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The British Agent
A British weapons expert, codename Chuff, learns that British sophisticated surface-to-air missile have been stolen in the Ukraine, and are now on their way to the US, in a plot to shoot down Marine One over Washington - to assassinate the President.
Hot on their trail, Chuff goes undercover in a far-right training camp in Florida, her actions guided by an octogenarian US intelligence official who has manufactured the plot as a pretext to launch a crackdown against extremist militias who threaten to bring down America.
Hot on their trail, Chuff goes undercover in a far-right training camp in Florida, her actions guided by an octogenarian US intelligence official who has manufactured the plot as a pretext to launch a crackdown against extremist militias who threaten to bring down America.
- GenresEspionage
419 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2026
About the author
Simon Conway
17 books121 followersSimon Conway is a former British Army officer and international aid worker. With The HALO Trust and later as director of Landmine Action he cleared landmines and unexploded bombs in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
As Co-Chair of the Cluster Munition Coalition he successfully campaigned to achieve an international ban on cluster bombs.In 2014 he returned to The HALO Trust and in recent years has been working to open up access to forgotten areas.
He lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife the journalist and broadcaster Sarah Smith. He has two daughters.
As Co-Chair of the Cluster Munition Coalition he successfully campaigned to achieve an international ban on cluster bombs.In 2014 he returned to The HALO Trust and in recent years has been working to open up access to forgotten areas.
He lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife the journalist and broadcaster Sarah Smith. He has two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ll start by saying this one took me a little while to get into. There’s a lot going on, with references to government and military events, terminology, names and ranks that I wasn’t always familiar with, so I did find myself having to Google things fairly often for context. There are also quite a few characters to keep track of, and outside of Chuff and one other character, there were definitely moments where I had to remind myself who was who.
But once I got into it, I really enjoyed the premise.
Some of my favourite parts were those involving the militia groups. There was eye-rolling, there were moments that genuinely made me laugh, but underneath that was something much sadder: seeing just how easily people can be manipulated by certain groups simply because they want somewhere to belong. I also came away having learnt things I didn’t know before, which I always appreciate in a book.
Chuff was easily one of the strongest parts for me. She’s complicated. She’s not good, she’s not bad, and the book doesn’t try to force her neatly into either category. She has genuine depth, and I loved that her past and childhood remain a present factor in who she is without becoming the be-all and end-all of her character. She is allowed to be shaped by what happened to her without being defined entirely by it.
I also really liked the balance between showing and telling. You’re allowed to actually be in the moment with the characters, while still being given enough information to understand what’s happening. It never felt like the book was holding my hand or treating me like I was stupid as a reader.
There is mature content, and some scenes are detailed to a degree, but personally I never found it unnecessarily crude.
And there is one particular scene that I absolutely refuse to spoil, but Chuff… I physically rolled my eyes at you. 😂
The ending was bittersweet, and I think that was exactly what this story needed.
I’m deliberately trying to say as much as I can without giving anything away because this is definitely one I’d rather people experience for themselves. All I’ll say is that I feel genuinely privileged to have been given the opportunity to read it before its public release.
But once I got into it, I really enjoyed the premise.
Some of my favourite parts were those involving the militia groups. There was eye-rolling, there were moments that genuinely made me laugh, but underneath that was something much sadder: seeing just how easily people can be manipulated by certain groups simply because they want somewhere to belong. I also came away having learnt things I didn’t know before, which I always appreciate in a book.
Chuff was easily one of the strongest parts for me. She’s complicated. She’s not good, she’s not bad, and the book doesn’t try to force her neatly into either category. She has genuine depth, and I loved that her past and childhood remain a present factor in who she is without becoming the be-all and end-all of her character. She is allowed to be shaped by what happened to her without being defined entirely by it.
I also really liked the balance between showing and telling. You’re allowed to actually be in the moment with the characters, while still being given enough information to understand what’s happening. It never felt like the book was holding my hand or treating me like I was stupid as a reader.
There is mature content, and some scenes are detailed to a degree, but personally I never found it unnecessarily crude.
And there is one particular scene that I absolutely refuse to spoil, but Chuff… I physically rolled my eyes at you. 😂
The ending was bittersweet, and I think that was exactly what this story needed.
I’m deliberately trying to say as much as I can without giving anything away because this is definitely one I’d rather people experience for themselves. All I’ll say is that I feel genuinely privileged to have been given the opportunity to read it before its public release.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Operation Racoon. Top Secret joint enterprise between America and the United Kingdom. However, Missiles have gone……missing. Did they go to the Ukraine or to the “ Bad Guys”?
The missiles are British made, but don’t ask the MOD where they are, they have lost track of them!.
The British Defence Secretary is called to the dispatch box, but it is very apparent that he knows nothing about Defence.
This is almost an update of a 1970’s satirical political comedy, “ Yes Minister”, that showed that the Government was clueless and naive about politics.
The greatest fun was to be had in trying to guess which British Prime Minister, and hapless Members of Parliament were in power, and which “ old fossil “ was in the White House.
The British Diplomats felt almost like caricatures, so very “ stiff upper lip” and aloof, whilst coping with deception worldwide.
A gripe…….. there were too many characters added at such a fast pace, it was hard to place them in this story, until the bodies started mounting up, the last man standing scenario.
A very attention grabbing and pulse racing read. The dialogue was snappy, the action was intense and some characters were quite frankly terrifying and ruthless. High stake situations demand sacrifices, there was plenty of blood, gore, and enough crash, bang and wallop to hold the readers attention.
So very creative and inventive, conspiracy theorists will have a field day with this. It is very pertinent to these uncertain modern times, but probably won’t make sleep any easier after reading this.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Michael Joseph Penguin Random House, for my advanced copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review. A five star read. I will post copies to Goodreads and Amazon UK later.
The missiles are British made, but don’t ask the MOD where they are, they have lost track of them!.
The British Defence Secretary is called to the dispatch box, but it is very apparent that he knows nothing about Defence.
This is almost an update of a 1970’s satirical political comedy, “ Yes Minister”, that showed that the Government was clueless and naive about politics.
The greatest fun was to be had in trying to guess which British Prime Minister, and hapless Members of Parliament were in power, and which “ old fossil “ was in the White House.
The British Diplomats felt almost like caricatures, so very “ stiff upper lip” and aloof, whilst coping with deception worldwide.
A gripe…….. there were too many characters added at such a fast pace, it was hard to place them in this story, until the bodies started mounting up, the last man standing scenario.
A very attention grabbing and pulse racing read. The dialogue was snappy, the action was intense and some characters were quite frankly terrifying and ruthless. High stake situations demand sacrifices, there was plenty of blood, gore, and enough crash, bang and wallop to hold the readers attention.
So very creative and inventive, conspiracy theorists will have a field day with this. It is very pertinent to these uncertain modern times, but probably won’t make sleep any easier after reading this.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Michael Joseph Penguin Random House, for my advanced copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review. A five star read. I will post copies to Goodreads and Amazon UK later.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow this was an action packed thriller, a really great page turner full of twists and turns. I enjoyed that we were thrown into the action straight away, and the pace was fast and relentless right through to the end. Every word was there for a reason, not filling in any gaps. There wasn't any moment for calmness and reflection and I was very happy to go along for the ride.
The research that must have gone into this book was clear to see. We get quite an in depth story that feels real and authentic. It could be happening in the world right now. The story is captivating, full of intrigue on a global scheme, political tension that crosses many borders, and espionage at the highest level. You were never certain who was telling the truth, what secrets were being held and who was double crossing who.
We are introduced to our female protagonist, Chuff who is sent by the British government to locate air missiles that have gone missing from the Ukraine and are now in the hands of a right wing group in the US intent on wreaking havoc against President. Chuff is a fantastic character, as we globe trot around the world following her mission. She is strong, courageous, resilient and easy to root for. She is supported by a strong cast of characters.
The plotting is wonderful The authors knowledge really shines off the pages. It is multi-layered but not too complicated, exciting and intelligent.
A really enjoyable read and I hope to meet Chuff again as I'd love to see what her next mission might be.
Thank you to Michael Joseph and NetGalley for the chance to read this fab book.
The research that must have gone into this book was clear to see. We get quite an in depth story that feels real and authentic. It could be happening in the world right now. The story is captivating, full of intrigue on a global scheme, political tension that crosses many borders, and espionage at the highest level. You were never certain who was telling the truth, what secrets were being held and who was double crossing who.
We are introduced to our female protagonist, Chuff who is sent by the British government to locate air missiles that have gone missing from the Ukraine and are now in the hands of a right wing group in the US intent on wreaking havoc against President. Chuff is a fantastic character, as we globe trot around the world following her mission. She is strong, courageous, resilient and easy to root for. She is supported by a strong cast of characters.
The plotting is wonderful The authors knowledge really shines off the pages. It is multi-layered but not too complicated, exciting and intelligent.
A really enjoyable read and I hope to meet Chuff again as I'd love to see what her next mission might be.
Thank you to Michael Joseph and NetGalley for the chance to read this fab book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A harrowing story, all too easy to believe.
"The British Agent" opens in 2023, just months before the US election which will see Donald Trump re-elected as President. In the UK, the newly-appointed Secretary of State for Defence learns that three portable air-defence missiles have been lost enroute to Ukraine, whereabouts unknown. Forced to take action, he assembles a taskforce to track them down, headed up by a clueless diplomat, Manus Blessing. He wisely appoints an SAS technical expert to do the hard work, and so the operative codenamed CHOUGH begins her search.
The story quickly launches into a fast-paced chase across the globe, from Britain, to America, to the Middle East and Europe. Fans of Simon Conway will know that his stories are full of technical detail, realistic scenarios and three-dimensional characters, and so "The British Agent" will tick all the boxes. For thriller fans, there's plenty of gun action and chases; for spy fans there's also plenty of geo-politics and conspiracies, all painted against the backdrop of the US and UK political scene and the fight against terrorism.
More than once, reading this book I thought "who's that based on?" and "could that actually happen?" and the answers are probably uncomfortable. This is a story about the state of the world today, and how precarious things are, with a slight touch of "the lunatics are running the asylum". Absolutely riveting from start to finish. Highly recommended.
"The British Agent" opens in 2023, just months before the US election which will see Donald Trump re-elected as President. In the UK, the newly-appointed Secretary of State for Defence learns that three portable air-defence missiles have been lost enroute to Ukraine, whereabouts unknown. Forced to take action, he assembles a taskforce to track them down, headed up by a clueless diplomat, Manus Blessing. He wisely appoints an SAS technical expert to do the hard work, and so the operative codenamed CHOUGH begins her search.
The story quickly launches into a fast-paced chase across the globe, from Britain, to America, to the Middle East and Europe. Fans of Simon Conway will know that his stories are full of technical detail, realistic scenarios and three-dimensional characters, and so "The British Agent" will tick all the boxes. For thriller fans, there's plenty of gun action and chases; for spy fans there's also plenty of geo-politics and conspiracies, all painted against the backdrop of the US and UK political scene and the fight against terrorism.
More than once, reading this book I thought "who's that based on?" and "could that actually happen?" and the answers are probably uncomfortable. This is a story about the state of the world today, and how precarious things are, with a slight touch of "the lunatics are running the asylum". Absolutely riveting from start to finish. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The British Agent is a very thrilling read. This is the first book I've read by Simon Conway and I will definitely read more when I can. The authors writing is very good and the story flows well. I really like Chuff, she is very determined, fiesty and has a very interesting history. The plot is good and the issues - white supremacy and stolen elections - are all too believeable. I was rooting for Chuff all the way through. There are a lot of characters, some likeable, some not, all from different countries/agencies with their own agendas. Who can Chuff trust? I was drawn into the story quickly which grabbed and held my attention and interest right to the end. The author portrays his characters so well, I could picture them and the settings in my mind when reading. Simon Conway certainly knows how to write a compelling story that is full of mystery, thrills and suspense. I love books with a spy/espionage theme and this ticked all the boxes and did not disappoint in any way at all.
I hope there will be another book for Chuff as I'd love to see what is in store for her next. If you like spy thrillers then give this a go, I'd highly recommend it.
4 stars
I hope there will be another book for Chuff as I'd love to see what is in store for her next. If you like spy thrillers then give this a go, I'd highly recommend it.
4 stars
July 24, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance copy.
I’ve been a fan of Simon Conway’s books for a long time, and The British Agent is another outstanding addition to the genre. It’s obvious how much research sits behind every page, and that depth of knowledge gives the story a real authenticity.
The story is packed with international intrigue, political tension and high stakes from the outset, but it’s the characters that really kept me invested. Chuff is intelligent, resourceful and very easy to root for, and the supporting cast are well developed, the story feel all the more believable.
One of the things I enjoy most about author’s writing is the balance between action and detail. The pace never lets up, but there’s also enough substance to make you think about the wider implications of what’s unfolding. It feels like it’s been written by someone who truly understands the world they’re writing about, and that lived experience shines through.
If you enjoy intelligent espionage thrillers that combine meticulous research with compelling characters and an absorbing plot, this is an easy five-star read. Another brilliant novel from an author whose books I always look forward to.
I’ve been a fan of Simon Conway’s books for a long time, and The British Agent is another outstanding addition to the genre. It’s obvious how much research sits behind every page, and that depth of knowledge gives the story a real authenticity.
The story is packed with international intrigue, political tension and high stakes from the outset, but it’s the characters that really kept me invested. Chuff is intelligent, resourceful and very easy to root for, and the supporting cast are well developed, the story feel all the more believable.
One of the things I enjoy most about author’s writing is the balance between action and detail. The pace never lets up, but there’s also enough substance to make you think about the wider implications of what’s unfolding. It feels like it’s been written by someone who truly understands the world they’re writing about, and that lived experience shines through.
If you enjoy intelligent espionage thrillers that combine meticulous research with compelling characters and an absorbing plot, this is an easy five-star read. Another brilliant novel from an author whose books I always look forward to.
August 20, 2026
A thriller for an age where the unthinkable has become reality
There are novels that feel timely. And then there are novels that make you wonder whether tomorrow’s headlines might already have been written.
It’s both a testament to the insanity of our times and to Simon Conway’s remarkable understanding of them that the central premise of The British Agent feels not only strikingly timely, but entirely plausible.
Once again, Conway combines meticulous research with an engaging cast of memorable characters, clever twists, and globe-spanning suspense that never loses sight of the people at its heart. Every development feels carefully earned, and the authenticity of the world he creates makes the story all the more compelling.
The action is tense and cinematic, the stakes feel frighteningly real, and the novel constantly keeps you guessing without relying on cheap surprises. Above all, The British Agent is a reminder that the best espionage thrillers don’t merely entertain—they hold up a mirror to the world we live in.
Simon Conway continues to establish himself as one of the most exciting voices in modern spy fiction, and The British Agent is another thoroughly enjoyable entry in his growing body of work.
There are novels that feel timely. And then there are novels that make you wonder whether tomorrow’s headlines might already have been written.
It’s both a testament to the insanity of our times and to Simon Conway’s remarkable understanding of them that the central premise of The British Agent feels not only strikingly timely, but entirely plausible.
Once again, Conway combines meticulous research with an engaging cast of memorable characters, clever twists, and globe-spanning suspense that never loses sight of the people at its heart. Every development feels carefully earned, and the authenticity of the world he creates makes the story all the more compelling.
The action is tense and cinematic, the stakes feel frighteningly real, and the novel constantly keeps you guessing without relying on cheap surprises. Above all, The British Agent is a reminder that the best espionage thrillers don’t merely entertain—they hold up a mirror to the world we live in.
Simon Conway continues to establish himself as one of the most exciting voices in modern spy fiction, and The British Agent is another thoroughly enjoyable entry in his growing body of work.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow. This was a real page turner and a rollercoaster of a read. At over 500 pages in length it needed to grab my attention early doors - and that it certainly did.
This is a brilliantly plotted multilayered spy and techno thriller that introduces a wonderful tough and resilient female heroine in Chuff who is sent by the British government to discover the whereabouts of a number of ground to air missiles that have been spirited away from the Ukraine and are now intended to provide the ammunition for a right wing assassination plot against the US government and President.
The action is breathless and non stop and you are carried along with the excitement as things are never quite what they seem and the plot gets even more murkier.
A great read and certain to be one of the thrillers of the year.
Highly recommended.
This is a brilliantly plotted multilayered spy and techno thriller that introduces a wonderful tough and resilient female heroine in Chuff who is sent by the British government to discover the whereabouts of a number of ground to air missiles that have been spirited away from the Ukraine and are now intended to provide the ammunition for a right wing assassination plot against the US government and President.
The action is breathless and non stop and you are carried along with the excitement as things are never quite what they seem and the plot gets even more murkier.
A great read and certain to be one of the thrillers of the year.
Highly recommended.
August 30, 2026
This book is fast paced and full of action throughout. A storyline that takes us from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Turkey, London, Scotland and into America with many complex characters. Possibly too many characters as you tended to get confused with who were the good guys and who weren't so good.
British made surface to air missiles have gone missing and into the hands of a terror group. A weapons expert, Chuff, has been enlisted to get the weapons back. This after she was held responsible for their loss in the first place and discarded by the Government. A twisty tale ensues with an ever increasing body count and more double crossing than you could imagine.
If you like your books action packed and thrilling then you'll love this one. What is somewhat unusual is the main protagonist and special agent is a female and not your stereotypical James Bond type.
British made surface to air missiles have gone missing and into the hands of a terror group. A weapons expert, Chuff, has been enlisted to get the weapons back. This after she was held responsible for their loss in the first place and discarded by the Government. A twisty tale ensues with an ever increasing body count and more double crossing than you could imagine.
If you like your books action packed and thrilling then you'll love this one. What is somewhat unusual is the main protagonist and special agent is a female and not your stereotypical James Bond type.
August 25, 2026
There's a lot to say about this book. But I will limit myself to one point. Conway nails a very real concern among Western capitals as they send military support to Ukraine: What happens if their latest technology falls into enemy hands?
That is the issue at the heart of this riproaring ride. British Starstreak missiles go missing. They have all sorts of design features that make them all but immune to countermeasures. So what would happen if someone tried to use them to bring down Marine One?
Conways years of experience in the British Army and then with the mine clearers or the Halo Trust give this extraordinary tale the real ring of authenticity. Bravo.
That is the issue at the heart of this riproaring ride. British Starstreak missiles go missing. They have all sorts of design features that make them all but immune to countermeasures. So what would happen if someone tried to use them to bring down Marine One?
Conways years of experience in the British Army and then with the mine clearers or the Halo Trust give this extraordinary tale the real ring of authenticity. Bravo.
August 22, 2026
This took a while to get into, lots of military terms and complicated terms but eventually got into it when I couldn’t put it down. Love Chuff
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews