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Mrs Spy #2
The Spy and the Snake
THE NEW TRAILBLAZING NOVEL FROM INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR, MANDY ROBOTHAM
One mission. One fake husband. One very real problem.
Maggie Flynn has finally earned her place at of MI5-but with promotion comes paperwork. No more disguises, no more danger, just meetings, memos, and the quiet realisation that life feels a little too safe.
With her daughter away at university and her spirited mother pursuing her own adventures, Maggie's days in London are starting to feel decidedly ordinary. So when the chance arises to return to the field, she doesn't hesitate.
The fly to Budapest and pose as the wife of a notorious British defector in order to smuggle him back to the UK. It should be a straightforward operation. But Maggie Flynn has never done straightforward-and what's waiting in Budapest is anything but routine.
As Cold War tensions simmer and shadows linger on every corner, Maggie finds herself navigating a city steeped in secrets-and drawn to a mysterious stranger who may endanger the mission… or steal her heart.
***
Readers LOVE The Spy and the Snake!
'For those who like spy stories with half-truths, lies and deep suspicion, this book is for you!' 5* review
'A witty, well-constructed spy story... delicious' 5* review
'An amusing, page turning novel, complete with suspense, a smattering of romance and great characters' 5* reviews
'A book you can't put down... I thoroughly enjoyed it' 5* review
'A great thriller that keeps you gripped from start to finish' 5* review
'I loved the characters, humour, suspense and the setting in Budapest... A real treat' 5* review
***
Praise for M.J.
'A gripping story and great 60s detail, Mrs Spy is the female answer to Harry Palmer' - Ian Moore
'Dark, twisty, and thoroughly entertaining, Mrs Spy is a Thursday Murder Club for spies' - Ava Glass
'Maggie Flynn is a true a smart, intrepid, middle-aged spy with acute instincts and aching bunions' - Gill Paul
'I loved this an absolutely gripping and heartwarming story... we need more heroes like Mrs Spy!' - Jane Bailey
'Robotham has taken the invisibility of the middle-aged woman and turned it on it's head' - Emma Flint
'Exciting, alluring, seductive' - Clare Whitfield
One mission. One fake husband. One very real problem.
Maggie Flynn has finally earned her place at of MI5-but with promotion comes paperwork. No more disguises, no more danger, just meetings, memos, and the quiet realisation that life feels a little too safe.
With her daughter away at university and her spirited mother pursuing her own adventures, Maggie's days in London are starting to feel decidedly ordinary. So when the chance arises to return to the field, she doesn't hesitate.
The fly to Budapest and pose as the wife of a notorious British defector in order to smuggle him back to the UK. It should be a straightforward operation. But Maggie Flynn has never done straightforward-and what's waiting in Budapest is anything but routine.
As Cold War tensions simmer and shadows linger on every corner, Maggie finds herself navigating a city steeped in secrets-and drawn to a mysterious stranger who may endanger the mission… or steal her heart.
***
Readers LOVE The Spy and the Snake!
'For those who like spy stories with half-truths, lies and deep suspicion, this book is for you!' 5* review
'A witty, well-constructed spy story... delicious' 5* review
'An amusing, page turning novel, complete with suspense, a smattering of romance and great characters' 5* reviews
'A book you can't put down... I thoroughly enjoyed it' 5* review
'A great thriller that keeps you gripped from start to finish' 5* review
'I loved the characters, humour, suspense and the setting in Budapest... A real treat' 5* review
***
Praise for M.J.
'A gripping story and great 60s detail, Mrs Spy is the female answer to Harry Palmer' - Ian Moore
'Dark, twisty, and thoroughly entertaining, Mrs Spy is a Thursday Murder Club for spies' - Ava Glass
'Maggie Flynn is a true a smart, intrepid, middle-aged spy with acute instincts and aching bunions' - Gill Paul
'I loved this an absolutely gripping and heartwarming story... we need more heroes like Mrs Spy!' - Jane Bailey
'Robotham has taken the invisibility of the middle-aged woman and turned it on it's head' - Emma Flint
'Exciting, alluring, seductive' - Clare Whitfield
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2026
About the author
M.J. Robotham
3 books28 followersM J Robotham saw herself as an aspiring author from childhood, but was waylaid by journalism, birth, children and life. After twenty years as a midwife and a Creative Writing MA, she is a full-time author, writing historical fiction as Mandy Robotham. She lives in Gloucestershire with her partner.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 9, 2026
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the readalong and book tour hosted by Insta Book Tours.
The Spy and the Snake is the second novel in a female spy series featuring Maggie Flynn.
Set three years after book one, we follow Maggie on her first independent spy mission: to locate and smuggle back the British Defector Fitzroy Carver, with no help from MI5. Maggie of course jumps at the chance to prove herself as a female agent and I loved seeing how she handles everything thrown at her in this book.
She of course makes some new friends/allies along the way and the author, M. J. Rowbotham has again blown me away with her wit and colourful cast of characters within the book. This is a series I can't wait to read more from and I hope we get to read more of Maggie in the future.
These books are a breath of fresh air, fun, unique and filled with adventure and each scene is vividly brought to life along the way. I highly recommend picking these books up - you won't be disappointed!
The Spy and the Snake is the second novel in a female spy series featuring Maggie Flynn.
Set three years after book one, we follow Maggie on her first independent spy mission: to locate and smuggle back the British Defector Fitzroy Carver, with no help from MI5. Maggie of course jumps at the chance to prove herself as a female agent and I loved seeing how she handles everything thrown at her in this book.
She of course makes some new friends/allies along the way and the author, M. J. Rowbotham has again blown me away with her wit and colourful cast of characters within the book. This is a series I can't wait to read more from and I hope we get to read more of Maggie in the future.
These books are a breath of fresh air, fun, unique and filled with adventure and each scene is vividly brought to life along the way. I highly recommend picking these books up - you won't be disappointed!
May 28, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this second outing for female “spy” Maggie Flynn.
I loved the first one and was delighted to get an earlier read of this latest episode.
It is on a par with the brilliant ‘Mrs Spy’ but I have given this 5 stars as the brief for a second novel is always so difficult. The author has overcome all those problems with a change of location, fresh characters and the same indomitable protagonist.
Maggie is a force of nature. Full of personal doubts but with lifelong work experience and an ability to read and get the best from people.
In 1968 the Beatles were still the vibrant soundtrack; James Bond was the spy of choice and the Cold War was chilly. It was still a male dominated world, with limited equality or recognition of the role of women. This is the world that Maggie Flynn inhabits and the author chooses this reality to explore an unassuming woman’s place in MI5 beyond a case officer to become an active agent behind the Iron Curtain.
Budapest was a great location to set this story.
A tale of a rogue double agent wanting to return to the U.K. To be “brought in from the cold”. To escape the hold over him by the KGB.
The almost insurmountable problem being that he will only flee Hungary in the company of a female operative.
Maggie goes under cover to extract this Russian deflector from under the noses of his hosts but her mission is compromised it seems from the very beginning.
A great book. A refreshing alternative approach to the spy thriller. I love Maggie. Her tenacity, her drive and determination to achieve her goals. I find her trust in others warming as is her courage amid all her anxiety and fears of failure. She displays wonderful tradecraft and uses her personal skill set throughout to maintain an edge.
This is a series as strong as Ludlum’s Jason Bourne. Yet so more realistic with something unique to say to readers of this genre.
I loved the first one and was delighted to get an earlier read of this latest episode.
It is on a par with the brilliant ‘Mrs Spy’ but I have given this 5 stars as the brief for a second novel is always so difficult. The author has overcome all those problems with a change of location, fresh characters and the same indomitable protagonist.
Maggie is a force of nature. Full of personal doubts but with lifelong work experience and an ability to read and get the best from people.
In 1968 the Beatles were still the vibrant soundtrack; James Bond was the spy of choice and the Cold War was chilly. It was still a male dominated world, with limited equality or recognition of the role of women. This is the world that Maggie Flynn inhabits and the author chooses this reality to explore an unassuming woman’s place in MI5 beyond a case officer to become an active agent behind the Iron Curtain.
Budapest was a great location to set this story.
A tale of a rogue double agent wanting to return to the U.K. To be “brought in from the cold”. To escape the hold over him by the KGB.
The almost insurmountable problem being that he will only flee Hungary in the company of a female operative.
Maggie goes under cover to extract this Russian deflector from under the noses of his hosts but her mission is compromised it seems from the very beginning.
A great book. A refreshing alternative approach to the spy thriller. I love Maggie. Her tenacity, her drive and determination to achieve her goals. I find her trust in others warming as is her courage amid all her anxiety and fears of failure. She displays wonderful tradecraft and uses her personal skill set throughout to maintain an edge.
This is a series as strong as Ludlum’s Jason Bourne. Yet so more realistic with something unique to say to readers of this genre.
July 9, 2026
Maggie deceived!
Really enjoyed this. So much so I read the previous title.
It’s post WWII and MI5 personnel Maggie Flynn seizes the opportunity to head back into the field with both hands. It’s the beginning of the Cold War and Maggie is sent to Budapest to extract a British defector, Fitzroy Carver, and bring him safely back into his country’s arms.
Fitzroy has demanded a woman agent be used. Cue Maggie!
Only Maggie finds herself up against the AVH, Fitz’s demands, KGB, and MI6.
The experts expected Maggie to fall at the first fence. When she doesn't their plans are blown out of the water.
Maggie has explored her own contacts and gets in touch with an older agent, Dottie Hands.
An unexpected turn of events has Maggie looking at alternative plans to sew confusion and doubt.
Exciting read!
A Bloomsbury ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Really enjoyed this. So much so I read the previous title.
It’s post WWII and MI5 personnel Maggie Flynn seizes the opportunity to head back into the field with both hands. It’s the beginning of the Cold War and Maggie is sent to Budapest to extract a British defector, Fitzroy Carver, and bring him safely back into his country’s arms.
Fitzroy has demanded a woman agent be used. Cue Maggie!
Only Maggie finds herself up against the AVH, Fitz’s demands, KGB, and MI6.
The experts expected Maggie to fall at the first fence. When she doesn't their plans are blown out of the water.
Maggie has explored her own contacts and gets in touch with an older agent, Dottie Hands.
An unexpected turn of events has Maggie looking at alternative plans to sew confusion and doubt.
Exciting read!
A Bloomsbury ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
June 23, 2026
The Spy and the Snake takes the reader back in time, immersing us in 1968 Budapest and London. Even though it was 1968 in Budapest, I would like to travel, see the sights, and taste the food mentioned in the story.
This was a fun read. Maggie Flynn is a whip-smart, funny female spy. I would love to read another Maggie Flynn novel. Thank you @bloomsburypublishing and @netgalley for the eARC.
This was a fun read. Maggie Flynn is a whip-smart, funny female spy. I would love to read another Maggie Flynn novel. Thank you @bloomsburypublishing and @netgalley for the eARC.
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June 19, 2026My book review comes out in September for Woman & Home 🤪🤪
September 6, 2026
Maggie Flynn is back again. The second installment in this historical espionage series brings us back to London in the late 1960s... but not for long! Soon, Maggie is off to Budapest on her first real mission, to smuggle a British defector back to the UK.
While we still have our indomitable heroine, Maggie Flynn, this book introduces us to a fresh cast of characters and a new location. The book holds all the charm of the first, complete with a transportive 1960s setting, a dash of light-hearted humour, and a slower-paced but no less intriguing spy thriller.
I particularly love that this book spotlights such an authentic-feeling, middle-aged character. Determined and whip-smart, Maggie may be newer to the spy game but her tenacity and instincts serve her well. While we see less of the "motherhood" aspect and more of "Maggie the spy" in this story, the character development worked well for this sequel.
I would highly recommend reading this series in order as The Spy and the Snake does contain some spoilers for Mrs Spy.
Witty and full of heart, this is another slower but cozy adventure to embark on. Huge thanks to Bloomsbury for my gifted copy! 3.5 stars!
While we still have our indomitable heroine, Maggie Flynn, this book introduces us to a fresh cast of characters and a new location. The book holds all the charm of the first, complete with a transportive 1960s setting, a dash of light-hearted humour, and a slower-paced but no less intriguing spy thriller.
I particularly love that this book spotlights such an authentic-feeling, middle-aged character. Determined and whip-smart, Maggie may be newer to the spy game but her tenacity and instincts serve her well. While we see less of the "motherhood" aspect and more of "Maggie the spy" in this story, the character development worked well for this sequel.
I would highly recommend reading this series in order as The Spy and the Snake does contain some spoilers for Mrs Spy.
Witty and full of heart, this is another slower but cozy adventure to embark on. Huge thanks to Bloomsbury for my gifted copy! 3.5 stars!
August 6, 2026
Maggie Flynn is back. The MI5 agent has spent the last three years playing housemaid and babysitter. But now her boss is offering her a chance to finally go into the field. They want her to go to Budapest to spring former-MI6 agent-turned-defector Fitzroy Carver out from behind the Iron Curtain and back to London. What’s more, this job is off the books. Meaning she would be totally alone with no-one to back her up if things go wrong. Maggie isn’t sure she’s ready. But with the encouragement of her friend, fellow spy Bea, she decides to do it. What follows is a tense, twisty and entertaining espionage caper that will keep you on your toes.
M. J. Robotham’s books are always a real treat and I loved being back with Maggie. Intelligent, witty, intriguing and addictive, I was immediately transported back to the sixties and into Maggie’s world of spies and secrets. Skillfully written, cleverly plotted and well researched, Ms. Robotham knows how to keep her reader hooked and I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The story is rich in historic detail, nostalgia and counterintelligence that adds a layer of authenticity. Ms. Robotham manages to expertly make the story feel lighthearted whilst also making it nail-bitingly tense and addressing some darker themes such as war and grief.
Maggie is a wonderful character. Fierce, smart, determined and upbeat, she is easy to like and root for at every turn. Isolated and unsure who to trust, Budapest is lonely for her, so I was extra thankful for my favourite Maggie character quirk: the cast of voices that talk to her in her head. Her banter with them is always fun to read and I love how they help her get out of scrapes, encourage her, or offer comfort when times are hard, which she certainly needed on this job. The other characters are just as richly drawn and compelling, and I had a real soft spot for cafe owner Zoltan, who was just a delight. However Fitzroy was a frustrating and difficult character, which I liked as it made things more interesting and added to the tension.
A delightful and intriguing mystery, I highly recommend this one.
M. J. Robotham’s books are always a real treat and I loved being back with Maggie. Intelligent, witty, intriguing and addictive, I was immediately transported back to the sixties and into Maggie’s world of spies and secrets. Skillfully written, cleverly plotted and well researched, Ms. Robotham knows how to keep her reader hooked and I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The story is rich in historic detail, nostalgia and counterintelligence that adds a layer of authenticity. Ms. Robotham manages to expertly make the story feel lighthearted whilst also making it nail-bitingly tense and addressing some darker themes such as war and grief.
Maggie is a wonderful character. Fierce, smart, determined and upbeat, she is easy to like and root for at every turn. Isolated and unsure who to trust, Budapest is lonely for her, so I was extra thankful for my favourite Maggie character quirk: the cast of voices that talk to her in her head. Her banter with them is always fun to read and I love how they help her get out of scrapes, encourage her, or offer comfort when times are hard, which she certainly needed on this job. The other characters are just as richly drawn and compelling, and I had a real soft spot for cafe owner Zoltan, who was just a delight. However Fitzroy was a frustrating and difficult character, which I liked as it made things more interesting and added to the tension.
A delightful and intriguing mystery, I highly recommend this one.
July 7, 2026
So, this is book two in the Mrs Spy series, however it can quite easily be read as a standalone. I didn't realise it was a follow-on - of course, I never do! - however I did go ahead and read Mrs Spy beforehand to familiarise myself with the characters and the author's style, just to be on the safe side. You absolutely don't need to do this, but I'm glad I did.
What drew me to this was the fact that whilst I’m not the biggest thriller/mystery girly, I do like it when it deviates away from the stereotypical norm. I absolutely love tv shows like Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes, Goodnight Sweetheart, Death in Paradise and Madame Blanc Mysteries – they're exactly the sort of mysteries I enjoy, so I hoped that would translate onto the page too.
As I said, I read the first one where we are introduced to Maggie Flynn. It is 1960s London, Cold War and Maggie is an MI5 operative, widow and single mom, who as a Watcher – roaming the streets under a disguise – is on a quest to unravel the intelligence agency’s most treacherous secrets and some little too close-to-home truths along the way. It threw in many a humorous moment and was full of Bond references and nods to the era of the time. So, I was looking forward to seeing this flow over into this book.
The Spy and The Snake begins with Maggie and lots of paperwork. She has now earned herself a promotion, a true place within MI5 – but with any promotion comes a desk, and paperwork. Lots of it. Boring relentless paperwork. Until she’s given an assignment to leave her desk, leave the 1968 streets of London, and fly to Budapest in order to smuggle out a notorious British defector. Simple operation, right? Well... with the KGB, the Iron Curtain, and the fact she's doing this entirely on her own... you'd be wrong.
This is a fast-paced story that takes the characters and you as the reader, in a race across Europe.
Maggie has seen it all, done it all, full of wit, humour and life experience. She brings all this alongside her own personal issues - but doesn’t let that get in her way - through her tenacity and ability to improvise - something we first learnt about her in book one.
As you read, you forget that she is ‘just a middle-aged woman’ but in fact an actual fully fledged spy.
Whilst this is full of spy-based spyness... some of the action does feel a little too exaggerated for me, which stopped me becoming completely immersed. However, it is still entertaining, nonetheless.
There is also a small romantic subplot, alongside touching moments where Maggie reflects on her late husband. Whilst I don't think the story necessarily needed the romance, it added a softer edge to the action without taking over the narrative. Whilst this was sweet enough, it never felt as compelling as the espionage plot, and I found myself much more invested in Maggie's missions than her love life.
MJ Robotham has written it so that it not only builds tension and suspense about what will Maggie encounter next, how will she get through this next stage, but it’s done in such a quick moving way, throwing in many a great character that you can’t not enjoy it. Her use of descriptive language for the backdrop of the story really helps you paint the scene and feel like you’re right there in Budapest with them and all the drama.
Whilst this one didn't quite hit all the right notes for me, it was still an entertaining read with plenty of humour, action and a genuinely likeable heroine. If you're after a light-hearted spy mystery with a 1960s backdrop, I think this will find its audience. Beneath all the espionage and chaos is a story about rediscovering who you are and what you're capable of. And really... what's a little chaos along the way?
Thank you to MJ Robotham and Insta Book Tours for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
What drew me to this was the fact that whilst I’m not the biggest thriller/mystery girly, I do like it when it deviates away from the stereotypical norm. I absolutely love tv shows like Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes, Goodnight Sweetheart, Death in Paradise and Madame Blanc Mysteries – they're exactly the sort of mysteries I enjoy, so I hoped that would translate onto the page too.
As I said, I read the first one where we are introduced to Maggie Flynn. It is 1960s London, Cold War and Maggie is an MI5 operative, widow and single mom, who as a Watcher – roaming the streets under a disguise – is on a quest to unravel the intelligence agency’s most treacherous secrets and some little too close-to-home truths along the way. It threw in many a humorous moment and was full of Bond references and nods to the era of the time. So, I was looking forward to seeing this flow over into this book.
The Spy and The Snake begins with Maggie and lots of paperwork. She has now earned herself a promotion, a true place within MI5 – but with any promotion comes a desk, and paperwork. Lots of it. Boring relentless paperwork. Until she’s given an assignment to leave her desk, leave the 1968 streets of London, and fly to Budapest in order to smuggle out a notorious British defector. Simple operation, right? Well... with the KGB, the Iron Curtain, and the fact she's doing this entirely on her own... you'd be wrong.
This is a fast-paced story that takes the characters and you as the reader, in a race across Europe.
Maggie has seen it all, done it all, full of wit, humour and life experience. She brings all this alongside her own personal issues - but doesn’t let that get in her way - through her tenacity and ability to improvise - something we first learnt about her in book one.
As you read, you forget that she is ‘just a middle-aged woman’ but in fact an actual fully fledged spy.
Whilst this is full of spy-based spyness... some of the action does feel a little too exaggerated for me, which stopped me becoming completely immersed. However, it is still entertaining, nonetheless.
There is also a small romantic subplot, alongside touching moments where Maggie reflects on her late husband. Whilst I don't think the story necessarily needed the romance, it added a softer edge to the action without taking over the narrative. Whilst this was sweet enough, it never felt as compelling as the espionage plot, and I found myself much more invested in Maggie's missions than her love life.
MJ Robotham has written it so that it not only builds tension and suspense about what will Maggie encounter next, how will she get through this next stage, but it’s done in such a quick moving way, throwing in many a great character that you can’t not enjoy it. Her use of descriptive language for the backdrop of the story really helps you paint the scene and feel like you’re right there in Budapest with them and all the drama.
Whilst this one didn't quite hit all the right notes for me, it was still an entertaining read with plenty of humour, action and a genuinely likeable heroine. If you're after a light-hearted spy mystery with a 1960s backdrop, I think this will find its audience. Beneath all the espionage and chaos is a story about rediscovering who you are and what you're capable of. And really... what's a little chaos along the way?
Thank you to MJ Robotham and Insta Book Tours for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2026
Maggie Flynn is not a woman to mess with. M15 desk bound she dreams of being out in the field and is given the assignment of a lifetime, to go behind the Iron Curtain into Budapest and escort defector "Fitzroy Carver" back to England.
The characters are larger than life in this novel, Maggie (just shy of 50) is a determined, resilient woman with a relentless focus on proving her self worth and trying to put the demons of grief behind her. On her arrival she befriends local restaurant owner Zoltan as part of her cover story of teaching English to locals and soon he becomes one of her students in exchange for hospitality.
I loved the cat and mouse of The Spy and the Snake. Maggie deploys all her spy cunning guile to ensure that she remains under the radar whilst in Budapest but still finds herself embroiled in a mess with a counterpart from M16 Tom who have interests of their own in Fitz. Together the unlikely duo hatch a scheme to get Fitz out of the country, if only they can get him out of the pub first.
For all the tense, action packed moments, I actually really enjoyed the humour of the novel, imagining Maggie retracing steps to throw off watchers and some of the lengths she went to in order to ensure her cover worked. I personally found the initial pace of the story slow, but then as the urgency to get Fitz out of the country built, so did the action in the story. I loved the addition of Lida, Fitz's housemaid she was a great character, very gutsy and special shout out to Rita (no spoilers).
If you like a spy / thriller story you will enjoy this and I defy you not to root for Maggie the whole way!
The characters are larger than life in this novel, Maggie (just shy of 50) is a determined, resilient woman with a relentless focus on proving her self worth and trying to put the demons of grief behind her. On her arrival she befriends local restaurant owner Zoltan as part of her cover story of teaching English to locals and soon he becomes one of her students in exchange for hospitality.
I loved the cat and mouse of The Spy and the Snake. Maggie deploys all her spy cunning guile to ensure that she remains under the radar whilst in Budapest but still finds herself embroiled in a mess with a counterpart from M16 Tom who have interests of their own in Fitz. Together the unlikely duo hatch a scheme to get Fitz out of the country, if only they can get him out of the pub first.
For all the tense, action packed moments, I actually really enjoyed the humour of the novel, imagining Maggie retracing steps to throw off watchers and some of the lengths she went to in order to ensure her cover worked. I personally found the initial pace of the story slow, but then as the urgency to get Fitz out of the country built, so did the action in the story. I loved the addition of Lida, Fitz's housemaid she was a great character, very gutsy and special shout out to Rita (no spoilers).
If you like a spy / thriller story you will enjoy this and I defy you not to root for Maggie the whole way!
July 9, 2026
AD PR Product #bookreview
Happy publication day to @robothammandy for The Spy and The Snake, the eagerly awaited sequel to my five star read, The Spy. I’ve enjoyed taking part in a readalong with a group of Bookstagrammers this week thanks to @headofzeus and @instabooktours
This book jumps forward in time three years to find Maggie embedded into MI5 but still having to deal with misunderstandings about the nature of her work from her male colleagues. So what will they think when the boss sends her into the Eastern Bloc to help a former traitor return to the UK?
I loved how the story flowed, as Maggie dealt with the challenges she faced, never knowing who she could really trust. Would the secret police stop her or could someone at MI6 put a spanner in the works? Or would the person she was supposed to help sabotage their rescue mission?
Love how Maggie’s character is evolving as her confidence in her own abilities grows and I hope that there will be more books in the series. I also loved how post war Budapest was brought to life - friends who have visited have said how beautiful it is. Although you could read this as a standalone story, I recommend that you read Mrs Spy first so that you can enjoy both excellent books.
#thespyandthesnake #mjrobotham #headofzeus #instabooktours
Happy publication day to @robothammandy for The Spy and The Snake, the eagerly awaited sequel to my five star read, The Spy. I’ve enjoyed taking part in a readalong with a group of Bookstagrammers this week thanks to @headofzeus and @instabooktours
This book jumps forward in time three years to find Maggie embedded into MI5 but still having to deal with misunderstandings about the nature of her work from her male colleagues. So what will they think when the boss sends her into the Eastern Bloc to help a former traitor return to the UK?
I loved how the story flowed, as Maggie dealt with the challenges she faced, never knowing who she could really trust. Would the secret police stop her or could someone at MI6 put a spanner in the works? Or would the person she was supposed to help sabotage their rescue mission?
Love how Maggie’s character is evolving as her confidence in her own abilities grows and I hope that there will be more books in the series. I also loved how post war Budapest was brought to life - friends who have visited have said how beautiful it is. Although you could read this as a standalone story, I recommend that you read Mrs Spy first so that you can enjoy both excellent books.
#thespyandthesnake #mjrobotham #headofzeus #instabooktours
July 10, 2026
Thank you to @bloomsburybooksus for the ARC of The Spy and the Snake by M.J. Robotham. This second book was another delight; I really love the Maggie Flynn series.
I love the author’s writing style; it is chatty, with unique vocabulary and entertaining ways of stringing words together. It’s just a lot of fun to read. I loved being back with Maggie, and she still has several voices of loved ones in her head which are very entertaining.
I especially loved the Budapest setting which brought me back to my own visit there. Like Maggie, I visited a spa and appreciated the difference between Buda and Pest. Unlike her, I clearly didn’t eat enough cake. 🤣
The time period and settings are evoked in such an interesting way, and I loved the new characters as well. The only thing that is strange is the book synopsis that I’m seeing on review websites and the publisher’s website isn’t accurate. The blurb says that Maggie has to pose as a defector’s wife, but that’s not true. She is trying to get someone out of Budapest, but there’s never a suggestion that she pose as his wife.
Anyways, I really like spy novels with female protagonists. I am so glad I tried this series this year, and I highly recommend the books!
I love the author’s writing style; it is chatty, with unique vocabulary and entertaining ways of stringing words together. It’s just a lot of fun to read. I loved being back with Maggie, and she still has several voices of loved ones in her head which are very entertaining.
I especially loved the Budapest setting which brought me back to my own visit there. Like Maggie, I visited a spa and appreciated the difference between Buda and Pest. Unlike her, I clearly didn’t eat enough cake. 🤣
The time period and settings are evoked in such an interesting way, and I loved the new characters as well. The only thing that is strange is the book synopsis that I’m seeing on review websites and the publisher’s website isn’t accurate. The blurb says that Maggie has to pose as a defector’s wife, but that’s not true. She is trying to get someone out of Budapest, but there’s never a suggestion that she pose as his wife.
Anyways, I really like spy novels with female protagonists. I am so glad I tried this series this year, and I highly recommend the books!
June 21, 2026
The Spy and the Snake is an entertaining Cold War espionage novel that follows Maggie Flynn, an MI5 officer who finds herself drawn back into the excitement of fieldwork after becoming frustrated with a desk-bound role. When she is sent to Budapest on a mission to help a British defector escape from behind the Iron Curtain, what appears to be a routine operation quickly becomes far more complicated.
The story blends suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists as Maggie navigates a world of secrets, shifting loyalties, and political tension. Along the way, she encounters characters whose motives are not always clear, forcing her to rely on her instincts and intelligence to stay one step ahead.
What makes the novel particularly enjoyable is Maggie herself. She is a relatable and capable protagonist whose wit and determination bring warmth and humor to a genre often dominated by hard-edged spies. The result is a fast-paced and engaging read that combines classic spy-novel tension with strong character development and a touch of romance.
The story blends suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists as Maggie navigates a world of secrets, shifting loyalties, and political tension. Along the way, she encounters characters whose motives are not always clear, forcing her to rely on her instincts and intelligence to stay one step ahead.
What makes the novel particularly enjoyable is Maggie herself. She is a relatable and capable protagonist whose wit and determination bring warmth and humor to a genre often dominated by hard-edged spies. The result is a fast-paced and engaging read that combines classic spy-novel tension with strong character development and a touch of romance.
October 17, 2026
Last year, Oundle Crime read M.J. Robotham's first novel about Maggie Flynn – a light hearted spy story, set in 1960s London. It got the thumbs up from our group and we hoped there would be more books in the pipeline. Now there’s this sequel which, happily, we think is just as good as the first book. We were able to borrow this from our local library.
It’s 1968 and Maggie is still working for MI5, but she’s been promoted and is now more deskbound, shuffling files around rather than being the Watcher that she was. When this novel opens, she’s also nannying a Russian defector called Oleg Lebedev – a dissolute character who is testing the patience of his guards and causing Maggie all sorts of problems. Out of the blue, the new-ish Director General of MI5 asks Maggie to go on an undercover and unsupported mission to Hungary, to extract a British defector called Fitzroy Carver, who now wants to come home. Carver is only prepared to move if the agent they send is a woman, who will pose as his wife. The extraction will be complicated because Carver refuses to fly, so it will be up to Maggie to come up with a suitable plan once she’s in Hungary.
Arriving in Budapest, Maggie sets out to contact Carver and strikes up a friendship with a local café owner and his brother, who encourage her to see the sights. And it’s while sightseeing that she comes up with an outlandish scheme to get Carver home. It’s going to be tricky, not least because Carver is a heavy drinker who still socialises with several local KGB agents as well as the Hungarian secret police.
What follows is the exciting and funny tale of Maggie’s unorthodox approach to the job in hand. It involves encounters with many charming and delightful locals, as well as encounters with the two secret police organisations, which are neither. There’s even a mysterious and charming Englishman, whom Maggie is in danger of falling for.
There is, of course, a compelling reason why the British security services want to get Fitzroy Carver back, but this isn’t revealed until the end of the novel. Instead, the reader can concentrate on Maggie and her efforts to outwit the enemy and complete her mission successfully. Everything ends well but there are some hair-raising moments along the way.
Our verdict
We both really liked this addition to the Maggie Flynn series. Maggie herself is still an appealing, feisty heroine; and although Carver is mostly a stubborn, exasperating and unhelpful slob, he has moments of brilliance.
The two Hungarian brothers are good foils in the plot and their insistence that Maggie should see the sights of Budapest allow the author to paint a vivid picture of the city and its inhabitants. The descriptions are good and leave you wanting to know more, and the impression of the Hungarian population is that they are a kind and cheerful people, unbowed and resisting their communist rulers as best they can. 1960s London is also well-drawn and entertaining.
It would be easy to slot this novel into the category of ‘cosy crime’ or even describe it as a romp, but that would be a bit unfair because there’s quite a lot of meat to the story itself; and M.J. Robotham creates a believable picture of the 1960s which is very enjoyable. As well as that, the story is well-plotted and engaging and the pace is lively, so The Spy and the Snake was great fun to read. We give it 5 Stars.
Review by: Freyja and Cornish Eskimo
It’s 1968 and Maggie is still working for MI5, but she’s been promoted and is now more deskbound, shuffling files around rather than being the Watcher that she was. When this novel opens, she’s also nannying a Russian defector called Oleg Lebedev – a dissolute character who is testing the patience of his guards and causing Maggie all sorts of problems. Out of the blue, the new-ish Director General of MI5 asks Maggie to go on an undercover and unsupported mission to Hungary, to extract a British defector called Fitzroy Carver, who now wants to come home. Carver is only prepared to move if the agent they send is a woman, who will pose as his wife. The extraction will be complicated because Carver refuses to fly, so it will be up to Maggie to come up with a suitable plan once she’s in Hungary.
Arriving in Budapest, Maggie sets out to contact Carver and strikes up a friendship with a local café owner and his brother, who encourage her to see the sights. And it’s while sightseeing that she comes up with an outlandish scheme to get Carver home. It’s going to be tricky, not least because Carver is a heavy drinker who still socialises with several local KGB agents as well as the Hungarian secret police.
What follows is the exciting and funny tale of Maggie’s unorthodox approach to the job in hand. It involves encounters with many charming and delightful locals, as well as encounters with the two secret police organisations, which are neither. There’s even a mysterious and charming Englishman, whom Maggie is in danger of falling for.
There is, of course, a compelling reason why the British security services want to get Fitzroy Carver back, but this isn’t revealed until the end of the novel. Instead, the reader can concentrate on Maggie and her efforts to outwit the enemy and complete her mission successfully. Everything ends well but there are some hair-raising moments along the way.
Our verdict
We both really liked this addition to the Maggie Flynn series. Maggie herself is still an appealing, feisty heroine; and although Carver is mostly a stubborn, exasperating and unhelpful slob, he has moments of brilliance.
The two Hungarian brothers are good foils in the plot and their insistence that Maggie should see the sights of Budapest allow the author to paint a vivid picture of the city and its inhabitants. The descriptions are good and leave you wanting to know more, and the impression of the Hungarian population is that they are a kind and cheerful people, unbowed and resisting their communist rulers as best they can. 1960s London is also well-drawn and entertaining.
It would be easy to slot this novel into the category of ‘cosy crime’ or even describe it as a romp, but that would be a bit unfair because there’s quite a lot of meat to the story itself; and M.J. Robotham creates a believable picture of the 1960s which is very enjoyable. As well as that, the story is well-plotted and engaging and the pace is lively, so The Spy and the Snake was great fun to read. We give it 5 Stars.
Review by: Freyja and Cornish Eskimo
July 27, 2026
Three years after Maggie and her fellow band of Watchers foiled a conspiracy at the heart of MI5, she has earned herself a place at Headquarters, something very rare for a woman. Her new role means lots of boring desk work, although the odd escapade minding intoxicated defectors still keeps things uncomfortably interesting. Now Maggie's daughter Libby is leaving for college, and with her mother Gilda off enjoying retirement in sunny climes in the company of Frank, she is feeling a bit rudderless.
Then, Maggie is offered her first mission in the field. The job involves flying behind the Iron Curtain to Budapest, where she must extract a former double agent who wants to return to the MI5 fold. It seems a straightforward operation, but once Maggie is on the ground, she realises this will be anything but simple...
Maggie Flynn is back in her second glorious adventure (I highly recommend reading the excellent first book, Mrs Spy, before embarking on this one)! Three years after her promotion, Maggie is stuck in a rut, feeling a bit lonely, and ready for something new. The chance to flex her spy credentials catches her off-guard, but reassured she can do this by the sage words of Queen Bea Baglan, the formidable guardian of MI5's repository of files (hello again, Bea!), she accepts.
Of course, there is a reason why this mission is off the books, and when Maggie realises getting the alcoholic Fitzroy Carver back to the West is going to be very problematic indeed, she is forced to think on her now thankfully bunion-free feet - with occasional input in her head from former fellow Watcher Frank, and her late husband, secret spy Davy, who provide professional advice in absentia - all while avoiding the attentions of the KGB and AVH.
Along the way, Maggie makes new friends amongst the locals chaffing under Soviet control after the brutal Hungarian Revolution - enter stage right the ebullient Zoltan and his brother Janos, and long-suffering Lida who looks after Fitz. She is also manoeuvred into asking for help from handsome rival Tom Bredon, who makes her feel things she has not felt in years, even if she cannot really trust him.
The Mrs Spy books are one of the best things to happen to the espionage genre for a very long time, bursting with character-led lusciousness. Robotham's writing sparkles with wit, humour, and all the spy shenanigans you could possibly desire. The atmosphere thrums with authentic Cold War vibes, and the carefully-crafted tension keeps you teetering on a knife-edge. I also love that this is set in beautiful Budapest, the city of spies.
Picking up the delicious themes about social change, the role of women in the secret services, and finger-pointing in the wake of double agent scandals that work so well in the first book, Robotham develops them nicely to further explore betrayal, intrigue and sexism, while also getting into the nitty-gritty of the rivalry between MI5 and MI6. And looking at everything through the eyes of, the so relatable and eminently resourceful, forty-eight year old Maggie makes this an absolute joy to consume.
I adored it from start to finish, and cannot wait for Mrs Spy book three!
Then, Maggie is offered her first mission in the field. The job involves flying behind the Iron Curtain to Budapest, where she must extract a former double agent who wants to return to the MI5 fold. It seems a straightforward operation, but once Maggie is on the ground, she realises this will be anything but simple...
Maggie Flynn is back in her second glorious adventure (I highly recommend reading the excellent first book, Mrs Spy, before embarking on this one)! Three years after her promotion, Maggie is stuck in a rut, feeling a bit lonely, and ready for something new. The chance to flex her spy credentials catches her off-guard, but reassured she can do this by the sage words of Queen Bea Baglan, the formidable guardian of MI5's repository of files (hello again, Bea!), she accepts.
Of course, there is a reason why this mission is off the books, and when Maggie realises getting the alcoholic Fitzroy Carver back to the West is going to be very problematic indeed, she is forced to think on her now thankfully bunion-free feet - with occasional input in her head from former fellow Watcher Frank, and her late husband, secret spy Davy, who provide professional advice in absentia - all while avoiding the attentions of the KGB and AVH.
Along the way, Maggie makes new friends amongst the locals chaffing under Soviet control after the brutal Hungarian Revolution - enter stage right the ebullient Zoltan and his brother Janos, and long-suffering Lida who looks after Fitz. She is also manoeuvred into asking for help from handsome rival Tom Bredon, who makes her feel things she has not felt in years, even if she cannot really trust him.
The Mrs Spy books are one of the best things to happen to the espionage genre for a very long time, bursting with character-led lusciousness. Robotham's writing sparkles with wit, humour, and all the spy shenanigans you could possibly desire. The atmosphere thrums with authentic Cold War vibes, and the carefully-crafted tension keeps you teetering on a knife-edge. I also love that this is set in beautiful Budapest, the city of spies.
Picking up the delicious themes about social change, the role of women in the secret services, and finger-pointing in the wake of double agent scandals that work so well in the first book, Robotham develops them nicely to further explore betrayal, intrigue and sexism, while also getting into the nitty-gritty of the rivalry between MI5 and MI6. And looking at everything through the eyes of, the so relatable and eminently resourceful, forty-eight year old Maggie makes this an absolute joy to consume.
I adored it from start to finish, and cannot wait for Mrs Spy book three!
August 11, 2026
Maggie Flynn serves as an Assistant Case Officer - i.e., in a desk job - in MI5. It is 1968 and the Cold War is very much raging. Churchhill's "Iron Curtain" means something, quite a lot, actually, and Maggie, with her mother gone off to Tenerife with her new lover and her daughter getting ready to head to art school, is not looking forward to a dull life on her own in London.
But just as Maggie's spirits begin to flag, she is surprised by a request from the Director-General of MI5, (the "DG"). Would the inexperienced Maggie agree to fly off to Budapest to handle the exfiltration of an old MI6 agent who defected to Moscow years ago but now wants to "redefect" to spend his last years at home back in the British countryside? Fitzroy Carver, the alcoholic curmudgeon Maggie is sent to Hungary to bring home, has insisted that the agent assigned to help him escape from behind the Curtain with an intelligence nugget urgently needed by Her Majesty's Secret Intelligence service, must be a woman. In 1968, that leaves the pool of available agents to a very tiny group. So, the DG packs Maggie off to Budapest with a sparse budget, a warning that the assignment will put her in direct competition with their rivals in MI6, and the explicit command that she call on no one in either agency for help.
Luckily for Maggie, her native intelligence servs her well while her lack of fieldwork makes her work doubly, even triply, hard at being a success in the assignment. When everyone she meets, from Zoltan Fodor, the gregarious restaurateur and his brother, Janos, the ace car mechanic, to the handsome electronics buyer Tom Bredon and Fitz’s highly efficient housekeeper, Lida, are all potential allies and potential nemeses, she seems to make all the right choices. But the trip back to the UK turns into an ordeal of having to travel by road in a crumbling VW van while being chased by the KGB, who want their defector back. Maggie’s chatty first-person narrative amounts to a primer on espionage basics for any readers who are equally green as Maggie. Robotham’s warmth for her Hungarian setting is also infectious and enough to get the reader to plan their next vacation to Budapest.
The text is mainly Maggie telling her story or holding dialogues with her Hungarian and other colleagues while trying hard to pull off a difficult job. But the writing style is humorous, although not without its dangerous moments, and keeps the reader thoroughly engaged. In short, the book is an enjoyable read and I recommend it, especially as a somewhat lighter take on the "spy thriller" genre.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Maggie Flynn is back and better than ever.
"The Spy and the Snake" opens in Spring 1968, some three years after the events of "Mrs Spy". Maggie Flynn been promoted to a desk job in MI5 - she's no longer a Watcher, following suspicious characters through the streets of London. But she's bored. So when her boss, Guy Standing, offers her the opportunity to carry out a simple exfiltration job, she doesn't need much convincing. Her job will be to fly to Budapest and smuggle notorious British defector Fitzroy Carver back to the UK. It's behind the Iron Curtain, but really, how hard can it be?
Quickly both Maggie and the reader are drawn into a fast-moving story which takes her and her less-than-enthusiastic ex-spy across Europe in a race to stay ahead of her enemies, known and unknown. If Maggie showed her natural aptitude as Watcher before, she positively shines here, as from her first day in Hungary, she has to think on her feet, improvising like never before. Lifted from the familiar streets of London, she still has to employ her Watcher skills, while finding new ways to achieve her increasingly difficult mission. Along the way she recruits assets, and collects the resource she needs to get the job done. It's tremendously rewarding to watch her grow into a competent, accomplished spy, while still retaining her "middle-aged woman, questioning herself" demeanour. When she meets, and slightly falls-for, a smooth, aging-gracefully Englishman who seems too good to be true, she really has her work cut out for her.
If 1960s London was the star of the show in "Mrs Spy". this time it's Budapest, and Europe which form the backdrop to the story. The city is painted in all its glory - buildings, people, and cake. There's lots of cake. There's also still that lovely 1960s vibe, with fashion and music nicely acknowledged here and there. And a special mention for the various people Maggie recruits along the way - the citizens of Budapest, who live under a harsh regime, who hope by helping her, to bring about better days. We see some of them fleetingly, but they stay in your head.
This book really is the perfect follow up, and I sincerely hope it's not the last we see of Maggie Flynn. Heartily recommended.
"The Spy and the Snake" opens in Spring 1968, some three years after the events of "Mrs Spy". Maggie Flynn been promoted to a desk job in MI5 - she's no longer a Watcher, following suspicious characters through the streets of London. But she's bored. So when her boss, Guy Standing, offers her the opportunity to carry out a simple exfiltration job, she doesn't need much convincing. Her job will be to fly to Budapest and smuggle notorious British defector Fitzroy Carver back to the UK. It's behind the Iron Curtain, but really, how hard can it be?
Quickly both Maggie and the reader are drawn into a fast-moving story which takes her and her less-than-enthusiastic ex-spy across Europe in a race to stay ahead of her enemies, known and unknown. If Maggie showed her natural aptitude as Watcher before, she positively shines here, as from her first day in Hungary, she has to think on her feet, improvising like never before. Lifted from the familiar streets of London, she still has to employ her Watcher skills, while finding new ways to achieve her increasingly difficult mission. Along the way she recruits assets, and collects the resource she needs to get the job done. It's tremendously rewarding to watch her grow into a competent, accomplished spy, while still retaining her "middle-aged woman, questioning herself" demeanour. When she meets, and slightly falls-for, a smooth, aging-gracefully Englishman who seems too good to be true, she really has her work cut out for her.
If 1960s London was the star of the show in "Mrs Spy". this time it's Budapest, and Europe which form the backdrop to the story. The city is painted in all its glory - buildings, people, and cake. There's lots of cake. There's also still that lovely 1960s vibe, with fashion and music nicely acknowledged here and there. And a special mention for the various people Maggie recruits along the way - the citizens of Budapest, who live under a harsh regime, who hope by helping her, to bring about better days. We see some of them fleetingly, but they stay in your head.
This book really is the perfect follow up, and I sincerely hope it's not the last we see of Maggie Flynn. Heartily recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Spy and the Snake sees the return of Maggie Flynn fresh from an encounter with her husband's killer and some very untrustworthy spies.
Maggie is on her own since her partner, Frank, has retired and gone to live with Maggie's mother in Spain. Then theres daughter Libby making her own way in the world so its lucky that Maggie gets a call from the Director-General of MI5, Guy Standing. And since she's expecting to get sacked its an even nicer surprise to be sent on her very first mission to bring an errant detector back home.
However, she doesn't speak Hungarian, she'll be all alone with no back-up and the man she has to bring back is a triple agent with a penchant for the booze and well known for his belligerence. Quite why he's demanded a female operative to help him back to the west is anyone's guess.
But Maggie is nothing if not resourceful and as she plans the way across multiple borders she picks up tradecraft and contacts along the way. But will she be able to get the old spy back to MI5 or is this one step too far for a complete novice, a drunken spy and an ancient vehicle?
I really enjoyed Mrs Spy and Maggie has not let me down in her latest adventure. MJ Robotham writes great characters and, whilst the action can stretch your belief somewhat, it is nonetheless very entertaining.
I particularly liked Lida and Zoltan in this book. The only thing that soured my enjoyment (and it is the smallest of niggles) is the introduction of a little romance. However it isn't some salacious affair - Maggie is far too classy for that. I do miss Frank - even though Maggie still invents his advice in her head along with that of her late husband, Davy.
Definitely recommended. You can read this as a stand alone but I'd urge you to read Mrs Spy too, its very entertaining.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Aria and Aries for the digital review copy. Most appreciated.
Maggie is on her own since her partner, Frank, has retired and gone to live with Maggie's mother in Spain. Then theres daughter Libby making her own way in the world so its lucky that Maggie gets a call from the Director-General of MI5, Guy Standing. And since she's expecting to get sacked its an even nicer surprise to be sent on her very first mission to bring an errant detector back home.
However, she doesn't speak Hungarian, she'll be all alone with no back-up and the man she has to bring back is a triple agent with a penchant for the booze and well known for his belligerence. Quite why he's demanded a female operative to help him back to the west is anyone's guess.
But Maggie is nothing if not resourceful and as she plans the way across multiple borders she picks up tradecraft and contacts along the way. But will she be able to get the old spy back to MI5 or is this one step too far for a complete novice, a drunken spy and an ancient vehicle?
I really enjoyed Mrs Spy and Maggie has not let me down in her latest adventure. MJ Robotham writes great characters and, whilst the action can stretch your belief somewhat, it is nonetheless very entertaining.
I particularly liked Lida and Zoltan in this book. The only thing that soured my enjoyment (and it is the smallest of niggles) is the introduction of a little romance. However it isn't some salacious affair - Maggie is far too classy for that. I do miss Frank - even though Maggie still invents his advice in her head along with that of her late husband, Davy.
Definitely recommended. You can read this as a stand alone but I'd urge you to read Mrs Spy too, its very entertaining.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Aria and Aries for the digital review copy. Most appreciated.
July 8, 2026
This is the second in the series featuring Maggie Flynn who we first met in Mrs Spy and you could do yourself a favour, if you haven't already, and go back and meet her properly by reading that one first. I think you'll have a better time with this one if you do and it's only one book to catch up with so...
Anyway... in this book, we catch up with Maggie as she is feeling a bit lonely and bored. After her recent shenanigans, things are a little quiet. So when she is asked to travel to Budapest to assist with the repatriation of a British Defector who has decided to come home, she jumps at the chance to put all her training to good use. Ok so full disclosure, it's only her doing it cos he insisted on it being a woman and they are few and far between. But a chance is a chance and definitely for the jumping at.
And tbh, that's all you need to know going in. What should be simple, the plan is great, turns out to be anything but. With peril, and indeed danger coming at Maggie from many sources. Including the man she is trying to help!
I loved this book. I loved the first in series and I connected to Maggie in it right from the off. That connection only being strengthened more throughout my time with here in this book. She's so smart and able to transfer that intelligence practically in the field, despite all that is thrown at her. And believe me, there's a lot of that! All of which makes this a fast paced and fun book. With some cracking humour peppered throughout and a wee bit of romance on the side too. The plotting is sublime and said plot well executed, with a plethora of cracking characters who all do their bit - however small a part they play in the whole.
But I guess the best thing I love is that this is almost Maggie's coming of age. Or maybe better phrased her awakening. How she is rediscovering herself and, boy is she blossoming. And I for one can't wait to see what happens to her in book three.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Anyway... in this book, we catch up with Maggie as she is feeling a bit lonely and bored. After her recent shenanigans, things are a little quiet. So when she is asked to travel to Budapest to assist with the repatriation of a British Defector who has decided to come home, she jumps at the chance to put all her training to good use. Ok so full disclosure, it's only her doing it cos he insisted on it being a woman and they are few and far between. But a chance is a chance and definitely for the jumping at.
And tbh, that's all you need to know going in. What should be simple, the plan is great, turns out to be anything but. With peril, and indeed danger coming at Maggie from many sources. Including the man she is trying to help!
I loved this book. I loved the first in series and I connected to Maggie in it right from the off. That connection only being strengthened more throughout my time with here in this book. She's so smart and able to transfer that intelligence practically in the field, despite all that is thrown at her. And believe me, there's a lot of that! All of which makes this a fast paced and fun book. With some cracking humour peppered throughout and a wee bit of romance on the side too. The plotting is sublime and said plot well executed, with a plethora of cracking characters who all do their bit - however small a part they play in the whole.
But I guess the best thing I love is that this is almost Maggie's coming of age. Or maybe better phrased her awakening. How she is rediscovering herself and, boy is she blossoming. And I for one can't wait to see what happens to her in book three.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
October 24, 2026
I know almost nothing about the Cold War era, but thanks to M. J. Robotham’s excellent The Spy and The Snake, I feel like I’ve had the most entertaining history lesson of my life. It’s fiction, obviously, but thanks to an impressive amount of detail, it feels accurate; almost as if you’re living it yourself.
This is the second book in a series following MI5 agent Maggie Flynn, but I jumped into this one first. It works very well as a standalone, but now I’ve spent time with Maggie I’m desperate to know more and will be going back to Mrs Spy, the first in the series, ASAP.
Middle-aged Maggie isn’t your usual undercover spy, but that’s what makes The Spy and The Snake work so wonderfully. From the outside, she seems like your average single mother, looking out for her nearly-grown daughter after losing her husband. But in reality, she’s working for the MI5, goes by many names, and rarely reveals her true identity.
An off-the-books mission sends Maggie to Budapest, where she’s tasked with tracking down a defector and bringing him back to the UK. Easier said than done when the city is crawling with KGB. The Spy and The Snake wastes no time in getting going, and it isn’t long until Maggie is hot on the tail of her mission, running from the KGB and other agents who have her in their sights.
It’s tense and exciting, but it’s also somehow grounded thanks to Maggie’s wonderful character. James Bond this isn’t; it’s warmer, more approachable, with a touch of humour and plenty of heart. While Maggie’s mission remains at the forefront, there’s a bit of time for matters of the heart, too, and getting to know Maggie as a person as well as an agent is an absolute joy.
This is my first book by Robotham, but I won’t hesitate to read more from her. It may not be my usual choice, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this, and won’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for something exciting, but with soul.
This is the second book in a series following MI5 agent Maggie Flynn, but I jumped into this one first. It works very well as a standalone, but now I’ve spent time with Maggie I’m desperate to know more and will be going back to Mrs Spy, the first in the series, ASAP.
Middle-aged Maggie isn’t your usual undercover spy, but that’s what makes The Spy and The Snake work so wonderfully. From the outside, she seems like your average single mother, looking out for her nearly-grown daughter after losing her husband. But in reality, she’s working for the MI5, goes by many names, and rarely reveals her true identity.
An off-the-books mission sends Maggie to Budapest, where she’s tasked with tracking down a defector and bringing him back to the UK. Easier said than done when the city is crawling with KGB. The Spy and The Snake wastes no time in getting going, and it isn’t long until Maggie is hot on the tail of her mission, running from the KGB and other agents who have her in their sights.
It’s tense and exciting, but it’s also somehow grounded thanks to Maggie’s wonderful character. James Bond this isn’t; it’s warmer, more approachable, with a touch of humour and plenty of heart. While Maggie’s mission remains at the forefront, there’s a bit of time for matters of the heart, too, and getting to know Maggie as a person as well as an agent is an absolute joy.
This is my first book by Robotham, but I won’t hesitate to read more from her. It may not be my usual choice, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this, and won’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for something exciting, but with soul.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Following the success of M.J. Robotham’s excellent Mrs. Spy, The Spy and the Snake elevates the stakes for Maggie Flynn, who I would say has quickly become one of the most refreshing and grounded protagonists I’ve read of late.
Ms. Robotham balances the high-octane intrigue of a Budapest operation with the deeply human reality of Maggie’s life. She is a brilliantly realized character: a smart, intrepid, middle-aged spy whose acute instincts are matched only by her relatable vulnerabilities… yes, including those infamous aching bunions. It is a rare treat to follow a hero who isn’t a flawless archetype but a woman whose invisibility is her greatest asset.
The narrative is a perfectly constructed web of half-truths, deep suspicion, and mounting tension, and the pacing is pretty relentless! Once Maggie arrives in Budapest to pose as the wife of a British defector, the story transforms into a fun, page-turning experience. The setting is atmospheric and evocative (the author has been there many times, she explains in the back matter, and it shows), serving as a super backdrop for a mission that is anything but straightforward. Enjoy the blend of humor and suspense, which gives the story a sophisticated, delicious edge that keeps you hooked.
The Spy and the Snake is witty, alluring, and thoroughly entertaining, in fact a testament to the author’s talent that she manages to make a spy novel feel both high-stakes and genuinely heartwarming. If you’re looking for a thriller with great characters, sharp detail, and an irresistible plot, this could be the one for you! But do read the first series entry as a lot of things here will resonate far more. Besides, the first entry slightly shades this one, as good as it is.
Thank you to the author and publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to be dropped into 1968 for a few days with this ARC.
Ms. Robotham balances the high-octane intrigue of a Budapest operation with the deeply human reality of Maggie’s life. She is a brilliantly realized character: a smart, intrepid, middle-aged spy whose acute instincts are matched only by her relatable vulnerabilities… yes, including those infamous aching bunions. It is a rare treat to follow a hero who isn’t a flawless archetype but a woman whose invisibility is her greatest asset.
The narrative is a perfectly constructed web of half-truths, deep suspicion, and mounting tension, and the pacing is pretty relentless! Once Maggie arrives in Budapest to pose as the wife of a British defector, the story transforms into a fun, page-turning experience. The setting is atmospheric and evocative (the author has been there many times, she explains in the back matter, and it shows), serving as a super backdrop for a mission that is anything but straightforward. Enjoy the blend of humor and suspense, which gives the story a sophisticated, delicious edge that keeps you hooked.
The Spy and the Snake is witty, alluring, and thoroughly entertaining, in fact a testament to the author’s talent that she manages to make a spy novel feel both high-stakes and genuinely heartwarming. If you’re looking for a thriller with great characters, sharp detail, and an irresistible plot, this could be the one for you! But do read the first series entry as a lot of things here will resonate far more. Besides, the first entry slightly shades this one, as good as it is.
Thank you to the author and publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to be dropped into 1968 for a few days with this ARC.
July 8, 2026
Set in 1968, now 3 years passed since Maggie Flynn discovered who murdered her husband and she got involved with MI5. Now with 48 she is an assistant case officer.
She gets an assignment to fly to Budapest to bring back an agent which switch sides, to the Russians but now wants back. It is supposed to be easy to get him across the curtain back to England
What is waiting for Maggie is anything from easy or routine and whom can she trust when she is soon on the KGB and AVH radar.
I loved this book!
I really enjoyed reading how Maggie is doing yet and how she handles her first assignment.
I really enjoy the sense of humour used her and how wonderful the former times gets described here. I really had the feeling to be back in time.
I really enjoy reading this book as the balance between action, danger but also normal interactions is for me wonderful balanced. This is not a hard spy novel, no this is about using your skills, finding solutions without James Bond gadget and believing you can manage it.
I really liked how wonderful Budapest gets described here.
The idea how she crosses the Iron Curtain is great and I really enjoyed reading about it.
Maggie is a wonderful character for me. Now she is on her own but hears her former colleague Frank, her des husband or her mum with good advices, whenever she needs a pep talk. I really like this idea. She is on her own on a mission which is not at all what she expected. The risks are much higher and I really like how she meets local Hungarians and the relationship she has with them.
How all comes together in the end, when we are seeing the whole picture of this story, is well done. It is a great idea and for me well written
Once again I really enjoyed reading about Maggie and how the spy story is written here.
For me a wonderful character and I hope there will be more books about here for us to read.
She gets an assignment to fly to Budapest to bring back an agent which switch sides, to the Russians but now wants back. It is supposed to be easy to get him across the curtain back to England
What is waiting for Maggie is anything from easy or routine and whom can she trust when she is soon on the KGB and AVH radar.
I loved this book!
I really enjoyed reading how Maggie is doing yet and how she handles her first assignment.
I really enjoy the sense of humour used her and how wonderful the former times gets described here. I really had the feeling to be back in time.
I really enjoy reading this book as the balance between action, danger but also normal interactions is for me wonderful balanced. This is not a hard spy novel, no this is about using your skills, finding solutions without James Bond gadget and believing you can manage it.
I really liked how wonderful Budapest gets described here.
The idea how she crosses the Iron Curtain is great and I really enjoyed reading about it.
Maggie is a wonderful character for me. Now she is on her own but hears her former colleague Frank, her des husband or her mum with good advices, whenever she needs a pep talk. I really like this idea. She is on her own on a mission which is not at all what she expected. The risks are much higher and I really like how she meets local Hungarians and the relationship she has with them.
How all comes together in the end, when we are seeing the whole picture of this story, is well done. It is a great idea and for me well written
Once again I really enjoyed reading about Maggie and how the spy story is written here.
For me a wonderful character and I hope there will be more books about here for us to read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A great second outing for Maggie Flynn, novice spy extraordinaire. After solving her late husband’s murder, Maggie is now working for MI5 at a desk job and babysitting Oleg, a Russian defector.
When her boss offers her the opportunity to progress her career she is not sure whether the mission is worth going for or whether it is a poisoned chalice.
He asks her to go undercover to Budapest and bring home a double defector spy, Fitzroy Carver but with no backup, and completely on her own.
After a bit of research she decides to take on the mission but is shocked to discover the agent is an old drunk who makes it very difficult to be rescued.
Dodging danger behind the iron curtain during the Cold War, Maggie must use all her espionage skills to escape alive and with the help of some new Hungarian friends she decides to drive Carver through Europe in a VW camper van.
This was a great novel, very exciting with some fabulous new characters whom I really warmed to. There is even a possible love interest for Maggie despite her loyalty to her dead husband who still whispers encouragement in her ear.
Frank, an old retired spy who was in the previous book, also talks to Maggie inside her head, even though he is now retired and living in the Canary Islands.
I liked the setting of Budapest and the period descriptions of Soviet Hungary as well as all the 1960s references including The Beatles and Sean Connery as Bond. The latter reminded me of my childhood and my teenage love of James Bond books!
This is a fantastic read which I whizzed through in a few days- I definitely recommend “The Spy and the Snake” and look forward to Maggie’s next adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
When her boss offers her the opportunity to progress her career she is not sure whether the mission is worth going for or whether it is a poisoned chalice.
He asks her to go undercover to Budapest and bring home a double defector spy, Fitzroy Carver but with no backup, and completely on her own.
After a bit of research she decides to take on the mission but is shocked to discover the agent is an old drunk who makes it very difficult to be rescued.
Dodging danger behind the iron curtain during the Cold War, Maggie must use all her espionage skills to escape alive and with the help of some new Hungarian friends she decides to drive Carver through Europe in a VW camper van.
This was a great novel, very exciting with some fabulous new characters whom I really warmed to. There is even a possible love interest for Maggie despite her loyalty to her dead husband who still whispers encouragement in her ear.
Frank, an old retired spy who was in the previous book, also talks to Maggie inside her head, even though he is now retired and living in the Canary Islands.
I liked the setting of Budapest and the period descriptions of Soviet Hungary as well as all the 1960s references including The Beatles and Sean Connery as Bond. The latter reminded me of my childhood and my teenage love of James Bond books!
This is a fantastic read which I whizzed through in a few days- I definitely recommend “The Spy and the Snake” and look forward to Maggie’s next adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
September 7, 2026
M.J.Robotham has written a true historical, cold war era spy novel with a twist; our heroine is a middle aged mom who has taken quite the circular route to her position at MI5.
In the first novel, Mrs. Spy, we were introduced to Maggie Flynn, and followed her unexpected journey as she unravelled one of the agency's most treacherous secrets and solved the murder of her husband...who, unbeknown to her, was also a spy.
Now, three years after solving her husband's murder, Maggie is a rookie agent recruited to go on an extraction mission to Budapest. Her target? A turned operative, a british defector, who claims to have important information useful to the British and wants to come home. Her job? To bring him out of the communist country, through the Iron Curtain and home to London.
Of course things don't go as planned and Maggie is forced to think on her feet, come up with a plan and try to keep herself - and her target - out of prison or worse.
The best part about this one is the perspective through which it's written. We are not only privy to Maggie's perspective and her inner thoughts and fears but also to the internal conversations she has with those close to her - her old partner, her mom, her husband - as they coach, encourage and guide her from one mishap to another.
She makes some friends along the way, commandeers a VW bug named Rita, enjoys the culture and food of Budapest (while making me want to hop on a plain) and had me chuckling along the way with her antics.
I will say there was something different about the pacing that made it a slower read for me. It wasn't a story I could binge but that didn't mean it wasn't enjoyable.
In the first novel, Mrs. Spy, we were introduced to Maggie Flynn, and followed her unexpected journey as she unravelled one of the agency's most treacherous secrets and solved the murder of her husband...who, unbeknown to her, was also a spy.
Now, three years after solving her husband's murder, Maggie is a rookie agent recruited to go on an extraction mission to Budapest. Her target? A turned operative, a british defector, who claims to have important information useful to the British and wants to come home. Her job? To bring him out of the communist country, through the Iron Curtain and home to London.
Of course things don't go as planned and Maggie is forced to think on her feet, come up with a plan and try to keep herself - and her target - out of prison or worse.
The best part about this one is the perspective through which it's written. We are not only privy to Maggie's perspective and her inner thoughts and fears but also to the internal conversations she has with those close to her - her old partner, her mom, her husband - as they coach, encourage and guide her from one mishap to another.
She makes some friends along the way, commandeers a VW bug named Rita, enjoys the culture and food of Budapest (while making me want to hop on a plain) and had me chuckling along the way with her antics.
I will say there was something different about the pacing that made it a slower read for me. It wasn't a story I could binge but that didn't mean it wasn't enjoyable.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Spy and the Snake’ by M.J. Robotham, is the follow up novel to The Spy, which I loved. I didn’t know what to expect when I read the first novel and was surprisingly impressed by how much I enjoyed it. This time I was ready for it, and although I was entertained it didn’t have quite the same affect as the first novel.
Maggie Flynn has achieved what most MI5 officers dream of, a promotion to the upper echelons of the service. But as she quickly learns, “promotion comes with paperwork.”, with her daughter at university and her mother off on her own adventures, London feels a little too silent. So, when the call comes to head to Budapest, she once again felt excitement.
Maggie must fly to Hungary and pose as the wife of a notorious British defector and smuggle him back to the UK. The instructions sound straightforward, but in a city like Budapest, nothing is ever routine.
This is a cosy spy thriller, often humorous and full of action. Maggie Flynn is a woman trying to reclaim her identity by putting her life on the line for her country.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Aria & Aries for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Maggie Flynn has achieved what most MI5 officers dream of, a promotion to the upper echelons of the service. But as she quickly learns, “promotion comes with paperwork.”, with her daughter at university and her mother off on her own adventures, London feels a little too silent. So, when the call comes to head to Budapest, she once again felt excitement.
Maggie must fly to Hungary and pose as the wife of a notorious British defector and smuggle him back to the UK. The instructions sound straightforward, but in a city like Budapest, nothing is ever routine.
This is a cosy spy thriller, often humorous and full of action. Maggie Flynn is a woman trying to reclaim her identity by putting her life on the line for her country.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Aria & Aries for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2026
We rejoin Maggie as her daughter is preparing to go off to university, her mother off on a jolly and Maggie herself stuck behind a desk doing paperwork. So when she's offered the chance to do some fieldwork again she jumps at it - even though she's never done a mission abroad before. The mission in question is to go to Budapest and bring back a notorious defector - and it should be straightforward. But nothing is ever straightrforward in the world of espionage and once she's on the ground Maggie finds it's a lot more complicated than she was told to expect.
I don't think I liked this as much as the previous book in the series - they both took me a bit of time to get into, but whereas the first one felt like Maggie was learning the trade of spycraft fast and on her feet quite well, this one felt like she was a bit credulous in who she trusted once she got on to her mission. There was also less humour in this one (or at least I didn't spot as much humour) which was one of the big things that carried the first one forward so well. I did like the setting of Hungary though - it felt a bit different to a lot of the Cold War novels, but I'm not convinced that taking Maggie out of London so quickly was the best plot for a sequel.
I don't think I liked this as much as the previous book in the series - they both took me a bit of time to get into, but whereas the first one felt like Maggie was learning the trade of spycraft fast and on her feet quite well, this one felt like she was a bit credulous in who she trusted once she got on to her mission. There was also less humour in this one (or at least I didn't spot as much humour) which was one of the big things that carried the first one forward so well. I did like the setting of Hungary though - it felt a bit different to a lot of the Cold War novels, but I'm not convinced that taking Maggie out of London so quickly was the best plot for a sequel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a fantastic story! The head of MI5 has been told he needs to send a female to bring home a double agent. Maggie Flynn, currently in a desk job at MI5 after her time as a watcher, is chosen to retrieve a traitor who desires to spend his final years in the UK.
Fritz is in Budapest, and Maggie needs to get him out. The setting in Budapest with the local characters is perfect, so what could go wrong with the escape plan? All is revealed in this superb story as Maggie, along with her subconscious inner voices steer her along. The time setting in the 1960’s works well, and the backstory is well researched.
For those who like spy stories with half-truths, lies and deep suspicion, this book is for you! This is the first book I have read by the MJ Robotham, but as soon as I finished this one, I bought the first one in this series – Mrs Spy, where I may glean some of the background used within this book.
This is my number 1 read for 2026 out of 9 books read so far. My advice – get it asap as its 5 star read.
Fritz is in Budapest, and Maggie needs to get him out. The setting in Budapest with the local characters is perfect, so what could go wrong with the escape plan? All is revealed in this superb story as Maggie, along with her subconscious inner voices steer her along. The time setting in the 1960’s works well, and the backstory is well researched.
For those who like spy stories with half-truths, lies and deep suspicion, this book is for you! This is the first book I have read by the MJ Robotham, but as soon as I finished this one, I bought the first one in this series – Mrs Spy, where I may glean some of the background used within this book.
This is my number 1 read for 2026 out of 9 books read so far. My advice – get it asap as its 5 star read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Spy and the Snake by M.L Robotham due for publication 9 July 2026
Maggie is back and given the job of smuggling an old defector out of Budapest and back to the UK. Not an easy challenge but one Maggie is determined to fulfil.
Despite Maggie's worries she comes into her own and by befriending various people she meets manages with their help to get over the border in an old campervan secreting Fritz inside. Not easy babysitting this rather rude obese alcoholic. It is not of course plain sailing and Maggie encounters numerous obstacles on the way. Her watcher skills and inner voices come in useful trying to keep her and Fritz safe from the KGB as she winds across a number 0f Europe's borders back to the UK. Will she manage this and what double dealings await her.
Despite missing Frank and colourful Gilda this was once again a cracking spy story set in the swinging 60's and at last Maggie gets a bit of romance.
I loved it and am looking forward to more of Maggie's adventures.
Thanks to Netgalley for a preview copy.
Maggie is back and given the job of smuggling an old defector out of Budapest and back to the UK. Not an easy challenge but one Maggie is determined to fulfil.
Despite Maggie's worries she comes into her own and by befriending various people she meets manages with their help to get over the border in an old campervan secreting Fritz inside. Not easy babysitting this rather rude obese alcoholic. It is not of course plain sailing and Maggie encounters numerous obstacles on the way. Her watcher skills and inner voices come in useful trying to keep her and Fritz safe from the KGB as she winds across a number 0f Europe's borders back to the UK. Will she manage this and what double dealings await her.
Despite missing Frank and colourful Gilda this was once again a cracking spy story set in the swinging 60's and at last Maggie gets a bit of romance.
I loved it and am looking forward to more of Maggie's adventures.
Thanks to Netgalley for a preview copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Life has changed for ‘Mrs Spy’ and not necessarily in a good way as Maggie returns for her second book outing three years later. Life is quieter. Maggie’s promotion to a desk job lacks the camaraderie and autonomy of her previous life as a ‘watcher’, her extroverted mother Gilda is living a fabulous new life in Tenerife and daughter Libby now an adult has embraced a semi nomadic life in the protest movement. Although terrace gardens and delicious espresso are compensations, Maggie is intrigued when her big boss sends her on secret assignment to Budapest.
The charm of Mrs Spy very much included the warm cast of supporting characters and Maggie finds a new crew in Budapest. Maggie still talks to her dead husband Davy - but less - and there may be a new love interest but he may be a dud. Jury is out for this reader!
I loved the slightly old fashioned quality of M J Robotham’s prose. It definitely helps recreate the late ‘60s world of the book. Maggie’s an engaging protagonist and the story is involving.
The charm of Mrs Spy very much included the warm cast of supporting characters and Maggie finds a new crew in Budapest. Maggie still talks to her dead husband Davy - but less - and there may be a new love interest but he may be a dud. Jury is out for this reader!
I loved the slightly old fashioned quality of M J Robotham’s prose. It definitely helps recreate the late ‘60s world of the book. Maggie’s an engaging protagonist and the story is involving.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The spy and the snake is the sequel to Mrs Spy by Mandy Robotham. I enjoyed the original tory o I couldn’t wait to hear how the story enfolds.
Maggie Flynn is now working as a watcher for the M15. Her day consists of lots of paperwork so when they ask her to go to Budapest to bring back Fitz Carver and an old M15 agent who defected, back to the UK she jumps at the chance to prove herself that she can do the job and be better than the old boys. She think will be a simple task and straightforward, but she realises when she gets here that this is not the case. But that doesn’t frighten her. It makes her more determined to succeed.
Once again Mandy Robotham has written another intriguing spy thriller in the time of the swinging 60’s. With the music of The Beatles etc fashion and don’t forget the cake. This is another great page turner and got me routing for Maggie all the way through. This is not your ordinary spy thriller it has some humour in it between the characters and some romance in it too. I can’t wait to read more. 5 stars from me.
Maggie Flynn is now working as a watcher for the M15. Her day consists of lots of paperwork so when they ask her to go to Budapest to bring back Fitz Carver and an old M15 agent who defected, back to the UK she jumps at the chance to prove herself that she can do the job and be better than the old boys. She think will be a simple task and straightforward, but she realises when she gets here that this is not the case. But that doesn’t frighten her. It makes her more determined to succeed.
Once again Mandy Robotham has written another intriguing spy thriller in the time of the swinging 60’s. With the music of The Beatles etc fashion and don’t forget the cake. This is another great page turner and got me routing for Maggie all the way through. This is not your ordinary spy thriller it has some humour in it between the characters and some romance in it too. I can’t wait to read more. 5 stars from me.
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