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The Man Between
A simple task for MI6 could cost him everything…
A SIMPLE TASK
Successful novelist Kit Carradine has grown restless. So when British Intelligence invites him to enter the secret world of espionage, he willingly takes a leap into the unknown.
A GLOBAL THREAT
Kit finds himself in Morocco on the trail of Lara Bartok – a leading figure in Resurrection, a revolutionary movement whose brutal attacks on right-wing politicians have spread violence throughout the West.
A DANGEROUS TARGET
Drawn to Lara, but caught between competing intelligence services who want her dead, Kit faces an awful choice: abandon her to her fate or risk everything trying to save her.
‘An instant classic of the spy genre’ Mick Herron
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2019
770 people are currently reading
3783 people want to read
About the author
Charles Cumming
26 books1,282 followersCharles Cumming is British writer of spy fiction. His international bestselling thrillers including A Spy By Nature, The Spanish Game, Typhoon and The Trinity Six. A former British Secret Service recruit, he is a contributing editor of The Week magazine and lives in London.
http://www.charlescumming.co.uk/
http://www.charlescumming.co.uk/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 574 reviews
August 22, 2018
A neurotic spy writer bored into trying to become a writer spy. *BEWARE OF SPOILERS, I THINK*.
We start at 5 stars:
- Instattraction as a plot major vehicle. -1 star.
- The agents doing their level best hiding while wearing Audrey Hupburn glasses and doing abrupt 180-turns on streets to notice other spies tailing them. - 1 star.
- Also we are taught that it's ok, if some random guy approaches you on the street and tells you he's a spyfor the side of the light warriors, makes you sign a freshly printed-out copy of the 'Secrets Act' and tells you he wants you to join the patriotic spy service as of your Marocco trip published on your Facebook. In this case it makes a lot of logic for you to immediately jump on the whatever task they are giving you. It's also perfectly ok at roughly 50% through the novel, when a random anarchist gal approaches you and tells you the 1st guy works for 'Moscow' to immediately believe her, and to start doing her bidding, as well. -1 star.
- Of course, the 'Americans' are mildly ok doing spy and assassination shit, 'Moscow' is very much not ok doing same stuff and 'London' is perfectly entitled to do anything it deems necessary. (I'm not gonna decline stars for this bunch of ideas, obviously the author is giving us the official line he borrowed from maybe last night's TV show on how Russians are the go-to bad guys of the modern world. I'll put this on to his artistic licence.)
- A lot ofstupid 'secret' agencies breaking all kinds of laws, carrying out immature and not thought out in the least dastardly plots intended to harm each other's peaceful population, ineffectively not fighting terrorist cells, recruiting amateurs. All in secret, of course. -1 star.
- Well-paced and descriptive language. +1 star.
Overall: 2 stars. Naive, cartoonish and predictable is the word for it.
Q:
He tried to work, but it now seemed ridiculous to be writing about fictional spies in fictional settings when he himself had been employed by the Service as a bona fide support agent. Instead he spent the next two days re-reading Frederick Forsyth’s memoirs and Somerset Maugham’s Ashenden, trawling for insights into the life of a writer spy. He watched The Bureau and took a DVD of The Man Who Knew Too Much to his father’s flat the night before he was due to fly to Casablanca. (c)
Q:
He was smiling with forced sincerity, like a technique he had been taught at a seminar on befriending strangers. (c)
Q:
… their brief exchange leaving Carradine with a sense of isolation that he found perversely enjoyable. It was exhilarating to be alone in a strange city, a place about which he knew so little, at the start of a mission for which he had received no training and no detailed preparation. (c)
Q:
The private, disciplined side of his nature was in conflict with his hunger for intrigue. (c)
Q:
‘How can you call yourself a feminist when you defend the right of Muslim men to wrap their wives up in black bedsheets when they walk down the street?’ Frattura had been unable to frame a response. ‘What’s “modern” about that? I’m a gay man with a black boyfriend but your precious gender and racial signifiers are so fucked up you think it’s OK to kidnap me on the street with an assault weapon and keep me in captivity for six months just because we disagree on abortion and climate change. Who’s the really dangerous person here, Thomas? You or me?’ (c)
Q:
The particular characteristics of espionage – the absorption in a clandestine role; the opiate of secrecy; the adrenalised fear of being caught – were drugs to which Carradine had very quickly become addicted. (c)
We start at 5 stars:
- Instattraction as a plot major vehicle. -1 star.
- The agents doing their level best hiding while wearing Audrey Hupburn glasses and doing abrupt 180-turns on streets to notice other spies tailing them. - 1 star.
- Also we are taught that it's ok, if some random guy approaches you on the street and tells you he's a spy
- Of course, the 'Americans' are mildly ok doing spy and assassination shit, 'Moscow' is very much not ok doing same stuff and 'London' is perfectly entitled to do anything it deems necessary. (I'm not gonna decline stars for this bunch of ideas, obviously the author is giving us the official line he borrowed from maybe last night's TV show on how Russians are the go-to bad guys of the modern world. I'll put this on to his artistic licence.)
- A lot of
- Well-paced and descriptive language. +1 star.
Overall: 2 stars. Naive, cartoonish and predictable is the word for it.
Q:
He tried to work, but it now seemed ridiculous to be writing about fictional spies in fictional settings when he himself had been employed by the Service as a bona fide support agent. Instead he spent the next two days re-reading Frederick Forsyth’s memoirs and Somerset Maugham’s Ashenden, trawling for insights into the life of a writer spy. He watched The Bureau and took a DVD of The Man Who Knew Too Much to his father’s flat the night before he was due to fly to Casablanca. (c)
Q:
He was smiling with forced sincerity, like a technique he had been taught at a seminar on befriending strangers. (c)
Q:
… their brief exchange leaving Carradine with a sense of isolation that he found perversely enjoyable. It was exhilarating to be alone in a strange city, a place about which he knew so little, at the start of a mission for which he had received no training and no detailed preparation. (c)
Q:
The private, disciplined side of his nature was in conflict with his hunger for intrigue. (c)
Q:
‘How can you call yourself a feminist when you defend the right of Muslim men to wrap their wives up in black bedsheets when they walk down the street?’ Frattura had been unable to frame a response. ‘What’s “modern” about that? I’m a gay man with a black boyfriend but your precious gender and racial signifiers are so fucked up you think it’s OK to kidnap me on the street with an assault weapon and keep me in captivity for six months just because we disagree on abortion and climate change. Who’s the really dangerous person here, Thomas? You or me?’ (c)
Q:
The particular characteristics of espionage – the absorption in a clandestine role; the opiate of secrecy; the adrenalised fear of being caught – were drugs to which Carradine had very quickly become addicted. (c)
November 29, 2018
2.5 STARS
I decided to read this one because I love spy novels, but I had a hard time getting into this one. The formatting seemed to be off centered and wasn't helping my reading experience. Unfortunately, I was confused early on and had to keep re-reading sections.
Kit is looking for a M16 agent. He is an author of spy novels and has been recruited to spy on a woman, Lara, who is part of a resistance group. Kit eventually had to choose whether he would abandon Lara or save her, while putting himself at risk..
The characters and the plot were not compelling enough for me to ever become invested in the overall story. The setting of Morocco was my favorite aspect of the novel., The premise was interesting, but this one failed to grab me.
I decided to read this one because I love spy novels, but I had a hard time getting into this one. The formatting seemed to be off centered and wasn't helping my reading experience. Unfortunately, I was confused early on and had to keep re-reading sections.
Kit is looking for a M16 agent. He is an author of spy novels and has been recruited to spy on a woman, Lara, who is part of a resistance group. Kit eventually had to choose whether he would abandon Lara or save her, while putting himself at risk..
The characters and the plot were not compelling enough for me to ever become invested in the overall story. The setting of Morocco was my favorite aspect of the novel., The premise was interesting, but this one failed to grab me.
March 18, 2019
”’Writers on research trips provide perfect cover for clandestine work,’ he explained. ‘The inquisitive novelist always has a watertight excuse for poking his nose around. Any unusual or suspicious activity can be justified as part of the artistic process. You know the sort of thing. Atmosphere, authenticity, detail.’
‘I know the sort of thing.’”
Kit Carradine is already in the spy business, well the ethereal world of espionage writing. He is not married, has no kids, no girlfriend, no pets, and maybe he is reaching a point in his life when his life is starting to feel a bit too predictable. So it is with good timing that a man calling himself Robert Mantis approaches him about a little job the service might have for him in Morocco.
What would be better for a writer of spy novels than to experience some real life spying?
It is about a girl, or should I say woman? I’m not sure why putting GIRL in the title of a novel makes more people buy it, but it seems to be the case.
I will get back to her.
Loud mouthed, spiteful, racist, sexist, and frankly rude right wing personalities are being targeted by a group calling themselves the Resurrection. Euclidis is their first target and for good reason. ”How did Euclidis draw so many admirers? By making stupid people feel better about their stupidity. By allowing bigots to think they were justified in making anti-Semitic statements, saying that it was OK to hate women, to be aggrieved about people of color, about immigrants. The sad truth is that there were enough trolls buying his books, reading his articles, attending his talks to make him a rich man. They gave him the fame he craved.”
As we found out in 2016, there is a wider ranging audience in the United States for these beliefs than what any of us could have realized.
The Resurrection group starts out with good intentions, but like many fine ideas it begins to go off the rails. When Kit witnesses the kidnapping of one of these alt-right personalities, right in front of him, and does...nothing, he is more motivated to want to make a difference serving his country. It isn’t that he supports what these demented fools are spouting out on the airwaves and in their books, but he doesn’t believe they need to die for catering to stupidity.
So the girl, erhh woman, Lara Bartok, is the girlfriend of the originator of Resurrection, and now she is on the run from...well...pretty much everyone. Carradine’s job is to make contact with her and hand her a packet that will give her the means to, hopefully, disappear, if that is even possible in this day and age.
Needless to say, Carradine becomes more involved in the James Bond side of the trade craft than he anticipated. He would rather things had stayed more in the realm of a theoretical chess game, set against an exotic background.
Charles Cummings sums up a few things that have been baffling me as well. Why are we so discontented? Are we discontented about the proper things? How much better can life be?
”’I will tell you why they destroyed their own societies. They blew it all up for the chance to hate. For a sentimental version of an all-white past that didn’t exist and can ever exist in the future. People by their millions, here and in America, in Poland, in Hungary, in Turkey, voted for going backward when they didn’t even need to go forward. All they had to do was stand still. Life was never going to get any better. They were never going to be more ‘free.’”
I will admit I did have a fantasy about Resurrection kidnapping Rush Limbaugh and doing away with him. I know, I know, I’m a horrible person. I really just want him to shut up for five minutes. Maybe I just need to send him a six foot sub sometime when he is on the air, just to experience that beautiful radio silence. I do wonder about people like him. Do they REALLY believe all the hateful things they spout, or are they really just thinking about all the money being a controversial personality generates in the United States? I’m unnerved that such a large segment of our population supports these archaic ideas that are exactly the same as the sentiments that showed up on posters in the market square or writs in Medieval times. Will it be witches next, or is that just part and parcel of the already existing sexism?
So Cummings takes on some big social issues with which all of us have been wrestling. The battle between right, left, and a vanishing middle has spilled over into the politics of nearly every country on the planet. We are destabilizing our institutions, believing them to be the problem. Russia could not destroy us from the outside, so why not have we the people do the dirty work for them? After all, too few of us value or even seem to understand what we have.
The question is, what will happen to Lara, and ultimately, what will become of a writer who might have stuck his nose into a bigger international issue than he could have imagined possible? Cummings creates smart characters who don’t make those stupid mistakes, plot devices, that make me grit my teeth. Information is valuable, and obtaining the right information at the right time helps the decision making process. Kit, as it turns out, has more than a knack for writing about espionage. He has the right agile mind for the real thing.
A word of Caution: Despite the wildly different titles, these books are the same book. The Man Within is the title this book was published under in Britain, and The Moroccan Girl was the US title. For a collector like myself, the variant is interesting, but not so much fun for the airport thriller buyer who is somewhere over the Atlantic only to discover that she has already bought and read this Cumming.
This novel, for me, is even more fun than Cumming’s other novels, a bit more tongue in cheek with many allusions to fictional espionage books and movies. It certainly doesn’t hurt that his protagonist is a writer whom I actually have trouble separating from the real life writer. In fact, when Carradine sums up his own writing, it is as if Cummings is writing about his own novels.
””So what? You’re writing a kind of spy story set in Morocco? Like a Jason Bourne thing?’
Carradine had always thought that his novels occupied a literary space equidistant between the kiss-kiss-bang-bang of Ludlum and the slow-burn chess games of le Carre. For reasons of intellectual vanity, he would ordinarily have tried to distance himself from Ramon’s description, but he was keen to stop talking about his work. As a consequence, he readily conceded that his ‘Moroccan thriller’ was going to be ‘full of guns and explosions and beautiful women.’”
So plenty of Ludlum action in this one with some le Carre cerebral flare, tailor made for those readers who prefer their spy novels somewhere in-between.
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
‘I know the sort of thing.’”
Kit Carradine is already in the spy business, well the ethereal world of espionage writing. He is not married, has no kids, no girlfriend, no pets, and maybe he is reaching a point in his life when his life is starting to feel a bit too predictable. So it is with good timing that a man calling himself Robert Mantis approaches him about a little job the service might have for him in Morocco.
What would be better for a writer of spy novels than to experience some real life spying?
It is about a girl, or should I say woman? I’m not sure why putting GIRL in the title of a novel makes more people buy it, but it seems to be the case.
I will get back to her.
Loud mouthed, spiteful, racist, sexist, and frankly rude right wing personalities are being targeted by a group calling themselves the Resurrection. Euclidis is their first target and for good reason. ”How did Euclidis draw so many admirers? By making stupid people feel better about their stupidity. By allowing bigots to think they were justified in making anti-Semitic statements, saying that it was OK to hate women, to be aggrieved about people of color, about immigrants. The sad truth is that there were enough trolls buying his books, reading his articles, attending his talks to make him a rich man. They gave him the fame he craved.”
As we found out in 2016, there is a wider ranging audience in the United States for these beliefs than what any of us could have realized.
The Resurrection group starts out with good intentions, but like many fine ideas it begins to go off the rails. When Kit witnesses the kidnapping of one of these alt-right personalities, right in front of him, and does...nothing, he is more motivated to want to make a difference serving his country. It isn’t that he supports what these demented fools are spouting out on the airwaves and in their books, but he doesn’t believe they need to die for catering to stupidity.
So the girl, erhh woman, Lara Bartok, is the girlfriend of the originator of Resurrection, and now she is on the run from...well...pretty much everyone. Carradine’s job is to make contact with her and hand her a packet that will give her the means to, hopefully, disappear, if that is even possible in this day and age.
Needless to say, Carradine becomes more involved in the James Bond side of the trade craft than he anticipated. He would rather things had stayed more in the realm of a theoretical chess game, set against an exotic background.
Charles Cummings sums up a few things that have been baffling me as well. Why are we so discontented? Are we discontented about the proper things? How much better can life be?
”’I will tell you why they destroyed their own societies. They blew it all up for the chance to hate. For a sentimental version of an all-white past that didn’t exist and can ever exist in the future. People by their millions, here and in America, in Poland, in Hungary, in Turkey, voted for going backward when they didn’t even need to go forward. All they had to do was stand still. Life was never going to get any better. They were never going to be more ‘free.’”
I will admit I did have a fantasy about Resurrection kidnapping Rush Limbaugh and doing away with him. I know, I know, I’m a horrible person. I really just want him to shut up for five minutes. Maybe I just need to send him a six foot sub sometime when he is on the air, just to experience that beautiful radio silence. I do wonder about people like him. Do they REALLY believe all the hateful things they spout, or are they really just thinking about all the money being a controversial personality generates in the United States? I’m unnerved that such a large segment of our population supports these archaic ideas that are exactly the same as the sentiments that showed up on posters in the market square or writs in Medieval times. Will it be witches next, or is that just part and parcel of the already existing sexism?
So Cummings takes on some big social issues with which all of us have been wrestling. The battle between right, left, and a vanishing middle has spilled over into the politics of nearly every country on the planet. We are destabilizing our institutions, believing them to be the problem. Russia could not destroy us from the outside, so why not have we the people do the dirty work for them? After all, too few of us value or even seem to understand what we have.
The question is, what will happen to Lara, and ultimately, what will become of a writer who might have stuck his nose into a bigger international issue than he could have imagined possible? Cummings creates smart characters who don’t make those stupid mistakes, plot devices, that make me grit my teeth. Information is valuable, and obtaining the right information at the right time helps the decision making process. Kit, as it turns out, has more than a knack for writing about espionage. He has the right agile mind for the real thing.
A word of Caution: Despite the wildly different titles, these books are the same book. The Man Within is the title this book was published under in Britain, and The Moroccan Girl was the US title. For a collector like myself, the variant is interesting, but not so much fun for the airport thriller buyer who is somewhere over the Atlantic only to discover that she has already bought and read this Cumming.
This novel, for me, is even more fun than Cumming’s other novels, a bit more tongue in cheek with many allusions to fictional espionage books and movies. It certainly doesn’t hurt that his protagonist is a writer whom I actually have trouble separating from the real life writer. In fact, when Carradine sums up his own writing, it is as if Cummings is writing about his own novels.
””So what? You’re writing a kind of spy story set in Morocco? Like a Jason Bourne thing?’
Carradine had always thought that his novels occupied a literary space equidistant between the kiss-kiss-bang-bang of Ludlum and the slow-burn chess games of le Carre. For reasons of intellectual vanity, he would ordinarily have tried to distance himself from Ramon’s description, but he was keen to stop talking about his work. As a consequence, he readily conceded that his ‘Moroccan thriller’ was going to be ‘full of guns and explosions and beautiful women.’”
So plenty of Ludlum action in this one with some le Carre cerebral flare, tailor made for those readers who prefer their spy novels somewhere in-between.
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
January 31, 2019
4 stars to this spy thriller! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Kit Carradine is a famous author of best-selling novels when he is approached by MI6 to complete a simple mission for his country as he attends a festival in Morocco.
Kit’s mission doesn’t end there, and he ends up trailing Lara Bartok, a member of the Resurrection, a violent group of revolutionists. Kit finds himself at a crossroads where he can either save Lara or turn her over to the intelligence community.
The Moroccan Girl is an engaging spy thriller. The Moroccan setting and visiting Casablanca and Marrakech added so much interest. Kit is a spy novelist turned spy thanks to helping his country, and what follows is an entertaining and engrossing adventure.
Overall, The Moroccan Girl felt like an action adventure movie with a touch of romance and the tension never lets go. The ending is worth every bit of the wait. I had fun reading this and could envision it as a blockbuster movie!
Thank you to the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Kit Carradine is a famous author of best-selling novels when he is approached by MI6 to complete a simple mission for his country as he attends a festival in Morocco.
Kit’s mission doesn’t end there, and he ends up trailing Lara Bartok, a member of the Resurrection, a violent group of revolutionists. Kit finds himself at a crossroads where he can either save Lara or turn her over to the intelligence community.
The Moroccan Girl is an engaging spy thriller. The Moroccan setting and visiting Casablanca and Marrakech added so much interest. Kit is a spy novelist turned spy thanks to helping his country, and what follows is an entertaining and engrossing adventure.
Overall, The Moroccan Girl felt like an action adventure movie with a touch of romance and the tension never lets go. The ending is worth every bit of the wait. I had fun reading this and could envision it as a blockbuster movie!
Thank you to the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
February 13, 2019
At its heart, The Moroccan Girl is more fiction/romance than spy thriller despite what you will be told otherwise. I used to read espionage books like they were going out of style. This borders on spy thriller but it is more “espionage wannabe” than the actual fact.
Kit Carradine – not to be confused at all with Keith Carradine the real-life actor – is a spy thriller writer with international fame. He is approached by MI6 to deliver a “package” to someone when he travels to Morocco for a writer’s conference. Carradine is ecstatic! He finally has an opportunity to actually do so spy work rather than just write about it. He soon realizes, though, that he has been manipulated (duh moment here) and that the request has far deeper implications than he realizes. The woman, Lara Bartok aka the Moroccan Girl, whom he is supposed to be on the look out for, is missing. She is part of a subversive, revolutionary group called “The Resurrection” who is targeting alt-right groups across the globe. As the search for Bartok continues, Carradine is unsure who and what to believe. I can’t really blame him.
The Moroccan Girl was an extremely interesting, very fast paced thriller. It is, quite literally, ripped from today’s headlines. The part that actually involved Carradine was bit contrived – I’m not sure MI6 would involve an author in this manner – but the CIA has done stranger things than this recently so what do I know. Cumming has masterfully crafted a intriguing set of characters that are both relatable and secretive, just as good subversives should be. In all, it is a riveting spy/romance tale that will keep you thoroughly engrossed from beginning to end.
Kit Carradine – not to be confused at all with Keith Carradine the real-life actor – is a spy thriller writer with international fame. He is approached by MI6 to deliver a “package” to someone when he travels to Morocco for a writer’s conference. Carradine is ecstatic! He finally has an opportunity to actually do so spy work rather than just write about it. He soon realizes, though, that he has been manipulated (duh moment here) and that the request has far deeper implications than he realizes. The woman, Lara Bartok aka the Moroccan Girl, whom he is supposed to be on the look out for, is missing. She is part of a subversive, revolutionary group called “The Resurrection” who is targeting alt-right groups across the globe. As the search for Bartok continues, Carradine is unsure who and what to believe. I can’t really blame him.
The Moroccan Girl was an extremely interesting, very fast paced thriller. It is, quite literally, ripped from today’s headlines. The part that actually involved Carradine was bit contrived – I’m not sure MI6 would involve an author in this manner – but the CIA has done stranger things than this recently so what do I know. Cumming has masterfully crafted a intriguing set of characters that are both relatable and secretive, just as good subversives should be. In all, it is a riveting spy/romance tale that will keep you thoroughly engrossed from beginning to end.
January 31, 2019
A group called Resurrection is kidnapping and killing AltRight figures - writers, tv announcers, politicians. It’s an interesting concept of “taking the fight” to those that promote hate that quickly gets out of hand. Meanwhile, a spy novelist is becoming bored with his life and jumps at the chance to help a group he thinks is the British Secret Service. He is tasked with passing some money and documents while at a literary festival in Marrakech. Also, being on the lookout for a “missing agent”. My initial impression was that the writer, Carradine, was way too gullible to be believable, especially given that his father was actually in the service. Would an author that writes spy novels really even agree to “the mission”? Later he acknowledges he’s being manipulated, but I still had trouble with the initial premise of the book.
Putting that aside, Cumming does a good job of keeping the reader off base. Who is to be trusted? Who’s on the side of the angels? Are there any angels? Unfortunately, the big reveal was a big bust and something I had sussed out well in advance.
The last book I read was all character development and hardly any forward story momentum. This book is the exact opposite. I didn't feel I knew Kit any better at the end of the story than at the beginning. But the book moves at a fast clip with lots of forward momentum.
So, this is a solid three star. It’s fun, it’s not at all deep. Think of it as a palate cleanser from a lot of the heavy psychological thrillers out there right now.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of the book.
August 22, 2019
Kit Carradine is perfect, 36, unmarried, educated, no pets, lives alone, son of a retired MI6 agent, successful author of spy thriller novels and invitee to a literary festival in Marrakesh. Kit would be a perfect courier.
A “chance” encounter on a London street easily draws Carradine into the espionage game; a game he has long wished to join.
Kit is asked to deliver a packet to a “drop” to a hotel in Marrakesh; a simple mission but of course things go awry. Soon he is trailing Lisa Barton, a member of Resurrection, a violent revolutionary group targeting prominent right wing political figures. Not surprisingly MI6 is not the only agency interested in Lisa.
Ultimately Kit must decide to abandon Lisa or save her at great risk to himself.
The Moroccan Girl reminds me of espionage novels from the 70s and 80s - those numerous characters and a plodding story line. Most events unfold in a predictable manner and so the elements of suspense and surprise were diminished. The local of Morocco proved an interesting turn. Too many novels of this genre rely on European cities for intrigue. Casablanca and Marrakesh offer more than enough atmosphere for this story. Though a bit confusing, in the end everything is cleared up. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. #NetGalley #TheMoroccanGirl
A “chance” encounter on a London street easily draws Carradine into the espionage game; a game he has long wished to join.
Kit is asked to deliver a packet to a “drop” to a hotel in Marrakesh; a simple mission but of course things go awry. Soon he is trailing Lisa Barton, a member of Resurrection, a violent revolutionary group targeting prominent right wing political figures. Not surprisingly MI6 is not the only agency interested in Lisa.
Ultimately Kit must decide to abandon Lisa or save her at great risk to himself.
The Moroccan Girl reminds me of espionage novels from the 70s and 80s - those numerous characters and a plodding story line. Most events unfold in a predictable manner and so the elements of suspense and surprise were diminished. The local of Morocco proved an interesting turn. Too many novels of this genre rely on European cities for intrigue. Casablanca and Marrakesh offer more than enough atmosphere for this story. Though a bit confusing, in the end everything is cleared up. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. #NetGalley #TheMoroccanGirl
January 23, 2019
Kit Carradine is a 36 year old novelist of spy novels, who's going to be speaking at a seminar in Morocco. An M16 officer asks him to deliver something to an agent there and Kit agrees to do so. Soon though, he realizes that he's involved in something very big, very dangerous, and he's more excited about that fact than dismayed. Kit doesn't turn into James Bond though...this is an ordinary man, trying to figure out how to do a job, when his only experience is writing spy novels. At times we get to see how the real thing is different than writing about that thing.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book and liked the character of Kit. He is faced with trying to figure out who to trust, what to trust, and just how invested he wants to be in accomplishing his mission, which expands once he's in Morocco. This book is much less an action book than being in Kit's head as he tries to think through this dangerous situation.
What I didn't like about the book was it's political heavy handedness. There is the impression that if only the right didn't do and say what they did and said, that the left wouldn't be doing what they are doing, which starts out as non violent actions but eventually leads to mass murder. A lighter touch with the politics would have made this book better, in my opinion.
Thank you to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for his ARC.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book and liked the character of Kit. He is faced with trying to figure out who to trust, what to trust, and just how invested he wants to be in accomplishing his mission, which expands once he's in Morocco. This book is much less an action book than being in Kit's head as he tries to think through this dangerous situation.
What I didn't like about the book was it's political heavy handedness. There is the impression that if only the right didn't do and say what they did and said, that the left wouldn't be doing what they are doing, which starts out as non violent actions but eventually leads to mass murder. A lighter touch with the politics would have made this book better, in my opinion.
Thank you to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for his ARC.
February 9, 2019
The Moroccan Girl is a standalone spy thriller from the winner of the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger for Best Thriller of the Year, an award he absolutely deserves. Spy novels are one of my favourite types of thrillers, but many of them are shockingly bad as all and sundry try their hand at crafting the type of story that really requires some level of insider knowledge of the way espionage operates to be realistic and feel truly authentic. That criterion has been fulfilled here given the author has a past working for MI6, and that's really what sets this book apart from the rest. Cumming is inimitable; the rest are merely poor imitations.
The Moroccan setting is wonderful and reminded me very much of the time I visited mysterious Marrakech with the bustling souks, the searing midday heat and complete and utter chaos of the transport system; the author brings the place alive with each turn of the page. The plot is superbly crafted and torn from the headlines with writing that draws you in from the very beginning. Kit Carradine is an engaging and likeable protagonist who, in this novel, even has a love interest. With plenty of action, this is a gripping and altogether top-notch spy thriller. I look forward to reading more from Mr Cumming in the future.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for an ARC.
You can also find my reviews posted here on my blog.
The Moroccan setting is wonderful and reminded me very much of the time I visited mysterious Marrakech with the bustling souks, the searing midday heat and complete and utter chaos of the transport system; the author brings the place alive with each turn of the page. The plot is superbly crafted and torn from the headlines with writing that draws you in from the very beginning. Kit Carradine is an engaging and likeable protagonist who, in this novel, even has a love interest. With plenty of action, this is a gripping and altogether top-notch spy thriller. I look forward to reading more from Mr Cumming in the future.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for an ARC.
You can also find my reviews posted here on my blog.
January 24, 2019
Note - book being re-launched 12th Feb 2019 under the title The Moroccan Girl
In a novel which could have been the story of the author’s own fantasy life, Charles Cumming tells of a writer of spy novels who is enticed into the real world of ‘spooks’. Walking through London one day he’s seemingly recognised by a fan of his books, but as the brief conversation plays out it seems to him that there’s more here than initially meets the eye. Phone numbers are exchanged and suddenly Kit Carradine is wondering if he’s going to be tapped up to do some work for MI6.
In no time at all, Carradine finds himself heading for Morocco to attend a book festival he’d already had in plan but also to attempt to track down a woman. Lara Bartok is the ex-girlfriend of the now deceased leader of a revolutionary group named Resurrection. The group's declared aim is to expose and embarrass right wing figures who they deemed responsible for spreading hatred and violent across the world. But, in time, the group’s own actions grew to be ever more radical and Bartock became disenfranchised and left both her boyfriend and the group. Carradine has a parcel to deliver to Bartock, but very little information to work with in terms of tracking her down other than the belief that, as a literary fan, she might be tempted to attend the festival.
As with all such novels, things are never quite as they seem and there’s a fair amount of double-dealing and misdirection to work through. But Cummings handles the subtleties of the plot well and I found that the surprises delivered and didn’t feel ill-considered or irrational. And I liked the character development too, with the small cast all being given adequate space for the reader to gain some appreciation of who they might (or might not) be. The setting also worked for me; this felt like true spy story territory, with its background of narrow streets and crowded spaces and I could almost smell the scent of freshly ground spices emanating from the souks and the putrid stench of the tanneries.
I found the story to be complex enough to tease my brain but not so convoluted that it caused me to (literally) lose the plot. There’s also a good mix of verbal jousting and exciting action scenes. Yes, this book has it all! I recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys the books of John le Carré and the like.
My sincere thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In a novel which could have been the story of the author’s own fantasy life, Charles Cumming tells of a writer of spy novels who is enticed into the real world of ‘spooks’. Walking through London one day he’s seemingly recognised by a fan of his books, but as the brief conversation plays out it seems to him that there’s more here than initially meets the eye. Phone numbers are exchanged and suddenly Kit Carradine is wondering if he’s going to be tapped up to do some work for MI6.
In no time at all, Carradine finds himself heading for Morocco to attend a book festival he’d already had in plan but also to attempt to track down a woman. Lara Bartok is the ex-girlfriend of the now deceased leader of a revolutionary group named Resurrection. The group's declared aim is to expose and embarrass right wing figures who they deemed responsible for spreading hatred and violent across the world. But, in time, the group’s own actions grew to be ever more radical and Bartock became disenfranchised and left both her boyfriend and the group. Carradine has a parcel to deliver to Bartock, but very little information to work with in terms of tracking her down other than the belief that, as a literary fan, she might be tempted to attend the festival.
As with all such novels, things are never quite as they seem and there’s a fair amount of double-dealing and misdirection to work through. But Cummings handles the subtleties of the plot well and I found that the surprises delivered and didn’t feel ill-considered or irrational. And I liked the character development too, with the small cast all being given adequate space for the reader to gain some appreciation of who they might (or might not) be. The setting also worked for me; this felt like true spy story territory, with its background of narrow streets and crowded spaces and I could almost smell the scent of freshly ground spices emanating from the souks and the putrid stench of the tanneries.
I found the story to be complex enough to tease my brain but not so convoluted that it caused me to (literally) lose the plot. There’s also a good mix of verbal jousting and exciting action scenes. Yes, this book has it all! I recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys the books of John le Carré and the like.
My sincere thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2019
I love reading about espionage (there is a sense of mystery to this word which never gets dated) and hence I am always open to reading a spy thriller whenever I can get my hands on one. The Moroccan Girl is easily one of the good books to come out in the genre in recent times and it is no surprise-- its author is Charles Cumming, who has worked as a former recruit for the British Secret Service or MI6, so one can expect him to use his knowledge of the espionage world to write a book with a plot line that is at once engaging, fast paced, easy to follow and realistic. The characters, especially the protagonists Kit Carradine, the writer of thriller espionage novels who get approached by an agent of the MI6 (or so it seems) to go undercover for him and Lara Bartok, the 'Moroccan Girl' who is his mission are believable and likeable. The setting of the book too is perfect since no place gives out mystery vibes better than an Arab land (in this case Morocco or Marrakech) and the author has captured this brilliantly in the novel.
My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publishers for an ARC.
My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publishers for an ARC.
February 12, 2019
A contemporary spy novel which could be ripped from today’s headlines.
SUMMARY
Kit Carradine, a successful writer of spy novels is approached on a London street by Robert Mantis, a British government “operations specialist” who persuades Carradine to make a delivery for the U.K., while he’s attending an upcoming literary event in Morocco. He jumps at the chance to be a spy rather than just writing about them. Carradine is asked to carry some cash to one of Mantis’s associates, and to keep an eye out for a woman, who may be attending his literary event.
Carradine finds himself searching for Lara Bartok, a leading figure in Resurrection, a violent revolutionary group targeting prominent right-wing political figures. Various intelligence services around the world want Bartok dead. Will Carradine save her? Can he save her?
REVIEW
THE MOROCCAN GIRL is a contemporary spy novel practically ripped from current headlines. It could happen. Carradine’s travels to Casablanca and Marrakech added classic movie-type intrigue to the story. My favorite part was Carradine character, particularly when he witnessed a Resurrection kidnapping as he was waiting to cross a London street. He was paralyzed by the fear that the majority of us would feel when witnessing an act of terror. That told me he was merely human, and not another overblown knight-in-shining-armor. He makes naive mistakes in his travels, confirming his inexperience. The story was well-paced and interesting.
Charles Cumming’s writing was good. I particularly like his use of the Secret Intelligence Service reports to convey Lara Bartok’s statement of what transpired in Morocco. Author Charles Cumming is a British writer of numerous spy fiction novels. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Charles Cummings for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher St. Martin’s Press
Published February 12, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Kit Carradine, a successful writer of spy novels is approached on a London street by Robert Mantis, a British government “operations specialist” who persuades Carradine to make a delivery for the U.K., while he’s attending an upcoming literary event in Morocco. He jumps at the chance to be a spy rather than just writing about them. Carradine is asked to carry some cash to one of Mantis’s associates, and to keep an eye out for a woman, who may be attending his literary event.
Carradine finds himself searching for Lara Bartok, a leading figure in Resurrection, a violent revolutionary group targeting prominent right-wing political figures. Various intelligence services around the world want Bartok dead. Will Carradine save her? Can he save her?
REVIEW
THE MOROCCAN GIRL is a contemporary spy novel practically ripped from current headlines. It could happen. Carradine’s travels to Casablanca and Marrakech added classic movie-type intrigue to the story. My favorite part was Carradine character, particularly when he witnessed a Resurrection kidnapping as he was waiting to cross a London street. He was paralyzed by the fear that the majority of us would feel when witnessing an act of terror. That told me he was merely human, and not another overblown knight-in-shining-armor. He makes naive mistakes in his travels, confirming his inexperience. The story was well-paced and interesting.
Charles Cumming’s writing was good. I particularly like his use of the Secret Intelligence Service reports to convey Lara Bartok’s statement of what transpired in Morocco. Author Charles Cumming is a British writer of numerous spy fiction novels. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Charles Cummings for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher St. Martin’s Press
Published February 12, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
March 20, 2019
This was a very good spy/thriller type book. I won the ARC from the publishing company and was so happy to be able to read it. This was a good story with great characters who you can't help but like. Lots of twists and turns and puzzles. The author is British and I think possibility a little political with his views of the US but I noticed it but did not bother me. Maybe some will not even notice. This is about a group trying to take over everything, as usual, and the people fighting against them. Because these groups always start out making you think they're doing good and then they become like other terrorists! great read. I will read more from this author.
December 30, 2018
In the weeks leading up to his appearance at a writers' festival in Marrakech, spy novelist Kit Carradine is approached by a Secret Service agent and is persuaded to serve his country. It seems straightforward enough - he is to deliver some cash and a copy of one of his own novels to agents in Casablanca, then travel on to Marrakech for the festival where he is to look for, make contact with, and deliver a new passport to a Hungarian woman who has gone into hiding. Why? The woman is one of the founding members of Resurrection, a formerly revolutionary but latterly terrorist group, causing chaos in the western world. Since leaving the group she has been on the run, and is believed to be keen on returning to Britain.
Kit has a number of reasons for accepting the proposal, not least of which is his own vanity. Part of the reason his novels have been bestsellers is their perceived authenticity. But he's never before had the opportunity to experience life on the other side, so he goes for it.
As early as on the flight to Casablanca, Kit is already feeling uneasy about what he has taken on. He is constantly looking over his shoulder and second-guessing the motives of everyone he comes into contact with. He's not sure who he can trust. But his instincts are good and he completes the first part of his mission without incident. And then he makes an error and is 'fired' from his role. He is due to travel on to Marrakech, and he still has the passport, so he decides to try to find the Hungarian woman after all.
I really enjoyed this smart spy thriller. Kit is not a physical character (apart from some boxing training that proves useful at one point) and he doesn't have any gadgetry; he's just an intelligent, straight-up guy with a good amount of common sense. The storyline is extremely contemporary, but the Morroccan setting seemed to give it a certain oldstyle sensibility that felt really comfortable as a backdrop for a character like Kit. Although this is being marketed as a standalone book by Charles Cumming, it could easily become the first instalment of a series that I'd be more than happy to keep reading.
With thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for a copy to read and review.
Kit has a number of reasons for accepting the proposal, not least of which is his own vanity. Part of the reason his novels have been bestsellers is their perceived authenticity. But he's never before had the opportunity to experience life on the other side, so he goes for it.
As early as on the flight to Casablanca, Kit is already feeling uneasy about what he has taken on. He is constantly looking over his shoulder and second-guessing the motives of everyone he comes into contact with. He's not sure who he can trust. But his instincts are good and he completes the first part of his mission without incident. And then he makes an error and is 'fired' from his role. He is due to travel on to Marrakech, and he still has the passport, so he decides to try to find the Hungarian woman after all.
I really enjoyed this smart spy thriller. Kit is not a physical character (apart from some boxing training that proves useful at one point) and he doesn't have any gadgetry; he's just an intelligent, straight-up guy with a good amount of common sense. The storyline is extremely contemporary, but the Morroccan setting seemed to give it a certain oldstyle sensibility that felt really comfortable as a backdrop for a character like Kit. Although this is being marketed as a standalone book by Charles Cumming, it could easily become the first instalment of a series that I'd be more than happy to keep reading.
With thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for a copy to read and review.
January 19, 2019
An absolutely wonderful spy thriller that takes you through Casablanca,Morocco and Marrakech as a spy novelist is thrust into the part of a lifetime! Imagine you are a lover of thrillers and spy books, wouldn't you like to 'help' your country if tapped by the CIA or Secret Service?! This is exactly what happens to a spy novelist, whose father did work for his country, so of course he grasped at the chance and agreed!
The story that follows is exciting, with intelligent people and service 'members' from different countries involved in amazing plots through some gorgeous landscapes. I really loved this book and am looking to read others from this author!
Highly recommend to all action adventure readers! I received an ARC from St.Martin's Press who I thank for an awesome adventure and put my thoughts in this review for all my thriller lovers looking for a great night of entertainment!!
The story that follows is exciting, with intelligent people and service 'members' from different countries involved in amazing plots through some gorgeous landscapes. I really loved this book and am looking to read others from this author!
Highly recommend to all action adventure readers! I received an ARC from St.Martin's Press who I thank for an awesome adventure and put my thoughts in this review for all my thriller lovers looking for a great night of entertainment!!
November 28, 2018
I love reading fiction and non-fiction books revolving around the world of espionage. "The Moroccan Girl" by Charles Cumming is one spy novel you wouldn't want to miss if your preferences are same as mine.
With an intriguing plot involving the intelligence agencies of the superpowers of the world, the novel delivers that sense of excitement one seeks when reading such stories. And even though it is being presented as a standalone novel, the way it is concluded begs to differ. Pretty sure a sequel is in the works.
I'd like to note two things though. Firstly, the title is disappointing. Even though the 'girl' referred to in the title is a major part of the plot, the story does not revolve around her as much as it does around our protagonist (which is expected). So something depicting that must have been more appropriate. This thought led me to Google, where I discovered that this is the US title. The book is already out in the UK (and possibly a few other countries) with the title "The Man Between". Then it hit me. This title somehow appeals more to the readers of the West, hence the well-thought marketing move to adapt it.
Secondly, the storyline consists of events ranging from highly predictable to highly unpredictable. It may be just me, a consequence of reading too much detective fiction. "I saw that coming", I had said more times than I can remember. Whenever that happened, I was split between feeling elated with a sense of accomplishment, or sad for having picked up a story that was failing to amaze. On the contrary, there were a few events that completely took me by surprise. Overall, the author maintained a healthy balance, the result being a fast-paced story I loved to read.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC.
Verdict: Highly recommended.
With an intriguing plot involving the intelligence agencies of the superpowers of the world, the novel delivers that sense of excitement one seeks when reading such stories. And even though it is being presented as a standalone novel, the way it is concluded begs to differ. Pretty sure a sequel is in the works.
I'd like to note two things though. Firstly, the title is disappointing. Even though the 'girl' referred to in the title is a major part of the plot, the story does not revolve around her as much as it does around our protagonist (which is expected). So something depicting that must have been more appropriate. This thought led me to Google, where I discovered that this is the US title. The book is already out in the UK (and possibly a few other countries) with the title "The Man Between". Then it hit me. This title somehow appeals more to the readers of the West, hence the well-thought marketing move to adapt it.
Secondly, the storyline consists of events ranging from highly predictable to highly unpredictable. It may be just me, a consequence of reading too much detective fiction. "I saw that coming", I had said more times than I can remember. Whenever that happened, I was split between feeling elated with a sense of accomplishment, or sad for having picked up a story that was failing to amaze. On the contrary, there were a few events that completely took me by surprise. Overall, the author maintained a healthy balance, the result being a fast-paced story I loved to read.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC.
Verdict: Highly recommended.
March 8, 2020
With Charles Cummings' flair and eye for a story, this is another enjoyable twisting story. It is an espionage thriller with a nice thick slide of romance that doesn't detract from the story at all.
Mysterious connections to a seemingly British spy trying to track Lara Bartok, a former member of the revolutionary movement Resurrection, brings best-selling author Charles Kit Carradine into a world of spies and secrecy.
As the story moves from England - under the auspices of Kit's attendance at a Literary festival in Marrakech in Morocco - the connections and disconnections unfold and the pressure rises for Kit and others.
But where is Lara, what is she to spy agencies and who is controlling whom, and how does Kit do what he, and others need, him to do?
My copy of The Man Between is a paperback published Harpers Collins 2019, and has 420pp. The book has also been published as "The Moroccan Girl".
Mysterious connections to a seemingly British spy trying to track Lara Bartok, a former member of the revolutionary movement Resurrection, brings best-selling author Charles Kit Carradine into a world of spies and secrecy.
As the story moves from England - under the auspices of Kit's attendance at a Literary festival in Marrakech in Morocco - the connections and disconnections unfold and the pressure rises for Kit and others.
But where is Lara, what is she to spy agencies and who is controlling whom, and how does Kit do what he, and others need, him to do?
My copy of The Man Between is a paperback published Harpers Collins 2019, and has 420pp. The book has also been published as "The Moroccan Girl".
September 2, 2018
Kit had a resourcefulness and a courage, mixed with a kind of romantic naivety – which I suppose is necessary for any writer – which was very endearing and attractive...
Possibly written in homage of Somerset Maugham, Graham Greene and Frederick Forsayth, Cumming's stand-alone novel “The Man Between” sees spy thriller writer, C K Carradine (Kit) approached on a London street, allegedly by a “fan” named Robert Mantis, who gives him his business card. Carradine is in his mid thirites, unmarried but not gay, living a fairly solitary life. He is close to his father, who as a young man was recruited by the “Service”, only to be outed to Moscow by Kim Philby.
The backstory here is a revolutionary group “Resurrection”, initially formed by charismatic Russian activist Ivan Simakov (taken out by the Russians), is engaged in the kidnap and assassination of high profile right wingers, corrupt officials and bloated plutocrats. On his way to meet Mantis Carradine witnesses the abduction of an outspoken female journalist off the street and feels powerless to intervene.
Mantis has “targeted” Carradine, who is scheduled to appear at a writers festival in Marrakech, to undertake some small tasks in Casablanca, and to look out for a woman at the festival, believed to be in hiding but known to be a literary fan, and to hand her a small package.
Carradine is the innocent Englishman abroad; a soft touch for travel scams. The “agency” is involved, an unpleasant Spaniard, a mystery man on a train, unreliable taxi drivers, an English couple attending the writers festival who conveniently owns a yacht. I was surprised how naive Carradine could fall asleep on the train to Marrakech and not have his bag rifled or stolen.
Basically, man finds girl. Rescues girl. Loses girl, set in current times but with a Cold War feel about it. Several twists and not a bad read, but not Cumming’s best.
Possibly written in homage of Somerset Maugham, Graham Greene and Frederick Forsayth, Cumming's stand-alone novel “The Man Between” sees spy thriller writer, C K Carradine (Kit) approached on a London street, allegedly by a “fan” named Robert Mantis, who gives him his business card. Carradine is in his mid thirites, unmarried but not gay, living a fairly solitary life. He is close to his father, who as a young man was recruited by the “Service”, only to be outed to Moscow by Kim Philby.
The backstory here is a revolutionary group “Resurrection”, initially formed by charismatic Russian activist Ivan Simakov (taken out by the Russians), is engaged in the kidnap and assassination of high profile right wingers, corrupt officials and bloated plutocrats. On his way to meet Mantis Carradine witnesses the abduction of an outspoken female journalist off the street and feels powerless to intervene.
Mantis has “targeted” Carradine, who is scheduled to appear at a writers festival in Marrakech, to undertake some small tasks in Casablanca, and to look out for a woman at the festival, believed to be in hiding but known to be a literary fan, and to hand her a small package.
Carradine is the innocent Englishman abroad; a soft touch for travel scams. The “agency” is involved, an unpleasant Spaniard, a mystery man on a train, unreliable taxi drivers, an English couple attending the writers festival who conveniently owns a yacht. I was surprised how naive Carradine could fall asleep on the train to Marrakech and not have his bag rifled or stolen.
Basically, man finds girl. Rescues girl. Loses girl, set in current times but with a Cold War feel about it. Several twists and not a bad read, but not Cumming’s best.
February 25, 2019
"The Moroccan Girl" hinted at being similar to a John LeCarre novel. It had all the signs of being one of those sleeper novels that continued to build and finally erupt, all the while cloaked in a aura of reality. Unfortunately, I found it to be just what I said at the beginning of the last sentence: it was a sleeper.
Kit Carradine is a writer who is offered an opportunity to spy for his country under the guise of research for his next book. Kit knows other writers have done the same (including his father), and cannot resist the romantic notion of stepping into the world of espionage. For me, this basic premise was the downfall of the book.
Privy to Kit's thoughts, we see the worry and indecision that accompanies him like an unwanted shadow, and this introspection replaces the occasional action we experience in other books in this genre. Devoid of anything close to a "gripping contemporary thriller," we are left with a love affair (one that is easy for everyone to see where it is headed) that is everything but gripping and thrilling.
I wish author Charles Cummings had written this book differently. When Kit is not second-guessing himself, he pulls off some spy moves worthy of a Bond, which causes one to question the possibility of a writer having those abilities. In short, this is a plot idea that just does not work in this book. The result is a story that plods at a snail's pace, at times offering hints that things might change, though they never do.
Mr. Cummings' book will probably do well with his fans, which will then lead to another book and a series will be created. The author has great talent writing prose and dialogue, but would do well to leave Kit Carradine alone. If the story was slightly humorous, the whole idea might work, but as a serious book it just didn't come together for me. Three stars.
Kit Carradine is a writer who is offered an opportunity to spy for his country under the guise of research for his next book. Kit knows other writers have done the same (including his father), and cannot resist the romantic notion of stepping into the world of espionage. For me, this basic premise was the downfall of the book.
Privy to Kit's thoughts, we see the worry and indecision that accompanies him like an unwanted shadow, and this introspection replaces the occasional action we experience in other books in this genre. Devoid of anything close to a "gripping contemporary thriller," we are left with a love affair (one that is easy for everyone to see where it is headed) that is everything but gripping and thrilling.
I wish author Charles Cummings had written this book differently. When Kit is not second-guessing himself, he pulls off some spy moves worthy of a Bond, which causes one to question the possibility of a writer having those abilities. In short, this is a plot idea that just does not work in this book. The result is a story that plods at a snail's pace, at times offering hints that things might change, though they never do.
Mr. Cummings' book will probably do well with his fans, which will then lead to another book and a series will be created. The author has great talent writing prose and dialogue, but would do well to leave Kit Carradine alone. If the story was slightly humorous, the whole idea might work, but as a serious book it just didn't come together for me. Three stars.
November 27, 2018
I received a copy of "The Moroccan Girl" from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
It is rare for me to rave about a thriller. Often I think that they are cookie-cutter and lack originality. However, this novel is a unique and special read. The Moroccan Girl surprised me in every way.
This is a great vacation read full of exotic locales, intelligent characters, and plenty of shocking twists. Kit Carradine is a winning protagonist who you can't help but root for and Lara Bartok is an awesome heroine who is equally captivating to Lisbeth Salander.
The book is perfectly timed to mirror the international intrigue of our current political climate. No character is one-dimensional and it is always unclear (in a good way) to the reader, which side the characters are on.
I loved this book and can't wait to read Cumming's other thrillers. I will definitely be pre-ordering this book in advance for my friends and family.
It is rare for me to rave about a thriller. Often I think that they are cookie-cutter and lack originality. However, this novel is a unique and special read. The Moroccan Girl surprised me in every way.
This is a great vacation read full of exotic locales, intelligent characters, and plenty of shocking twists. Kit Carradine is a winning protagonist who you can't help but root for and Lara Bartok is an awesome heroine who is equally captivating to Lisbeth Salander.
The book is perfectly timed to mirror the international intrigue of our current political climate. No character is one-dimensional and it is always unclear (in a good way) to the reader, which side the characters are on.
I loved this book and can't wait to read Cumming's other thrillers. I will definitely be pre-ordering this book in advance for my friends and family.
July 11, 2022
A premise that strains credulity, but nonetheless absorbing and with an exciting ending. More Cumming to come for me. 3.5 stars
April 24, 2018
Like the romance of owning a bookshop or growing your own wine who doesn't secretly court the intrigue of being a spy, if just for a day? We've all read countless spy thrillers informing us of how it's done. It might sound far fetched, wrought with danger and most probably lead to one's accelerated death but who wouldn't jump at the opportunity to escape a regular humdrum existence?
Our protagonist Kit Carradine, maybe not. After all, his father was a spy and he's established himself as a novelist, of spy thrillers no less, but when he's approached on the street by what he perceives as a 'real' spy will he jump at the chance to serve his country? Maybe yes.
Asked by MI6 to deliver a parcel while attending a literary festival in Marrakech and keep a casual surveillance on one particularly 'remarkable young woman, cunning and unpredictable' and, from the tiny passport photo shown to him, an extremely attractive one too Kit's first foray into real spy work doesn't sound too onerous at all. It can't be. The risk must be extremely low as he's had absolutely zero training.
I'm not going to spoil the plot, highlight the nuances of thinking about being a spy to actually living it - being constantly on edge, suspicious of everyone and questioning who you are really working for -nor the temptations of a beautiful woman to fluster your thoughts when at certain moments a clear head would be preferred. No way. I am just going to tell you that Charles Cumming is fast becoming my favourite spy thriller novelist among a vast array of quality writers. If you want to get fully engrossed in another world and totally fall in love with a newly emerging spy whom I'm sure will return in another thrilling escapade read 'The Man Between' as soon as it comes out in July 2018. Very fortunate to have been given an Advanced Reading Copy. I've read his previous novel 'Divided Spy' which was equally good and I'm going to go back and devour the rest of his novels and eagerly await the next instalment. Fantastic!! Five Stars!!
Our protagonist Kit Carradine, maybe not. After all, his father was a spy and he's established himself as a novelist, of spy thrillers no less, but when he's approached on the street by what he perceives as a 'real' spy will he jump at the chance to serve his country? Maybe yes.
Asked by MI6 to deliver a parcel while attending a literary festival in Marrakech and keep a casual surveillance on one particularly 'remarkable young woman, cunning and unpredictable' and, from the tiny passport photo shown to him, an extremely attractive one too Kit's first foray into real spy work doesn't sound too onerous at all. It can't be. The risk must be extremely low as he's had absolutely zero training.
I'm not going to spoil the plot, highlight the nuances of thinking about being a spy to actually living it - being constantly on edge, suspicious of everyone and questioning who you are really working for -nor the temptations of a beautiful woman to fluster your thoughts when at certain moments a clear head would be preferred. No way. I am just going to tell you that Charles Cumming is fast becoming my favourite spy thriller novelist among a vast array of quality writers. If you want to get fully engrossed in another world and totally fall in love with a newly emerging spy whom I'm sure will return in another thrilling escapade read 'The Man Between' as soon as it comes out in July 2018. Very fortunate to have been given an Advanced Reading Copy. I've read his previous novel 'Divided Spy' which was equally good and I'm going to go back and devour the rest of his novels and eagerly await the next instalment. Fantastic!! Five Stars!!
January 1, 2022
Absurd.Ridiculous.Badly written.
How this author could be compared with the great LeCarre is beyond me.
How this author could be compared with the great LeCarre is beyond me.
June 24, 2018
Cumming has produced another cracker - gripping, unexpected, full of suspense. Other reviewers on here consider the characters too clichéd but that's very unfair. The protagonist, spy novelist Kit Carradine, is convincingly naive but vulnerable to the seductions of the espionage world (although it felt just a little convenient that he'd recently taken up boxing!). A common undercurrent of Cumming's books seems to be imagining how different his life would have been had he ended up being recruited to SIS post-university. This book brings a similar thought up to date now that he's a well-established writer - what effect might a recruitment have had on him with the life he has now?
But the plot is set against a very plausibly contemporary context with Russian Dark Ops to subvert western democracies being regularly in the news (what with the Mueller investigation in the USA, evidence of tampering with the Brexit referendum campaigns, and the rise of alt-right and nationalism across the board). It certainly conforms to the picture we learn about Putin's Russia from writers like Edward Lucas [The New Cold War: Putin's Threat to Russia and the West] and Peter Pomerantsev [Nothing is True and Everything is Possible: Adventures in Modern Russia].
So this is a great read - convincing, full of nice thumbnail character sketches and nice turns of phrase, thoughtful.
But the plot is set against a very plausibly contemporary context with Russian Dark Ops to subvert western democracies being regularly in the news (what with the Mueller investigation in the USA, evidence of tampering with the Brexit referendum campaigns, and the rise of alt-right and nationalism across the board). It certainly conforms to the picture we learn about Putin's Russia from writers like Edward Lucas [The New Cold War: Putin's Threat to Russia and the West] and Peter Pomerantsev [Nothing is True and Everything is Possible: Adventures in Modern Russia].
So this is a great read - convincing, full of nice thumbnail character sketches and nice turns of phrase, thoughtful.
July 20, 2021
Kit Carradine writes spy fiction and is due to appear at a literary festival in Morocco. Days before he leaves, he is recruited by ‘the Service’ to help find Lara Bartok, the missing Hungarian ex girlfriend of Ivan Simakov, leader of Resurrection, a political protest group that has grown into a paramilitary terrorist organisation. As the story develops, Carradine becomes increasingly paranoid. Who is working for the Service, for the Agency, for the Russians? Who is he working for? Is he being followed, bugged, led on a wild goose chase?
This is a real page turner and kept me thinking throughout. I found much of it implausible but I think that’s the point. So much goes on that we will never know about. Carradine’s character had always thought that his novels occupied a literary space equidistant between the kiss-kiss-bang-bang of Ludlum and the slowburn chess games of le Carre. As a fan of le Carre, I find little resemblance and I’ve never read Ludlum but I wonder if this is how Cumming sees himself?
Despite an ending I hated, this was a very enjoyable read and I’m definitely encouraged to read more of Cumming’s spy fiction.
This is a real page turner and kept me thinking throughout. I found much of it implausible but I think that’s the point. So much goes on that we will never know about. Carradine’s character had always thought that his novels occupied a literary space equidistant between the kiss-kiss-bang-bang of Ludlum and the slowburn chess games of le Carre. As a fan of le Carre, I find little resemblance and I’ve never read Ludlum but I wonder if this is how Cumming sees himself?
Despite an ending I hated, this was a very enjoyable read and I’m definitely encouraged to read more of Cumming’s spy fiction.
July 23, 2019
Kit Carradine, a successful, but slightly bored, spy thriller author is approached by an MI6 officer, asking him to track down a woman hiding in Morocco, under the guise of doing research for his next book. It turns out the woman, Lara Bartok, is an international fugitive and leading figure in a cult-like movement tied to terrorism. Kit comes to realise that his task is harder than initially thought and that all other intelligence services want Lara found, too. As Kit and Lara chase through Morocco, they encounter an eclectic mix of spies, rich playboys and shady business men and soon find themselves ensnared in a complex web, where nothing is at it seems and no one can be trusted.
There are many different characters early on in the book, which is a bit confusing. However, in the end, everything is cleared up and the way characters fit together makes sense. The plot was quite fast-moving at times, which added to the confusion. However, that was fine, because the reader was just confused along with Kit. I liked how quickly Kit adjusted to the real life spy business. I really enjoyed the twist at the end. The budding love story was a bit boring and also quite sudden. I absolutely loved that the story was mostly set in Morocco, as it brought back the fondest memories.
I would read another book by the author.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Charles Cumming for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There are many different characters early on in the book, which is a bit confusing. However, in the end, everything is cleared up and the way characters fit together makes sense. The plot was quite fast-moving at times, which added to the confusion. However, that was fine, because the reader was just confused along with Kit. I liked how quickly Kit adjusted to the real life spy business. I really enjoyed the twist at the end. The budding love story was a bit boring and also quite sudden. I absolutely loved that the story was mostly set in Morocco, as it brought back the fondest memories.
I would read another book by the author.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Charles Cumming for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2018
This was an interesting story of a man outside of his comfort zone. Kit, a writer, gets himself further and further entwined into a series of events way outside his experience. He is trying to be a spy, but doesn't quite know how to be.
I enjoyed this author's writing and look forward to reading more.
I enjoyed this author's writing and look forward to reading more.
November 28, 2018
This is the UK title for The Moroccan Girl. Refer to my review.
February 14, 2019
Although a spy novel is not my favorite genre, Charles Cumming’s ‘The Moroccan Girl’ was a breathtaking suspenceful read that kept me turning pages well into the night!
September 10, 2024
Πολύ ενδιαφέρουσα ιδέα, με πολύ καλή παρουσίαση επίσης, ωραία γραμμένο κτλ. Όμως λίγο μετά τη μέση με έκανε να βαρεθώ. Η εξέλιξη της υπόθεσης δεν ήταν γρήγορη, αναλώθηκε πολύ σε συζητήσεις κι έτσι ενώ ξεκίνησε για ένα χαλαρό 5αρι, έπεσε γρήγορα στο 4 και μετά στο 3. Θα έβαζα 3.5 για την ακρίβεια.
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