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Spies and Other Gods
The Head of British Intelligence is having a bad day. Only six months off retirement and Sir William Rentoul is wondering if he'll make it that far, what with the sudden descent of a brain fog dense enough to turn every day into a series of small humiliations.
To make matters worse, Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee - the body that oversees Sir William - has received an anonymous complaint from one of his officers. Sir William dimly recalls accepting that there should be a channel for whistleblowers, but he never expected that they would pick his most sensitive case, one involving an Iranian assassin and a trail of dead bodies, or that the person who turned up to poke their nose into his files should be a lowly parliamentary researcher named Aphra McQueen, who displays smarts, tenacity and rebelliousness in unsettling measures.
Aphra seems to know more about the operation than she is letting on. What will she uncover? What is she really up to? And can she survive the unexpected events that will bounce her from London to Birmingham to Paris to Lausanne?
To make matters worse, Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee - the body that oversees Sir William - has received an anonymous complaint from one of his officers. Sir William dimly recalls accepting that there should be a channel for whistleblowers, but he never expected that they would pick his most sensitive case, one involving an Iranian assassin and a trail of dead bodies, or that the person who turned up to poke their nose into his files should be a lowly parliamentary researcher named Aphra McQueen, who displays smarts, tenacity and rebelliousness in unsettling measures.
Aphra seems to know more about the operation than she is letting on. What will she uncover? What is she really up to? And can she survive the unexpected events that will bounce her from London to Birmingham to Paris to Lausanne?
272 pages, Hardcover
First published February 12, 2026
About the author
James Wolff
5 books78 followersJames Wolff grew up in Beirut and has lived in Damascus, Cairo and Istanbul. He worked as a British intelligence officer for over ten years.
His first novel, Beside the Syrian Sea (2018), was a Times Thriller of the Month and an Evening Standard Book of the Year. Upon publication of Wolff's second novel, How to Betray Your Country (2021), the Spectator described him as 'a major talent'. The New York Times called his third novel, The Man in the Corduroy Suit (2023), evidence of 'a memorable voice in the genre'.
His new novel, Spies and Other Gods, was published by Baskerville in February 2026. John Banville called it 'intricately made, slyly humorous and wildly entertaining'.
His first novel, Beside the Syrian Sea (2018), was a Times Thriller of the Month and an Evening Standard Book of the Year. Upon publication of Wolff's second novel, How to Betray Your Country (2021), the Spectator described him as 'a major talent'. The New York Times called his third novel, The Man in the Corduroy Suit (2023), evidence of 'a memorable voice in the genre'.
His new novel, Spies and Other Gods, was published by Baskerville in February 2026. John Banville called it 'intricately made, slyly humorous and wildly entertaining'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
October 8, 2025
Out in the world, an Iranian operative has killed at least ten people on European soil and is eluding detection. Inside the headquarters of British Intelligence, a researcher for Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee investigates a complaint lodged about a past operation. With the seeds of parallel plots planted, we are dropped into James Wolff's sharply cheeky espionage universe.
Crisp writing and sharp dialogue drives Spies and Other Gods. There are no exploding car chases or muted, slow-building, chess-board plots. This storytelling is nearly all character driven and the author employs a signature style of prose uniquely his own.
Plenty of fun flourishes abound. We get a competent old-timer returning to the field but he can’t remember names and is not skilled with modern technology. There’s a whistleblowers advocacy department that exists solely to stamp them out and HR hilariously snuffs out troublesome employees. Scenes jump from agents in the field back to the home office with an efficient cadence that keeps the pace of the narrative moving. The first act could have swung its opening hook a bit harder, and some scenes would benefit from smoother transitions, but this is an intelligently composed, mostly enjoyable jaunt through corridors of secret powers.
If Spies and Other Gods were a movie it would probably be PG. Little cursing, no sex, mild violence, it succeeds through solid writing and entertaining character dynamics. The author uses his personal experience to provide insight into the inner workings of modern spycraft.
Thanks to Atlantic Crime, NetGalley, and Edelweiss for a review copy.
Crisp writing and sharp dialogue drives Spies and Other Gods. There are no exploding car chases or muted, slow-building, chess-board plots. This storytelling is nearly all character driven and the author employs a signature style of prose uniquely his own.
Plenty of fun flourishes abound. We get a competent old-timer returning to the field but he can’t remember names and is not skilled with modern technology. There’s a whistleblowers advocacy department that exists solely to stamp them out and HR hilariously snuffs out troublesome employees. Scenes jump from agents in the field back to the home office with an efficient cadence that keeps the pace of the narrative moving. The first act could have swung its opening hook a bit harder, and some scenes would benefit from smoother transitions, but this is an intelligently composed, mostly enjoyable jaunt through corridors of secret powers.
If Spies and Other Gods were a movie it would probably be PG. Little cursing, no sex, mild violence, it succeeds through solid writing and entertaining character dynamics. The author uses his personal experience to provide insight into the inner workings of modern spycraft.
Thanks to Atlantic Crime, NetGalley, and Edelweiss for a review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🌟4🌟 Thank you so much to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for this ARC!
Honestly, this was a really solid read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I loved flipping back and forth between many POVs, it was so entertaining and was done well most of time. My only gripe with the multi-POV writing is that at times it was a tad difficult to figure out whose perspective we were in - I think this is due to the writing style where the author uses quite descriptive language but also doesn’t make use of shoehorning the name of the character whose perspective we’re in (if that makes sense). All that being said though, I did actually enjoy the writing style and found it thoroughly entertaining.
The narrative for this story is also super interesting - following espionage, lies and deception through a twisty and gripping story, I was so hooked!
I would so so so recommend this book! It brought me back to when I first started reading and was picking up crime and thriller books! I also really appreciate that the author neither beat us over the head with long explanations of espionage terms nor made the narrative a tad cringe through unrealistic portrayals of spying and operations
TW: Stalking, Murder, Death, Blood, Violence
Honestly, this was a really solid read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I loved flipping back and forth between many POVs, it was so entertaining and was done well most of time. My only gripe with the multi-POV writing is that at times it was a tad difficult to figure out whose perspective we were in - I think this is due to the writing style where the author uses quite descriptive language but also doesn’t make use of shoehorning the name of the character whose perspective we’re in (if that makes sense). All that being said though, I did actually enjoy the writing style and found it thoroughly entertaining.
The narrative for this story is also super interesting - following espionage, lies and deception through a twisty and gripping story, I was so hooked!
I would so so so recommend this book! It brought me back to when I first started reading and was picking up crime and thriller books! I also really appreciate that the author neither beat us over the head with long explanations of espionage terms nor made the narrative a tad cringe through unrealistic portrayals of spying and operations
TW: Stalking, Murder, Death, Blood, Violence
February 5, 2026
Spies and Other Gods is an intelligent and very enjoyable spy novel, driven as much by character as by plot.
The standout is Aphra McQueen, a fascinating protagonist whose sharp mind and quiet determination make her a pleasure to follow. Much of the book’s appeal lies in watching how she thinks and manoeuvres, and I finished the novel genuinely wanting to read more about her.
There’s a dry, understated humour throughout, along with an appealing sense of quirkiness in how people and institutions are portrayed. It adds warmth and personality without ever distracting from the story.
The plot is well paced and thoughtfully put together, unfolding gradually and keeping the intrigue high without relying on spectacle. Overall, this is a smart, well-crafted novel that rewards attention and leaves a strong impression.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The standout is Aphra McQueen, a fascinating protagonist whose sharp mind and quiet determination make her a pleasure to follow. Much of the book’s appeal lies in watching how she thinks and manoeuvres, and I finished the novel genuinely wanting to read more about her.
There’s a dry, understated humour throughout, along with an appealing sense of quirkiness in how people and institutions are portrayed. It adds warmth and personality without ever distracting from the story.
The plot is well paced and thoughtfully put together, unfolding gradually and keeping the intrigue high without relying on spectacle. Overall, this is a smart, well-crafted novel that rewards attention and leaves a strong impression.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2025
This is a spy thriller that follows a British Intelligence investigation and the secrets and mess that surround it. Aphra McQueen is the center of this story as she challenges the institution and ventures on a kind of spy chase.
I loved the writing style and the distinct voice of this story. There were constant interruptions to the narration and the characters’ inner monologues that made the story really humorous and witty.
The way the story was written felt immersive as if I was solving the case alongside the characters. The characters were easily pictured, it’s the kind of book that makes you feel like you’re watching a film as you read.
(3.5/5)
*This ARC was provided by NetGalley/Grove Atlantic in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the writing style and the distinct voice of this story. There were constant interruptions to the narration and the characters’ inner monologues that made the story really humorous and witty.
The way the story was written felt immersive as if I was solving the case alongside the characters. The characters were easily pictured, it’s the kind of book that makes you feel like you’re watching a film as you read.
(3.5/5)
*This ARC was provided by NetGalley/Grove Atlantic in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a disappointment.
I grew up reading spy thrillers. First, it was James Bond and Matt Helm, and then Modesty Blaise. As time went on it was the John le Carre books. When I had the chance to read an early copy of this book i was intrigued by both the title and the description and so I grasped the opportunity. Sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations.
The story is basically that of an investigation as to whether whistleblowing by staff is to be formally taken seriously by the establishment. The whole thing features cover ups by various departments and those in charge more concerned with their own careers and pensions than really solving inherent problems. It could be any large corporation with wheeler dealers. The individuals running it have their own intrigues and agendas, and spy/security aspects I was looking forward to are just a sideshow.
I grew up reading spy thrillers. First, it was James Bond and Matt Helm, and then Modesty Blaise. As time went on it was the John le Carre books. When I had the chance to read an early copy of this book i was intrigued by both the title and the description and so I grasped the opportunity. Sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations.
The story is basically that of an investigation as to whether whistleblowing by staff is to be formally taken seriously by the establishment. The whole thing features cover ups by various departments and those in charge more concerned with their own careers and pensions than really solving inherent problems. It could be any large corporation with wheeler dealers. The individuals running it have their own intrigues and agendas, and spy/security aspects I was looking forward to are just a sideshow.
December 18, 2025
What a very confusing novel. Deep with mystery and intrigue, trying to fathom out where this story was headed, taxed me during the early chapters. Some particularly nasty characters, working in government departments, set about to cover up illicit wrong-doings. Deception, lies and ultimately deaths are all part of this spy network, whilst those in high places ignore the truths. The author certainly has an imagination, and good knowledge of espionage.
Having been given a copy of this ARC book for review, I feel my time could have been better spent reading something more interesting and enjoyable. Thanks however to NetGalley and the publishers for this advance copy.
Having been given a copy of this ARC book for review, I feel my time could have been better spent reading something more interesting and enjoyable. Thanks however to NetGalley and the publishers for this advance copy.
January 5, 2026
I love the Mike Herron book series ‘Slow Horses’ , I felt this book was trying to be the same. I didn’t like the jumping about within the story. The narrator was irritating. Some characters were very stereotypical and didn’t grab me. I will look for others but the author to see if this is his usual style.
April 27, 2026
Well written; a lot of fun. I hope there will be more! Glad I read this.
April 23, 2026
I laughed aloud at the descriptions of the vagaries, eccentricities, machinations and structural deviousness in our Secret Services . I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the deciphering of a cover-up. Good pace and much intrigue, with a satisfying denouement.
April 18, 2026
This is an insanely good spy novel. Very distinctive voice, extremely stylish, and really funny. More, please!
April 9, 2026
A literary espionage novel.
Thoroughly enjoyable and utterly believable, more Graham Greene than Ian Fleming.superbly written it follows a number of POV-s the head of the service, various players, a exiled Syrian dentist based in the north of England, a researcher who has their own agenda, an Iranian hit mana multi agency hunt across Europe, and a narrator who is 'the spirit' of the Service.
Funny, poignant and original
Thoroughly enjoyable and utterly believable, more Graham Greene than Ian Fleming.superbly written it follows a number of POV-s the head of the service, various players, a exiled Syrian dentist based in the north of England, a researcher who has their own agenda, an Iranian hit mana multi agency hunt across Europe, and a narrator who is 'the spirit' of the Service.
Funny, poignant and original
April 7, 2026
I just loved Aphra ….
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A quirky spy novel that is a riveting read with plenty of twists and interesting characters. This is not your usual spy story, it's cosy rather than gritty. The character dynamics provide an interesting amount of humour, but there is also sadness. It was a quick read but there is so much going on beyond the spying, that the story will stay with me for quite a while.
Highly recommended.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
Highly recommended.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
amazing book, it certainly had me hooked from the start and I did not expect the development of events between Zac and Ali and how events unfolded. The writing is easy to follow and read, not overtaxing on the reader, and allows the reader to have a clear sequential idea of what is going on and the movements. Excellent punctuation and no repetitiveness. The suspense is not a an emotional roller coaster but a steady building and twisting in the road to it's finale. Definitely worth the read,
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for an advance copy of this novel set in the world of espionage dealing with assassins, spy craft, agents in place, bureaucracy, revenge, set in a world of questionable alliances, questionable morals, and questionable memories.
One of the genres that I miss most are spy stories. Stories about small people caught up in big things, people who seem one way, but are another. Stories that le Carré, Ambler, Greene did so well. The human factor of being a professional liar, not this thrillers we have today, which are mostly men's adventure stories from the 70's and 80's. These thrillers have characters with names like BigSwoll Hardgun fighting dark conspiracies ready to bring down governments. A little light reading for January 5th people. I have given up on thrillers, so when I come across a book that features spies, a taut story, and lots of morally ambiguous actions and motivations I pay attention. Especially when they are as well written as this novel. Spies and Other God is a novel by James Wolff, not his real name, about the hunt for an assassin killing dissidents in Europe, the fallibility of memory, and what it makes us do, with a little bit of workplace drama, and many uncomfortable moments.
Sir William Rentoul lost his wife a year earlier, will lose his job in 6 months due to retirement, and is slowly losing his memory. Which is getting harder and harder for him to hide. To add to his troubles he has an active investigation, a search of an assassin who is killing Iranian dissidents, in savage ways. This case has been flagged in a whistleblower case, leading to outsiders coming into his office to oversee what is happening. Aphra McDonald, is a medieval scholar, with a great reputation in the oversight committee, but is something that Rentoul just can't deal with. As Aphra investigates she finds that something is strange about the case. There seems to be wrongdoing, but before she can investigate further, she is sacked. Aphra does not give up easy, and soon she is in France, and at the center of a personal investigation by Rentoul, for reasons neither one of them are sure of, or are pretending not too.
Much time has past since I have enjoyed an espionage thriller so much, nor been at a loss to where the story was going, and being shocked at how clear everything was at the end. I enjoyed this book so much. Everything about it is perfect. The characters, the way they act, their motivations, even the bureaucracy. Wolff was an intelligence agent for a time, and their is a certain authority to the way he writes about the simple things. How a spy center gets their gas fixed. Do spies have bake sales. The micro-aggressions of middle managers. Wolff does a great job with the characters, letting them revel themselves in ways that help the story, keep the narrative moving, and and constantly keep the reader amazed. This is not a modern spy story, there is a fast car, but it is just commuting. No gunfights, no Bond moments. However the book is violent, for we are a violent world.
I also love the fact that characters never learn the truth about things. There is a clear resolution, but a lot of mistrust, a lot of lies, a whole bodyguard of lies remain. A book for adults. A spy book that really speaks of the times we live in, and how bad we have left our moral compass. When an intelligence group has a ethicist on staff part-time, we have lost the script. A book i can't recommend enough. A writer I can't wait to read more of.
One of the genres that I miss most are spy stories. Stories about small people caught up in big things, people who seem one way, but are another. Stories that le Carré, Ambler, Greene did so well. The human factor of being a professional liar, not this thrillers we have today, which are mostly men's adventure stories from the 70's and 80's. These thrillers have characters with names like BigSwoll Hardgun fighting dark conspiracies ready to bring down governments. A little light reading for January 5th people. I have given up on thrillers, so when I come across a book that features spies, a taut story, and lots of morally ambiguous actions and motivations I pay attention. Especially when they are as well written as this novel. Spies and Other God is a novel by James Wolff, not his real name, about the hunt for an assassin killing dissidents in Europe, the fallibility of memory, and what it makes us do, with a little bit of workplace drama, and many uncomfortable moments.
Sir William Rentoul lost his wife a year earlier, will lose his job in 6 months due to retirement, and is slowly losing his memory. Which is getting harder and harder for him to hide. To add to his troubles he has an active investigation, a search of an assassin who is killing Iranian dissidents, in savage ways. This case has been flagged in a whistleblower case, leading to outsiders coming into his office to oversee what is happening. Aphra McDonald, is a medieval scholar, with a great reputation in the oversight committee, but is something that Rentoul just can't deal with. As Aphra investigates she finds that something is strange about the case. There seems to be wrongdoing, but before she can investigate further, she is sacked. Aphra does not give up easy, and soon she is in France, and at the center of a personal investigation by Rentoul, for reasons neither one of them are sure of, or are pretending not too.
Much time has past since I have enjoyed an espionage thriller so much, nor been at a loss to where the story was going, and being shocked at how clear everything was at the end. I enjoyed this book so much. Everything about it is perfect. The characters, the way they act, their motivations, even the bureaucracy. Wolff was an intelligence agent for a time, and their is a certain authority to the way he writes about the simple things. How a spy center gets their gas fixed. Do spies have bake sales. The micro-aggressions of middle managers. Wolff does a great job with the characters, letting them revel themselves in ways that help the story, keep the narrative moving, and and constantly keep the reader amazed. This is not a modern spy story, there is a fast car, but it is just commuting. No gunfights, no Bond moments. However the book is violent, for we are a violent world.
I also love the fact that characters never learn the truth about things. There is a clear resolution, but a lot of mistrust, a lot of lies, a whole bodyguard of lies remain. A book for adults. A spy book that really speaks of the times we live in, and how bad we have left our moral compass. When an intelligence group has a ethicist on staff part-time, we have lost the script. A book i can't recommend enough. A writer I can't wait to read more of.
May 27, 2026
This story is told in the third person, but above the characters is an omnipresent observer, a god of spies if you like, adding their wisdom to proceeding. Curious and helpful, at least some of time, giving a sense that no matter what, in the world of espionage any situation not preordained will be recovered. A wonderfully constructed story told in three very different acts.
The first act captures the mundane and tedium of working in a modern security organisation, epitomised by Susan who has spent forty years chaperoning visitors and workmen around the premises. She is babysitting Aphra McQueen, a researcher turned investigator, who has been set the task of reviewing the operational files of a case involving an Iranian assassin, which has been flagged for complaint. Aphra finds the service employees are unhelpful and becomes increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress made. However, not everything is how it first appears. This section is relatively slow and ponderous at times, leaving the reader in no doubt at the mind-numbing bureaucracy, empire building and sheer number of people who have jobs built from nothingness. It also manages to mask the real story developing underneath.
To make progress Aphra pretends to be a spy herself, following in the footsteps of the service employees in the file, by contacting the named assets. Crazy and dangerous behaviour but ultimately there is method in this madness. As she enters the field, Sir William Rentoul head of the service decides follow suit. With only six months tenure remaining, he realises this is the perfect opportunity for one final swansong. However, it is very long time since he was operational, and things have changed greatly since his day.
Aphra’s character comes to represent the exploitative nature of spying, even though she is not one herself. Her contact, a Syrian dentist living in Smethwick, has a different perspective on matters and they develop an odd friendship which brings a surprisingly human touch to the story. Sir William is a man raging against the dying of the light, at least in professional terms, but cannot do that with any aplomb. Recently widowed, his retirement plans in disarray and feeling disrespected, he really is in a sorry state. His bungling in the field is certainly amusing, but overall, there develops a sense of melancholy, some may even pity him. As they say time waits for no man and there are times we must accept it.
By the final section, the pace has picked up substantially as it all comes together, developing into race against time. The finale is excellent with just the right amount of danger introduced and a moral confronting conclusion. We are left in no doubt spying is a dirty business, with compromised principles and ideals, one where not everyone will experience a happy ending.
An engrossing read with all the devious twists and moral complexity of literary espionage works. It’s also written with wit, there are comic moments, and a warm human touch which is often tacking in the genre.
The first act captures the mundane and tedium of working in a modern security organisation, epitomised by Susan who has spent forty years chaperoning visitors and workmen around the premises. She is babysitting Aphra McQueen, a researcher turned investigator, who has been set the task of reviewing the operational files of a case involving an Iranian assassin, which has been flagged for complaint. Aphra finds the service employees are unhelpful and becomes increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress made. However, not everything is how it first appears. This section is relatively slow and ponderous at times, leaving the reader in no doubt at the mind-numbing bureaucracy, empire building and sheer number of people who have jobs built from nothingness. It also manages to mask the real story developing underneath.
To make progress Aphra pretends to be a spy herself, following in the footsteps of the service employees in the file, by contacting the named assets. Crazy and dangerous behaviour but ultimately there is method in this madness. As she enters the field, Sir William Rentoul head of the service decides follow suit. With only six months tenure remaining, he realises this is the perfect opportunity for one final swansong. However, it is very long time since he was operational, and things have changed greatly since his day.
Aphra’s character comes to represent the exploitative nature of spying, even though she is not one herself. Her contact, a Syrian dentist living in Smethwick, has a different perspective on matters and they develop an odd friendship which brings a surprisingly human touch to the story. Sir William is a man raging against the dying of the light, at least in professional terms, but cannot do that with any aplomb. Recently widowed, his retirement plans in disarray and feeling disrespected, he really is in a sorry state. His bungling in the field is certainly amusing, but overall, there develops a sense of melancholy, some may even pity him. As they say time waits for no man and there are times we must accept it.
By the final section, the pace has picked up substantially as it all comes together, developing into race against time. The finale is excellent with just the right amount of danger introduced and a moral confronting conclusion. We are left in no doubt spying is a dirty business, with compromised principles and ideals, one where not everyone will experience a happy ending.
An engrossing read with all the devious twists and moral complexity of literary espionage works. It’s also written with wit, there are comic moments, and a warm human touch which is often tacking in the genre.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It feels like writing an espionage novel is the thing to do if you are an ex-intelligence agent. There is a long roll call of authors out there who have successfully followed this path – Stella Rimington (UK), David McCloskey (US) and Jack Beaumont (France) – to name a few. As James Wolff notes in his acknowledgements: “it turns out there’s more than one similarity between spying and novel writing”. But he is not above a little self deprecation - there is also a point in this book where one of his characters, a wannabe spy who loves espionage books, considers that: “Anyone who chooses writing spy novels over spying itself can’t have been much good in the first place…”. And so we come to Wolff’s fourth novel Spies and Other Gods, a twisty tale that plays many of its cards close to its chest, told through the use of a unique narrative voice.
Spies and Other Gods opens with a fabulous conceit: the British Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee has received an anonymous complaint about a particular case run by MI6. That case is a highly classified one involving the hunt for an Iranian assassin who has been killing Iranian dissidents in Europe. Much to the chagrin of the head of intelligence, Sir William Rentoul, a parliamentary researcher has been sent in to review the file and report back. The researcher is a woman called Aphra McQueen and even while she is interviewing those involved in the case, she knows there are things that she is not being told, and seems to have her own agenda.
To say much more about this would spoil some of the delightful twists and turns that this narrative takes. While some of this comes from Aphra and her agenda, some of these twists are powered by delightful side characters like Aphra’s shadow Susan, who does not like the idea of an outsider being allowed into the inner sanctum, and a dentist who is used by the agency and desperately wants to be a spy. The only slightly dud note character-wise is the arc of Sir William, six months from retirement and possibly suffering from the onset of dementia, who makes some questionable decisions along the way.
Much of the enjoyment here can be found in the attention to the craft of spying, the unintended consequences, and the way in which the best laid plans can easily go sideways. There are no big thriller set pieces here, just a slow burn mystery and some unexpected encounters. The narrative voice of the novel and guide to all of the goings on can possibly best be described as the spirit of British intelligence and so provides a slightly omniscient, deeply insightful but also slightly removed view of the characters and their actions.
Wolff sets up an engaging mystery and effortlessly manages to draw readers into the shadowy world and make them feel like they might understand how it ticks. Spies and Other Gods is a great addition to the growing canon of espionage novels written by ex-spies.
Spies and Other Gods opens with a fabulous conceit: the British Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee has received an anonymous complaint about a particular case run by MI6. That case is a highly classified one involving the hunt for an Iranian assassin who has been killing Iranian dissidents in Europe. Much to the chagrin of the head of intelligence, Sir William Rentoul, a parliamentary researcher has been sent in to review the file and report back. The researcher is a woman called Aphra McQueen and even while she is interviewing those involved in the case, she knows there are things that she is not being told, and seems to have her own agenda.
To say much more about this would spoil some of the delightful twists and turns that this narrative takes. While some of this comes from Aphra and her agenda, some of these twists are powered by delightful side characters like Aphra’s shadow Susan, who does not like the idea of an outsider being allowed into the inner sanctum, and a dentist who is used by the agency and desperately wants to be a spy. The only slightly dud note character-wise is the arc of Sir William, six months from retirement and possibly suffering from the onset of dementia, who makes some questionable decisions along the way.
Much of the enjoyment here can be found in the attention to the craft of spying, the unintended consequences, and the way in which the best laid plans can easily go sideways. There are no big thriller set pieces here, just a slow burn mystery and some unexpected encounters. The narrative voice of the novel and guide to all of the goings on can possibly best be described as the spirit of British intelligence and so provides a slightly omniscient, deeply insightful but also slightly removed view of the characters and their actions.
Wolff sets up an engaging mystery and effortlessly manages to draw readers into the shadowy world and make them feel like they might understand how it ticks. Spies and Other Gods is a great addition to the growing canon of espionage novels written by ex-spies.
April 15, 2026
An intelligence agency undergoes an oversight investigation
In the secretive world in which intelligence groups operate there are cases which if they go well are applauded but, if they go badly as sometimes happen, they can be almost impossible to justify. Sir William Rentoul, head of British Intelligence, is only too aware that as extremely well as his group has been doing of late in almost all regards, there have been one or two instances of things not going as planned. Such things have happened before and they have gotten past the errors, but this time it may not be so easy to bury the truth. Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee has received information from a whistleblower that they believe merits investigation, and have assigned researcher Aphra McQueen to investigate the sensitive operation that is of course one of the "didn't go well" cases that MI6 would just as soon keep buried, obfuscated or otherwise away from prying eyes. It seems that there is an Iranian assassin roaming across Europe murdering dissidents along the way, and like their counterparts in neighboring countries MI6 has been endeavoring to identify and capture the killer when he next appears (albeit keeping their cards close to their chest and not sharing all with their peers). As the aging Rentoul struggles with some of the less pleasant side effects of aging and his impending retirement the agency as a whole does its best to derail or discredit Aphra's investigation. But she may know more than they suspect....does she have her own agenda? And can she stay alive in the cutthroat world into which she is poking?
Spies and Other Gods is a twist on the espionage thriller, one which is a smart and thoughtful look at the world of spooks. Author James Wolff uses dark humor to skewer the day-to-day office life of a bureaucracy that just so happens to be an intelligence agency. How should a clandestine group handle internal problems? With the clever and rather rebellious Aphra as well as the voice of an omniscient observer framing the goings on within the service, the story combines cat and mouse intrigue with moral ambiguity and office politics. It is a quirky read, twisty in all the right places, and touches upon topics very much in the public arena these days. Readers of Charles Cumming, Mick Heron and John Le Carré might well enjoy this character-focused tale. My thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Crime for allowing me access to the novel in exchange for my honest review.
In the secretive world in which intelligence groups operate there are cases which if they go well are applauded but, if they go badly as sometimes happen, they can be almost impossible to justify. Sir William Rentoul, head of British Intelligence, is only too aware that as extremely well as his group has been doing of late in almost all regards, there have been one or two instances of things not going as planned. Such things have happened before and they have gotten past the errors, but this time it may not be so easy to bury the truth. Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee has received information from a whistleblower that they believe merits investigation, and have assigned researcher Aphra McQueen to investigate the sensitive operation that is of course one of the "didn't go well" cases that MI6 would just as soon keep buried, obfuscated or otherwise away from prying eyes. It seems that there is an Iranian assassin roaming across Europe murdering dissidents along the way, and like their counterparts in neighboring countries MI6 has been endeavoring to identify and capture the killer when he next appears (albeit keeping their cards close to their chest and not sharing all with their peers). As the aging Rentoul struggles with some of the less pleasant side effects of aging and his impending retirement the agency as a whole does its best to derail or discredit Aphra's investigation. But she may know more than they suspect....does she have her own agenda? And can she stay alive in the cutthroat world into which she is poking?
Spies and Other Gods is a twist on the espionage thriller, one which is a smart and thoughtful look at the world of spooks. Author James Wolff uses dark humor to skewer the day-to-day office life of a bureaucracy that just so happens to be an intelligence agency. How should a clandestine group handle internal problems? With the clever and rather rebellious Aphra as well as the voice of an omniscient observer framing the goings on within the service, the story combines cat and mouse intrigue with moral ambiguity and office politics. It is a quirky read, twisty in all the right places, and touches upon topics very much in the public arena these days. Readers of Charles Cumming, Mick Heron and John Le Carré might well enjoy this character-focused tale. My thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Crime for allowing me access to the novel in exchange for my honest review.
June 3, 2026
This satirical look at espionage, especially the United Kingdom’s services, is in turns dark, witty, hilarious, and disquieting. The 3rd POV shares the story’s voice with a 1st POV who is the wryest and most self-deprecating voice I have enjoyed for a long time. I will not spoil your own discovery by trying to name this URN (Unreliable Narrator); however, I predict you will be debating it with your self and other readers for some time. So clever and effective as it coats the story in ironic and satiric hues even without the aid of the motley crew of operative CHs. Each of them with distinct voices even as their motivations are slowly unwrapped. From Aphra, an investigator for a government oversight committee, to her boss, Julian, a top legislative bureaucrat, to the head of British Intelligence, the aging out, Sir William, his minions from Susan, the building escort, to a questionable ethics counselor, and assorted active agents, as well as spy Ari and his cousin, Zak—these CHs are distinctive and through dialogue and sharp description effective as both Plot-driven CHs and foils. Espionage procedural detail is well captured. Paris, Switzerland, and British locations aid in the vivid sense of place and realistic situations of headquarters, train stations, street corners, and a dentist’s office. Political, cultural, and economical references to Iran and other countries give the Plotting depth as the mechanics of spying, the games spies play with each other’s countries and services and their ability to justify their decisions takes on comic overtones with just enough realistic detail to make me wince at the indifference they portray for real human lives. Told in three distinct parts, this was both a treat to read as entertainment and a morality play to chew on. The writing is superb at one point having the URN make this clever analogy about a figurehead sitting on the wall as a decorative piece and when he tries to actually act as one of the structural bricks, chaos will ensue (132), and in another section a conversation between CHs casts this intricate analogy of spies as gods that hits pay dirt thematically (175). Take the ride—it is worth your time. RED FLAGS: Violence; Descriptions of Torture and its effects; Bullying. Readalikes are difficult because this is so unique but perhaps Jonathan Payne’s Citizen Orlov, and if the wit of C.K. Chesterton laced with a bit of satirical Kafka may also appeal to readers who appreciate Mick Herron, Chris Pavone, and Alexander McCall Smith’s The Private Life of Spies. And maybe Jasper Fforde.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Something a little different, in a very good way. Some comments I'd seen about this made me think it was going to be a little pretentious, with its alternative take on the third person narrative. But don't be put off - this is a really entertaining, easy to get into thriller that keeps you guessing, with lots of twists along the way. Some of them are easier to spot coming than others, but the fun is in the journey and the characters. They're mostly recognisable types from the spy genre, but where other spy novels tend to focus on the action, leaving the characters fairly indistinct (that's meant to be the point of a spy, right?), we get to really learn about these characters, and follow their thoughts, motivations and doubts about what they're doing. After all, spies are just people like anyone else, not the gods of the title. There's a fun scene (no spoilers) where we get to see a civilian thrust into the world of spies, attempting to learn spycraft on the spot, and the danger is palpable.
The narrator is not the usual unnamed, unspecific unknown, but is described as the 'corporate conscience' of MI5, a conglomerate consciousness of all the people in the building, that becomes it's own entity. This initially feels a bit strange, as it's hard to get a grasp of who it is who's talking to you, but you gradually build your own picture of who or what it is. And giving it a character makes it also fallable like everyone else. It's fun to realise that this narrator is not omniscient, feels puzzled by what they notice, and has to spend time figuring things out even as they're narrating. It's like a fly on the wall boss, constantly evaluating their employees, making judgments, but never able to actually intervene.
At times, the narrator voice almost disappears for stretches, necessary for actually getting on with the story, but once I got used to it, I enjoyed it so much I would have actually liked to hear it's sarcastic assessments of things a bit more.
There's not a lot of violent action, but it's not necessary in a story that is all about positioning, angles, trust and deception. But it's all written with as much narrative thrust, tension and excitement as anything plot or action driven. Being written by an ex spy isn't necessarily a guarantee of a quality spy novel, but this one felt real and believable, but most importantly a lot of fun.
With thanks to Netgalley and John Murray Press for a pre-publication copy
The narrator is not the usual unnamed, unspecific unknown, but is described as the 'corporate conscience' of MI5, a conglomerate consciousness of all the people in the building, that becomes it's own entity. This initially feels a bit strange, as it's hard to get a grasp of who it is who's talking to you, but you gradually build your own picture of who or what it is. And giving it a character makes it also fallable like everyone else. It's fun to realise that this narrator is not omniscient, feels puzzled by what they notice, and has to spend time figuring things out even as they're narrating. It's like a fly on the wall boss, constantly evaluating their employees, making judgments, but never able to actually intervene.
At times, the narrator voice almost disappears for stretches, necessary for actually getting on with the story, but once I got used to it, I enjoyed it so much I would have actually liked to hear it's sarcastic assessments of things a bit more.
There's not a lot of violent action, but it's not necessary in a story that is all about positioning, angles, trust and deception. But it's all written with as much narrative thrust, tension and excitement as anything plot or action driven. Being written by an ex spy isn't necessarily a guarantee of a quality spy novel, but this one felt real and believable, but most importantly a lot of fun.
With thanks to Netgalley and John Murray Press for a pre-publication copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Spies and Other Gods flirts with the style of Mick Herron’s Slow Horses series, but is very much its own creation.
Sir William Rentoul, the Head of British Intelligence, is surprised and disquieted when the body that oversees the work of his agency, Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee, decides to impose a researcher on him to investigate an anonymous whistle blower complaint. The complaint relates to one of the Agency’s most sensitive cases involving an Iranian assassin and a trail of dead bodies across Europe, and there is potentially a lot to find out. Sir William’s staff quickly close ranks to stifle the investigation, but the lowly parliamentary researcher assigned to the case, Aphra McQueen, proves to be smarter and more tenacious than they were expecting. Soon the investigation spirals out of the control and the story heads in some very unexpected directions.
The opening chapters are possibly a little slow as Wolff sets the various strands of his plot in place, but they do have some nice touches of humour about them, and the pace soon picks up as the story moves abroad. The early sections also allow Wolff the opportunity to introduce his unusual narration perspective involving an omniscient, but not omnipotent, narrator who describes themself as being the spirit of the organisation. It takes a few pages to become used to it, but after awhile you do not notice it and it actually works quite well.
The story itself is beguiling and is well supported by some vivid descriptions and a cast of credible, interesting characters, especially the researcher Aphra McQueen. It also has the requisite spy fiction tropes of rivalry between agencies, and with Government, internal backstabbing, surprising twists, believable spying detail and a growing sense of unease. Also adding to the pleasure is the presence of Sir William, a once great spy master who is now slipping into possible dementia at time when his agency needs him the most. His actions are not always credible, but they do help to give the plot some urgency.
In all, I really enjoyed the freshness and political reflections of Spies and Other Gods, and was pleasantly surprised by the book’s various twists and turns. I also cheered at the end.
Sir William Rentoul, the Head of British Intelligence, is surprised and disquieted when the body that oversees the work of his agency, Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee, decides to impose a researcher on him to investigate an anonymous whistle blower complaint. The complaint relates to one of the Agency’s most sensitive cases involving an Iranian assassin and a trail of dead bodies across Europe, and there is potentially a lot to find out. Sir William’s staff quickly close ranks to stifle the investigation, but the lowly parliamentary researcher assigned to the case, Aphra McQueen, proves to be smarter and more tenacious than they were expecting. Soon the investigation spirals out of the control and the story heads in some very unexpected directions.
The opening chapters are possibly a little slow as Wolff sets the various strands of his plot in place, but they do have some nice touches of humour about them, and the pace soon picks up as the story moves abroad. The early sections also allow Wolff the opportunity to introduce his unusual narration perspective involving an omniscient, but not omnipotent, narrator who describes themself as being the spirit of the organisation. It takes a few pages to become used to it, but after awhile you do not notice it and it actually works quite well.
The story itself is beguiling and is well supported by some vivid descriptions and a cast of credible, interesting characters, especially the researcher Aphra McQueen. It also has the requisite spy fiction tropes of rivalry between agencies, and with Government, internal backstabbing, surprising twists, believable spying detail and a growing sense of unease. Also adding to the pleasure is the presence of Sir William, a once great spy master who is now slipping into possible dementia at time when his agency needs him the most. His actions are not always credible, but they do help to give the plot some urgency.
In all, I really enjoyed the freshness and political reflections of Spies and Other Gods, and was pleasantly surprised by the book’s various twists and turns. I also cheered at the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Spy thrillers are generally pretty hit or miss for me— I either get bored too quickly or they grab my attention from the very beginning. Thankfully, this book was the latter!
Spies and Other Gods leans heavily into the human side of espionage rather than flashy, over-the-top action, and honestly, that’s what makes it work so well. The story is layered with deception, moral ambiguity, and just enough chaos to keep you constantly questioning who knows what—and who’s lying about it. I had a hard time trusting a single character because I didn’t know what was real and what was a lie.
The multi-POV structure was both a strength and (occasionally) a slight challenge. For the most part, I loved how it added depth and momentum to the story, especially as all the threads slowly tightened around the central mystery. Typically, I will always prefer a book that has more than one POV. That said, there were moments where I had to pause and reorient myself, since the transitions between perspectives weren’t always super clear. Still, the writing itself is engaging enough that it never pulled me out for long.
Aphra was easily the standout for me. She’s sharp, observant, and just a little bit enigmatic in a way that makes her incredibly compelling to follow. Watching her piece things together—and realizing she might know more than she lets on—added an extra layer of tension that I really appreciated.
What I loved most, though, was the tone. There’s this dry, understated humor woven throughout that balances the darker elements perfectly. It never feels forced or distracting—it’s just there, and it feels clever and intentional. And the plot itself? It was intelligent, satisfying, and refreshingly grounded. There was no over-the-top “action hero” moments—just careful maneuvering, messy truths, and the kind of realism that makes everything feel a little more tense and eerie.
If you’re someone who enjoys character-driven spy stories with a strong sense of intrigue (and a touch of cynicism about institutions and power), this is absolutely worth picking up. It reminded me why I loved this genre in the first place.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic | Atlantic Crime for this eARC!
Spies and Other Gods leans heavily into the human side of espionage rather than flashy, over-the-top action, and honestly, that’s what makes it work so well. The story is layered with deception, moral ambiguity, and just enough chaos to keep you constantly questioning who knows what—and who’s lying about it. I had a hard time trusting a single character because I didn’t know what was real and what was a lie.
The multi-POV structure was both a strength and (occasionally) a slight challenge. For the most part, I loved how it added depth and momentum to the story, especially as all the threads slowly tightened around the central mystery. Typically, I will always prefer a book that has more than one POV. That said, there were moments where I had to pause and reorient myself, since the transitions between perspectives weren’t always super clear. Still, the writing itself is engaging enough that it never pulled me out for long.
Aphra was easily the standout for me. She’s sharp, observant, and just a little bit enigmatic in a way that makes her incredibly compelling to follow. Watching her piece things together—and realizing she might know more than she lets on—added an extra layer of tension that I really appreciated.
What I loved most, though, was the tone. There’s this dry, understated humor woven throughout that balances the darker elements perfectly. It never feels forced or distracting—it’s just there, and it feels clever and intentional. And the plot itself? It was intelligent, satisfying, and refreshingly grounded. There was no over-the-top “action hero” moments—just careful maneuvering, messy truths, and the kind of realism that makes everything feel a little more tense and eerie.
If you’re someone who enjoys character-driven spy stories with a strong sense of intrigue (and a touch of cynicism about institutions and power), this is absolutely worth picking up. It reminded me why I loved this genre in the first place.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic | Atlantic Crime for this eARC!
June 6, 2026
This book was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. My first thoughts about Spies and Other Gods was that the agent in charge thinks of himself as always the smartest person in the room regardless to what room he walks into or who walks into the room. In this case it appears that he is so arrogant that he doesn't recognize that someone has walked into the room that is smarter than him. Why on earth would they send a historian to investigate assassinations?
Two days later I have read this book in one of the most unconventional means ever. I skipped an entire section because I could no longer stand not to know what happens to Zak and Aphra. Once I know that answer and I back my way into why I thought it happened, I went back to where I left off to determine if my thoughts were accurate. I could have stopped then since I had most of the answers to my questions. Why was Aphra assigned to this investigation? Why would a researcher be sent to investigate a complaint made about an intelligence investigation? These were the most compelling questions to me and honestly they were the factors that drove this book for me.
Of course, knowing some of the answers still left a hole in my thoughts. I needed to know Aphra’s story. Of course, we get to know Zak’s story as well which compelled me back to where I left off before skipping to the answers. The answers led to more questions so I had to go back. The story was compelling so only having the answers was not enough. Knowing someone’s why seems to be a huge trendy catchphrase these days and it is not really one that I spend a lot of direct time on usually as I am not a fan of trendy catchphrases. But, in this case, knowing what drives Aphra is the most compelling thing that drives this story. It is a great read and if I were to sit down to read this knowing what I already know about it, I would read it the same way despite skipping to the end not being one of my methodologies where there is a mystery in the middle of a slow burn spy story. I will post this on my blog at as it never gets enough attention these days. Ladytechiesbookmusings.Blogspot.Com
Two days later I have read this book in one of the most unconventional means ever. I skipped an entire section because I could no longer stand not to know what happens to Zak and Aphra. Once I know that answer and I back my way into why I thought it happened, I went back to where I left off to determine if my thoughts were accurate. I could have stopped then since I had most of the answers to my questions. Why was Aphra assigned to this investigation? Why would a researcher be sent to investigate a complaint made about an intelligence investigation? These were the most compelling questions to me and honestly they were the factors that drove this book for me.
Of course, knowing some of the answers still left a hole in my thoughts. I needed to know Aphra’s story. Of course, we get to know Zak’s story as well which compelled me back to where I left off before skipping to the answers. The answers led to more questions so I had to go back. The story was compelling so only having the answers was not enough. Knowing someone’s why seems to be a huge trendy catchphrase these days and it is not really one that I spend a lot of direct time on usually as I am not a fan of trendy catchphrases. But, in this case, knowing what drives Aphra is the most compelling thing that drives this story. It is a great read and if I were to sit down to read this knowing what I already know about it, I would read it the same way despite skipping to the end not being one of my methodologies where there is a mystery in the middle of a slow burn spy story. I will post this on my blog at as it never gets enough attention these days. Ladytechiesbookmusings.Blogspot.Com
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The world of spies, secrets, lies and covert operations is brought to us by a former spy and has a very unique style. The narrator of the tale feels omniscient but certainly not omnipotent. It's a little confusing for a while but gradually it becomes apparent that the narrator is a sort of collective consciousness of the intelligence agency itself. This narration adds a little humour as well as an interesting perspective as we oversee the events.
The head of British Intelligence, Sir William Rentoul, is six months away from retirement and he's making mistakes. His memory is not what it was and he's losing his grip on the situation. It is clear that he must be in the early stages of alzheimers and it is built into the story with humour, sensitivity and an outlook of nostalgia as even the people at the top sometimes wish they could get involved at a ground floor operational level.
Sir Williams's latest problem is an internal complaint and a parliamentary researcher has been brought in to ferret out the complainant. The researcher, Aphra McQueen is a great character. She is smart, rebellious and doesn't back down from a problem. She also has her own secrets and agenda.
Aphra's visit sparks all kinds of trouble as the complaint is linked to a very sensitive case involving an Iranian assassin who is leaving a trail of bodies across Europe.
Can the murderer be caught? What exactly is Aphra up to? Can Sir William survive until retirement? And has a Syrian/British dentist met undercover agents and now believe that he could be a spy himself?
It is a character led plot with lots of intrigue in the real world of spies so don't expect an action novel. The writing flows well and the dialogue is sharp. It's an enjoyable novel with unexpected moments of emotion, with sadness, hope and a little hilarity.
Thank you very much to the publisher for the advance proof.
The head of British Intelligence, Sir William Rentoul, is six months away from retirement and he's making mistakes. His memory is not what it was and he's losing his grip on the situation. It is clear that he must be in the early stages of alzheimers and it is built into the story with humour, sensitivity and an outlook of nostalgia as even the people at the top sometimes wish they could get involved at a ground floor operational level.
Sir Williams's latest problem is an internal complaint and a parliamentary researcher has been brought in to ferret out the complainant. The researcher, Aphra McQueen is a great character. She is smart, rebellious and doesn't back down from a problem. She also has her own secrets and agenda.
Aphra's visit sparks all kinds of trouble as the complaint is linked to a very sensitive case involving an Iranian assassin who is leaving a trail of bodies across Europe.
Can the murderer be caught? What exactly is Aphra up to? Can Sir William survive until retirement? And has a Syrian/British dentist met undercover agents and now believe that he could be a spy himself?
It is a character led plot with lots of intrigue in the real world of spies so don't expect an action novel. The writing flows well and the dialogue is sharp. It's an enjoyable novel with unexpected moments of emotion, with sadness, hope and a little hilarity.
Thank you very much to the publisher for the advance proof.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read a free advance digital review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Aphra McQueen, a Parliamentary researcher, arrives at British intelligence offices to investigate an ethics complaint. Yes, in the 21st century, there is are ethics watchdogs not only in Parliament, but also within intelligence. So, multiple watchers watching the watchers, but Aphra isn’t what she seems, and that’s what sets this plot in motion.
Sir William Rentoul, the head of the intelligence bureau, has a number of problems, and one of them is that he is having memory issues. Nobody else is saying anything about them, so he thinks he’s OK, but is it possible that in a building full of spies, nobody has noticed? Of course not. One of Sir William’s other problems is that there is an Iranian assassin with nearly a dozen kills so far, and it now appears he is heading into western Europe.
The third principal character in the book is Zak, a Birmingham dentist who emigrated to Britain from Syria, and who has become entangled with the Iranian spy hunt, Aphra, and various spies.
This is not a fast-paced spy thriller. Much of the narration is in the third person, which adds an odd atmosphere. For me, the observation from afar seemed to lower the stakes—which is not always a bad thing. Partly because of the narration style, it takes awhile to appreciate the satirical elements of the plot, like that the ethics and HR departments at British intelligence seem to exist to carry out ethical violations and harm employees whose high ethical standards might bring negative publicity to the bureau. Or that there are higher-ups at the bureau who are much more concerned with maneuvering for Sir William’s office than catching an assassin.
If you want a thinking person’s spy novel, with a focus on the harm that can be caused by those meant to protect us, this is a good choice. Just be prepared for a fairly slow pace.
3.5 stars rounded to 4
Aphra McQueen, a Parliamentary researcher, arrives at British intelligence offices to investigate an ethics complaint. Yes, in the 21st century, there is are ethics watchdogs not only in Parliament, but also within intelligence. So, multiple watchers watching the watchers, but Aphra isn’t what she seems, and that’s what sets this plot in motion.
Sir William Rentoul, the head of the intelligence bureau, has a number of problems, and one of them is that he is having memory issues. Nobody else is saying anything about them, so he thinks he’s OK, but is it possible that in a building full of spies, nobody has noticed? Of course not. One of Sir William’s other problems is that there is an Iranian assassin with nearly a dozen kills so far, and it now appears he is heading into western Europe.
The third principal character in the book is Zak, a Birmingham dentist who emigrated to Britain from Syria, and who has become entangled with the Iranian spy hunt, Aphra, and various spies.
This is not a fast-paced spy thriller. Much of the narration is in the third person, which adds an odd atmosphere. For me, the observation from afar seemed to lower the stakes—which is not always a bad thing. Partly because of the narration style, it takes awhile to appreciate the satirical elements of the plot, like that the ethics and HR departments at British intelligence seem to exist to carry out ethical violations and harm employees whose high ethical standards might bring negative publicity to the bureau. Or that there are higher-ups at the bureau who are much more concerned with maneuvering for Sir William’s office than catching an assassin.
If you want a thinking person’s spy novel, with a focus on the harm that can be caused by those meant to protect us, this is a good choice. Just be prepared for a fairly slow pace.
3.5 stars rounded to 4
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Pale derivative of quasi-Herron territory 2
I found this one a disappointment, trying far too hard for the spy-story-with-laughs-and-bureaucratic-machinations-incompetent-operatives-and-a-real-threat-narrative-escalating which Herron created so very successfully and well, and I guess others are now hoping to inhabit.
We even have a variation of the what-goes-on-scene-setting-the building-itself which Herron always starts his books with, marginally translated into a kind of overview narrator which is the ‘soul of spying’ or god of spying. It irritated me hugely.
I don’t wish to reveal spoilers which would stop anyone’s enjoyable journey which they might have with this, but, tick – there are the rivalries and machinations between the security service and the government, tick, - there is the rivalry between the present incumbent of the head (or first desk) position and someone who might see their opportunity to climb the greasy pole, - tick there is someone with devious own agenda and a loose canon in their own right, tick there are bastions of correctness feeling they deserved more. And on. And twists. But not the ones which ‘electrify’. Or at least, did not electrify me.
The real danger which needs urgent solving and preventing a catastrophe occurring involves Iran. This is a somewhat tricky territory because, of course, there are actual events now happening in Iran, so the jokey territory of this novel feels rather uncomfortable, and, to be honest, the ‘prevent the catastrophe’ which, is Herron’s hands involves the reader entering into heart pounding sweaty palm territory, here is a lumbering along in the slow lane.
Obviously, from the NetGalley reviews of the ARC I read, readers are sharply divided. A lot seem to have enjoyed it, so, time will tell which way this falls for most of us.
I found this one a disappointment, trying far too hard for the spy-story-with-laughs-and-bureaucratic-machinations-incompetent-operatives-and-a-real-threat-narrative-escalating which Herron created so very successfully and well, and I guess others are now hoping to inhabit.
We even have a variation of the what-goes-on-scene-setting-the building-itself which Herron always starts his books with, marginally translated into a kind of overview narrator which is the ‘soul of spying’ or god of spying. It irritated me hugely.
I don’t wish to reveal spoilers which would stop anyone’s enjoyable journey which they might have with this, but, tick – there are the rivalries and machinations between the security service and the government, tick, - there is the rivalry between the present incumbent of the head (or first desk) position and someone who might see their opportunity to climb the greasy pole, - tick there is someone with devious own agenda and a loose canon in their own right, tick there are bastions of correctness feeling they deserved more. And on. And twists. But not the ones which ‘electrify’. Or at least, did not electrify me.
The real danger which needs urgent solving and preventing a catastrophe occurring involves Iran. This is a somewhat tricky territory because, of course, there are actual events now happening in Iran, so the jokey territory of this novel feels rather uncomfortable, and, to be honest, the ‘prevent the catastrophe’ which, is Herron’s hands involves the reader entering into heart pounding sweaty palm territory, here is a lumbering along in the slow lane.
Obviously, from the NetGalley reviews of the ARC I read, readers are sharply divided. A lot seem to have enjoyed it, so, time will tell which way this falls for most of us.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was pleasantly surprised with James Wolff’s fourth espionage novel, Spies and Other Gods. Wolff writes from experience as he is a former British spy himself. The cynical narrator oversees the story as the “spirit of spying,” and tells us a complex espionage story with issues seldom seen in that sub-genre.
Part of the story involves an aging spy who has lost some of his step and is often in a “brain fog.” While we are seeing plenty of older sleuths these days in cozy mysteries, this is my first read about the issue in the spy novel. There is some comedy in the book as there is with the cozy “older detective” stories, though this story is serious and intellectual. An anonymous complaint, concerning a MI6 operation trying to identify an assassin traveling around Europe killing other Iranians, is leveled with British Intelligence, and a civilian researcher (Alpha McQueen) with Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee is tasked with looking into the matter.
McQueen has her own reasons for wanting to spy on the spies…she goes off page on her role, and along with the MI6 operator in a Brain Fog, attempts to find the assassin in France. Many twists lead the reader all over the place. Wolff, of course, knows his spy craft – the spys and non-spys running around France makes the reader think they are watching a well-designed film.
This is not an espionage thriller in the normal sense; not a lot of action or suspense. But the characterization is marvelous. The narrator leads the reader on a merry chase through the point of views of each of the engaging characters to a final conclusion that, like the entire novel, is rather ambiguous and requires a great deal of thought.
My rating: 4 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.
Spies and other Gods will be published on April 14, 2026.
Part of the story involves an aging spy who has lost some of his step and is often in a “brain fog.” While we are seeing plenty of older sleuths these days in cozy mysteries, this is my first read about the issue in the spy novel. There is some comedy in the book as there is with the cozy “older detective” stories, though this story is serious and intellectual. An anonymous complaint, concerning a MI6 operation trying to identify an assassin traveling around Europe killing other Iranians, is leveled with British Intelligence, and a civilian researcher (Alpha McQueen) with Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee is tasked with looking into the matter.
McQueen has her own reasons for wanting to spy on the spies…she goes off page on her role, and along with the MI6 operator in a Brain Fog, attempts to find the assassin in France. Many twists lead the reader all over the place. Wolff, of course, knows his spy craft – the spys and non-spys running around France makes the reader think they are watching a well-designed film.
This is not an espionage thriller in the normal sense; not a lot of action or suspense. But the characterization is marvelous. The narrator leads the reader on a merry chase through the point of views of each of the engaging characters to a final conclusion that, like the entire novel, is rather ambiguous and requires a great deal of thought.
My rating: 4 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.
Spies and other Gods will be published on April 14, 2026.
April 30, 2026
If you are looking for a different sort of spy novel this one will whet your appetite. The book is as Winston Churchill once said, “A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” Deception, deflection, and disinformation form the basis for this heavily character driven novel of intrigue. The book brings to light the different sort of individuals one finds within the walls of British intelligence. From a not so welcoming elderly visitor escort who dislikes outsiders inside her domain, spies waiting for assignments, analysts maintaining and filtering through top secret information and who should receive copies, to the soon retiring head of British Intelligence protecting his people, Queen, and country. We are provided with an insider’s view of the various levels of spy-craft and analysts active in an old case motivated by a whistleblowers complaint.
An outside investigator is brought in to review the classified case files and interview those involved in the case. Internal dirty tricks lead to her resignation but she has absorbed enough information to continue looking into the case. It involves an Iranian assassin searching out dissidents across Europe and dispatching them on behalf of the regime. Her investigation turns out to be highly personal and her determination to find the assassin is a major twist in the story’s narrative.
The story is heavy with crisp and often subtle but humorous dialogue among the various players. The dialogue is extensive and the action limited. as the story progresses the anonymous narrator fills in the characters’ back story and their motivations to protect MI6, shut down the case, misdirect Aphra the investigator, and uncover and eliminate the Iranian assassin. There is a lot to digest in Spies and Other Gods but the novel as a whole is quite satisfying and well worth the time spent.
An outside investigator is brought in to review the classified case files and interview those involved in the case. Internal dirty tricks lead to her resignation but she has absorbed enough information to continue looking into the case. It involves an Iranian assassin searching out dissidents across Europe and dispatching them on behalf of the regime. Her investigation turns out to be highly personal and her determination to find the assassin is a major twist in the story’s narrative.
The story is heavy with crisp and often subtle but humorous dialogue among the various players. The dialogue is extensive and the action limited. as the story progresses the anonymous narrator fills in the characters’ back story and their motivations to protect MI6, shut down the case, misdirect Aphra the investigator, and uncover and eliminate the Iranian assassin. There is a lot to digest in Spies and Other Gods but the novel as a whole is quite satisfying and well worth the time spent.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
‘Spies and Other Gods’ belongs to that classic genre: spy novels written by former spies. However, unlike the traditional plot-heavy, action-packed works of the genre, this novel is character-driven, exquisitely well-written, and far subtler—though no less compelling and all the more emotionally-engaging for it.
Perhaps the most notable feature of this novel is the unusual narrative perspective. Wolff opts for an omniscient—though far from detached—narrator, but unlike the God-like voice found in Dickens’ works, it is the voice of the soul of the intelligence agency (so, perhaps a god of another kind…). It is an intriguing perspective, but one that definitely takes a little getting used to, and Wolff uses it to brilliant effect, making for a gripping, humorous, and often acerbic read.
The other notable feature of the novel is the quality of the writing. It is wonderfully fluid, with vivid yet succinct descriptions. I found myself able to picture every moment and mannerism as I read. Plus, the pacing is excellent, with the plot constantly progressing and the tension continually ratcheting up, rather than events being drawn out beyond their natural length.
I also appreciated how distinct and fully-formed every last member of the extensive cast is. They all felt real, and though their goals are often in conflict, I found myself rooting for each of them in their own way.
The only let-down for me was the ending, which fell flat compared to the rest of the story. I was hoping for something punchier and clearer, but instead the note was subtler, bleaker, and ultimately less satisfying.
Still, overall, a highly enjoyable read.
Many thanks to NetGalley, James Wolff and John Murray Press for the ARC.
⚠️ Violence, detail of injury, alcoholism, murder
Perhaps the most notable feature of this novel is the unusual narrative perspective. Wolff opts for an omniscient—though far from detached—narrator, but unlike the God-like voice found in Dickens’ works, it is the voice of the soul of the intelligence agency (so, perhaps a god of another kind…). It is an intriguing perspective, but one that definitely takes a little getting used to, and Wolff uses it to brilliant effect, making for a gripping, humorous, and often acerbic read.
The other notable feature of the novel is the quality of the writing. It is wonderfully fluid, with vivid yet succinct descriptions. I found myself able to picture every moment and mannerism as I read. Plus, the pacing is excellent, with the plot constantly progressing and the tension continually ratcheting up, rather than events being drawn out beyond their natural length.
I also appreciated how distinct and fully-formed every last member of the extensive cast is. They all felt real, and though their goals are often in conflict, I found myself rooting for each of them in their own way.
The only let-down for me was the ending, which fell flat compared to the rest of the story. I was hoping for something punchier and clearer, but instead the note was subtler, bleaker, and ultimately less satisfying.
Still, overall, a highly enjoyable read.
Many thanks to NetGalley, James Wolff and John Murray Press for the ARC.
⚠️ Violence, detail of injury, alcoholism, murder
May 1, 2026
This is a very interesting and unusual spy novel. It begins with Aphra McQueen, a parliamentary researcher, who arrives at M16 to investigate an anonymous complaint. Sir William Rentoul, Head of British Intelligence, is resistant to the investigation, but Aphra - accompanied by Susan, her building escort - is allowed into the building. It is obvious that she is being stonewalled, as interviews are set up without her knowledge, and her ability to read about the case keeps being interrupted.
It is hard, at first, to understand Aphra's desire to get to the truth about a possible killer who targeted those who have fought against the Iranian regime and are now living in Europe. The story unfolds gradually as Aphra refuses to drop her investigation and Sir William Rentoul, whose memory has been failing him, rediscovers the excitement of leaving his office and pursuing her.
Can I also say something about the lazy publishing desire in recent years to compare authors? Presumably, this is for some pathetic sense of 'placing them in the market,' or some such nonsense. It does not help; it hinders. As this novel has some humour and quirky characters, as well as a narrative voice, the obvious comparison is to Mick Herron, and this is duly used to 'place' the novel. I love Mick Herron; he is brilliant, but this comparison does a disservice to a novel which really has little to compare it to and has its own style and substance. I have read reviews saying things like, it isn't like Herron. Well, of course it isn't, it's a different book by a different author. Anyway, it annoys me, and I don't find it helpful. I do look forward to reading more by James Wolff (a pseudonym as he was a former spy) and really enjoyed this.
It is hard, at first, to understand Aphra's desire to get to the truth about a possible killer who targeted those who have fought against the Iranian regime and are now living in Europe. The story unfolds gradually as Aphra refuses to drop her investigation and Sir William Rentoul, whose memory has been failing him, rediscovers the excitement of leaving his office and pursuing her.
Can I also say something about the lazy publishing desire in recent years to compare authors? Presumably, this is for some pathetic sense of 'placing them in the market,' or some such nonsense. It does not help; it hinders. As this novel has some humour and quirky characters, as well as a narrative voice, the obvious comparison is to Mick Herron, and this is duly used to 'place' the novel. I love Mick Herron; he is brilliant, but this comparison does a disservice to a novel which really has little to compare it to and has its own style and substance. I have read reviews saying things like, it isn't like Herron. Well, of course it isn't, it's a different book by a different author. Anyway, it annoys me, and I don't find it helpful. I do look forward to reading more by James Wolff (a pseudonym as he was a former spy) and really enjoyed this.
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