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The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup
Would you believe she is dead?
Taylor Hudson reaches the stark realisation that she is in imminent danger. Time and options have all but evaporated when, out of nowhere, she is thrown a lifeline. She places her trust in a complete stranger, someone who claims they will keep her safe and out of reach. But can they, and who are they? And why the sudden interest in saving her?
Perhaps the answers are 6,000 miles away, deep inside the British Secret Intelligence Service, where a former, disgraced, senior officer is attempting to weasel his way back into the heart of the organisation. But do they really know what this cunning fox’s intentions are? And can The China Teacup withstand one more knock?
Illicit arms dealing, murder and corruption at the highest level. Prepare for a deadly game of bluff, double-bluff and triple-bluff.
Taylor Hudson reaches the stark realisation that she is in imminent danger. Time and options have all but evaporated when, out of nowhere, she is thrown a lifeline. She places her trust in a complete stranger, someone who claims they will keep her safe and out of reach. But can they, and who are they? And why the sudden interest in saving her?
Perhaps the answers are 6,000 miles away, deep inside the British Secret Intelligence Service, where a former, disgraced, senior officer is attempting to weasel his way back into the heart of the organisation. But do they really know what this cunning fox’s intentions are? And can The China Teacup withstand one more knock?
Illicit arms dealing, murder and corruption at the highest level. Prepare for a deadly game of bluff, double-bluff and triple-bluff.
- GenresFiction
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2017
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Angie Smith
6 books58 followersAngie Smith was born in Doncaster and educated at Huddersfield University where she graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Education and Training. After a long career in adult education, training and performance management she retired early to pursue other ventures.
She travels extensively, and was nominated for an award on her knowledge transfer partnerships work, during which she co-produced and presented a journal article at the International Social Work Conference in Durban.
In 2013 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and, following a year of extensive and gruelling treatment, her desire to write was rekindled. Her highly acclaimed CXVI Trilogy and The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup inspired the creation of her fifth novel The Foundling – Sex lies and Swimming Naked.
She currently lives in West Yorkshire with her husband, youngest son, two dogs and horse.
She travels extensively, and was nominated for an award on her knowledge transfer partnerships work, during which she co-produced and presented a journal article at the International Social Work Conference in Durban.
In 2013 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and, following a year of extensive and gruelling treatment, her desire to write was rekindled. Her highly acclaimed CXVI Trilogy and The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup inspired the creation of her fifth novel The Foundling – Sex lies and Swimming Naked.
She currently lives in West Yorkshire with her husband, youngest son, two dogs and horse.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 18, 2017
Taylor Hudson’s husband wants her dead. He’s paid someone to make sure she is. However, another someone offers to keep her safe. Why should she trust him? Her husband is swimming in very murky waters and she gradually finds out what he’s capable of. The Secret Intelligence Service are involved and there are good and bad within that organisation. We are pulled from side to side, not knowing who is trustworthy and who’s a villain.
I’ll admit that at the beginning I kept mixing Taylor up with another woman who has important scenes – Stephany Pascal. Once I’d got my brain in gear, the action flowed inexorably. Angie Smith can weave a multitude of threads into a single story and take you by surprise as you round each corner. She writes a really mean baddie! The book takes us to various parts of the world and the added detail makes the story come alive. A treat for espionage lovers and an exhilarating read.
I received a review copy of this book.
I’ll admit that at the beginning I kept mixing Taylor up with another woman who has important scenes – Stephany Pascal. Once I’d got my brain in gear, the action flowed inexorably. Angie Smith can weave a multitude of threads into a single story and take you by surprise as you round each corner. She writes a really mean baddie! The book takes us to various parts of the world and the added detail makes the story come alive. A treat for espionage lovers and an exhilarating read.
I received a review copy of this book.
February 24, 2017
Another absolutely brilliant book from Angie Smith. Having loved the CXVI trilogy I was so happy to be able to read an early copy of The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup, and it is as good if not better than the rest.
Set mainly in South Africa, where I was born and bred, it was so lovely to read a book with so many familiar places as I read mainly UK based books.
All of Angie Smith’s books are so well researched and clever and this one was no exception. Full of action and fast paced, this thriller is simply fantastic.
It was like bumping into old friends with some of my favourites featuring again. Fantastic and realistic (good and bad) characters throughout.
I can highly recommend The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup and would give it more than 5* if possible and hope there is more to come.
Set mainly in South Africa, where I was born and bred, it was so lovely to read a book with so many familiar places as I read mainly UK based books.
All of Angie Smith’s books are so well researched and clever and this one was no exception. Full of action and fast paced, this thriller is simply fantastic.
It was like bumping into old friends with some of my favourites featuring again. Fantastic and realistic (good and bad) characters throughout.
I can highly recommend The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup and would give it more than 5* if possible and hope there is more to come.
May 22, 2017
This is the first book I have read by this author.
Just from the description, I knew this book was going to be an action packed read and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Right from the very first page the story sets off running, throwing us into the thick of things.
Through the story we are taken to different parts of the world which is something I always love. As a reader, the author manages to transport you to these places and you feel very much as if you are there with the characters.
The story is one very much of espionage. It takes you into the world of spies and corruption and to be honest it isn’t a nice place to be. As much as it gets the adrenaline going, this is a world where you are constantly having to look over your shoulder and not being able to take your eye off the game for one second. Great for the thrill seekers among us though it had me on tender hooks as to whether anything would happen to the characters or not.
I believe this is a spin off from the authors CXVI trilogy. Having not read them I do feel slightly that I am missing out. I think as this was my first introduction to some of the characters, I felt I was missing out on some of their past and didn’t quite gel with them as much as I would have liked to. Personally for me I would have liked a bit more background but that is just my own personal opinion.
The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup is without a doubt a page turner of a read. For readers who love a fast paced story that centres around the world of espionage, this is definitely a must read. It has certainly made me want to go back and now read the CXVI trilogy of which I have had the first one sat on my kindle for way to long!
Just from the description, I knew this book was going to be an action packed read and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Right from the very first page the story sets off running, throwing us into the thick of things.
Through the story we are taken to different parts of the world which is something I always love. As a reader, the author manages to transport you to these places and you feel very much as if you are there with the characters.
The story is one very much of espionage. It takes you into the world of spies and corruption and to be honest it isn’t a nice place to be. As much as it gets the adrenaline going, this is a world where you are constantly having to look over your shoulder and not being able to take your eye off the game for one second. Great for the thrill seekers among us though it had me on tender hooks as to whether anything would happen to the characters or not.
I believe this is a spin off from the authors CXVI trilogy. Having not read them I do feel slightly that I am missing out. I think as this was my first introduction to some of the characters, I felt I was missing out on some of their past and didn’t quite gel with them as much as I would have liked to. Personally for me I would have liked a bit more background but that is just my own personal opinion.
The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup is without a doubt a page turner of a read. For readers who love a fast paced story that centres around the world of espionage, this is definitely a must read. It has certainly made me want to go back and now read the CXVI trilogy of which I have had the first one sat on my kindle for way to long!
May 23, 2017
Another fantastic book from Angie Smith featuring some of the CXVI characters and some new with some great African locations
May 20, 2017
Actual rating 3.5*
So I read Angie Smith’s CXVI trilogy which went from police procedural to international spy/crime thriller in the space of three books and I really enjoyed the ride. So when Angie announced she had a new novel, I was intrigued to see what she was offering.
The Spy Who Chipped the China Teacup is in the same vein as where the CXVI trilogy left off, its an international thriller about spies, bad guys and those I’m not so sure of…. Despite the appearance of previous characters, this novel can be read as a standalone. You don’t really need to have read the author’s previous novels – yes it will help for background but not a necessity.
I raise my glass to the author, I know she has spent significant time travelling and researching locations for her books and it has paid off. I was there in Southern Africa in the safari park, the villa, the dirt track “roads”.
The one thing that didn’t quite resonate with me was Taylor’s continued animosity towards Stephany. We all hold grudges, me included but over time I’d expect someone to draw a line under the ill feeling and move on, even if it’s just to a level of civility. Taylor hasn’t and this causes ructions.
I did like the mysterious character of Shepherd. He intrigued me, what’s his motive, which side of the fence is he on?!?
Many thanks to Sarah Hardy of Bloodhound Books for my e-copy of The Spy Who Chipped the China Teacup.
So I read Angie Smith’s CXVI trilogy which went from police procedural to international spy/crime thriller in the space of three books and I really enjoyed the ride. So when Angie announced she had a new novel, I was intrigued to see what she was offering.
The Spy Who Chipped the China Teacup is in the same vein as where the CXVI trilogy left off, its an international thriller about spies, bad guys and those I’m not so sure of…. Despite the appearance of previous characters, this novel can be read as a standalone. You don’t really need to have read the author’s previous novels – yes it will help for background but not a necessity.
I raise my glass to the author, I know she has spent significant time travelling and researching locations for her books and it has paid off. I was there in Southern Africa in the safari park, the villa, the dirt track “roads”.
The one thing that didn’t quite resonate with me was Taylor’s continued animosity towards Stephany. We all hold grudges, me included but over time I’d expect someone to draw a line under the ill feeling and move on, even if it’s just to a level of civility. Taylor hasn’t and this causes ructions.
I did like the mysterious character of Shepherd. He intrigued me, what’s his motive, which side of the fence is he on?!?
Many thanks to Sarah Hardy of Bloodhound Books for my e-copy of The Spy Who Chipped the China Teacup.
February 12, 2017
Angie Smith has done it again with this book, what a brilliant read. I didn't realise until I started it that some of the characters from the trilogy would pop up. Set mainly in South Africa and surrounding islands its somewhere that I have never been but the descriptions brought it to life. This book does require your full attention as there is so much going on with subterfuge, bluffs and double bluffs you certainly need your wits about you to work out who is telling the truth and then who knows you could be totally wrong. I can highly recommend this book and would like to thank the author for the ARC
March 8, 2017
I loved this book. Elegantly told, without oversensationalism or implausibility, this is a cleverly-plotted tale of espionage, crime and intrigue across Britain, Russia and southern Africa that had me gripped from start to finish. Although the subject matter and the way the plot is handled is reminiscent of Le Carre, there's less of the brooding machismo that so often places this sort of book back in a Cold War era even when the material's twenty-first century. Instead we move between London and the blazing heat of South Africa and Mozambique, with an enormous attention to the locations that adds both interest and realism to the experience. The characters, too, are more varied than the genre's stock-in-trade, and all the better for it; there are twists, but they're not twists for twists' sake, but rather revelations integral to the plot.
I haven't read Angie Smith's CXVI Trilogy, in which I understand a number of characters from China Teacup appear; and I absolutely didn't need to in order to enjoy this brilliant novel. But I fully intend to now.
If spy thrillers are your cup of tea, give this a go. Even if they're not, there's enough here to entice and reward those wary of the genre. It's fresh, it's clever, and it's thoroughly worth reading.
I haven't read Angie Smith's CXVI Trilogy, in which I understand a number of characters from China Teacup appear; and I absolutely didn't need to in order to enjoy this brilliant novel. But I fully intend to now.
If spy thrillers are your cup of tea, give this a go. Even if they're not, there's enough here to entice and reward those wary of the genre. It's fresh, it's clever, and it's thoroughly worth reading.
May 21, 2017
I absolutely loved this thriller, a spin off from Angie Smith's CXVI trilogy which I devoured last year. Once you pick these books up you won't be able to put them down.
Set mainly in South Africa it is a cleverly constructed espionage plot of the highest order, especially if you like Le Carre's novels. What's not to like about a great spy tale which features a terrific cast of characters.
Easily five stars from me. Knicker gripping to the very last page.
Set mainly in South Africa it is a cleverly constructed espionage plot of the highest order, especially if you like Le Carre's novels. What's not to like about a great spy tale which features a terrific cast of characters.
Easily five stars from me. Knicker gripping to the very last page.
April 3, 2017
Having read Angies last 3 books I was really looking forward to this book. It did not disappoint. I liked that she brought some familiar characters back. I really like Maria and Zoe. The book is fast paced it keeps you wanting more. I'm looking forward to the next book already.
March 15, 2017
The Spy Who Chipped the China Teacup grabbed me from the get go and hooked me right in. The book set off at a roaring pace and I could hardly put it down.
I have given it four stars as opposed to five because I felt the constant listing of directions and countries in Africa was confusing, over the top and really not required in such detail! The question mark over a characters loyalty swung backwards and forwards so often I often missed the point were it swing back the other way.
Having said all of that, these small point did not detract from the storyline and for anyone who likes a bit of a spy type novel would heartily recommend.
I have given it four stars as opposed to five because I felt the constant listing of directions and countries in Africa was confusing, over the top and really not required in such detail! The question mark over a characters loyalty swung backwards and forwards so often I often missed the point were it swing back the other way.
Having said all of that, these small point did not detract from the storyline and for anyone who likes a bit of a spy type novel would heartily recommend.
March 22, 2017
Having read and loved the CXVI trilogy, I couldn't wait to get stuck into this latest book by Angie Smith - and it so lived up to my expectations! I was delighted to see the return of characters from the previous books - but that said this book works perfectly well as a standalone.
The plot is fast paced and seamlessly moves between London and Africa. There are so many twists and turns and I couldn't be sure who was trustworthy, changing my mind throughout!
A brilliantly written story that kept me enthralled until the last page. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
The plot is fast paced and seamlessly moves between London and Africa. There are so many twists and turns and I couldn't be sure who was trustworthy, changing my mind throughout!
A brilliantly written story that kept me enthralled until the last page. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
May 19, 2017
A rollicking good read. Absolutely loved it - fast-paced, intrigue, double and triple agents, South Africa, strong women characters, triumph of good over evil, goodies and baddies, safaris, Mozambique ... the list is endless.
If you like your thrillers to have some thrill then you won't be disappointed in this fun, quirky thriller. There's much more than meets the eye with this book - and that fab title is just the start!!
5* highly recommended!!
If you like your thrillers to have some thrill then you won't be disappointed in this fun, quirky thriller. There's much more than meets the eye with this book - and that fab title is just the start!!
5* highly recommended!!
March 5, 2017
Wonderful! It felt like coming home. If you've read the CXVI trilogy, you'll love this, because you meet the memorable characters once again in a new thrilling adventure. I love a book filled with strong female characters and this doesn't disappoint. A good old spy thriller, complete with espionage, despicable characters, double crossings, back stabbing and who can you trust moments, that will have your head spinning. Angie Smith does it again.
March 11, 2017
The spy who Chipped the China Teacup by Angie Smith.
Angie Smith has done it again. I loved her cxv1 trilogy. I knew I would love this one which is set in south Africa. I have never been there but the way angie describes it is felt like I was there. I loved all the characters. I couldn't put it down. Fantastic. Definitely worth more than 5*. Thanks tbc on fb.
Angie Smith has done it again. I loved her cxv1 trilogy. I knew I would love this one which is set in south Africa. I have never been there but the way angie describes it is felt like I was there. I loved all the characters. I couldn't put it down. Fantastic. Definitely worth more than 5*. Thanks tbc on fb.
March 9, 2017
Wow. How does this author manage to keep the story so tight with everything that goes on within it? A brilliant read that will have you turning page after page long into the night. Excellent.
May 25, 2017
Wild horses couldn’t keep me away from this latest book by Angie Smith, who created one of my favourite series with CMVI. For me this lady is the Queen of espionage thrillers. I just wowed so much as characters I had known from the previous books and grown to love, hate and mistrust kept popping up. No spoilers to who they are.
The plot can seem complex at times with double crosses taking place when you think you have everything sussed but be prepared for the unexpected.
Angie Smith is a perfectionist with the superb research that is in abundance throughout the book especially on the geographical aspects of South Africa that are both outstandingly beautiful, to a wild side that will never be tamed. I loved how she used everything around her in this story including nature itself. It was though no comparison to the depths that man will go to especially with one particularly brutal scene. A pack of wild animals that don’t deserve the title of being human.
This is a super story that begins as a simple hit but becomes more of a complex game of chess because players in this life and death game are going to be sacrificed like pawns in this fast action story, with eventually no one being safe. From the stunning cover to the opening pages that just woke every sense I had straight away, through the chapters that made me a nervous wreck, I loved every minute of this journey.
This could be read as a stand alone book but do read the first three as well because some of these characters have really earned there place in this super book. You will be intrigued by the connections that brought them all together in the past. The whole set is fabulous
The plot can seem complex at times with double crosses taking place when you think you have everything sussed but be prepared for the unexpected.
Angie Smith is a perfectionist with the superb research that is in abundance throughout the book especially on the geographical aspects of South Africa that are both outstandingly beautiful, to a wild side that will never be tamed. I loved how she used everything around her in this story including nature itself. It was though no comparison to the depths that man will go to especially with one particularly brutal scene. A pack of wild animals that don’t deserve the title of being human.
This is a super story that begins as a simple hit but becomes more of a complex game of chess because players in this life and death game are going to be sacrificed like pawns in this fast action story, with eventually no one being safe. From the stunning cover to the opening pages that just woke every sense I had straight away, through the chapters that made me a nervous wreck, I loved every minute of this journey.
This could be read as a stand alone book but do read the first three as well because some of these characters have really earned there place in this super book. You will be intrigued by the connections that brought them all together in the past. The whole set is fabulous
March 4, 2017
I loved CXVI trilogy and was eagerly awaiting the author's next book. The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup is also a spy thriller and has some characters from the trilogy. It is well written, with complicated plot that requires the reader's full attention. The story is breaming with suspense, tension and double bluffs. You never know who or what to believe.
Many thanks to the author and TBC for the advanced copy.
Many thanks to the author and TBC for the advanced copy.
March 1, 2017
This is my first venture into the genre and as such took me a little while to get into it. Worth the effort though as it was certainly fast paced. Would definitely read this author again.
March 1, 2017
I was lucky enough to get an arc of this . After reading the cxvi trilogy this book is like going to meet old friends . Completely riveting . An action packed roller coaster ride where you will not know who you can trust .
February 13, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The first Angie Smith book I have read and it really kept me on my toes. Lies, deceipt, corruption, murder, it has it all. Great characters, I didn't know who to trust. You start to believe who the honest people are and then WHAM!....didn't see that coming. Twists and turns at every corner which makes it a real page turner. The ending caught me by surprise too. I'll be keeping an eye on this author and looking forward to reading more.
February 5, 2017
I was privileged enough to read an advance copy of this book and what a read it is. With some characters from the cxvi trilogy returning to please current fans yet a completely new story so newcomers to angies work can get as much enjoyment this is a no holds barred all action tale. For me one of this authors best to date. I love how all the characters seem very real and you feel a complex mix of emotions about them this combined with the authors amazing ability to intertwine plot threads makes this a solid 5* read for me
May 23, 2017
I hadn't read the synopsis before, but as I'd enjoyed Angie Smith's CXVI Trilogy I was excited to read this book. And it doesn't disappoint.
The South African location - and surrounding areas - was spot on. I've never travelled to these places, but it's clear the author has done her research: I could vividly imagine the locations and people.
It was fast paced and gripping, and great to reconnect with characters from the trilogy (but it is a standalone book). I throughly hope they'll be a second book.
The South African location - and surrounding areas - was spot on. I've never travelled to these places, but it's clear the author has done her research: I could vividly imagine the locations and people.
It was fast paced and gripping, and great to reconnect with characters from the trilogy (but it is a standalone book). I throughly hope they'll be a second book.
March 8, 2017
I love this modern espionage thriller, involving the British Secret Service, Cold War opponents and the never failing but always faulty Old Boys’ network.
Introduction
Wow! This was my first Angie Smith book and what an enjoyable and fascinating read! A spy story with a twist that drew me in completely, reliving the old days where the British Intelligence and her Cold War opponents were scheming and plotting with daring and dangerous actions on both sides. At the outset, we meet Taylor, certain of the fact she is about to be killed by the man approaching her and wondering how on earth she could have imagined escaping her vicious husband Charles Hudson. Then the stranger lays his plans before her and Taylor has never heard a more incredulous story. Little does she know that it is only the beginning of her nightmare, as she is about to become a pawn in a deadly game of spies.
Storyline
From the outset we become aware, as is everyone in the British Secret Service, that Charles Hudson and his deputy (the repulsive Rudi Opperman) are vicious dark criminals. Opperman was responsible for the death of the Hudson’s housekeeper who succumbed to his sadistic torture. Opperman is vile enough to circulate a recording of these atrocious events and show it to whoever needs warning off. Now the stranger, who calls himself Daniel Shepherd, has found Taylor in Africa and is staging the scene for her murder, he needs to keep her safe from her husband while he infiltrates into Hudson’s organisation. Who Shepherd answers to is unclear so far but it is someone high up in British Intelligence. Thomas McIntosh, a senior member of the Secret Agency and who survived a hit-and-run, has been deliberately kept completely in the dark. McIntosh receives an anonymous message to contact his former boss Faulkner-Brown.
Faulkner-Brown was forced out of the Secret Service some time ago but still has access to inside information. He is able to tell McIntosh the focus of any Intelligence action should lie in Africa because not only is it where Taylor supposedly has been murdered, but also where Hudson and Opperman conduct their dirty business. Then there is a Russian female spy, high on the to-capture list of the British Intelligence who have sent out Pascal to track her down. As Pascal reports back to her superior, McIntosh, both of them realise they need help. Trust him or not, now they need Faulkner-Brown’s input. The espionage games reach another level when people’s lives both in Africa as in Britain are endangered and Taylor’s cover might be compromised, which in turn would blow Shepherd’s cover. When they have no idea who they can trust, will they be able to unravel the ingenious plots and bring the criminals to justice?
My Thoughts
Exciting, enthralling, entertaining – I totally fell in love with this espionage thriller! The author has woven an intricate tale with a feel of the Cold War and the rivalry and deviousness between the various Agencies in Britain as well as internationally. They only thing I disliked was what happened to the housekeeper. Her fate returns to mind like a thread weaving through the excitement of the story, necessary to inform the reader of the undiluted evil the protagonists face. This thriller has all the ingredients that make it a perfect espionage thriller and it captures you until the very end. The author writes excellently in an entertaining style with a touch of humour and well-described characters. The intriguing title with its satiric undertone caught me and I am so glad it did – now I have found a new author to add to my favourites! I look forward to reading more books by this author and can highly recommend this espionage thriller!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/the-sp...
Introduction
Wow! This was my first Angie Smith book and what an enjoyable and fascinating read! A spy story with a twist that drew me in completely, reliving the old days where the British Intelligence and her Cold War opponents were scheming and plotting with daring and dangerous actions on both sides. At the outset, we meet Taylor, certain of the fact she is about to be killed by the man approaching her and wondering how on earth she could have imagined escaping her vicious husband Charles Hudson. Then the stranger lays his plans before her and Taylor has never heard a more incredulous story. Little does she know that it is only the beginning of her nightmare, as she is about to become a pawn in a deadly game of spies.
Storyline
From the outset we become aware, as is everyone in the British Secret Service, that Charles Hudson and his deputy (the repulsive Rudi Opperman) are vicious dark criminals. Opperman was responsible for the death of the Hudson’s housekeeper who succumbed to his sadistic torture. Opperman is vile enough to circulate a recording of these atrocious events and show it to whoever needs warning off. Now the stranger, who calls himself Daniel Shepherd, has found Taylor in Africa and is staging the scene for her murder, he needs to keep her safe from her husband while he infiltrates into Hudson’s organisation. Who Shepherd answers to is unclear so far but it is someone high up in British Intelligence. Thomas McIntosh, a senior member of the Secret Agency and who survived a hit-and-run, has been deliberately kept completely in the dark. McIntosh receives an anonymous message to contact his former boss Faulkner-Brown.
Faulkner-Brown was forced out of the Secret Service some time ago but still has access to inside information. He is able to tell McIntosh the focus of any Intelligence action should lie in Africa because not only is it where Taylor supposedly has been murdered, but also where Hudson and Opperman conduct their dirty business. Then there is a Russian female spy, high on the to-capture list of the British Intelligence who have sent out Pascal to track her down. As Pascal reports back to her superior, McIntosh, both of them realise they need help. Trust him or not, now they need Faulkner-Brown’s input. The espionage games reach another level when people’s lives both in Africa as in Britain are endangered and Taylor’s cover might be compromised, which in turn would blow Shepherd’s cover. When they have no idea who they can trust, will they be able to unravel the ingenious plots and bring the criminals to justice?
My Thoughts
Exciting, enthralling, entertaining – I totally fell in love with this espionage thriller! The author has woven an intricate tale with a feel of the Cold War and the rivalry and deviousness between the various Agencies in Britain as well as internationally. They only thing I disliked was what happened to the housekeeper. Her fate returns to mind like a thread weaving through the excitement of the story, necessary to inform the reader of the undiluted evil the protagonists face. This thriller has all the ingredients that make it a perfect espionage thriller and it captures you until the very end. The author writes excellently in an entertaining style with a touch of humour and well-described characters. The intriguing title with its satiric undertone caught me and I am so glad it did – now I have found a new author to add to my favourites! I look forward to reading more books by this author and can highly recommend this espionage thriller!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/the-sp...
March 18, 2017
I usually eschew spy novels for the very simple reason that they mostly defy the basics of good story telling. Of which rule one is: keep the story simple and the characters complex. Spy novels are inevitably just the opposite. Ridiculously twisted, mangled, indecipherable plots come up against characters that aren’t so much simple as predictably duplicitous. So you can’t trust anything, ever. It’s the formula for an impenetrable novel. This is the first spy novel that didn’t entirely lose me.
Let’s be clear; it is a spy novel. So the plot is twistier than most. But the characters are well drawn out and rather fascinating. I found myself swept up in the forward momentum of the story. I wanted to know the answers; I kept being intrigued, so I kept turning the pages. It’s not going to compare with The Bourne Identity for ease of reading and breakneck pacing, but the pace is quite good all the same and the intrigue might even be better. At least it promises to lead somewhere, which is more than I could ever say for The Bourne Identity or any of the follow up stories of the film franchise that the books spawned.
I’m giving this one five stars not just because I’m grading on the curve—I just got done saying I tend not to like spy stories so coming across one that I liked does tend to make it stand out—but because I think the book deserves the score all on its own.
Let’s be clear; it is a spy novel. So the plot is twistier than most. But the characters are well drawn out and rather fascinating. I found myself swept up in the forward momentum of the story. I wanted to know the answers; I kept being intrigued, so I kept turning the pages. It’s not going to compare with The Bourne Identity for ease of reading and breakneck pacing, but the pace is quite good all the same and the intrigue might even be better. At least it promises to lead somewhere, which is more than I could ever say for The Bourne Identity or any of the follow up stories of the film franchise that the books spawned.
I’m giving this one five stars not just because I’m grading on the curve—I just got done saying I tend not to like spy stories so coming across one that I liked does tend to make it stand out—but because I think the book deserves the score all on its own.
May 23, 2017
Taylor Hudson is unexpectedly given a life line by Daniel Shepherd, but who is he? and who is he working for?
The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup takes us across the continents with subterfuge and deception, with a well thought out structured plot, that is intricate, but at the same time an easy page turning read.
This captivated me, and I really didn't know what turn of events were going to happen next, and who to trust.
Masquerading through the pages are smokescreens and we are taken on an escapade alongside Taylor where there is adventure, and exploitation, but at who's expense?
A thoroughly enjoyable read, and so looking forward to the next instalement.
The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup takes us across the continents with subterfuge and deception, with a well thought out structured plot, that is intricate, but at the same time an easy page turning read.
This captivated me, and I really didn't know what turn of events were going to happen next, and who to trust.
Masquerading through the pages are smokescreens and we are taken on an escapade alongside Taylor where there is adventure, and exploitation, but at who's expense?
A thoroughly enjoyable read, and so looking forward to the next instalement.
May 16, 2017
A new author to me, an intriguing title and another delight from Bloodhound Books, who sent me this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. I have to confess that espionage as opposed to crime is not always to my liking but this is a very good story, well-written, fast-paced and only a trifle baffling at times! As is always the case when MI5 and MI6 are involved, it is not always possible to decide who is to be trusted, but this book is very satisfying in spite of, or perhaps because of, this trait.
March 17, 2017
I enjoyed this book however I found something was missing that drew me to the author originally.
I found it hard to keep myself gripped with this book. however I can see why this would really work for others.
the characters are well developed and the imagery is very good.
I found it hard to keep myself gripped with this book. however I can see why this would really work for others.
the characters are well developed and the imagery is very good.
May 17, 2017
love all these authors books but this was very different a fantastic spy thriller that i couldnt put down its keeps you gripped from start to finish thank you to the author for once again keeping me entertained
May 20, 2017
review to follow
July 4, 2017
I loved this book and it left me with a major book hangover! I loved the CXV1 Trilogy and was good to see familiar characters in this. Set mainly in South Africa the story unravels of deception, corruption, murder. MI5 agents double crossing each other, wondering who is on who's side it was exhausting! But kept me intrigued from beginning to end. Angie brings the characters alive so I felt like I knew them. Hope it's not too long until the next one!
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