The Devil's Bargain

Manon Tyler #1

by Stella Rimington

' I wanted more' DAVID GILMAN

One lie put the nation at risk. Another might save it.

Harry policeman, father, chauffeur, fraud.

In 1988 Harry made one he took a bribe, letting a man he knew as Igor into Britain – and he's regretted it ever since. So when he recognises Igor many years later as his newly-elected MP, he knows he has to come clean. But the MP recognises him too – and Harry fears what he might do next.

Peter Robinson, salesman, politician, bachelor, spy.

It was easy to get into Britain in 1988 as an illegal, working deep undercover, but the break-up of the Soviet Union cut Robinson off from his homeland. He's inching closer to Britain's levers of power – but now the one man who knows his secret has reappeared. With no way to contact Moscow, he must act fast to preserve his position and reap its rewards – at any cost.

Manon Tyler, CIA analyst, has just boarded a plane to London – with a report on Russian illegals to read.

'Intriguing and very cleverly-plotted' ALEX GERLIS

'Races along at breakneck speed. Packed with insider information, this is not one to miss' M. W. CRAVEN

PRAISE FOR STELLA

'Damn good' Daily Telegraph

'A must-read for fans of contemporary spy fiction' Publishers Weekly

'This is something the spy novel that prizes authenticity over fabrication, that is true to the character and spirit of intelligence work' Mail on Sunday

Genres: Fiction, Espionage, Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Audiobook, Suspense

272 pages, Hardcover

First published March 17, 2022

About the author

Dame Stella Rimington was a British author and Director General of MI5, a position she held from 1992 to 1996. She was the first female DG of MI5, and the first DG whose name was publicised on appointment. In 1993, Rimington became the first DG of MI5 to pose openly for cameras at the launch of a brochure outlining the organisation's activities.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first of a new series, The Devil's Bargain by Stella Rimington introduces Manon Tyler, a CIA analyst seconded to London. It begins with a Russian Agent sent undercover in 1988 to Britain, only to be lost after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Special Branch operative Harry Bristow who’s one poor choice to allow Igor’s disembarkment, never overcame his guilt of accepting a bribe. Years later, much to his surprise, Harry recognises the Russian, who is now a Member of Parliament and seeking to access the highest level of power. A spy craft saga with multiple players that makes use of the author’s professional experience. With its interwoven narrative, realistic characters and an array of spies, comes this noteworthy espionage tale. So, an unfolding gem of a tale with a four and a half star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.

[Jacki (Julia Flyte) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stella Rimington is the former head of MI5 and for some time now she has been writing novels based around the world of espionage in the UK. She is not a great writer: her characters are wooden and she has a tin ear for dialogue. This is offset by the fact that she has intimate knowledge of the world that she is writing about, the way that scraps of information are pieced together and how agents operate in the field.

The Devil's Bargain is a standalone novel which doesn't feature her usual characters. The plot centres on a long dormant Russian sleeper agent in the UK, whose handlers all disappeared when the USSR broke down. It's an interesting premise but the plot relies heavily on coincidences and is fairly predictable. It's readable but I wouldn't recommend it.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another review from the husband....

This is another novel from former MI5 chief, Stella Rimmington. Having read and enjoyed the Liz Carlyle series, this was a nice departure from that.

Harry Bristow made a mistake in 1988 and took a bribe, letting a man he knows as Igor into the UK. He has regretted it ever since, especially as years later, Igor reappears as a newly elected MP. The story follows Harry and Peter Robinson MP, Igor's alter-ego, as they struggle to come to terms with secrets, power and the CIA.

Lots of twists and turns, a good spy thriller from an author in the know. A tad predictable.

Thanks to Bloomsbury Australia for my copy of this book to read.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had such high expectations of Stella Rimington's new book. she was DG of MI5 and although fiction, her books are informed by a long career in counter espionage. the Liz Carlyle novels were exciting.
All this long intro just to say The Devil's Bargain must have been written by a bot. Yes, the action moves along, but there is nothing else recommending the book, no depth, no characters to like, no sense of context and history 😒

[Greville Waterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a long awaited stand alone thriller from a master of the genre. Nobody should know more about the world of spies and M15 than Ms Riminton and this is an exceptionally well plotted and written thriller that educates, informs and entertains from the opening page.

Well drawn characters and an all too credible plot ensure that this sparkles and grabs attention from the beginning to the end.

Highly recommended.

[Alex Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5 - O.K

The first time I’ve read Stella Rimington and I had high hopes for this intriguing sounding spy thriller.

And whilst it hits some notes with fine pacing and a well drawn and put together plot, I found the characters to be almost weak wooden stereotypes that are a little well to do and that took away from any feeling of authenticity I was expecting and hoping for,

Sadly not blown away by this at all. It was ok.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dipped my toe into a genre that I don't read much. For an authorwho was a spy boss, she's not much of a writer.

This read like a young adult novel with one dimensional characters and coincidences galore. Sometimes bubble gum writing can suffice if theres a good story to be had (e.g. Grisham) but this was a poorly constructed premise that had too many "yeah, but..." moments.

For example:
Why not just send the guy ashore in a rubber dinghy?
Wouldn't the plan have immediately fallen apart if he hadnt accepted the bribe?
Why didnt he just take the money once the soviet union fell?
Why would the Russians shoot him instead of abduct him or push him in front of a bus or bomb his car or set fire to his house?
Why the hell would you hire the only guy in the country who knows you are a crook, rather than murder him at the very first meeting?

I dunno, i felt like this was writen with a hollywood pic in mind.

A chore to read. This ones getting donated soewhere.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I expected much better from such a impressive CV but this was appalling. The storyline was weak and predictable, the characters one-dimensional, ( and in the case of the Russian embassy buffoons) the dialogue stilted and the whole book was riddled with coincidences which became laughable. There were also several contradictions such as Peter saying he’d given nothing earth-shattering to Tatiana as he didn’t trust her father but then deciding he had to kill her in case she’d looked inside the envelope he’d given her. (That would be the yellow A4 envelope carried very prominently round Oxford!).
Don’t waste your time on such trite material when there are so many more talented writers of espionage.

[Joan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this one, because I really liked the entire Liz Carlyle series by Rimington. But it read more like the hastily written outline of a book than like a real book by a skillful author. Very disappointing.

[KH Khaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read Rimington's books. This book is good and I hope it turns into a series. But I can't see it. There isn't a central character to do that.

[paula park · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nancy Drew to

Tight, realistic story. But it lost drama and mystery about 40% through. I'd like to know more about the ,inner life of the characters. I don't want to realise 40% through that there's only one possible ending. It reminded me of Nancy Drew until, of course, people died.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping espionage thriller written by Dame Stella Rimington, former head is MI5. Like all her books this latest one is fast moving and packed with action and very believable considering she knows of all the inside workings of the British Intelligence Services. Set in the Cold War days the plot is clever but some of the characters are not which is why I have only given it 4 stars. That said is is a great page turner if you like spy genre.

[Denis Wheller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union a KGB General had set up a highly secret programme infiltrating ‘illegals’ (Russians but with carefully constructed back stories so as to appear to be natives) into the USA, the UK and other locations. The break-up had ruined this plan, except for one man who had sneaked into the UK by tricking a young Special Branch officer (Harry Bristow). Many years later, this man is now successful businessman, and newly elected MP, Peter Robinson. Harry recognises him but is blackmailed into silence and, after reigning from Special Branch, is hired as his driver. Meanwhile back in Russia, the secret programme is discovered and contact is made, reactivating Peter. Simultaneously, a young CIA agent, Manon, has been transferred to the UK branch and is assigned to make contact with a student at Oxford who is the daughter of a senior Russian diplomat suspected of spying. A classic triangle, except that several other people are wheeled in and out largely as plot devices rather than necessity.
The tale unfolds in a more or less linear fashion, there are no real twists, no real red (no pun intended) herrings. The style is on the Le Carré side in being slowly paced and with authentic seeming touches, but it doesn’t ramp up the tension to any extent (not that there is much to begin with), nor is there a mystery to solve. The characters are well enough written but none of them feels real, and some of the action is hard to credit in context. Overall, I’m not sure that seasoned readers of spy thrillers, or lovers of complexity, will enjoy this pot-boiler. I’m pitching at about 2.5 so 3 is a rounding up.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first spy thriller I have read in quite some time and my first by Stella Rimington also and I was completely blown away with how brilliant it was I loved it.
This is obviously a writer who knows her stuff by the nature of her former job and boy does that show in the quality of the storyline and the writing it moved at a fast pace and had some really interesting characters my favourite being Manon and I would love to read more about her and other characters in the future so fingers crossed for more books.
I have had a bit of a concentration problem lately due to being in hospital so this book was just what I needed I flew through it and stayed up late to finish it it was everything I had anticipated and actually even better than I though it would be and oh don’t you just love it when you read a book that is that good so more please Stella Rimington !
So altogether a fabulous 5 star read and one I can highly recommend.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion,

[Rachel Axford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It’s fast paced with no complicated plot to follow. I enjoy reading about international espionage and was not disappointed with this story.

[Jenni James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed with this one sadly. Have really enjoyed previous books, but this one was pretty lightweight in comparison.

[Hermien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable spy novel.

[Eyejaybee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suppose that it would be difficult to think of a stronger provenance for a writer of spy thrillers than to have been Director General of MI5, as Stella Rimington was. Indeed, she was the first woman in that role, and the first holder of it to be publicly acknowledged as such. After publishing a volume of memoirs (extensively filleted to avoid releasing material too sensitive for the public conscience, although no less interesting for all that), she wrote a highly entertaining series of novels featuring Liz Carlyle, an empathetic and capable (although reassuringly far from infallible) Intelligence Officer. These clearly benefitted from Dame Stella’s inside knowledge (although I am sure that MI5 will have evolved significantly since her day), but avoided becoming bogged down in procedural verisimilitude. Her latest novel introduces a new protagonist, Manon Tyler, who is an analyst working for the CIA, about to be posted to the London Embassy.

The novel opens ack in the throes of the Cold War when a Bulgarian ship docks at Heysham in Lancashire. One of the crew disembarks, ostensibly to spend a night ashore, but he never returns. His departure is witnessed by Harry Bristow, a detective sergeant assigned to Special Branch. He should have followed up the young man’s disappearance, but for reasons of his own he failed to do so at the time.

Bristow encounters the fugitive many years later and finds that he has done well, establishing himself in business with a chain of kitchen design outlets throughout the North West of England, and, after a stint as a local councillor, is newly returned to Parliament as MP for Liverpool North.

Stella Rimington weaves the plot sinuously, but deftly, and the action moves quickly. As always, her characters are very plausible and empathetic. Manon in particular is very engaging, and is reminiscent in her way of Liz Carlyle in the early phases of her career. I was intrigued by Rimington’s decision to focus the novel on a CIA officer, which should lend an intriguing perspective to any further novels in what I hope is to become another series.

[Oundle Crime · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an ex-Director General of MI5, Stella Rimington’s espionage novels always have a ring of truth about them and they’re always enjoyable to read. Her Liz Carlyle series totals 10 books and this looks to be the first in a new series with another female protagonist - Manon Tyler - a young, inexperienced CIA analyst who has just arrived in London for her first overseas posting. Before travelling she’d attended a lecture by an ex-KGB general about the Cold War and heard about Russia’s programme to deploy ‘illegals’ into America and the UK – people who would live and build a career under assumed identities in order to obtain the intelligence Russia needed. The general made a fleeting mention that not all of these agents had been discovered and Tyler gets the impression that one is still operating in the UK.

This isn’t a mystery for the reader to solve. In fact, we find out about the Russian agent in the first chapter; and with his career on an upwards trajectory after 20+ years spent building his cover, the man is on the brink of being in exactly the place his bosses want him to be. So instead of having to work out who the villain is, the reader follows the slow unpicking of the case as the intelligence services work together to unmask the man. Manon, of course, is also involved.

This is an enjoyable addition to Rimington’s fiction catalogue. I found it interesting and well-written and even when things happened that seemed a bit too ‘pat’ it wasn’t irritating. The story bowled along at a good pace and I wanted to see it to its conclusion. As a protagonist I didn’t feel that Manon Tyler sprang off the page but if this series continues, I’m sure we’ll learn more about her. She doesn’t come across as being particularly tough but she shows hints of steel when necessary. I’m looking forward to seeing her character develop and hope she becomes as interesting as Liz Carlyle. As the first instalment of what I hope will be a long-running series this is definitely fun to read.
Cornish Eskimo (Oundle Crime)

[Clive Hodges · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bulgarian freighter, Bogdana, visited Heysham regularly. Detective Constable Harry Bristow was the port’s Special Branch officer. He was on the quayside to make sure the crew who went ashore got back on again before the ship sailed. During the Cold War, a sharp eye was kept on Soviet and East European sailors. Igor 'something unpronounceable' went ashore as usual, but didn’t return. Bristow failed to report it.

Years later, Harry Bristow, now a chief superintendent, represents the police force at a civic dinner in Liverpool. He joins the queue waiting to be introduced to the hosts for the evening, the Lord Mayor, the Lady Mayoress and Peter Robinson, the parliamentary candidate for the region. Bristow has met Robinson before; he was then called Igor.

Manon Tyler has arrived to work at the US Embassy in London. She accepts a position in the counter-intelligence section. Louise Donovan is a political party strategist. She’s sent from London to help with Peter Robinson’s campaign to become an MP. It’s successful and Louise returns to London. She meets up with Manon whom she knew years ago when they attended the same university. Louise also meets Harry Bristow who has retired from the force and moved to London.

Louise is attracted to Peter Robinson MP and their relationship blossoms.

This involved spy thriller, skilfully composed and well-paced is Stella Rimington at her best. I had difficulty putting it down.

[Leanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy, enjoyable spy novel written by the former head of MI5 with an interesting plot that kept the pages turning but missing any real tension, deep, dark subterfuge or twists. 1988 at a small port in the north of England, Harry, a young police officer unknowingly accepts a bribe to look the other way when a “Bulgarian” crew member fails to return from shore leave. Years later, after both have achieved success in their careers, they encounter one another once again. Harry Bristow is now Head of the Special Branch and “Igor” or Peter Robinson as he is now known is a newly elected member of British Parliament. Manon Tyler is a CIA analyst recently arrived at the US embassy and she becomes involved after learning of the KGB’s planting of illegals in the UK, one of whom has never been accounted for. Simultaneously, the Russians have also learned of his existence. Who can uncover or retrieve him first?

[Lee McKerracher · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Devil's Bargain has an interesting plot with all of the intrigue and tension you would expect of a spy novel. But I have to admit to being a little disappointed.

Stella Rimington is a previous Director General of MI5, so I was surprised at some of the actions of the characters and how some of the intelligence service operatives were shown to be a little naive and incorporate a lack of planning into their operations. I would have expected the processes and procedures of MI5 and the CIA to be more slick, not sure about those of the current iteration of the KGB. This then led to a number of scenes that to me were a little implausible - like putting a person into the field with absolutely no field experience.

Having said that, I have not been an intelligence officer nor the DG of MI5 - so maybe this is true to life. I am thinking I should read Rimington's biography to get an insight into her experience as the 'top spook'.

Aside from that I did find it an entertaining read.

[Ross Mcneil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice quick and easy spy thriller. Must say it was refreshing to just have a spy story get right into it and move at a good fast pace. We didn't spend 100 pages developing an obscure character arc or get held up telling me exactly what shade of green a leaf of a tree was.

The story was a nice introduction to Manon Tyler - a somewhat naive young analyst working for the Embassy/CIA. An interesting concept around a "forgotten" spy - left behind by the remnants of an old system of espionage to fend for himself.

Overall a very light easy read - you'll knock this over in a couple of quick sessions. No overly dramatic action sequences - no over the top theatrics - no forced romantic liaisons between work colleagues. I do feel a little sorry for our other lead character - Harry - though some of his choices were somewhat questionable, his resolution at the end was certainly refreshing Not wanting to give a spoiler but I actually quick like the way Stella dealt with his role.

[Scott Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read all Dame Rimmington's fiction to date, this is her best yet. I really enjoyed the Liz Carlyle novels, but her writing has matured. I do have a few things to nit-pick: Americans wouldn't use some of the phrases she chooses, but it doesn't detract from this being a very good read. Some of her plot devices are still present, though she doesn't lean on them as much as she did in the Carlyle novels. She has a habit of telling the reader what people are feeling rather than showing us. There is a large metaphor with the villain that i would have loved to seen explored in more depth, rather than a devolution into a clichéd culmination of events for an exciting ending. Some newspaper compared her to Le Carré and I've taken issue with that before; no more, this novel brings her on par with an average Le Carré novel. Well done and highly recommended.

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a young policeman Harry Bristow fell into a trap, now he is blackmailed to keep his secret. Peter Robinson, rising political star, has a secret that he doesn't want revealing. With the old Soviet regime in disarray, both the West and East still play power games and spy relentlessly but what if one side had a hidden asset?
This is an assured novel from one who knows! OK, it is formulaic at times and the dialogue can be a bit creaky but the plot is tight and clever. It's just a quick bit of light entertainment and sometimes that's no bad thing

[Andrea Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time read for this author. Good premise for a book by a former operative. Some predictably but generally good. The idea of a long-term plant by Russia in 1988 at a point where the world politics were changing and they are left behind with no contact with the former regime. The involvement of a policeman at the point of insertion is one complication that after years of attaining a position of power that changes everything. Meanwhile, Manon a CIA operative is posted to London with a germ of a thought about deep sleeping Russian agents and a chance to meet up with an old friend.

[Carina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while yo get into this book. The writing is stilted, conversations between characters are stilted... its clear the author isn't a natural author put it that way. But once you got past those issues this isn't that bad a book.

There's a few unnecessary characters, they appear for a chapter then disappear again, but the plot itself is quite tight and to the point. It's not a mystery in any way, the outcomes etcetera are all very, very, obvious but it's fine.

Not an author I'd read again, but the book was free so I'm not complaining.

[Patrick Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

probably more of a high three than a four. Plot is good and believable, but characters are one dimensional and the ending was not as climactic as it should have been. The premise is that a KGB sleeper agent has made his managed to get elected into British Parliament however, the USSR has disbanded making it unclear who his handlers are. Rimington makes it clear that the Russian agent represents a threat to Western democracy, but never details what that threat is. Going more into depth on the threat would have helped push the place of the plot and develop more suspense.

[David Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good yarn from Stella Rimington but one of her least complex plots. The Cold War may well be over but spy craft continues and the East and the West push their own barrows. I tend to read books with my laptop close by as I like to fact check. In this case, I didn’t need it as I am a member of the RAF Club; I don’t believe anyone at the meeting situated at the club would have qualified for membership

[Corinne Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

So enjoyable to have a new Stella Rimington to read, and despite being in her mid 80s she has not lost her skilful telling of espionage tales. Manon is a new character and hopefully we'll get a couple more of her stories. With all that is happening with Russia at present in the world the background of political changes within the Kremlin/KGB etc was so topical. The story moves along at a good pace, very interesting read.