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The Collation Unit
In the 1970s computers were beginning to overwhelm the Secret Services. Quickly, too much information was coming into GCHQ and things were being missed. The Collation Unit was set up underground in six floors beneath some old aircraft hangars at Mannington airfield just outside Cheltenham to make connections and prioritise everything.
In April/May 1982 they spotted some very strange things happening in Georgia and Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, London decided to move the only satellite covering this area down to the South Atlantic where some Argentinians had begun to invade the Falklands. When tensions began to develop with London, Mannington had to resort to old-fashioned means of finding out what was going on in the Middle East. They found Mark Tanner, an irrigation engineer from High Wycombe, who was working on new Military Cities in Saudi Arabia. He was there to make enough money to pay off his mortgage after a small difficulty involving a fire. It is true to say that however technology moves on, it still all comes down to people on the ground …
A tense and exciting story with an unguessable ending, this is a must-read for spy thriller enthusiasts and anyone who has always wondered what goes on behind closed doors.
In April/May 1982 they spotted some very strange things happening in Georgia and Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, London decided to move the only satellite covering this area down to the South Atlantic where some Argentinians had begun to invade the Falklands. When tensions began to develop with London, Mannington had to resort to old-fashioned means of finding out what was going on in the Middle East. They found Mark Tanner, an irrigation engineer from High Wycombe, who was working on new Military Cities in Saudi Arabia. He was there to make enough money to pay off his mortgage after a small difficulty involving a fire. It is true to say that however technology moves on, it still all comes down to people on the ground …
A tense and exciting story with an unguessable ending, this is a must-read for spy thriller enthusiasts and anyone who has always wondered what goes on behind closed doors.
336 pages, Paperback
Published March 28, 2021
1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
David Jarvis
1 book9 followersDavid Jarvis went to Art College and then ran his design and planning practice for forty years working all over the world. He ended up planning countries. His canvases just got bigger and bigger.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 9, 2022
Anyone who likes spy novels will really enjoy reading The Collation Unit. I found it quite easy to read and get into . I like the front cover is simple and intriguing and gives nothing away about the story. Some of the characters where very likeable and easy to follow. I never saw the ending which I really enjoyed.
Thank you David Jarvis for letting me review this book.
Thank you David Jarvis for letting me review this book.
June 24, 2022
What a wonderful and well thought out plot , you really feel as if you now know the inner workings of the world in which spy’s operate.
If you love thrillers with a little humour thrown in you should make sure you put this book on the top your TBR pile!
I’ve also seen a little rumour of a second book too so look out for that in the near future!.
An absolute must for espionage fans!
If you love thrillers with a little humour thrown in you should make sure you put this book on the top your TBR pile!
I’ve also seen a little rumour of a second book too so look out for that in the near future!.
An absolute must for espionage fans!
August 2, 2022
4/5 Very Good.
The Collation Unit by David Jarvis is an extremely fun, thoughtful, enjoyable and superbly plotted novel that lays bare the inner workings of the British Intelligence world.
Written with a light, bright and witty feel, this book Is a breath of fresh air that really does invigorate the spy genre.
Whilst you can’t just pigeonhole it as a spy thriller, though I would certainly recommend it to readers of that genre, it’s also very much a historical thriller, a black comedy of sorts, with a wicked wit throughout, and a bit of the very clever author telling his tale of the establishment - I very much expect he might well have had some dealings with in his past..
As the tale builds to its crescendo, David Jarvis pulls all the strings together of the many intricately plotted lines of the story, into a great ending that completes the journeys of many very likeable characters.
It’s a fine debut thriller, highly recommended, i thoroughly enjoyed myself peering into the world of espionage in the 80s, and got fully immersed into the life of Mark ‘Empty’ Tanner.
Superb.
The Collation Unit by David Jarvis is an extremely fun, thoughtful, enjoyable and superbly plotted novel that lays bare the inner workings of the British Intelligence world.
Written with a light, bright and witty feel, this book Is a breath of fresh air that really does invigorate the spy genre.
Whilst you can’t just pigeonhole it as a spy thriller, though I would certainly recommend it to readers of that genre, it’s also very much a historical thriller, a black comedy of sorts, with a wicked wit throughout, and a bit of the very clever author telling his tale of the establishment - I very much expect he might well have had some dealings with in his past..
As the tale builds to its crescendo, David Jarvis pulls all the strings together of the many intricately plotted lines of the story, into a great ending that completes the journeys of many very likeable characters.
It’s a fine debut thriller, highly recommended, i thoroughly enjoyed myself peering into the world of espionage in the 80s, and got fully immersed into the life of Mark ‘Empty’ Tanner.
Superb.
August 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, not my usual police procedural/whodunnit but a spy thriller set in the early 1980s. If you follow my reviews, you’ll know I’m partial to a bit of spy skulduggery.
The reader finds themselves transported back to an era when satellites & computers are starting to be used to monitor & collect information, as well as carrying out the actual spying too. However, it becomes clear that a source on the ground is still required. Mark Tanner is that person. An unlikely choice for a spy. They’re built of sterling stuff in High Wycombe.
A fast paced thriller with twists & turns aplenty, & a very surprising final one. The story draws you in & keeps you enthralled & guessing to the very end.
The reader finds themselves transported back to an era when satellites & computers are starting to be used to monitor & collect information, as well as carrying out the actual spying too. However, it becomes clear that a source on the ground is still required. Mark Tanner is that person. An unlikely choice for a spy. They’re built of sterling stuff in High Wycombe.
A fast paced thriller with twists & turns aplenty, & a very surprising final one. The story draws you in & keeps you enthralled & guessing to the very end.
June 24, 2022
This is a good spy thriller set in the 1980s and it's
entertaining and informative and well researched all of the characters all played a significant role in the story
The storyline is fast and detailed and this is an excellent book and I felt that the author has researched the subject well and this made the storyline believable and I. Highly recommend The Collation Unit!
Thank you to the author for a review copy of the book
entertaining and informative and well researched all of the characters all played a significant role in the story
The storyline is fast and detailed and this is an excellent book and I felt that the author has researched the subject well and this made the storyline believable and I. Highly recommend The Collation Unit!
Thank you to the author for a review copy of the book
August 15, 2021
The Collation Unit by David Jarvis is an espionage novel published by Troubador Press. If you like thrillers with guns and sex, this is not a book for you. Instead, this is a spy book where the main enemies are from inter-department rivals among the British intelligence departments. This is the type of spy book I prefer. From the Troubador website I take it that it is a self-publishing company and this may be a 1st novel for Mr. Jarvis. I would say “well done you.” The story is not perfect but it was more than good enough to hold my interest throughout.
The Collation Unit is a spin out of GCHQ that collects and assesses the output from GCHQ. Their goal is to then move on and act on these results. Obviously other departments do not think this is their writ.
The majority of the novel takes places in Saudi Arabia where an Englishmen who previously designed and installed irrigation system on golf courses in Britain goes to Saudi Arabia to make money and develop irrigation system for pointless buildings and new cities in the desert. He is the guy the Collation Unit wants to use to find out what is going on about a shipment of …….? going to Saudi Arabia. Nukes, weapons, drugs? His name is Mark Tanner and he goes by his initials “EMPTY”. At the same time as this is occurring, Mr. Jarvis employs a “MacGuffin “as the Falkland War commences. This causes the intelligence community to divert satellite coverage away from the Middle East to the Argentina region. Leaving Empty to be The Collation Unit’s eyes.
Empty appears to be a born loser but perhaps this is not the case and I shall not spoil the ending.
The point is, if you are looking for a good read, plenty of surprises and are willing to accept Empty is far better in planning and executing his escape from Saudi Arabia than the Saudis or the British Intelligence realizes this novel is for you.
The Collation Unit is a spin out of GCHQ that collects and assesses the output from GCHQ. Their goal is to then move on and act on these results. Obviously other departments do not think this is their writ.
The majority of the novel takes places in Saudi Arabia where an Englishmen who previously designed and installed irrigation system on golf courses in Britain goes to Saudi Arabia to make money and develop irrigation system for pointless buildings and new cities in the desert. He is the guy the Collation Unit wants to use to find out what is going on about a shipment of …….? going to Saudi Arabia. Nukes, weapons, drugs? His name is Mark Tanner and he goes by his initials “EMPTY”. At the same time as this is occurring, Mr. Jarvis employs a “MacGuffin “as the Falkland War commences. This causes the intelligence community to divert satellite coverage away from the Middle East to the Argentina region. Leaving Empty to be The Collation Unit’s eyes.
Empty appears to be a born loser but perhaps this is not the case and I shall not spoil the ending.
The point is, if you are looking for a good read, plenty of surprises and are willing to accept Empty is far better in planning and executing his escape from Saudi Arabia than the Saudis or the British Intelligence realizes this novel is for you.
July 19, 2021
If you enjoy traditional spy novels with a sprinkle of humour you will love this read.
As usual with this genre, it took me a while to work out who was in competition with who and not always being entirely truthful. But once I worked it out I found it a fun read. I was helped by the story being about events I remember, the Falklands War, the emergence of Gorbechev and the Saudi Arabia accumulation of military equipment while enjoying massive profits from oil production. These three events are interlinked but the main focus is on a character called Empty who I loved and the rivalry between British departments.
Very well written and easy to read.
As usual with this genre, it took me a while to work out who was in competition with who and not always being entirely truthful. But once I worked it out I found it a fun read. I was helped by the story being about events I remember, the Falklands War, the emergence of Gorbechev and the Saudi Arabia accumulation of military equipment while enjoying massive profits from oil production. These three events are interlinked but the main focus is on a character called Empty who I loved and the rivalry between British departments.
Very well written and easy to read.
September 28, 2022
Such an enjoyable political spy thriller that I read in a day! I really liked how historical events were mixed with quite a complex set of characters, and their private lives, whilst they all are also working for the British Secret Services. Loved the refreshing wit and dry humour in this story too, as it made the characters and the story itself very real. Not a traditional spy novel but definitely a well-written and fascinating book that I very much enjoyed reading.
The main part of the story is set in 1982, when The Collation Unit, which was set up a decade ago by GCHQ, starts to spot very strange things happening just off the coast of Saudi Arabia and Georgia. Soon The Collation Unit links these two places together and believes that Georgia is supplying all things needed for new Military Cities in Saudi Arabia. However, at the same time tensions are rising in the Falklands and London decides to move all the satellite coverage to the South Atlantic, leaving the area between Saudi Arabia and Georgia not fully monitored by technology. Thus, The Collation Unit goes in an old fashion way, they decide to depend on a person on the ground to supply all the needed information… However, will their chosen person be up to the job and will the job bear any fruits…
In the beginning, I was a bit confused about all the characters (and their names), but soon everything clicked into place and I loved how each of the characters added so much to the plot, especially as the book progressed. Empty’s character is hands down my favourite. The way he is portrayed to be quite sarcastic and humorous around everyone, which from the outside makes him look quite odd. However, he is anything but odd. Inside he is so intelligent and has that strategic mindset that gets him in and out of different, but sometimes not-so-good situations. However, he is such a great and lovable character.
Although it was a slow burn at first, the tension in this book just kept me going and by the end, I didn’t want to put it down…Oh and the ending was definitely a crème de la crème. This book was definitely a new take on spy novels and I thoroughly enjoyed that, especially the fact of how well researched the book was and how much information, action and plot it packs inside one book.
Overall: It is such an enjoyable book, with multi-dimensional and complex characters, great writing and humour, which balances perfectly with the tension and action. I enjoyed reading this story and can’t wait to see what David Jarvis is going to release next, as I am sure it’s going to be just as great.
The main part of the story is set in 1982, when The Collation Unit, which was set up a decade ago by GCHQ, starts to spot very strange things happening just off the coast of Saudi Arabia and Georgia. Soon The Collation Unit links these two places together and believes that Georgia is supplying all things needed for new Military Cities in Saudi Arabia. However, at the same time tensions are rising in the Falklands and London decides to move all the satellite coverage to the South Atlantic, leaving the area between Saudi Arabia and Georgia not fully monitored by technology. Thus, The Collation Unit goes in an old fashion way, they decide to depend on a person on the ground to supply all the needed information… However, will their chosen person be up to the job and will the job bear any fruits…
In the beginning, I was a bit confused about all the characters (and their names), but soon everything clicked into place and I loved how each of the characters added so much to the plot, especially as the book progressed. Empty’s character is hands down my favourite. The way he is portrayed to be quite sarcastic and humorous around everyone, which from the outside makes him look quite odd. However, he is anything but odd. Inside he is so intelligent and has that strategic mindset that gets him in and out of different, but sometimes not-so-good situations. However, he is such a great and lovable character.
Although it was a slow burn at first, the tension in this book just kept me going and by the end, I didn’t want to put it down…Oh and the ending was definitely a crème de la crème. This book was definitely a new take on spy novels and I thoroughly enjoyed that, especially the fact of how well researched the book was and how much information, action and plot it packs inside one book.
Overall: It is such an enjoyable book, with multi-dimensional and complex characters, great writing and humour, which balances perfectly with the tension and action. I enjoyed reading this story and can’t wait to see what David Jarvis is going to release next, as I am sure it’s going to be just as great.
July 28, 2021
This book includes no author biography – which rather begs the question was David Jarvis really a spy in real life? His descriptions of the day to day humdrum of intelligence gathering and assessment, in soulless and non-descript environs are a million miles away from the typical spy novel. Don’t expect James Bond style car-chases and shoot-outs. But equally don’t expect the rather bland dullness of George Smiley. Sure, there is some intrigue and tension, and even some moments of action, but that is seemingly quite incidental and not the mainstay of the plot.
This book is quite recognisably a story about the quiet ordinariness and occasional absurdity of everyone’s lives – albeit in some locations and situations that many of us would never hope to find ourselves. With a dry wit and subtle humour, the novel carries along at a fair pace chopping and changing from intimate engagements in the characters’ lives through events unfolding on a broad historic canvas portrayed with well researched accuracy and insight to the unfamiliar and unfathomable realities of living and working in a harsh climate and regime.
Weaving these strands together, David has created a clever but relatable story filled with likeable characters (both good and bad) delivering a satisfying tale that perhaps has a subtext that really makes us ask what is it all for anyway?
This book is quite recognisably a story about the quiet ordinariness and occasional absurdity of everyone’s lives – albeit in some locations and situations that many of us would never hope to find ourselves. With a dry wit and subtle humour, the novel carries along at a fair pace chopping and changing from intimate engagements in the characters’ lives through events unfolding on a broad historic canvas portrayed with well researched accuracy and insight to the unfamiliar and unfathomable realities of living and working in a harsh climate and regime.
Weaving these strands together, David has created a clever but relatable story filled with likeable characters (both good and bad) delivering a satisfying tale that perhaps has a subtext that really makes us ask what is it all for anyway?
May 15, 2021
What a fun read!
Thank you Net Galley and Troubador Publishing—a self-publication venue, but…no matter. Jarvis deserves a serious look. Good writing here and that's always my top criteria for an engaging read. Not your page-turner spy thriller, but a slow burn of inter agency bickering and jealousy. All set against the Falklands War and a suspected arms deal going down in the Middle East.
Jarvis has a great and very dry sense of humor. I particularly enjoyed his description of a Saudi bank manager’s elaborate signature on an official document. Hilarious, especially if you’ve ever seen these epic calligraphic signatures in action. Also enjoyed the character named Empty, who, by all appearances, lacks any substance. I won’t spoil the discovery of why, exactly, he is called Empty, but funny, clever, and pertinent.
The ending fell short for me but all and all I loved this one. Not a book for fans of high action spy novels but perhaps for those who enjoyed the Slough House series by Mick Herron.
Thank you Net Galley and Troubador Publishing—a self-publication venue, but…no matter. Jarvis deserves a serious look. Good writing here and that's always my top criteria for an engaging read. Not your page-turner spy thriller, but a slow burn of inter agency bickering and jealousy. All set against the Falklands War and a suspected arms deal going down in the Middle East.
Jarvis has a great and very dry sense of humor. I particularly enjoyed his description of a Saudi bank manager’s elaborate signature on an official document. Hilarious, especially if you’ve ever seen these epic calligraphic signatures in action. Also enjoyed the character named Empty, who, by all appearances, lacks any substance. I won’t spoil the discovery of why, exactly, he is called Empty, but funny, clever, and pertinent.
The ending fell short for me but all and all I loved this one. Not a book for fans of high action spy novels but perhaps for those who enjoyed the Slough House series by Mick Herron.
December 8, 2021
A quirky and unusual espionage novel set in 1982 against the background of the Falklands War. It's centred in the Middle East but in Saudi Arabia rather than the Arab/Israeli conflict.
It covers a period of great change in the World, in geo-politics and within the UK security services itself and this is a captured well and there are plenty of cultural references of the times.
The plot is complex but entertaining and in Mark Tanner we have an accidental hero much in the spirit of James Wormold of Graham Greene’s Our Man in Havana. Mark proves to be very resourceful though and produces both an unexpected and satisfying ending.
The supporting characters include slightly crazy Expats and pompous officials with bygone names like Basil and Cecil which made me chuckle. There are jokes and quips aplenty and even the deaths have a ring of absurdity about them.
An entertaining debut novel!
Full review can be found here https://peterturnsthepage.wordpress.c...
It covers a period of great change in the World, in geo-politics and within the UK security services itself and this is a captured well and there are plenty of cultural references of the times.
The plot is complex but entertaining and in Mark Tanner we have an accidental hero much in the spirit of James Wormold of Graham Greene’s Our Man in Havana. Mark proves to be very resourceful though and produces both an unexpected and satisfying ending.
The supporting characters include slightly crazy Expats and pompous officials with bygone names like Basil and Cecil which made me chuckle. There are jokes and quips aplenty and even the deaths have a ring of absurdity about them.
An entertaining debut novel!
Full review can be found here https://peterturnsthepage.wordpress.c...
May 3, 2021
It is 1999 and Sir Cecil is an old man now, living his life as a recluse in an English village. The secrets he holds in his head could change the political landscape of Europe and the Middle East. The secret government department he used to work for checks on him every year. A new man comes to talk to him and Cecil reminisces about the past: a carefully edited past.
It is 1982 and Mrs Thatcher has sent a large task force to claim back the Falkland Islands from Argentina. The Middle East, as always, is a powder keg about to erupt!
Against this backdrop David Jarvis slowly builds the tension in a spy novel that is innovative and thought-provoking. There's a splendid sense of irony running through the plot. It is stylish, satirical and gripping. Some political secrets are best kept buried for all time.
It is 1982 and Mrs Thatcher has sent a large task force to claim back the Falkland Islands from Argentina. The Middle East, as always, is a powder keg about to erupt!
Against this backdrop David Jarvis slowly builds the tension in a spy novel that is innovative and thought-provoking. There's a splendid sense of irony running through the plot. It is stylish, satirical and gripping. Some political secrets are best kept buried for all time.
May 1, 2022
I was first taken in by the blurb. "A tense and exciting story with an unguessable ending" and knew I had to give The Collation Unit a read.
Big thank you David for my copy and the chance to.
The Collation Unit starts off as a slow burn (we get to know the inner workings and politics of GCHQ which was very well researched) but did get tenser and I was certainly rooting for Empty (our star) by the end which I really didn't see coming despite my best efforts 😂
Though I felt the ending didn't give as much closure as I would have liked I can see it could have been done that way to lead us nicely into a sequel.
There's humour, wit, intrigue and some nice twists that you don't expect from the characters personal lives as well as their work lives.
There are parts I didn't like/get but that might be due to lack of knowledge of the 1980s.
But overall a great debut novel 😊
Big thank you David for my copy and the chance to.
The Collation Unit starts off as a slow burn (we get to know the inner workings and politics of GCHQ which was very well researched) but did get tenser and I was certainly rooting for Empty (our star) by the end which I really didn't see coming despite my best efforts 😂
Though I felt the ending didn't give as much closure as I would have liked I can see it could have been done that way to lead us nicely into a sequel.
There's humour, wit, intrigue and some nice twists that you don't expect from the characters personal lives as well as their work lives.
There are parts I didn't like/get but that might be due to lack of knowledge of the 1980s.
But overall a great debut novel 😊
April 18, 2021
My thanks to NetGalley and Matador/Troubador for this advance copy.
This is the first novel I have read by David Jarvis, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. First off it was refreshing to see some wit and humour to what otherwise was a serious subject. His use of words and the pace of the novel immediately draws you into the story. He has made good use of his knowledge of the Falklands War, and UK and Middle Eastern politics. The blend between fact and fiction is clever, keeping the story alive and credible. Initially I struggled with the roles of the various characters but as the story progressed, and with better concentration, these became clearer. The inclusion of the characters’ private lives added a further dimension which was a good contrast to the crux of the novel.
This is the first novel I have read by David Jarvis, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. First off it was refreshing to see some wit and humour to what otherwise was a serious subject. His use of words and the pace of the novel immediately draws you into the story. He has made good use of his knowledge of the Falklands War, and UK and Middle Eastern politics. The blend between fact and fiction is clever, keeping the story alive and credible. Initially I struggled with the roles of the various characters but as the story progressed, and with better concentration, these became clearer. The inclusion of the characters’ private lives added a further dimension which was a good contrast to the crux of the novel.
July 20, 2023
An excellent book combining internecine departmental conflict and international warfare. The fact that some events did happen such as the Falklands War, makes you wonder are the other events true as well. We will never know.
The unlikely hero is a nervous Home Counties man, who shows he missed in his calling in being an irrigation expert and should have been and could have been a spy.
If you live in the Cotswolds, DavidS descriptions of the places ring true as do the Civil Service Mandarins who are scheming left, right and centre.
I was left wishing our hero well, and apart from the Falklands War, did any or could any of it happened.
A fabulous stand alone debut novel which is followed up by an equally scheming and clever book in The Tip of the Iceberg
The unlikely hero is a nervous Home Counties man, who shows he missed in his calling in being an irrigation expert and should have been and could have been a spy.
If you live in the Cotswolds, DavidS descriptions of the places ring true as do the Civil Service Mandarins who are scheming left, right and centre.
I was left wishing our hero well, and apart from the Falklands War, did any or could any of it happened.
A fabulous stand alone debut novel which is followed up by an equally scheming and clever book in The Tip of the Iceberg
August 4, 2021
The Collation Unit is an incredibly intricate and well-researched spy novel. This detailed story offers insight into the inner workings of the government during the Falklands war, as well as a rivalry between two departments.
The story begins in 1999 with Sir Cecil Mackay, who is currently retired and living in a quiet English village. After working for the Secret Service, he has some pretty valuable intel that fundamentally changed world politics and as a result the government checks up on him every year to ensure he has not revealed their secrets to anyone. When a new visitor arrives, Cecil reminisces about the past and the events that occurred in 1982.
What I really enjoyed about The Collation Unit is that it’s driven by both the plot and the characters. I liked how there are so many different aspects to this story. As technology, and computers especially, are becoming increasingly popular in society, it’s becoming harder to keep track of the wealth of information that’s being circulated. I loved being able to see just how far along technology has come since 1982 and also how even now the people behind the technology are still fundamental to any business. As for the characters, there’s a large cast of characters and I wouldn’t be a fan of this normally because I find it’s hard to keep track of everyone as they eventually all start to blend together, but Jarvis does a fantastic job at making all the characters stand out. They are all so different from each other and while some are quite serious, others are very witty and provide some humorous moments throughout.
The majority of the story focuses on the power struggle between RAF Mannington and the Secret Intelligence Service. While Mannington was originally formed to take care of the menial parts of the job, which involved transmitting information and sending anything that was relevant up to London, it soon took on an increasing amount of work and is now a threat to the Secret Intelligence Service. I enjoyed parts of the story where it was in the Mannington base as it was fascinating to see them collecting and then analysing the data. The scenes with Jack Pennington were interesting as he works at the base and manages a team of Middle East experts. He falls foul to Sir Cecil’s team as they manage to dig up dirt on him, which is a blow to the overall department as it wrestles for dominance. I thought it was funny how they were each trying to gain the upper hand rather than finding a way to work together.
Another character we spend quite a bit of time with is Mark “Empty” Tanner. I thought the reason behind his nickname was quite clever and he’s a very interesting character to say the least. He’s down on his luck and gets drawn into quite a few unfortunate situations as a result. Empty’s scenes in particular focused on the seriousness of the situation and had a bit of humour thrown in throughout.
This is a fantastic spy thriller as it’s both entertaining and informative. I loved how each of the characters all played a fundamental role in the story, which meant that there was never a dull moment. If you’re a fan of spy thrillers, I’d definitely recommend The Collation Unit!
I received a copy of this book for review.
The story begins in 1999 with Sir Cecil Mackay, who is currently retired and living in a quiet English village. After working for the Secret Service, he has some pretty valuable intel that fundamentally changed world politics and as a result the government checks up on him every year to ensure he has not revealed their secrets to anyone. When a new visitor arrives, Cecil reminisces about the past and the events that occurred in 1982.
What I really enjoyed about The Collation Unit is that it’s driven by both the plot and the characters. I liked how there are so many different aspects to this story. As technology, and computers especially, are becoming increasingly popular in society, it’s becoming harder to keep track of the wealth of information that’s being circulated. I loved being able to see just how far along technology has come since 1982 and also how even now the people behind the technology are still fundamental to any business. As for the characters, there’s a large cast of characters and I wouldn’t be a fan of this normally because I find it’s hard to keep track of everyone as they eventually all start to blend together, but Jarvis does a fantastic job at making all the characters stand out. They are all so different from each other and while some are quite serious, others are very witty and provide some humorous moments throughout.
The majority of the story focuses on the power struggle between RAF Mannington and the Secret Intelligence Service. While Mannington was originally formed to take care of the menial parts of the job, which involved transmitting information and sending anything that was relevant up to London, it soon took on an increasing amount of work and is now a threat to the Secret Intelligence Service. I enjoyed parts of the story where it was in the Mannington base as it was fascinating to see them collecting and then analysing the data. The scenes with Jack Pennington were interesting as he works at the base and manages a team of Middle East experts. He falls foul to Sir Cecil’s team as they manage to dig up dirt on him, which is a blow to the overall department as it wrestles for dominance. I thought it was funny how they were each trying to gain the upper hand rather than finding a way to work together.
Another character we spend quite a bit of time with is Mark “Empty” Tanner. I thought the reason behind his nickname was quite clever and he’s a very interesting character to say the least. He’s down on his luck and gets drawn into quite a few unfortunate situations as a result. Empty’s scenes in particular focused on the seriousness of the situation and had a bit of humour thrown in throughout.
This is a fantastic spy thriller as it’s both entertaining and informative. I loved how each of the characters all played a fundamental role in the story, which meant that there was never a dull moment. If you’re a fan of spy thrillers, I’d definitely recommend The Collation Unit!
I received a copy of this book for review.
September 6, 2021
I’m not sure how I feel about this book, if I’m satisfied or not. It’s oddly engaging and kept me reading though hardly edge-of-your-seat stuff. I think I would have liked clearer finalisation of a couple of topics, such as the boat and library. I’m not really sure what the point was. That said, Empty and Jack were interesting characters and I enjoyed the professional tensions between the departments. Maybe just a bit more closure.
I received a free copy in exchange for an unbiased review by voracious readers only.
I received a free copy in exchange for an unbiased review by voracious readers only.
September 7, 2021
An interesting insight into the world espionage and communication. I appreciated the links to current events, which being from my lifetime, provided sound foundation. I enjoyed the intricate challenges and conversely mundane life of a spy, bureaucracy and global logistics.
I found some of the content difficult to stay engaged with, so returned when less tired and able to focus. I enjoyed the wit and irony of some of the interactions and certainly found it worth reading.
*This book was provided by voracious readers in return for an honest review.
I found some of the content difficult to stay engaged with, so returned when less tired and able to focus. I enjoyed the wit and irony of some of the interactions and certainly found it worth reading.
*This book was provided by voracious readers in return for an honest review.
September 15, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the Spooks TV series and thought this story was similar to many of those episodes. I had a cousin in England who went to work as an Engineer in Saudi and his father got sent a message to say he had died, no explanation about his death and no the body could not be returned. So I could see how Empty could be in real trouble, but the ending for him I didn’t suspect that. I also really liked how all the characters played their own sections against one another; yet all results were achieved despite themselves.
June 28, 2022
Well…I got completely sucked into this book. A fascinating read!
I love spy stories, I manage to get caught up in it and imagine it’s all real and true - but then isn’t this how we are supposed to feel when totally immersed in a good book?
A very tense, descriptive thriller which for me was a quick read that I couldn’t put down. Great for anyone wanting to know just how it all works in the secret service, the characters are well described, a very detailed story. Good show!
Well done, I can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you.
I love spy stories, I manage to get caught up in it and imagine it’s all real and true - but then isn’t this how we are supposed to feel when totally immersed in a good book?
A very tense, descriptive thriller which for me was a quick read that I couldn’t put down. Great for anyone wanting to know just how it all works in the secret service, the characters are well described, a very detailed story. Good show!
Well done, I can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you.
September 13, 2021
Was well reseached and gave an insight to the workings of international spying and jostling for supremacy on the world stage and within the public 'service'. However, not my kind of story. Initially the politics was dry, vague full of local language and jargon so the meaning becomes foggy for readers not in the know. Ended that way too. I never really got a feel for the characters.
September 14, 2021
This was a slow burn but a really good read. It wasn't your normal spy novel but great characters and I really did enjoy it.
I would definitely recommend it. There were some really funny elements and it was just a great book to read.
I was given a free copy by voracious readers and the author but the review is entirely my own.
I would definitely recommend it. There were some really funny elements and it was just a great book to read.
I was given a free copy by voracious readers and the author but the review is entirely my own.
October 10, 2021
I received this ebook through the Veracious Readers Only website in exchange for a review. This is a political, mystery adventure which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was totally invested in these characters.
April 6, 2022
At the start of this book I found so many characters which I thought might be confusing, however that was not the case. Well written, insightful and gripping. Twisty ending. Looking forward to the next book by David Jarvis.
August 11, 2022
Even though spy novels are not my typical choice in genres, I found David’s book quite enjoyable. I found that there were multiple characters to keep track of initially but, as I read on, everything came into place perfectly. Great read with a great ending.
September 3, 2021
If you like intricate spy novels, this would be the book for you.
July 26, 2021
Whilst it took me some time to click with the characters at the beginning, The Collation Unit was hard to put down once the tense plots progressed. Smart combination of suspense and humour, with a rich historical and cultural backdrop. Didn't see that twist!
July 27, 2021
This is a wonderfully witty, jam packed read. Some laugh at loud moments at clever one liners. A really unusual novel in a subject matter and workplace that rarely gets spoken about, particularly in this way. A wonderfully unique take and one I enjoyed. Expect the unexpected with this. Sharp, sophisticated but doesn't take itself too seriously. A male dominated world, but this suits the sense of time and place within and some really great characters too. I highly recommend if you fancy something a little bit quirky but very intelligent.
September 15, 2021
The Collation Unit is a traditional spy thriller in the vein of John le Carré, but with more humour, and dare I say it, more enjoyable! Set in and around Cheltenham, together with Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, with the backdrop of the timeline of the Falklands War between April and June 1982, this was such an authentic, well-researched novel.
For a variety of reasons, the timeline of the Falklands War is imprinted in my memory, as an impressionable 14 year old, so it is something that I can vividly picture where I was and what I was doing at the time, which actually added to my enjoyment in reading this novel. Having spent time in Cheltenham in the 1980s/1990s I really felt that David Jarvis had captured a real moment in time, and the general atmosphere in Cheltenham, particularly in respect of how GCHQ was woven into the fabric of the town.
The main characters we follow in this gripping spy thriller are Jack Pennington, who works at The Collation Unit, and whilst having a complicated personal life, is trying to get to the bottom of what is happening in the Middle East. When the satellite is reassigned to look at what is happening in the South Atlantic, Jack is forced to resort to ‘old school’ spycraft, which is where he comes into contact with a British irrigation engineer Empty, who is working in Saudi Arabia in order to raise funds to buy a home for his family after his uninsured house is destroyed in a fire. I really enjoyed reading about Empty, he was such a great character, and even though at times he appears to be a bit of a bumbling, if well-meaning, idiot, he redeems himself and proves that he is made of sterner stuff when things become dangerous for him.
I loved how multi-dimensional all of the characters were, and I found the writing style of David Jarvis to be both humorous and immensely engaging, which is ideal for a spy thriller. I think this is one of the better spy thrillers I have ever read, and I really cannot wait to see what David Jarvis writes next.
For a variety of reasons, the timeline of the Falklands War is imprinted in my memory, as an impressionable 14 year old, so it is something that I can vividly picture where I was and what I was doing at the time, which actually added to my enjoyment in reading this novel. Having spent time in Cheltenham in the 1980s/1990s I really felt that David Jarvis had captured a real moment in time, and the general atmosphere in Cheltenham, particularly in respect of how GCHQ was woven into the fabric of the town.
The main characters we follow in this gripping spy thriller are Jack Pennington, who works at The Collation Unit, and whilst having a complicated personal life, is trying to get to the bottom of what is happening in the Middle East. When the satellite is reassigned to look at what is happening in the South Atlantic, Jack is forced to resort to ‘old school’ spycraft, which is where he comes into contact with a British irrigation engineer Empty, who is working in Saudi Arabia in order to raise funds to buy a home for his family after his uninsured house is destroyed in a fire. I really enjoyed reading about Empty, he was such a great character, and even though at times he appears to be a bit of a bumbling, if well-meaning, idiot, he redeems himself and proves that he is made of sterner stuff when things become dangerous for him.
I loved how multi-dimensional all of the characters were, and I found the writing style of David Jarvis to be both humorous and immensely engaging, which is ideal for a spy thriller. I think this is one of the better spy thrillers I have ever read, and I really cannot wait to see what David Jarvis writes next.
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