final chapters. Merle Nygate captures the finely balanced, intertwined world of spies, and the mutual, simultaneous trust and mistrust between the global agencies superbly throughout. This is a perceptive exploration of geopolitical relations, including Russia's mendacious propaganda and manipulation of world affairs, particularly leading up to the start of Trump's second presidency.
An insightful look at the external and internal pressures of espionage work, The Protocols of Spying is a moving, character-driven thriller and one I enjoyed very much.
The two year anniversary of the October 7th attacks has just passed but obviously the dreadful consequences, particularly the genocide in Gaza, are still ongoing. It was an interesting prospect, therefore to read a novel told from the Israeli perspective. Merle Nygate portrays the horror felt by the global Jewish population in the immediate aftermath of the attacks well. Whether due to personal connections or due to the long history of anti-Semitism and pogroms, it's not surprising that the co-ordinated attacks by Hamas should have been felt by many as another attack on all Jews.
As Mossad's London station chief, Eli Amiram is naturally involved in the global Israeli response. Eli is a likeable character, a man who believes the correct course of action is to endeavour to influence Palestinian politics through the recruitment of a lochesh – a whisperer. The discussions here aren't about the systematic destruction of Palestine and its people but about achieving peace by supporting a secular regime change and by the appointment of somebody capable of becoming a minister or diplomat, somebody who can help impact policy. Meanwhile, both his wife, Gal and son, Doron are drawn back to Israel following the attacks and The Protocols of Spying is as much about the personal cost to those who are engaged in state-sponsored lying and scheming while regularly risking the lives of themselves and others.
Petra is a British Jew but, still wracked with guilt following a previous failure, is desperate to make amends and, despite her relative inexperience, it is agreed that she should try to recruit Wasim Al-Arikhi, following a botched first attempt by Eli. Petra is an intelligent, determined woman but having been unable to prevent the death of Wasim's sister, questions persist throughout as to whether she is too emotionally invested in the mission. She quickly makes contact with Wasim but not everyone is as convinced as she is that he can be trusted.
The Protocols of Spying is a slow-burning read which allows the complicated machinations of intelligence work to unfold steadily before the tension ratchets up in the final chapters. Merle Nygate captures the finely balanced, intertwined world of spies, and the mutual, simultaneous trust and mistrust between the global agencies superbly throughout. This is a perceptive exploration of geopolitical relations, including Russia's mendacious propaganda and manipulation of world affairs, particularly leading up to the start of Trump's second presidency.
An insightful look at the external and internal pressures of espionage work, The Protocols of Spying is a moving, character-driven thriller and one I enjoyed very much.
September 24, 2025
This is a full concentration needed read but the rewards are there as we enter the world of spying after the Oct 7th terror attack in Israel ( the story is based in London )
It was very emotive to read the start of the book as the various players,and the Israeli Embssy,started to hear about the attack and how it was affecting their friends and family in Israel but also affecting people that were not there and then how they desperately wanted to be there to help in the aftermath..as say although this was fiction as it is based on horrific real events it hit me the reader hard and think it would any reader
The book then looks at how Eli,the London division top person of Mossad and Petra a facilitator of British spies paths converge and how the enemy can be nearer than they/you think
It is a complex read,a lot of characters to meet and roles to learn but it is a worthy and very current read that takes you inside this secret world
It was very emotive to read the start of the book as the various players,and the Israeli Embssy,started to hear about the attack and how it was affecting their friends and family in Israel but also affecting people that were not there and then how they desperately wanted to be there to help in the aftermath..as say although this was fiction as it is based on horrific real events it hit me the reader hard and think it would any reader
The book then looks at how Eli,the London division top person of Mossad and Petra a facilitator of British spies paths converge and how the enemy can be nearer than they/you think
It is a complex read,a lot of characters to meet and roles to learn but it is a worthy and very current read that takes you inside this secret world
November 6, 2025
This was by far my best spy novel with a Middle East topic I´ve read this year. Relatable, packed with eventful twists and anchored in the post-7/10 realities.
An extended review was published on my blog mid-October.
An extended review was published on my blog mid-October.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews