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Magical Disinformation
In the era of ‘fake news’ in the land of magical realism, fiction can be just as dangerous as the truth.
Oliver Jardine is a spy in Colombia, enamoured with local woman Veronica Velasco. As the Colombian government signs a peace agreement with the FARC guerrillas, Her Majesty’s Government decides a transfer is in order to focus on more pertinent theatres of operation in Yemen.
In a desperate attempt to remain in Colombia, Jardine begins to fabricate his intelligence reports. But the consequences soon take on a life of their own...
Praise for MAGICAL DISINFORMATION
“Magical Disinformation is a terrific novel that stretches the boundaries of the spy genre with wit, satire, and characters that come to life beyond the confines of the “operation,” while the suspense develops not only from the cascade of events but the hearts of its characters in a Colombia that comes to life.” — Michael Frost Beckner, Acclaimed Hollywood screenwriter and award-winning novelist, (Spy Game & The Spy Game novels)
“Our Man in Havana meets A Clear and Present Danger” — ARC Book Reviewer
"Essence of Carl Hiassen mixed with a pinch of Le Carré"—GoodReads Review
“A slyly comedic thriller with a good amount of action, suspense and fantastical story on events in Colombia.” — ARC Book Reviewer
“Imagine a work of fiction set in Colombia where the line between real and unreal, fact and fiction no longer exists...Think Waugh, think Greene and then a smattering of de Bernieres and you know what you're in for, a romp of a read which brings a smile to your lips as you enjoy this fast moving tragicomedy.” — Richard McColl, Colombia Calling Podcast
“Forced to choose between a career transfer and love, a spy attempts both by adding imagination to his intelligence reports. With satire and Marquez-esque imagery, Page evokes the colourful experiences of expats in Colombia, bureaucratic hypocrisy and the ease of deception in the age of fake news.” — Lance Karlson, Author of THE NORIEGA TAPES
Oliver Jardine is a spy in Colombia, enamoured with local woman Veronica Velasco. As the Colombian government signs a peace agreement with the FARC guerrillas, Her Majesty’s Government decides a transfer is in order to focus on more pertinent theatres of operation in Yemen.
In a desperate attempt to remain in Colombia, Jardine begins to fabricate his intelligence reports. But the consequences soon take on a life of their own...
Praise for MAGICAL DISINFORMATION
“Magical Disinformation is a terrific novel that stretches the boundaries of the spy genre with wit, satire, and characters that come to life beyond the confines of the “operation,” while the suspense develops not only from the cascade of events but the hearts of its characters in a Colombia that comes to life.” — Michael Frost Beckner, Acclaimed Hollywood screenwriter and award-winning novelist, (Spy Game & The Spy Game novels)
“Our Man in Havana meets A Clear and Present Danger” — ARC Book Reviewer
"Essence of Carl Hiassen mixed with a pinch of Le Carré"—GoodReads Review
“A slyly comedic thriller with a good amount of action, suspense and fantastical story on events in Colombia.” — ARC Book Reviewer
“Imagine a work of fiction set in Colombia where the line between real and unreal, fact and fiction no longer exists...Think Waugh, think Greene and then a smattering of de Bernieres and you know what you're in for, a romp of a read which brings a smile to your lips as you enjoy this fast moving tragicomedy.” — Richard McColl, Colombia Calling Podcast
“Forced to choose between a career transfer and love, a spy attempts both by adding imagination to his intelligence reports. With satire and Marquez-esque imagery, Page evokes the colourful experiences of expats in Colombia, bureaucratic hypocrisy and the ease of deception in the age of fake news.” — Lance Karlson, Author of THE NORIEGA TAPES
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2020
33 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Lachlan Page
3 books28 followersLachlan Page has lived in Colombia, South Korea, Europe and Nicaragua. He has worked as: a volcano hiking guide, red cross volunteer, marketing analyst, language teacher, university lecturer, and an extra in a Russian TV series.
THE GENERAL OF CARACAS is his second novel. His first was MAGICAL DISINFORMATION, a spy novel set in Colombia.
To purchase my books through your favourite bookstore, read my blog, or to get in touch, please see Lachlan Page Author for more details.
Follow me on BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lachl...
THE GENERAL OF CARACAS is his second novel. His first was MAGICAL DISINFORMATION, a spy novel set in Colombia.
To purchase my books through your favourite bookstore, read my blog, or to get in touch, please see Lachlan Page Author for more details.
Follow me on BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lachl...
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 9, 2021
Lachlan Page’s 'Magical Disinformation' spoofs espionage thriller tropes for laughs but also gives a detailed picture of politics, society, and conflict in Colombia. Oliver Jardine is an analyst for British intelligence, his days are filled with coffee or beer dates with various sources. But the guerrillas in the jungle are about to sign a peace agreement with the government so Colombia is no longer a hotspot. This means Jardine will be transferred to the Middle East. The problem is he doesn’t want to leave his Colombian girlfriend, Veronica. Jardine must find a story - some new intelligence in Colombia that will see his employers extend his contract. In the end, the only option is to make it up. I won't give away what Jardine fabricates. This is a reimagining of Graham Greene’s 'Our Man in Havana' in which the main character sends drawings of giant vacuum cleaners to London reporting that they are Russian secret weapons. This updating of Greene is relevant in our era of fake news.
This novel also reminded me of the part in Greene's 'The Quiet American' when the journalist Fowler goes off on a dangerous mission north of Saigon. If Fowler can get a good story he will be able to stay in Vietnam with his girlfriend Phuong. Page’s Jardine leaves the capital Bogotá to tour various locations in search of 'intelligence'. This allows us to see different parts of the country. In general, the author successfully treads the fine line between the desire to inform the reader about Colombia and getting on with the story. One of the most interesting places for me was the desolate peninsula where the Wayuu people live as I'd recently seen the movie 'Birds of Passage' about a Wayuu man who rises in the drug trade. Page handles the cliché of Colombia and cocaine well by neither avoiding nor focusing on it. Towards the end of the novel, the pace picks up with several well-executed action scenes.
As well as various spy novel references, Page works in material I imagine is related to his personal experiences: Jardine, much like a novelist, struggles to write his fabricated reports because his creative juices are held back by self-censorship. Then there is the eternal expat dilemma of how to stay in a country that, while lacking in employment opportunities, offers you a much more exciting life than elsewhere or back home. Jardine develops nicely as a character, not without a conscience, he a man motivated by love...and the desire to create, as his fellow intelligence agent Paco notes:
"...but a falsified intelligence report is better than a novel. It's somewhere between craft and a work of art."
As someone with an interest in Colombia and Graham Greene, this was a very satisfying read. And although the title references Garcia Márquez's magical realism style, I'm glad the writing was more Greene than Márquez.
This novel also reminded me of the part in Greene's 'The Quiet American' when the journalist Fowler goes off on a dangerous mission north of Saigon. If Fowler can get a good story he will be able to stay in Vietnam with his girlfriend Phuong. Page’s Jardine leaves the capital Bogotá to tour various locations in search of 'intelligence'. This allows us to see different parts of the country. In general, the author successfully treads the fine line between the desire to inform the reader about Colombia and getting on with the story. One of the most interesting places for me was the desolate peninsula where the Wayuu people live as I'd recently seen the movie 'Birds of Passage' about a Wayuu man who rises in the drug trade. Page handles the cliché of Colombia and cocaine well by neither avoiding nor focusing on it. Towards the end of the novel, the pace picks up with several well-executed action scenes.
As well as various spy novel references, Page works in material I imagine is related to his personal experiences: Jardine, much like a novelist, struggles to write his fabricated reports because his creative juices are held back by self-censorship. Then there is the eternal expat dilemma of how to stay in a country that, while lacking in employment opportunities, offers you a much more exciting life than elsewhere or back home. Jardine develops nicely as a character, not without a conscience, he a man motivated by love...and the desire to create, as his fellow intelligence agent Paco notes:
"...but a falsified intelligence report is better than a novel. It's somewhere between craft and a work of art."
As someone with an interest in Colombia and Graham Greene, this was a very satisfying read. And although the title references Garcia Márquez's magical realism style, I'm glad the writing was more Greene than Márquez.
June 30, 2021
Forced to choose between a career transfer and love, a spy attempts both by adding imagination to his intelligence reports. With satire and Marquez-esque imagery, Page evokes the colourful experiences of expats in Colombia, bureaucratic hypocrisy and the ease of deception in the age of fake news.
This is an ambitious novel in its combination of humour, spy action, social commentary and references to magical realism. It could have easily descended into Colombian stereotypes (cocaine and Escobar-inspired clichés), but Page achieves the combination authentically through his obvious familiarity with the Spanish language, Colombian customs, places, guerrilla factions and relatively-unknown indigenous groups.
Anyone familiar with Colombia would recognise the landmarks from Bogota’s Monserrate to Cartagena’s walled perimeter, Café del Mar and the home of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I particularly enjoyed the transition of environments from the misty mountains of the Andes to jungles, rainforests, humid coasts and the deserts of La Guajira.
While I enjoyed this book thoroughly, I do suggest that the readers who enjoy it most would be those familiar with Colombian or Latin American culture. Some of the satire, such as passing references to the Odebrecht corporation, nepotism and the vast array of Colombian public holidays would bring a chuckle to many; for others it may be lost in translation.
I found the characters of Jardine and Veronica realistic and relatable, and the colourful mix of expats and travellers were straight from the bustling bars of Colombia’s north. The only characters I found difficult to relate to were Juan and Paco; with Paco, there was complexity in his dual role as a professional spy and swaggering ‘parcero’, but I was intrigued about his objectives and his somewhat mild reactions to events.
On another personal note, I found the action in the second half of this novel particularly reminiscent of the structure of The Noriega Tapes; an adventure through exotic locations towards a climax amongst the whitewashed, bougainvillea-draped walls of a Spanish colonial outpost. In the case of Magical Disinformation, I feel there was an appropriate number of locations and scenes, and that these didn’t detract too much from the plot.
The descriptive imagery and explanations of different cultural groups were also surprisingly familiar – and evoked Rusty Young’s descriptions in Colombiano. I can only put this down to what must be uniquely Australian observations of Latin America!
This is an ambitious novel in its combination of humour, spy action, social commentary and references to magical realism. It could have easily descended into Colombian stereotypes (cocaine and Escobar-inspired clichés), but Page achieves the combination authentically through his obvious familiarity with the Spanish language, Colombian customs, places, guerrilla factions and relatively-unknown indigenous groups.
Anyone familiar with Colombia would recognise the landmarks from Bogota’s Monserrate to Cartagena’s walled perimeter, Café del Mar and the home of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I particularly enjoyed the transition of environments from the misty mountains of the Andes to jungles, rainforests, humid coasts and the deserts of La Guajira.
While I enjoyed this book thoroughly, I do suggest that the readers who enjoy it most would be those familiar with Colombian or Latin American culture. Some of the satire, such as passing references to the Odebrecht corporation, nepotism and the vast array of Colombian public holidays would bring a chuckle to many; for others it may be lost in translation.
I found the characters of Jardine and Veronica realistic and relatable, and the colourful mix of expats and travellers were straight from the bustling bars of Colombia’s north. The only characters I found difficult to relate to were Juan and Paco; with Paco, there was complexity in his dual role as a professional spy and swaggering ‘parcero’, but I was intrigued about his objectives and his somewhat mild reactions to events.
On another personal note, I found the action in the second half of this novel particularly reminiscent of the structure of The Noriega Tapes; an adventure through exotic locations towards a climax amongst the whitewashed, bougainvillea-draped walls of a Spanish colonial outpost. In the case of Magical Disinformation, I feel there was an appropriate number of locations and scenes, and that these didn’t detract too much from the plot.
The descriptive imagery and explanations of different cultural groups were also surprisingly familiar – and evoked Rusty Young’s descriptions in Colombiano. I can only put this down to what must be uniquely Australian observations of Latin America!
November 2, 2021
A fresh take on the spy genre with little bits of action, intrigue, humour and the interesting setting of Colombia, a place rarely seen in other books. The story centres around Oliver Jardine, an analyst for MI6, who starts to fake his intelligence reports to lengthen his stay in Colombia to be close to his new girlfriend. It’s safe to say, from there it all goes pear shaped and things get out of hand!
I enjoyed the humour and the descriptions and story setting around Colombia, the character building was a little lacking but that didn’t seem to hold the story back a great deal. And I feel this was more than made up for with great dialogue and the accurate depictions of Colombian culture. I would’ve liked to see a little more of the relationship between Oliver and Veronica, but maybe that’s just the romantic in me!
A very enjoyable read for those interested in an entertaining international spy thriller with a difference.
I enjoyed the humour and the descriptions and story setting around Colombia, the character building was a little lacking but that didn’t seem to hold the story back a great deal. And I feel this was more than made up for with great dialogue and the accurate depictions of Colombian culture. I would’ve liked to see a little more of the relationship between Oliver and Veronica, but maybe that’s just the romantic in me!
A very enjoyable read for those interested in an entertaining international spy thriller with a difference.
September 15, 2023
The story of a British spy who falls in love and then decides to lie to stay in Colombia. I've been told this is similar to Our Man in Havana, although I haven't read that one.
This was a fun read and easy to get through, not a serious action spy thriller but definitely enjoyable and accurately potrays Colombia more than you usually see in the media or in movies and books. You could tell the writer had lived there. Having a parent from Colombia, I asked them about some of the words and in the book (I speak Spanish but more "Miami" Spanish than Colombian) and they laughed and wanted to know more. It seems they were quite specific Colombian spanish words and they enjoyed seeing it in print in English. The story flows well and I liked the reference to other spy novels and genres and some of the jokes and scenes are funny and leave you entertained. Overall an enoyable quick read. Recommended.
This was a fun read and easy to get through, not a serious action spy thriller but definitely enjoyable and accurately potrays Colombia more than you usually see in the media or in movies and books. You could tell the writer had lived there. Having a parent from Colombia, I asked them about some of the words and in the book (I speak Spanish but more "Miami" Spanish than Colombian) and they laughed and wanted to know more. It seems they were quite specific Colombian spanish words and they enjoyed seeing it in print in English. The story flows well and I liked the reference to other spy novels and genres and some of the jokes and scenes are funny and leave you entertained. Overall an enoyable quick read. Recommended.
November 21, 2021
A very enjoyable book, which has echoes of Our Man In Havana. I was drawn to the story because of its Colombian location. I have worked with Colombians for many years and have visited the country several times. It is a beautiful country with wonderful, warm people and a tragic history and dysfunctional politics. The author clearly knows the place very well.
Our protagonist is a British Embassy analyst who fakes reports of Islamist terrorists establishing themselves in Colombia in an effort to avoid being transferred out of the country and away from the woman he loves. He soon finds himself well out of his depth.
One tip for readers: keep a note of the characters who appear in the first half of the book. Once or twice, when they reappeared much later, I had to backtrack to remember who they were.
Our protagonist is a British Embassy analyst who fakes reports of Islamist terrorists establishing themselves in Colombia in an effort to avoid being transferred out of the country and away from the woman he loves. He soon finds himself well out of his depth.
One tip for readers: keep a note of the characters who appear in the first half of the book. Once or twice, when they reappeared much later, I had to backtrack to remember who they were.
April 29, 2022
I haven't read many spy novels as it isnt something that really appealed to me, however for some reason this book really appealed to me, and I loved it. The story was engaging and captivating and I couldn't put it down. A great read.
May 28, 2022
Very entertaining. I enjoyed the story and humor along the way. It's a light read, and not great literature. But probably a good story for those that don't want a cozy story.
I appreciate the free review copy for review!!
I appreciate the free review copy for review!!
October 3, 2021
While far from a great book, this was a fun caper, which is typically not what I read. But it takes place in Colombia where my brother lives, so I enjoyed the cultural aspects and learning more about the country.
June 10, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫- {MAGICAL DISINFORMATION - Lachlan Page}
Hooked by the cover, stayed for the action! I don’t think I have ever read a spy thriller 🔎 before so this was a little out of my wheelhouse, but I actually really enjoyed it! Oliver Jardine is a British Intelligence analyst who falls in love with a saucy local Colombian woman named Veronica 💃🏼. When her Majesty’s government decides its time to transfer him to his next location he is heartbroken and in hopes of gaining clarity on how to extend his stay, he travels into the high altitudes of South America to visit a shaman. Under the effects of ayahuasca, with tiny yellow butterflies falling from the sky around him, he decides to become the spy that lied for love (sweet right 🥰)and concocts an elaborate story about a network of brothels being visited by Israeli mercenary and US Secret Service agents. Surprisingly the government extends his stay but informs him he must do the ground work himself and produce video evidence of his investigating to back up his claims. Before he knows it he finds himself in immersed in the world of criminal gangs, cartels and cocaine trafficking. His sources start getting picked off one by one - gun shot, cyanide poisoning, gas leak…all the death and lies start to chew at his subconscious until his love for Veronica is the only truth thats left! 😦
💭First of all the setting was fabulous - Bogota, Columbia - think lots of rum 🍹on the beach, breeze from the ocean 🏖and beers 🍺 in open air bars with salsa music in the background. All the “intelligence” that was gathered was usually over a cigar and drinks with characters full of swagger and juicy information. Could I always follow the information? No! Im not a spy for goodness sake’s! But it was definitely entertaining and I could follow along enough to get the gist. The characters were all full of charm and charisma. I don’t feel like I got to know Veronica enough to care if Olivers whole plan actually worked out but I could buy into her being the “honey trap” that made him at least attempt it. The whole scene where Oliver is hallucinating up in the jungle from some twisted juice flows perfectly with the humor of the book. I’d say this was just the right amount of spy/humor/action to ease me into this genre!
Thanks to @netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Hooked by the cover, stayed for the action! I don’t think I have ever read a spy thriller 🔎 before so this was a little out of my wheelhouse, but I actually really enjoyed it! Oliver Jardine is a British Intelligence analyst who falls in love with a saucy local Colombian woman named Veronica 💃🏼. When her Majesty’s government decides its time to transfer him to his next location he is heartbroken and in hopes of gaining clarity on how to extend his stay, he travels into the high altitudes of South America to visit a shaman. Under the effects of ayahuasca, with tiny yellow butterflies falling from the sky around him, he decides to become the spy that lied for love (sweet right 🥰)and concocts an elaborate story about a network of brothels being visited by Israeli mercenary and US Secret Service agents. Surprisingly the government extends his stay but informs him he must do the ground work himself and produce video evidence of his investigating to back up his claims. Before he knows it he finds himself in immersed in the world of criminal gangs, cartels and cocaine trafficking. His sources start getting picked off one by one - gun shot, cyanide poisoning, gas leak…all the death and lies start to chew at his subconscious until his love for Veronica is the only truth thats left! 😦
💭First of all the setting was fabulous - Bogota, Columbia - think lots of rum 🍹on the beach, breeze from the ocean 🏖and beers 🍺 in open air bars with salsa music in the background. All the “intelligence” that was gathered was usually over a cigar and drinks with characters full of swagger and juicy information. Could I always follow the information? No! Im not a spy for goodness sake’s! But it was definitely entertaining and I could follow along enough to get the gist. The characters were all full of charm and charisma. I don’t feel like I got to know Veronica enough to care if Olivers whole plan actually worked out but I could buy into her being the “honey trap” that made him at least attempt it. The whole scene where Oliver is hallucinating up in the jungle from some twisted juice flows perfectly with the humor of the book. I’d say this was just the right amount of spy/humor/action to ease me into this genre!
Thanks to @netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 8, 2022
I'm not sure what I just read, but it was a lot of fun and had me snorting with laughter. Netgalley asks for help categorising books and I don't know if this fits into any genre. Is cozy-thriller-comedy-of-errors a thing? Essence of Carl Hiassen mixed with a pinch of Le Carré?
Could be read by Yr9+ - will be appreciated by older readers who see the subversion and pastiche of thriller tropes.
Could be read by Yr9+ - will be appreciated by older readers who see the subversion and pastiche of thriller tropes.
September 3, 2023
Lachlan Page’s Magical Disinformation first wowed me and the rest the world due to its unique cover’s reveal in the Spybrary FB group couple of years ago. I got 50% through it, then slightly perplexed, I put it down…
The completion of this book then took an unusual route, a little like its protagonist Oliver Jardine’s Colombian odyssey, minus the Ayahuasca trip!
I followed the blurb to one of the book’s inspirations, Graham Greene’s Our Man in Havana, which I could-not-put-down, but now ‘got’ where Page was coming from.
This author has something in common with John le Carré here (stop rolling your eyes, he’s the original Lachlan Page not the new JLC) in that both have paid homage to ‘Havana, in le Carré’s case with the Tailor of Panama, a classic in it’s self, I’m told. The other driving inspiration is the diverse beauty, cultures and landscapes of Colombia. The author’s experience of which infuses the novel, much in the same way as Simon Conway fills our senses with the war zones of Middle East, but in this case we’re left with a yearning to see these natural wonders for ourself.
So what we have in Magical Disinformation is a light hearted homage to a top-five all time classic by one of the greatest novelists ever (Graham Greene). It doesn’t take itself too seriously or beg comparison, whilst also entwining a captivating travelogue. The magical realism- inspired by the genre’s Colombian doyen, Gabriel García Márquez (now also on my bucket list-thanks LP!) seems to take a back seat to the natural landscape itself, which has a magic all of its own-probably Page’s case in point.
The odyssey was worth it. There’s some growing room allowed for in my four star rating- already taken with Page’s hotly tipped follow up The General of Caracas.
All-in-all Magical Disinformation is something a bit different, which is always welcome in Casa Onyx.
The completion of this book then took an unusual route, a little like its protagonist Oliver Jardine’s Colombian odyssey, minus the Ayahuasca trip!
I followed the blurb to one of the book’s inspirations, Graham Greene’s Our Man in Havana, which I could-not-put-down, but now ‘got’ where Page was coming from.
This author has something in common with John le Carré here (stop rolling your eyes, he’s the original Lachlan Page not the new JLC) in that both have paid homage to ‘Havana, in le Carré’s case with the Tailor of Panama, a classic in it’s self, I’m told. The other driving inspiration is the diverse beauty, cultures and landscapes of Colombia. The author’s experience of which infuses the novel, much in the same way as Simon Conway fills our senses with the war zones of Middle East, but in this case we’re left with a yearning to see these natural wonders for ourself.
So what we have in Magical Disinformation is a light hearted homage to a top-five all time classic by one of the greatest novelists ever (Graham Greene). It doesn’t take itself too seriously or beg comparison, whilst also entwining a captivating travelogue. The magical realism- inspired by the genre’s Colombian doyen, Gabriel García Márquez (now also on my bucket list-thanks LP!) seems to take a back seat to the natural landscape itself, which has a magic all of its own-probably Page’s case in point.
The odyssey was worth it. There’s some growing room allowed for in my four star rating- already taken with Page’s hotly tipped follow up The General of Caracas.
All-in-all Magical Disinformation is something a bit different, which is always welcome in Casa Onyx.
February 17, 2025
"Magical Disinformation" - A cross between "Our Man in Havana" and "The General in His Labyrinth."
“A man with almost no heroic qualities,” is how Oliver Jardine, the protagonist of Lachlan Page’s novel "Magical Disinformation" could be described. Except that he tries to be one, if only to stay with his beloved girlfriend Veronica Velasco.
The scene is Columbia and, as the guerrilla war is winding down, so is Oliver’s job. He is needed elsewhere to service the requirements of the all-consuming intelligence service for which he works. Yemen is where he is to be sent — not a death sentence for his career but certainly a death knell for his romance. What woman would want to follow him into a war-zone?
There is only one solution and Jardine becomes inventive, when there is no compelling intelligence one needs only invent it. Surely that will be enough to keep him in Bogata?
But the fates have other ideas. With satire, fantastical imagery, and tongue in cheek humor, Page takes the reader on an adventure in Gabriel José García Márquez’s land of mystical realism that he knows so well.
“A man with almost no heroic qualities,” is how Oliver Jardine, the protagonist of Lachlan Page’s novel "Magical Disinformation" could be described. Except that he tries to be one, if only to stay with his beloved girlfriend Veronica Velasco.
The scene is Columbia and, as the guerrilla war is winding down, so is Oliver’s job. He is needed elsewhere to service the requirements of the all-consuming intelligence service for which he works. Yemen is where he is to be sent — not a death sentence for his career but certainly a death knell for his romance. What woman would want to follow him into a war-zone?
There is only one solution and Jardine becomes inventive, when there is no compelling intelligence one needs only invent it. Surely that will be enough to keep him in Bogata?
But the fates have other ideas. With satire, fantastical imagery, and tongue in cheek humor, Page takes the reader on an adventure in Gabriel José García Márquez’s land of mystical realism that he knows so well.
August 24, 2022
I sometimes pick up books outside my comfort zone in order to try something new. This was one such story. It is a spy novel, as the tagline rightly claims. It is also a little more than that because we have a person who usually has a desk job decide to do something extraordinary to stay with the woman he has fallen for.
Oliver does not want to leave Columbia, but his higher-ups have decided that peace has come to the country and most active intelligence operatives should be moved to places with a higher possibility of terrorism. Unable to explain his actual job to the woman he is seeing and reluctant to part with, Oliver finds himself doing something extraordinarily crazy. He decides to make up his reports, finding it surprising how easy it is to make up reports where no fact-checking is required.
He is not having the last laugh, though, because it looks like his fabricated intelligence has a life of its own and everything seems to be happening at cross purposes. The chaos was entertaining. There were a few scenes I appreciated the humour in what the author was trying to do.
The writing was simple and straightforward, making fun of the bureaucracy at higher levels and what the 'minions' have to deal with.
It was a fun book in a city with politics that I have only a faint understanding of. There is a lot of action towards the end, and the pacing was pretty easy to read. I would recommend this book to readers who find this review or the blurb interesting because it is a different story than my more common reads and, for that, worth the effort.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is based on my own reading experience.
Oliver does not want to leave Columbia, but his higher-ups have decided that peace has come to the country and most active intelligence operatives should be moved to places with a higher possibility of terrorism. Unable to explain his actual job to the woman he is seeing and reluctant to part with, Oliver finds himself doing something extraordinarily crazy. He decides to make up his reports, finding it surprising how easy it is to make up reports where no fact-checking is required.
He is not having the last laugh, though, because it looks like his fabricated intelligence has a life of its own and everything seems to be happening at cross purposes. The chaos was entertaining. There were a few scenes I appreciated the humour in what the author was trying to do.
The writing was simple and straightforward, making fun of the bureaucracy at higher levels and what the 'minions' have to deal with.
It was a fun book in a city with politics that I have only a faint understanding of. There is a lot of action towards the end, and the pacing was pretty easy to read. I would recommend this book to readers who find this review or the blurb interesting because it is a different story than my more common reads and, for that, worth the effort.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is based on my own reading experience.
December 21, 2022
Oliver Jardine is being transferred but he wants to stay for love. As an intelligence analyst, he isn't sure what to do. Soon he has the idea to fabricate his world, full of drugs, guns and bad guys. But his stories are soon becoming reality and his reasons to stay are now also reasons to stay alive.
I struggled with this book because I found the beginning very slow, but this was the build-up; however, I do think if I hadn't read the second book first I may not have.
Page writes a descriptively detailed novel that the reader can follow and engage in, capturing the warmth and colour of Columbia.
Although this novel is the first in a series (and I have read them in the wrong order) these can easily be standalone novels and I highly recommend the next.
I struggled with this book because I found the beginning very slow, but this was the build-up; however, I do think if I hadn't read the second book first I may not have.
Page writes a descriptively detailed novel that the reader can follow and engage in, capturing the warmth and colour of Columbia.
Although this novel is the first in a series (and I have read them in the wrong order) these can easily be standalone novels and I highly recommend the next.
July 16, 2022
I'm giving it three stars because I enjoyed it. The story was fun, and it never got boring. it was easy to read and interesting. The only thing that annoyed me was the title. Despite 'explaining' what magical disinformation' means during the story, it is still a stupid title, in my opinion. The title got my attention, but that is all.
April 10, 2023
Really enjoyed this novel - and as the son of a Colombian mother I wasn’t sure it would ring true but I found it a wonderful blend of satire and spy fiction with a hint of surrealism and magical realism that Colombia is famous for thanks to García Marquez. A really fun, funny, colourful and atmospheric romp of a book. 5 Our man in Bogotás out of 5.
July 30, 2023
One part spy novel and one part road adventure, Magical Disinformation is a wonderful read that traverses the Columbian landscape. I couldn't help but be reminded of Le Carré's The Tailor of Panama, but Page manages a lot of levity where many spy novels don't. I'm ready for Oliver Jardine's next adventure.
May 3, 2024
Brilliantly crafted and deeply engaging, Lachlan Page's Magical Disinformation paints an authentic picture of Columbia with a captivating touch of mystery and romance. With its compelling characters and haunting narrative, the novel is a must-read for fans of spy thrillers and spellbinding cultural adventures.
July 6, 2022
Magical Disinformation is a witty spy novel set in Colombia. It was a unique take on a genre in that it attempts a lighter treatment to some heady characters. I liked it. It was an interesting angle for a spy novel.
August 24, 2022
It start's a little slow, but when the action picks up it's really fun. It made me laugh and chuckle several times. I liked how it portrays Colombia and the setting of the book in general. I would say that It is a great summer read!
August 16, 2022
A delightfully funny and engaging spy tale of unintended consequences in a superbly-drawn Latin American setting.
May 24, 2024
This is a truly magnificent debut from a new voice in the Graham Greene/ John Le Carre school of literary spy capers. Watch Page’s ascent, he’s going places.
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November 19, 2022I am the author of MAGICAL DISINFORMATION so I won't leave a review or rating but I did want to give a bit of insight into how this novel came about.
The idea of a spy lying for love came to me while living in Colombia and surrounded by friends and colleagues in cross-national relationships. The question always arose: where should we live? Colombia or XYZ country? A tricky dilemma which got me thinking, how far would someone go to be with the one they loved? This, combined with a sprinkling of the idea from one of my favourite novels-OUR MAN IN HAVANA by Graham Greene, gave me the perfect plot and story line to begin writing.
The process was long and I spend hour pouring over news from Colombia and talking to friends, colleagues, and acquaintances about news and the political situation there. I spent 4 years living in Colombia and so that in itself provided a plethora of material. I weaved in a number of real news stories into the plot which you can find online with a little creative googling and based on what you read in the book.
So that is a little of the story of MAGICAL DISINFORMATION and how I came to write it. You can read some more here - https://www.lachlanpageauthor.com/blo...
I hope you enjoy the book and can immerse yourself in a literary trip to Colombia.
Happy reading!
Lachlan
The idea of a spy lying for love came to me while living in Colombia and surrounded by friends and colleagues in cross-national relationships. The question always arose: where should we live? Colombia or XYZ country? A tricky dilemma which got me thinking, how far would someone go to be with the one they loved? This, combined with a sprinkling of the idea from one of my favourite novels-OUR MAN IN HAVANA by Graham Greene, gave me the perfect plot and story line to begin writing.
The process was long and I spend hour pouring over news from Colombia and talking to friends, colleagues, and acquaintances about news and the political situation there. I spent 4 years living in Colombia and so that in itself provided a plethora of material. I weaved in a number of real news stories into the plot which you can find online with a little creative googling and based on what you read in the book.
So that is a little of the story of MAGICAL DISINFORMATION and how I came to write it. You can read some more here - https://www.lachlanpageauthor.com/blo...
I hope you enjoy the book and can immerse yourself in a literary trip to Colombia.
Happy reading!
Lachlan
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