What do you think?
Rate this book
The Drop & The List
Two Slough House Novellas **THE DROP**Old spooks carry the memory of tradecraft in their bones, and when Solomon Dortmund sees an envelope being passed from one pair of hands to another in a Marylebone cafe, he knows he's witnessed more than an innocent encounter. But in relaying his suspicions to John Bachelor, who babysits retired spies like Solly, he sets in train events which will alter lives. Bachelor himself, a hair's breadth away from sleeping in his car, is clawing his way back to stability; Hannah Weiss, the double agent whose recruitment was his only success, is starting to enjoy the secrets and lies her role demands; and Lech Wicinski, an Intelligence Service analyst, finds that a simple favour for an old acquaintance might derail his career. Meanwhile, Lady Di Taverner is trying to keep the Service on an even keel, and if that means throwing the odd crew member overboard, collateral damage is her speciality. A drop, in spook parlance, is the passing on of secret information. It's also what happens just before you hit the ground.
**THE LIST** Dieter Hess, an aged spy, is dead, and John Bachelor, his MI5 handler, is in deep, deep trouble. Death has revealed that the deceased had been keeping a secret second bank account - and there's only ever one reason a spy has a secret second bank account. The question of whether he was a double agent must be resolved, and its answer may undo an entire career's worth of spy secrets. **previously published as two separate editions**
**THE LIST** Dieter Hess, an aged spy, is dead, and John Bachelor, his MI5 handler, is in deep, deep trouble. Death has revealed that the deceased had been keeping a secret second bank account - and there's only ever one reason a spy has a secret second bank account. The question of whether he was a double agent must be resolved, and its answer may undo an entire career's worth of spy secrets. **previously published as two separate editions**
202 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2019
About the author
Mick Herron
50 books5,865 followersMick Herron was born in Newcastle and has a degree in English from Balliol College, Oxford. He is the author of nine books in the Slough House series as well as a mystery series set in Oxford featuring Sarah Tucker and/or P.I. Zoë Boehm. He now lives in Oxford and works in London.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
October 19, 2023
After reading the first of the books ‘Slow Horses’ about a group of spies put out to grass. I was lucky to find this book. Two short novellas that feature some of the characters from the first.
The two short stories are linked. The first ( The List) has one of the seediest and saddest spies ever - John Bachelor - acting as a ‘milk man’ ie looking after retired assets. The death of one of his elderly assets results in a remarkable chain of events - I can’t say more.
In ‘The Drop’ Bachelor has now been moved to part time and looking for places to stay each night. This is a follow on to the first story.
The characters and writing are a delight. Just a couple of the observations I liked:
‘She laughed what sounded like a smoker’s laugh. Last time he’d heard anything quite like it, he (had) been sanding off the edge of a door.’
Lamb craned his head forward, caught the rim of his glass in his teeth, and easing his head back again, allowed the contents of the glass to pour into his mouth. He swallowed, then set the glass back on his chest. ‘When Daniel Craig can do that,’ he said, ‘tell him to give me a ring.’
John le Carre with delicious humour. A great author and read.
The two short stories are linked. The first ( The List) has one of the seediest and saddest spies ever - John Bachelor - acting as a ‘milk man’ ie looking after retired assets. The death of one of his elderly assets results in a remarkable chain of events - I can’t say more.
In ‘The Drop’ Bachelor has now been moved to part time and looking for places to stay each night. This is a follow on to the first story.
The characters and writing are a delight. Just a couple of the observations I liked:
‘She laughed what sounded like a smoker’s laugh. Last time he’d heard anything quite like it, he (had) been sanding off the edge of a door.’
Lamb craned his head forward, caught the rim of his glass in his teeth, and easing his head back again, allowed the contents of the glass to pour into his mouth. He swallowed, then set the glass back on his chest. ‘When Daniel Craig can do that,’ he said, ‘tell him to give me a ring.’
John le Carre with delicious humour. A great author and read.
February 7, 2024
3.5
I still think Herron is far better at a novel than a short story but these do fill in the gaps between the Slough House novels.
In The List we meet an early incarnation of JK Coe and also the delightful Jackson Lamb - as helpful as usual. The story follows John Bachelor, who also turns up as a kind of repeat cameo actor in the Slough House books. This time he's come across a list of names that he's got to check out in case the Joe he was handling turned out to be playing both sides.
In The Drop we meet several of the same characters but thus one fills in the space between London Rules and Joe Country and neatly explains how and why Lech Wicinski gets his place at Slough House. Needless to say the bumbling Bachelor is instrumental in yet another spook's downfall.
I still think Herron is far better at a novel than a short story but these do fill in the gaps between the Slough House novels.
In The List we meet an early incarnation of JK Coe and also the delightful Jackson Lamb - as helpful as usual. The story follows John Bachelor, who also turns up as a kind of repeat cameo actor in the Slough House books. This time he's come across a list of names that he's got to check out in case the Joe he was handling turned out to be playing both sides.
In The Drop we meet several of the same characters but thus one fills in the space between London Rules and Joe Country and neatly explains how and why Lech Wicinski gets his place at Slough House. Needless to say the bumbling Bachelor is instrumental in yet another spook's downfall.
March 19, 2026
The List
It had been a different world, of course, and had largely vanished when the Wall came down, which was not to say there weren’t still pockets of it here and there, because friends need spying on as much as enemies.
This edition brings together two novellas from the “Slow Horses” series, both featuring John Batchelor, the ‘milkman’ charged with looking out for pensioned-off spies. Batchelor is in the doldrums financially and emotionally, and as “The List” opens he is in St Albans making a belated visit to former East German asset, Dieter Hess, who is not answering his calls, for the simple reason that he is dead. This brings to light an undisclosed bank account and a list of numbers – codes that become names through the pages of a well-thumbed novel.
‘You were his handler, John,’ Diana Taverner reminded him. ‘That doesn’t just mean making sure he’s fed and watered, and listening to his grouses. It means checking his hide for fleas.’
To save face (and his pitiful job/pension) Batchelor tries to unravel the ‘ghost’ network of names, with help from Regent’s Park newbie (at that time) JK Coe – who turns to librarian Molly Doran, who inevitably puts him in touch with Jackson Lamb and Catherine Standish - thus stalling his career with the security services before it could get started. Batchelor, seeking redemption, sets out to recruit Hannah Weiss, the only viable name on the list, with German connections, as a double agent.
Was unsure of this one: novellas not being my favourite medium due to their length and structure, but it bridges in the background of one of the earlier players.
Oliver Nash pressed a finger to his chin. ‘The Civil Service don’t like it when we stir their pot.’ – ‘But there’s a reason they are called servants.’
The Drop nicely fills in a gap in the Slough House (Slow Horses) series of MI5’s failed spooks - between "London Rules" and "Joe Country". Following on from “The List”, Hannah Weiss – now known as “Snow White” – is a low-level triple agent of the German intelligence BND (Bundesnachrichtendienst) – handled by Regent’s Park Richard Pynne. She is seeking a more favourable posting, and the paperwork is signed for her transfer to the Brexit minister’s office, where her knowledge of German is expected to allow her greater access to European intelligence.
Taverner didn’t play favourites. She’s been known, though, to back winners. If Pynne handled his first joe without mishap he might find himself elevated above the shift manager on the hub, his current role…
When "Snow White" meets her BND handler in London, making ‘a drop’ (old time tradecraft for exchanging a message in a public place) – it is witnessed by Solomon Dortmund, an aging cold war spy put out to grass. The old man reports back to John Bachelor, and he passes it on to Alec Wicinski, an unwitting analyst at Regent’s Park – condemning him to his ‘Slow Horses’ fate.
This was my second reading of “The Drop” - making more sense now that I have read “The List”. (None of the SH regulars appear here, with steely ‘Five’ Di Taverner firmly in control.) Again I was blown away by Mick Herron’s lyricism – his description of London brought to a shuddering halt by seasonal snow a classic.
It had been a different world, of course, and had largely vanished when the Wall came down, which was not to say there weren’t still pockets of it here and there, because friends need spying on as much as enemies.
This edition brings together two novellas from the “Slow Horses” series, both featuring John Batchelor, the ‘milkman’ charged with looking out for pensioned-off spies. Batchelor is in the doldrums financially and emotionally, and as “The List” opens he is in St Albans making a belated visit to former East German asset, Dieter Hess, who is not answering his calls, for the simple reason that he is dead. This brings to light an undisclosed bank account and a list of numbers – codes that become names through the pages of a well-thumbed novel.
‘You were his handler, John,’ Diana Taverner reminded him. ‘That doesn’t just mean making sure he’s fed and watered, and listening to his grouses. It means checking his hide for fleas.’
To save face (and his pitiful job/pension) Batchelor tries to unravel the ‘ghost’ network of names, with help from Regent’s Park newbie (at that time) JK Coe – who turns to librarian Molly Doran, who inevitably puts him in touch with Jackson Lamb and Catherine Standish - thus stalling his career with the security services before it could get started. Batchelor, seeking redemption, sets out to recruit Hannah Weiss, the only viable name on the list, with German connections, as a double agent.
Was unsure of this one: novellas not being my favourite medium due to their length and structure, but it bridges in the background of one of the earlier players.
Oliver Nash pressed a finger to his chin. ‘The Civil Service don’t like it when we stir their pot.’ – ‘But there’s a reason they are called servants.’
The Drop nicely fills in a gap in the Slough House (Slow Horses) series of MI5’s failed spooks - between "London Rules" and "Joe Country". Following on from “The List”, Hannah Weiss – now known as “Snow White” – is a low-level triple agent of the German intelligence BND (Bundesnachrichtendienst) – handled by Regent’s Park Richard Pynne. She is seeking a more favourable posting, and the paperwork is signed for her transfer to the Brexit minister’s office, where her knowledge of German is expected to allow her greater access to European intelligence.
Taverner didn’t play favourites. She’s been known, though, to back winners. If Pynne handled his first joe without mishap he might find himself elevated above the shift manager on the hub, his current role…
When "Snow White" meets her BND handler in London, making ‘a drop’ (old time tradecraft for exchanging a message in a public place) – it is witnessed by Solomon Dortmund, an aging cold war spy put out to grass. The old man reports back to John Bachelor, and he passes it on to Alec Wicinski, an unwitting analyst at Regent’s Park – condemning him to his ‘Slow Horses’ fate.
This was my second reading of “The Drop” - making more sense now that I have read “The List”. (None of the SH regulars appear here, with steely ‘Five’ Di Taverner firmly in control.) Again I was blown away by Mick Herron’s lyricism – his description of London brought to a shuddering halt by seasonal snow a classic.
January 31, 2022
4.5★
I loved both of these novellas and reviewed them separately, since they take place between different parts of the Slough House series. I have missed the Slow Horses!
Read The List (Slough House #2.5) first, since it was written in 2015, and the action leads to the next story.
Link to my review of The List
Then enjoy The Drop, (Slough House #5.5), written in 2018!
Link to my review of The Drop
I loved both of these novellas and reviewed them separately, since they take place between different parts of the Slough House series. I have missed the Slow Horses!
Read The List (Slough House #2.5) first, since it was written in 2015, and the action leads to the next story.
Link to my review of The List
Then enjoy The Drop, (Slough House #5.5), written in 2018!
Link to my review of The Drop
January 21, 2021
When I first discovered Mick Herron’s ‘Slough House’ series of books, I got completely hooked, and read all six of them in a binge lasting 24 days. And now, like so many other fans of his espionage fiction (often compared — and rightly so — to John LeCarré), I am forced to wait impatiently for the next book to come out.
Fortunately, Herron has written several novellas to fill the gap, and the two included in this volume — and they really are two chapters of the same story — are exactly what those addicted to Jackson Lamb and his motley crew of secret agents need.
There’s a plot twist or two (I won’t give these away) and the book feels very up-to-date, with its references to Brexit. Lamb’s appearances are brief and he’s not the centre of the story, which is fine.
My appetite now whetted, I cannot wait for the 7th full-length novel in the ‘Slough House’ series to appear next month.
Fortunately, Herron has written several novellas to fill the gap, and the two included in this volume — and they really are two chapters of the same story — are exactly what those addicted to Jackson Lamb and his motley crew of secret agents need.
There’s a plot twist or two (I won’t give these away) and the book feels very up-to-date, with its references to Brexit. Lamb’s appearances are brief and he’s not the centre of the story, which is fine.
My appetite now whetted, I cannot wait for the 7th full-length novel in the ‘Slough House’ series to appear next month.
December 14, 2024
As excellent as the rest and with some added extra colour for the world of Slough House. John Bachelor is an excellent creation - one of which I see more of as the series goes on!
January 26, 2020
I enjoy the Slough House series; it's great entertainment. I picked this up in an airport bookshop for a quick read. I have to say that I was a bit disappointed. You'd expect a novella to be crisp and fast-paced, but these felt sluggish and flat, with really not much happening and "meh" endings to say the least. There were pages of exposition, and little of the snappy dialogue and entertaining sarcasm we're used to. Almost like drafts for part of a full length novel which the publisher decided to cash in on. But it was interesting to see JK Coe at the beginning of his career, and it looks as if we've met a new recruit too.
If you're new to Herron, definitely start with the Slough House novels, in order.
If you're new to Herron, definitely start with the Slough House novels, in order.
March 9, 2024
Enjoyed this book . It filled in a few gaps in the Slough House series and why Lech was sent there .
April 6, 2024
Out of Order
Perhaps reading this before my most recent Slough House would’ve explained the story behind a few names - Pynne, Coe, Alec (Lech) Wicinski, but still as standalones, the stories are entertaining. Explaining how Lech came to be with the Slow Horses, and a Need A Chart explanation of asset recruitment, with subsequent double agenting, and triple agenting.
Perhaps reading this before my most recent Slough House would’ve explained the story behind a few names - Pynne, Coe, Alec (Lech) Wicinski, but still as standalones, the stories are entertaining. Explaining how Lech came to be with the Slow Horses, and a Need A Chart explanation of asset recruitment, with subsequent double agenting, and triple agenting.
March 11, 2025
These two eminently readable Slough House novellas were a great pleasure. Mick Herron has, for me, the virtue of constructing plots which are not so opaque as to make them uncrackable or unfollowable: consequently, I don’t feel myself to be frustrated by being confounded into thinking I am a dunce.
These two stories, which do not for a change put Slough House and its regular characters at their heart, lead on from one another. This makes for a not unrefreshing change from the usual Lambcentric story, but Herron does not forsake his usual air of seedy skulduggery, internecine rivalries and personal survival which is desperately attractive in its disgusting nauseousness.
In ‘The List’, we encounter John Bachelor, a third rate operator at Regent’s Park who has not yet quite reached the limits of his own incompetence and is reckoned reliable enough to be a ‘milkman’ – Park-speak for a ‘handler’ whose sole responsibility is to look after the welfare of retired ‘assets’ (spies). However, when attending the funeral of Dieter Hess, Lady Di – Diana Taverner, second desk at Regent’s Park, and as cut-throat and merciless as they come – reveals to Bachelor that Hess had a bank account that Bachelor did not know about. What’s he going to do about it? – an unsatisfactory outcome will mean he won’t even be sent to Slough House: he’ll just be out on his hunkers.
Bachelor conducts his own search of Hess’ flat and discovers a list tucked under a carpet. The list is deciphered to produce a number of names that research - conducted through a Park youngster (whom Bachelor still has enough authority and acquired brutality of manner to persuade to help him) via Molly Doran via Jackson Lamb and Catherine Standish - shows to be a ‘ghost network’ of agents apparently working for the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), the German intelligence service. Hess, short of money, had been able to con the BND that he could act as a ‘handler’ of several BND agents who could gather intelligence as required. In return, the BND would pay him a retainer in order to pay his agents. Except they don’t exist as they are all ‘shutaways’, people living in homes or institutions. All except one: Hannah Weiss.
Weiss is a young high flyer in the Civil Service. Bachelor sells Diana Taverner the idea that Weiss, who, as part of a ghost network, would not know that she was considered an ‘asset’ by the BND, and might therefore be induced to serve Regent’s Park as a real asset who could keep the Park informed of matters of interest in the BND. She – clever young woman that she is and one who is on the look-out for exciting, challenging work - agrees.
That’s all you need to know, though I’m not going to resist adding that Jackson Lamb smells a possible rat here… but I won’t tell you what the rat is.
‘The Drop’ focuses again on Bachelor (even more down on his luck) and Weiss (rather more up on hers), but bringing Alec Wicinski into the Slough House world. I think it may be considered his origin story.
I read both novellas in a day – unusual for me, so it was clearly a fine old ‘rattling good story’. They are both eminently readable by those who are not already familiar with this series: Herron is proficient at making each of his Slough House novels beginner-friendly.
These two stories, which do not for a change put Slough House and its regular characters at their heart, lead on from one another. This makes for a not unrefreshing change from the usual Lambcentric story, but Herron does not forsake his usual air of seedy skulduggery, internecine rivalries and personal survival which is desperately attractive in its disgusting nauseousness.
In ‘The List’, we encounter John Bachelor, a third rate operator at Regent’s Park who has not yet quite reached the limits of his own incompetence and is reckoned reliable enough to be a ‘milkman’ – Park-speak for a ‘handler’ whose sole responsibility is to look after the welfare of retired ‘assets’ (spies). However, when attending the funeral of Dieter Hess, Lady Di – Diana Taverner, second desk at Regent’s Park, and as cut-throat and merciless as they come – reveals to Bachelor that Hess had a bank account that Bachelor did not know about. What’s he going to do about it? – an unsatisfactory outcome will mean he won’t even be sent to Slough House: he’ll just be out on his hunkers.
Bachelor conducts his own search of Hess’ flat and discovers a list tucked under a carpet. The list is deciphered to produce a number of names that research - conducted through a Park youngster (whom Bachelor still has enough authority and acquired brutality of manner to persuade to help him) via Molly Doran via Jackson Lamb and Catherine Standish - shows to be a ‘ghost network’ of agents apparently working for the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), the German intelligence service. Hess, short of money, had been able to con the BND that he could act as a ‘handler’ of several BND agents who could gather intelligence as required. In return, the BND would pay him a retainer in order to pay his agents. Except they don’t exist as they are all ‘shutaways’, people living in homes or institutions. All except one: Hannah Weiss.
Weiss is a young high flyer in the Civil Service. Bachelor sells Diana Taverner the idea that Weiss, who, as part of a ghost network, would not know that she was considered an ‘asset’ by the BND, and might therefore be induced to serve Regent’s Park as a real asset who could keep the Park informed of matters of interest in the BND. She – clever young woman that she is and one who is on the look-out for exciting, challenging work - agrees.
That’s all you need to know, though I’m not going to resist adding that Jackson Lamb smells a possible rat here… but I won’t tell you what the rat is.
‘The Drop’ focuses again on Bachelor (even more down on his luck) and Weiss (rather more up on hers), but bringing Alec Wicinski into the Slough House world. I think it may be considered his origin story.
I read both novellas in a day – unusual for me, so it was clearly a fine old ‘rattling good story’. They are both eminently readable by those who are not already familiar with this series: Herron is proficient at making each of his Slough House novels beginner-friendly.
September 11, 2022
These are two novellas featuring a new character called John Bachelor. He is a 'milkman'. Someone who looks after retired spies. In The List, one of those he looks after is found dead, apparently of natural causes, but Bachelor isn't so sure and investigates. It involves characters we already know from Slough House peripherally. It also makes some events from the main series a tad clearer (not much, but a bit).
In The Drop, one of Bachelor's charges thinks he sees a 'drop'... a casual handing over of information from one spy to another. This also features characters from Slough House... and also introduces one who is set to join the losers of Slough house, and explains why.
This is a very quick book to read. One sitting per novella, maximum. It's not required reading and won't spoil your enjoyment of the main series if you miss it, but it's an enjoyable enough distraction, and I liked John Bachelor and hope he turns up in the main series, or gets a full novel or two devoted to him.
In The Drop, one of Bachelor's charges thinks he sees a 'drop'... a casual handing over of information from one spy to another. This also features characters from Slough House... and also introduces one who is set to join the losers of Slough house, and explains why.
This is a very quick book to read. One sitting per novella, maximum. It's not required reading and won't spoil your enjoyment of the main series if you miss it, but it's an enjoyable enough distraction, and I liked John Bachelor and hope he turns up in the main series, or gets a full novel or two devoted to him.
November 4, 2025
Interesting backstories for Slough House.
One thing confused me: When Alec's name is flagged for running a search on Peter Kahlmann why is this not mentioned again?
Instead, the child porn is found on his laptop and Dick Pynne asks Lady Di, "why would another service want to frame him?"
Obviously because he was investigating one of their spies and they want to muddy the waters.
And Alec should have used that as a defense but doesn't mention it.
Did I miss something here? Please let me know.
One thing confused me: When Alec's name is flagged for running a search on Peter Kahlmann why is this not mentioned again?
Instead, the child porn is found on his laptop and Dick Pynne asks Lady Di, "why would another service want to frame him?"
Obviously because he was investigating one of their spies and they want to muddy the waters.
And Alec should have used that as a defense but doesn't mention it.
Did I miss something here? Please let me know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
This is two related short stories – or a novella with two long chapters if you prefer – set in the Slow Horses universe. You’ll find some familiar characters from the novels here though the main players here are new.
There’s a certain leCarré-esque quality here, a world of elderly cold war warriors and old-school tradecraft – book codes and covert exchanges.
If you’re familiar with Herron’s other books it’s an entertaining read though it feels a little unresolved.
There’s a certain leCarré-esque quality here, a world of elderly cold war warriors and old-school tradecraft – book codes and covert exchanges.
If you’re familiar with Herron’s other books it’s an entertaining read though it feels a little unresolved.
December 27, 2025
Nice easy read and typical Mick Heron in the Slow Horses world of espionage.
January 20, 2023
Really enjoyed both these novellas. They’re set at different times and tell different stories, but with the same lead character and an overarching backstory which connects the 2 together. Very well written, with fun dialogue and interesting spycraft.
John Bachelor is a down on his luck handler of retired spies for MI5. It’s his job to check in on them, and make sure they’re completely out of the “game”.
When one of those spies passes away, he finds out he’d been receiving mysterious payments and further investigation leads to finding a “list” hidden in the spy’s apartment. This is a list of code names of what appear to be spies, though it soon turns out to be somewhat less (or somewhat more) than that.
You get a twisty plot based on 2 different spy agencies trying to pull the wool over the other’s eyes, plus bonus appearances from Lady Di Tavernier, Jackson Lamb and Catherine Standish from the main Slough House series.
It’s hard to describe without giving too much of the plot away. But it kept me guessing how it was going to play out, and when you do get the “reveal” of what's really going on, it’s nicely satisfying. Excellent story.
The Drop takes place a few years later, when another retired spy contacts John Bachelor to say he’d spotted a package being passed between 2 spies using old-fashioned spycraft. Bachelor calls in some old favours to help investigate it. It connects back to some of the events of the first story, but finishes with a much more open-ended climax. Assume it will connect back into future events in the main series. (of which I’ve read some, but not all). This is still well-written, but the open ending leaves you a bit less satisfied.
Overall, very good read, which I enjoyed a lot with great spycraft, dialogue and characters. Love how it makes the mundane bits of spying still sound exciting. Only let down by that too-open ending of The Drop. Still well worth a read though.
John Bachelor is a down on his luck handler of retired spies for MI5. It’s his job to check in on them, and make sure they’re completely out of the “game”.
When one of those spies passes away, he finds out he’d been receiving mysterious payments and further investigation leads to finding a “list” hidden in the spy’s apartment. This is a list of code names of what appear to be spies, though it soon turns out to be somewhat less (or somewhat more) than that.
You get a twisty plot based on 2 different spy agencies trying to pull the wool over the other’s eyes, plus bonus appearances from Lady Di Tavernier, Jackson Lamb and Catherine Standish from the main Slough House series.
It’s hard to describe without giving too much of the plot away. But it kept me guessing how it was going to play out, and when you do get the “reveal” of what's really going on, it’s nicely satisfying. Excellent story.
The Drop takes place a few years later, when another retired spy contacts John Bachelor to say he’d spotted a package being passed between 2 spies using old-fashioned spycraft. Bachelor calls in some old favours to help investigate it. It connects back to some of the events of the first story, but finishes with a much more open-ended climax. Assume it will connect back into future events in the main series. (of which I’ve read some, but not all). This is still well-written, but the open ending leaves you a bit less satisfied.
Overall, very good read, which I enjoyed a lot with great spycraft, dialogue and characters. Love how it makes the mundane bits of spying still sound exciting. Only let down by that too-open ending of The Drop. Still well worth a read though.
February 9, 2023
If you like the humour and atmosphere of Slow Horses you will enjoy these.
Two very smart novellas, allied to Slough House/Slow Horses. Both feature John Bachelor, an MI5 operative whose job is to care for retired ‘assets’. This is jokingly referred to as being a ‘milkman’.
Those of us of a certain vintage will remember the milkman-paying daily visits.
The List covers events following the (natural) death of one of John’s charges and the discovery of a secret bank account and…a list. The Drop is set sometime later and follows on from The List; so best to read in that order
These novellas fill in gaps between the main Slow Horses stories very nicely. Both stories stand on their own and are sharp and clever. The writing, as with all Mick Herron’s slow horse is smart, inventive and has some very clever humour.
Many reviewers compare Herron’s writing to LeCarre. I don’t see the need to do this. It’s like comparing Pink Lady and Granny Smith apples. Each has a perfect niche, both are great to eat in their own right.
Can we get a story of when Solomon Dortmund was active? He seems like a smart cookie!
Two very smart novellas, allied to Slough House/Slow Horses. Both feature John Bachelor, an MI5 operative whose job is to care for retired ‘assets’. This is jokingly referred to as being a ‘milkman’.
Those of us of a certain vintage will remember the milkman-paying daily visits.
The List covers events following the (natural) death of one of John’s charges and the discovery of a secret bank account and…a list. The Drop is set sometime later and follows on from The List; so best to read in that order
These novellas fill in gaps between the main Slow Horses stories very nicely. Both stories stand on their own and are sharp and clever. The writing, as with all Mick Herron’s slow horse is smart, inventive and has some very clever humour.
Many reviewers compare Herron’s writing to LeCarre. I don’t see the need to do this. It’s like comparing Pink Lady and Granny Smith apples. Each has a perfect niche, both are great to eat in their own right.
Can we get a story of when Solomon Dortmund was active? He seems like a smart cookie!
January 29, 2020
Ok little novellas, just not quite what I imagined they'd be. They were easy, quick reads. Not too challenging and included some of the characters from Mick Herron's other novels which tied them in nicely. I love the Slough House Jackson Lamb novels, and, for me, these short stories didn't quite cut it. Having said that, I've bought The Catch - just in case he makes a series of retired Joe stories to keep us on our toes!
Read
December 2, 2025I picked this up from the library to read, specifically as The Drop (Slough House #5.5) fits in the chronology after London Rules, which I have just finished. The other short story/novella/novelette(?) - about 100 pages each - is The List (#2.5).
I now find myself reading spy genre books in 3 time periods, almost as if I planned it (I didn't!) This is obviously modern day MI5; Green Ink includes 'C' Division, an early evolution of the post-war Secret Services/SIS c.1920, '... everyone knows only the security service uses green ink', and; the Ian Fleming/Bond homage Trigger Mortis set bang in the middle of the original franchise, MI6 c.1957 (and William Boyd Gabriel's Moon)
*moderate spoilers* The [Marylebone] Drop is a nice little self-contained ‘Slough House’ story. A very unfortunate analyst in the Park is caught up in some friendly fire, a triple-agent between 2 European allies. His only crime was to trigger a flagged name in a search, a favour for a washed-up part-time agent John Bachelor (an ‘irregular’). Further back is the titular drop, observed by an old retired Joe in an upmarket cafe in London. In the spy game there are winners, losers, and those who don’t understand the rules … Lech ‘Alec’ Wicinski is that man, fresh meat for the Slow Horses and Jackson Lamb to process in book 6!
The List is set 3 years before The Drop, and should be read in order … not that I have even believed in the anything ‘standalone’ about such a series! We meet Bachelor (as above), with his dwindling ‘Milk Round’ of retired agents, and the death of another cold war veteran. But in this case there is some suspicion that Dieter Hess was in someone else's pay. This leads to a run-in with Di Taverner and discovery of the eponymous list. It looks like a side hustle for a bit of innocent pocket money, a retirement hobby if you will, but one of this ghost network is very much active. This is part of an origin story for Hannah Weiss, who we meet again in The Drop, and maybe later in the full novels? We also meet new Psych Eval analyst J.K.Cole in his first week on the job, an unwitting stooge, but not the damaged individual who arrives in Slough House some time later. But at least Jason Kevin(!) gets to meet Molly, Stansfield and Lamb, the latter in his lair, so he knows what to expect when he ends up on the wrong side of the tracks.
These 2 novellas are fun, the short format works, but only - in my opinion - as an interim morsel (an amuse-bouches?) for the full novels.
I now find myself reading spy genre books in 3 time periods, almost as if I planned it (I didn't!) This is obviously modern day MI5; Green Ink includes 'C' Division, an early evolution of the post-war Secret Services/SIS c.1920, '... everyone knows only the security service uses green ink', and; the Ian Fleming/Bond homage Trigger Mortis set bang in the middle of the original franchise, MI6 c.1957 (and William Boyd Gabriel's Moon)
*moderate spoilers* The [Marylebone] Drop is a nice little self-contained ‘Slough House’ story. A very unfortunate analyst in the Park is caught up in some friendly fire, a triple-agent between 2 European allies. His only crime was to trigger a flagged name in a search, a favour for a washed-up part-time agent John Bachelor (an ‘irregular’). Further back is the titular drop, observed by an old retired Joe in an upmarket cafe in London. In the spy game there are winners, losers, and those who don’t understand the rules … Lech ‘Alec’ Wicinski is that man, fresh meat for the Slow Horses and Jackson Lamb to process in book 6!
The List is set 3 years before The Drop, and should be read in order … not that I have even believed in the anything ‘standalone’ about such a series! We meet Bachelor (as above), with his dwindling ‘Milk Round’ of retired agents, and the death of another cold war veteran. But in this case there is some suspicion that Dieter Hess was in someone else's pay. This leads to a run-in with Di Taverner and discovery of the eponymous list. It looks like a side hustle for a bit of innocent pocket money, a retirement hobby if you will, but one of this ghost network is very much active. This is part of an origin story for Hannah Weiss, who we meet again in The Drop, and maybe later in the full novels? We also meet new Psych Eval analyst J.K.Cole in his first week on the job, an unwitting stooge, but not the damaged individual who arrives in Slough House some time later. But at least Jason Kevin(!) gets to meet Molly, Stansfield and Lamb, the latter in his lair, so he knows what to expect when he ends up on the wrong side of the tracks.
These 2 novellas are fun, the short format works, but only - in my opinion - as an interim morsel (an amuse-bouches?) for the full novels.
December 2, 2025
🔪 Book Review: The Drop by Mick Herron
Mick Herron’s novella, The Drop, is a potent and bleak snapshot of life after MI5, confirming the author’s reputation for stripping the espionage world of its glamour. Set in the same universe as his beloved Slow Horses series, this short, sharp read focuses on John Bachelor, an aging, retired agent whose life is a testament to the system's mercilessness.
The True Cost of Service
Bachelor is introduced not in a comfortable retirement, but living hand-to-mouth and sleeping in his car—a devastating image that utterly shatters the myth of the well-cared-for spy. When he is drawn into a seemingly innocuous final "drop" by an old colleague, it forces him back into the unforgiving orbit of the Service.
Herron expertly uses Bachelor’s desperation to explore the theme of disposability. For MI5, embodied by the chillingly efficient hierarchy, agents are functional assets; once their utility expires, they are forgotten, or worse, quietly eliminated to prevent scandal—a ruthless institutional maneuver that eerily echoes the efforts of other powerful, secretive organizations to protect their own integrity. The novella underscores that in this world, there are no heroes, only expendable components.
A Masterclass in Cynicism
Written with Herron’s signature gallows humor and razor-sharp prose, The Drop is both tense and profoundly sad. It serves as a stark warning and a vital thematic appendix to the main series, reinforcing the idea that the only solace for the failed spies of MI5 is the miserable camaraderie found at Slough House.
Verdict: A powerful and succinct meditation on bureaucracy, betrayal, and the brutal reality that in the world of espionage, the greatest danger often comes not from foreign enemies, but from your own side. Essential reading for fans of Herron’s cynical brilliance.
August 8, 2023
Two novellas set in the world of the "slow horses" at Slough House and also one continuing the other. They are both very good, continuing the same style of complex stories and interesting characters. The List features Jackson Lamb but there are no other current characters. However, certain people fall foul of fate and move from these incidents to Slough House, just proving how unfair that system actually is! Meanwhile, John Bachelor sails serenely through the mud at the bottom.
It's worth reading the stories where they fit - The List after book 3 (Real Tigers) and The Drop after book 5 (London Rules). That's what I did, which is why it seems like I took 9 months to read the book! It was actually two days for the first story and a day for the second!
It's worth reading the stories where they fit - The List after book 3 (Real Tigers) and The Drop after book 5 (London Rules). That's what I did, which is why it seems like I took 9 months to read the book! It was actually two days for the first story and a day for the second!
August 30, 2024
These two novellas were enjoyable, but not the same thrill and tension of the main series. The list didn't really feel like a complete story - it almost felt like a start of a novel that Herron decided not to finish, and some agent/publisher/whatever said 'we can flog that as a novella'. The Drop was better, but didn't feature any of the main Slough House characters, which left the experience a bit flat.
That said, I'm probably unfairly comparing these to Herron's main books - which are among the best I've ever read. Compared to most authors, these are still great. You can definitely enjoy these so long as you appreciate them for what they are - a bit of side story filler - and don't expect the same quality you get in the main Slough House series.
That said, I'm probably unfairly comparing these to Herron's main books - which are among the best I've ever read. Compared to most authors, these are still great. You can definitely enjoy these so long as you appreciate them for what they are - a bit of side story filler - and don't expect the same quality you get in the main Slough House series.
August 4, 2022
My 1st dabble into Mick Herron's world!
And delighted I am too! I had avidly devoured Slow Horses, the tv series starring Gary Oldman, one of my favourite actors, curiosity was piqued! So these Slough House novellas were a perfect intro.
Filled with a descriptive narrative of the seaside side of London, and those who inhabit the murky waters of espionage. We are introduced to the oft flawed employees of MI5, in darkly comic acts, failings, and cock ups!
This guy is a cross between Stuart McBride's humour and LeCarre's world of intrigues, agendas. I'm booked already! Brilliant entertaing, gritty, and realistic!
And delighted I am too! I had avidly devoured Slow Horses, the tv series starring Gary Oldman, one of my favourite actors, curiosity was piqued! So these Slough House novellas were a perfect intro.
Filled with a descriptive narrative of the seaside side of London, and those who inhabit the murky waters of espionage. We are introduced to the oft flawed employees of MI5, in darkly comic acts, failings, and cock ups!
This guy is a cross between Stuart McBride's humour and LeCarre's world of intrigues, agendas. I'm booked already! Brilliant entertaing, gritty, and realistic!
June 21, 2024
In these tales, the focus turns to John Batchelor - a milkman, whose job it is to take care of and keep an eye on retired spooks.
In The Drop, we see one of those retirees recognise an old style drop. By passing on what he's seen to Batchelor, he sets in motion a series of actions which sees dire consequences, and not just for himself. This story adds meat to the bones of how Lech/Alex ended up being exiled from the Park to Slough House.
The List - despite it's position in the order, is the story before The Drop. And yes, John Batchelor is very much involved - and not in a good way.
Lamb and Lady Di feature - but they're more bit player than usual. An interesting read.
In The Drop, we see one of those retirees recognise an old style drop. By passing on what he's seen to Batchelor, he sets in motion a series of actions which sees dire consequences, and not just for himself. This story adds meat to the bones of how Lech/Alex ended up being exiled from the Park to Slough House.
The List - despite it's position in the order, is the story before The Drop. And yes, John Batchelor is very much involved - and not in a good way.
Lamb and Lady Di feature - but they're more bit player than usual. An interesting read.
November 13, 2020
Quirky.
That's perhaps the best way to describe these two interlinked novellas.
Some of the familiar characters are featured, but the main characters e.g. John Bachelor are new...and as with the other Slough House novels, Mick Herron gives them depth and a certain likeableness/unlikeableness.
The wit is there, the smart observations of people.
In essence, it's like picking up a very satisfying snack from a restaurant where your more used to having a full sit-down meal!!
That's perhaps the best way to describe these two interlinked novellas.
Some of the familiar characters are featured, but the main characters e.g. John Bachelor are new...and as with the other Slough House novels, Mick Herron gives them depth and a certain likeableness/unlikeableness.
The wit is there, the smart observations of people.
In essence, it's like picking up a very satisfying snack from a restaurant where your more used to having a full sit-down meal!!
June 27, 2021
Sharp, almost malicious little stories that slot in with the Slough House books, as their main character acts, all unbeknownst to himself, as a sort of of Slough House recruitment drive while trying to rescue first, his mediocre intelligence career, and later, the slowly dissolving bits of his life. Hope there are more stories about him and his precarious grip on things and the unwittingly disastrous effects he has on others.
Edit -just checked - there's one more, yay!
Edit -just checked - there's one more, yay!
October 2, 2021
Having read the first four novels in the Jackson Lamb series and been slightly disappointed in Spook Street, I am delighted to know that Herron returns to form with this self-contained two-parter. Lamb makes only a brief guest appearance but that is okay because we meet other characters who take our attention. The descriptions of John Bachelor's descent into obscure mediocrity are both hilarious and heart-rending.
Herron is a treasure.
Herron is a treasure.
December 9, 2024
Setting the scene for Joe Country, Mr Herron crafts two short stories .
I have read more of his books this year than any other author.
Second hand after my husband has finished his latest read. We don’t often share books, yet we do these.
Usually writing with wry and politically incorrect dialog from one of the main characters in this series… these were from a new viewpoint . Still excellent reads , both of them .
I have read more of his books this year than any other author.
Second hand after my husband has finished his latest read. We don’t often share books, yet we do these.
Usually writing with wry and politically incorrect dialog from one of the main characters in this series… these were from a new viewpoint . Still excellent reads , both of them .
December 17, 2024
I read this after the first 8 books (and accidentally read The Catch first), but I actually ended up enjoying looking back and realizing the back story to events that had transpired in the books. Like all Herron’s characters, John is interesting and complex (you feel both sorry for and a bit put off by him at times) and I was happy to see his character developed a bit more, and of course learn Lech’s backstory, with a pinch of J.K. Coe!
February 16, 2025
Spy fiction isn't really my cup of tea, but I enjoyed these 2 stories for their style and ambiance. The details have already gone from my memory, but it's amusing that the main character here is a failed spy whose only remaining duty is to keep tabs on former informants who draw a pension from MI5. Bachelor is the polar opposite of James Bond. The challenge here seems to be to make seediness as gripping as glamour, and Herron has fun with it.
April 25, 2026
I read a hardback copy that consisted of The Drop and no other book. I didn't much like this author or the story either. I didn't find it clear and I couldn't see the point of the story except to act as a commentary on what we all know already, Life Is Unfair and Shitty People Wipe Their Feet On Innocent People. Ok, so this is about spies and the machinations behind hierarchies, but what else was it really about?
It's a big fat No from me.
It's a big fat No from me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews