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Accidental Agent
'Alan Judd's special magic is to mix contemporary events as they break over our heads with the codes and crafts of the secret world on whose special traits he is always uncannily up to date' Peter Hennessy
'Plotting in the best le Carré tradition' Mail on Sunday
From the author of Legacy , now a major BBC Film, and The Kaiser's Last Kiss comes a brilliant new novel for fans of John le Carre and Charles Cumming
Brexit looms and Charles Thoroughgood , Chief of MI6, is forbidden for political reasons from spying on the EU. But when an EU official volunteers the EU’s negotiating bottom lines to one of his officers, Charles has to report it.
Whitehall is eager for more but as the case develops Charles realises that it may not be quite what it appears. At the same time, he finds he has a family connection with a possible terrorist whom MI5 want checked out. In both cases, Charles is forced to become his own agent, seeking what he really does not want to find.
Authoritative and packed with in-depth knowledge, Accidental Agent is a gripping new spy thriller from a master of the genre.
‘Judd infuses his writing with insider knowledge’ New Statesman
'Wonderful. One of the best spy novels ever' Peter Hennessey on Legacy
'Belongs to the classic tradition of spy writing' Guardian
'Judd has an infallible grasp of intelligence' Spectator
'Plotting in the best le Carré tradition' Mail on Sunday
From the author of Legacy , now a major BBC Film, and The Kaiser's Last Kiss comes a brilliant new novel for fans of John le Carre and Charles Cumming
Brexit looms and Charles Thoroughgood , Chief of MI6, is forbidden for political reasons from spying on the EU. But when an EU official volunteers the EU’s negotiating bottom lines to one of his officers, Charles has to report it.
Whitehall is eager for more but as the case develops Charles realises that it may not be quite what it appears. At the same time, he finds he has a family connection with a possible terrorist whom MI5 want checked out. In both cases, Charles is forced to become his own agent, seeking what he really does not want to find.
Authoritative and packed with in-depth knowledge, Accidental Agent is a gripping new spy thriller from a master of the genre.
‘Judd infuses his writing with insider knowledge’ New Statesman
'Wonderful. One of the best spy novels ever' Peter Hennessey on Legacy
'Belongs to the classic tradition of spy writing' Guardian
'Judd has an infallible grasp of intelligence' Spectator
272 pages, Paperback
Published October 3, 2019
36 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Alan Judd
34 books63 followersAlan Judd is a pseudonym used by Alan Edwin Petty.
Born in 1946, he graduated from Oxford University and served as a British Army officer in Northern Ireland during 'The Troubles', before later joining the Foreign Office; he currently works as a security analyst. He regularly contributes articles to a number of publications, including The Daily Telegraph, and The Spectator as its motoring correspondent. His books include both fiction and non-fiction titles, with his novels often drawing on his military background.
He lives in Sussex with his wife and daughter.
Born in 1946, he graduated from Oxford University and served as a British Army officer in Northern Ireland during 'The Troubles', before later joining the Foreign Office; he currently works as a security analyst. He regularly contributes articles to a number of publications, including The Daily Telegraph, and The Spectator as its motoring correspondent. His books include both fiction and non-fiction titles, with his novels often drawing on his military background.
He lives in Sussex with his wife and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 7, 2019
Pure Class.
Charles Thoroughgood is the head of MI6. He has returned to the service after a short period in the wilderness and finds himself involved in the minutiae of life in any area these days – health & safety, form filling, budget pressures and the expectation to perform miracles with ever-decreasing resources. His thoughts naturally therefore often turn to his imminent retirement.
The government is in the middle of protracted negotiations on Brexit when his long-time friend, and unofficially acknowledged successor, Gareth Horley, presents a memo which purports to contain classified information on the EU’s bottom line negotiating their position on an acceptable divorce bill amount. This information, if it can be verified, could pave the way to a quick settlement and is well received by certain influential members of the Cabinet. But Charles is uncertain as to its veracity and starts digging. Has his friend been gilding the lily and what other crimes may he be guilty of? Has Gareth been simply naïve in swallowing the bait offered or are darker issues involved? Investigating a friend and possibly doubting his word is never a task willing
Alan Judd writes with humour and, clearly, with some inside knowledge of the workings of government. We can all identify with the frustrations experienced by Thoroughgood and his confidantes when trying to get things done outside “the system” Even the powers of the head of MI6 apparently have boundaries.
The plot carries along the reader effortlessly with a varied pace which allows time for reflection and thought. The theme of Brexit negotiations, around which the plot is based, is bang up to date and contemporary. The intrigue is palpable.
The comparison will inevitably be made with Le Carre who, in my opinion, is the master of this genre but Judd stands up admirably to this comparison and ranks amongst the few who aspire to this position effortless read of intrigue for lovers of spy thrillers.
First class!
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Charles Thoroughgood is the head of MI6. He has returned to the service after a short period in the wilderness and finds himself involved in the minutiae of life in any area these days – health & safety, form filling, budget pressures and the expectation to perform miracles with ever-decreasing resources. His thoughts naturally therefore often turn to his imminent retirement.
The government is in the middle of protracted negotiations on Brexit when his long-time friend, and unofficially acknowledged successor, Gareth Horley, presents a memo which purports to contain classified information on the EU’s bottom line negotiating their position on an acceptable divorce bill amount. This information, if it can be verified, could pave the way to a quick settlement and is well received by certain influential members of the Cabinet. But Charles is uncertain as to its veracity and starts digging. Has his friend been gilding the lily and what other crimes may he be guilty of? Has Gareth been simply naïve in swallowing the bait offered or are darker issues involved? Investigating a friend and possibly doubting his word is never a task willing
Alan Judd writes with humour and, clearly, with some inside knowledge of the workings of government. We can all identify with the frustrations experienced by Thoroughgood and his confidantes when trying to get things done outside “the system” Even the powers of the head of MI6 apparently have boundaries.
The plot carries along the reader effortlessly with a varied pace which allows time for reflection and thought. The theme of Brexit negotiations, around which the plot is based, is bang up to date and contemporary. The intrigue is palpable.
The comparison will inevitably be made with Le Carre who, in my opinion, is the master of this genre but Judd stands up admirably to this comparison and ranks amongst the few who aspire to this position effortless read of intrigue for lovers of spy thrillers.
First class!
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
November 19, 2019
I have enjoyed Alan Judd's work in the past; he is an excellent writer. But I found 'Accidental Agent' weighed down by procedural detail and rather short on thrills.
April 10, 2019
I've read and enjoyed most of the previous Charles Thorogood stories. Thiis one didn't seem to be as good, but it was short, dispatched in the day, so I obviously was happy to keep reading. But is seemed rather formulaic and the characters not well fleshed out, and I never really understood why the deputy did what he did, and it made the whole thing rather unsatisfactory. Also the godson sub-plot didn't seem to add anything, other than being a bit topical. Not the best of them.
July 15, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It had a pace and a flow that I liked. It started with a party and introduced a host of characters, including cleverly providing backstory about our protagonist's wife and in chapter two getting straight into suspicions all over the place.
For once, I have read the latest book in a series without reading the earlier ones. I noticed that there are quick introductions to the characters and what they have done in the past. I think it is the sort of back-story that I'd have considered quite nifty if I were familiar with the series but, as a newcomer, I was left thinking it was almost too little and wondering if that is always the case. It is probably an ongoing problem for writers of series - how do you appeal to new readers without irritating regular readers?
I very much enjoyed the mixture of operational spying and head office responsibilities. I also liked how, in both cases that we are following, a feeling of unease builds gradually over the book and the answers are provided by the end without being too simplistic or glib. However, I did feel it just sort of finished, quite abruptly. I'm not really sure what else I wanted but I was still left a little surprised! I am not particularly moved to go back and read the start of the series.
For once, I have read the latest book in a series without reading the earlier ones. I noticed that there are quick introductions to the characters and what they have done in the past. I think it is the sort of back-story that I'd have considered quite nifty if I were familiar with the series but, as a newcomer, I was left thinking it was almost too little and wondering if that is always the case. It is probably an ongoing problem for writers of series - how do you appeal to new readers without irritating regular readers?
I very much enjoyed the mixture of operational spying and head office responsibilities. I also liked how, in both cases that we are following, a feeling of unease builds gradually over the book and the answers are provided by the end without being too simplistic or glib. However, I did feel it just sort of finished, quite abruptly. I'm not really sure what else I wanted but I was still left a little surprised! I am not particularly moved to go back and read the start of the series.
October 14, 2018
This was an intriguing and timely spy thriller, given that it takes place with Brexit firmly in the background. It doesn't have the thrills and spills of many spy thrillers, it is more sedate than that, but it certainly held my interest from start to finish. It is certainly from the leCarre school of espionage books!
Charles Thoroughgood is Head of MI6, and together with the assistance of a colleague, Sonia, has to investigate the work and actions of his potential successor, Gareth. Throughout the investigation, all is not quite what it seems, and it comes to an interesting conclusion. In addition, there are a couple of inter-connected side stories, which add an interesting dimension to the work that Charles does in the Service.
I had never come across the works of Alan Judd prior to reading this, but I am certainly interested to see that there are a number of books starring Charles Thoroughgood, and I definitely intend to explore further. Many thanks to Simon & Schuster UK via Netgalley, for the opportunity to read this book.
Charles Thoroughgood is Head of MI6, and together with the assistance of a colleague, Sonia, has to investigate the work and actions of his potential successor, Gareth. Throughout the investigation, all is not quite what it seems, and it comes to an interesting conclusion. In addition, there are a couple of inter-connected side stories, which add an interesting dimension to the work that Charles does in the Service.
I had never come across the works of Alan Judd prior to reading this, but I am certainly interested to see that there are a number of books starring Charles Thoroughgood, and I definitely intend to explore further. Many thanks to Simon & Schuster UK via Netgalley, for the opportunity to read this book.
February 17, 2020
This is a very contemporary spy story, set in the wake of the 2016 Brexit referendum. MI6 is forbidden from spying on the EU but when head of the service Charles Thoroughgood discovers that his deputy has been holding clandestine meetings with a senior Brussels official, the opportunity to gain an edge in the negotiations to leave the EU is too good to pass up.
This is a procedural spy thriller very much in the leCarre mould and Judd paints a convincing picture of civil service bureaucracy banging heads with operational espionage concerns. The main story is also skilfully interwoven with a sub-plot concerning Thoroughgood's own godson becoming a convert to Islam and worries he may become radicalised.
Not exactly edge-of-the-seat but it will keep you turning the pages.
This is a procedural spy thriller very much in the leCarre mould and Judd paints a convincing picture of civil service bureaucracy banging heads with operational espionage concerns. The main story is also skilfully interwoven with a sub-plot concerning Thoroughgood's own godson becoming a convert to Islam and worries he may become radicalised.
Not exactly edge-of-the-seat but it will keep you turning the pages.
February 18, 2019
The best thing about this book is it's only 250 pages long.
This is a political thriller but it's as boring as a parliamentary debate. There are sections that are just board meetings about health and safety.
There is also a second plot involving Islamic extremism which goes nowhere and has no relation to the other plot
This 250 page book is just two short stories and a lot of filler
There is a section at the start which I presume is supposed to add excitement and get the reader interested and thrilled but it comes out of the blue, is quickly over, and is not mentioned again.
2 stars because it was short and I didn't waste more than a day on it
This is a political thriller but it's as boring as a parliamentary debate. There are sections that are just board meetings about health and safety.
There is also a second plot involving Islamic extremism which goes nowhere and has no relation to the other plot
This 250 page book is just two short stories and a lot of filler
There is a section at the start which I presume is supposed to add excitement and get the reader interested and thrilled but it comes out of the blue, is quickly over, and is not mentioned again.
2 stars because it was short and I didn't waste more than a day on it
September 17, 2018
Well written , atmospheric, beautifully researched and written by someone who has a deep knowledge of the murky world of espionage, this is an exceptionally good spy thriller that grabbed my attention from the outside and took me on a deeply satisfying ride to its eventual conclusion.
This is the first book I have read by this author and it will not be the last.
Highly recommended.
This is the first book I have read by this author and it will not be the last.
Highly recommended.
April 17, 2019
Just an okay in this one. Initially I thought I would really enjoy this because of the clean writing style but it was not to be. There were two plots that didn’t really fit together. This was my first Charles Thoroughgood book - perhaps if I had read some earlier ones I would have had a better sense of characters. Didn’t enjoy it enough to start at the beginning of the series.
August 28, 2019
As a spy/secret agent book the author seems to know his stuff. There are dull moments and gripping moments with the clandestine meetings, traveling around and general operational information- just enough to make it all very believable. I'm not sure why there is a subplot about the godson and Syria which made the ending a bit inconclusive for me. A good read otherwise.
March 24, 2020
A very procedural English MI5 read. Some interesting aspects of how spies operate especially during the Brexit negotiations. Some Islamic propaganda in terms of how members of their community are viewed with suspicion and treated by the security forces, parallels of how Irish people were treated in England are easy to be seen. Not for me.
May 13, 2020
A modern spy novel
I enjoyed this book very much . A great insight to MI6 where lawyer s are always informed about
Everything. I have never through about how the service is run and it was an enjoyed journey.I enjoyed my matter of factual way MI6_was shown just like working for the council. Enjoyed very much
I enjoyed this book very much . A great insight to MI6 where lawyer s are always informed about
Everything. I have never through about how the service is run and it was an enjoyed journey.I enjoyed my matter of factual way MI6_was shown just like working for the council. Enjoyed very much
April 1, 2023
Fantastic, old school spy thriller. The secret service are made aware of the EU's Brexit negotiating position, information they are not meant to have. The head the Secret Service needs to work out whether the information is correct or whether they are being spun a line. Old school tradecraft and a gripping storyline.
October 2, 2018
This is another one of those books that has so much potential, but is an utterly boring read. It is rare when I don't finish a book, but this is one of those times. I'm not going to give it a second go.
January 9, 2019
Pure escapism.
Finally some goodness to come from Brexit.
MI6 Chief Charles is on his way out, his retirement is looming and he is looking for a replacement, when the frontrunner for succession starts acting suspiciously. For Charles, there is no escape from drama at work or at home, and it was joyous to join him navigate the political and familial delicacies.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Thank you so much the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy in return for an honest review.
Finally some goodness to come from Brexit.
MI6 Chief Charles is on his way out, his retirement is looming and he is looking for a replacement, when the frontrunner for succession starts acting suspiciously. For Charles, there is no escape from drama at work or at home, and it was joyous to join him navigate the political and familial delicacies.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Thank you so much the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy in return for an honest review.
November 17, 2019
DNF
Great premise now well developed. Stilted writing. Kept feeling that there had been an earlier book featuring this character - head of MI6 who needs to investigate a colleague and a relative.
Great premise now well developed. Stilted writing. Kept feeling that there had been an earlier book featuring this character - head of MI6 who needs to investigate a colleague and a relative.
December 29, 2019
By-the numbers spy romp. No surprises but lots of tedious detail. Needed sharpening up in the edit.
April 13, 2020
I enjoyed this story but felt it was a bit too tame as a spy thriller.
October 24, 2020
A run-of-the-mill spy story, quite dull and dry, about a search for a spy in Britain's MI6. The writing style is good and easy to read but the story doesn't have much to catch the reader's interest.
September 29, 2024
Quite brilliant and so of the moment.
November 18, 2025
E book. Solid mi5 thriller. Droll at times
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews