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The Private Life of Spies
'Spy-masterful storytelling' Sunday Post
'Delightfully old-fashioned and prudent of prose, McCall Smith unspools his tales' Daily Mail
'[Adds] another treasure to McCall Smith's already glittering library' New York Journal of Books
Conradin Muller was an unusual spy. He was recruited in Hamburg in June 1943, much against his will, and sent on his first, and only, mission in late September that year. He failed to send a single report back to Germany, and when the War came to an end in May 1945, he fell to his knees and wept with relief.
From a highly reluctant German spy who is drawn to an East Anglian nunnery as his only means of escape, to the strange tale of one of the Cambridge spy ring's adventures with a Russian dwarf, these are Alexander McCall Smith's intriguing and typically inventive stories from the world of espionage.
'Delightfully old-fashioned and prudent of prose, McCall Smith unspools his tales' Daily Mail
'[Adds] another treasure to McCall Smith's already glittering library' New York Journal of Books
Conradin Muller was an unusual spy. He was recruited in Hamburg in June 1943, much against his will, and sent on his first, and only, mission in late September that year. He failed to send a single report back to Germany, and when the War came to an end in May 1945, he fell to his knees and wept with relief.
From a highly reluctant German spy who is drawn to an East Anglian nunnery as his only means of escape, to the strange tale of one of the Cambridge spy ring's adventures with a Russian dwarf, these are Alexander McCall Smith's intriguing and typically inventive stories from the world of espionage.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
400 people are currently reading
932 people want to read
About the author
Alexander McCall Smith
668 books12.7k followersAlexander McCall Smith is the author of the international phenomenon The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie Series, the Portuguese Irregular Verbs series, and the 44 Scotland Street series. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served on many national and international bodies concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and he was a law professor at the University of Botswana. He lives in Scotland. Visit him online at www.alexandermccallsmith.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
April 16, 2023
A very pleasant and entertaining listening experience, exactly as I expect from this talented author.
The book consists of five separate stories about spies, told according to McCall Smith's wonderfully crazy view of life and how it could be - or maybe even should be. I was lucky enough to hear him speaking about this book, and his discourse on how the Germans sent their spies into England dressed as nuns ( the first of the five stories) was just brilliant.
I enjoyed all five stories especially the absurdity of each. He does not take spying seriously and there are only happy or at least comfortable endings. There are even some facts along the way. All good fun.
The book consists of five separate stories about spies, told according to McCall Smith's wonderfully crazy view of life and how it could be - or maybe even should be. I was lucky enough to hear him speaking about this book, and his discourse on how the Germans sent their spies into England dressed as nuns ( the first of the five stories) was just brilliant.
I enjoyed all five stories especially the absurdity of each. He does not take spying seriously and there are only happy or at least comfortable endings. There are even some facts along the way. All good fun.
October 10, 2025
3.5 stars
Author Alexander McCall Smith is a Scottish legal scholar and prolific fiction author, perhaps best known for his 'No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series and his 'Isabel Dalhousie' series. This amusing two-part book is a departure. 'The Private Life of Spies' contains tales about espionage, and 'The Exquisite Art of Getting Even' contains anecdotes about revenge.
**********
'The Private Life of Spies'
In the author's note, Smith observes that the spy stories are part fiction and part non-fiction.
📕 Nuns and Spies (England, 1943)
In 1943, Conradin Muller is a German man, fluent in English, who's recruited into the German Intelligence Service. Conradin has to take a three-month-course to learn about short wave radios and such, and to be taught 'how to behave like an Englishman.'
The behavior lessons include things like drinking tea with the little finger extended, and using the word 'jolly' as much as possible. For instance, if asked how you are, you reply 'I am jolly fine.' If asked what time it is, you say, 'It is jolly nearly twelve o'clock.' If something bad occurs, you say 'This is a jolly bad show.' And so on.
After the training course, Conradin is dropped into England with a nun's habit, and 'Sister Conradin' inadvertently finds himself the resident of a convent.
📕 Syphax and Omar (Algiers, 1924)
Syphax Brahimi and Pantaléon Dubois are rival spies in Algiers. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Pantaléon follows Syphax. And on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Syphax trails Pantaléon.
On their birthdays, the two spies sit down in a café and share a birthday cake.
The story explains how this unconventional state of affairs came about.
📕 Ferry Timetable
Fergus Andrew Mactavish is a Scottish farmer who's about to lose part of his best field for a new road that was approved by the town council. In anger, Mactavish performs an act of treason, which has unexpected results.
📕 Donald and Yevgeni (Shanghai, Moscow, Washington, 1934 -1947)
Due to a confluence of circumstances a British diplomat called Archibald Clark Kerr is gifted with a Russian valet named Yevgeni by Stalin.
Many years later, in Washington DC, Kerr becomes acquainted with a member of the British Diplomatic Service called Donald Maclean. Donald suspects Yevgeni might be a Russian agent....but the truth is much more complicated.
📕 Filioque (Rome, 2022)
Pierre Citroën is a student at the French Pontifical College who's written a paper about the filioque controversy - a difference of opinion about the Holy Spirit between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
When Cardinal Tommaso di Montalfino learns of Pierre's interest in the filioque, the Cardinal invites Pierre to lunch. This leads to Pierre being offered an important position after he graduates, but there may be an ulterior motive.
**********
"The Exquisite Art of Getting Even"
📕 Vengeance Is Mine
Murdo lives on a Scottish island called Mull and has a fishing boat. When Mull isn't fishing, he uses the boat to take visitors out and about.
Mull is a placid place until a flamboyant newcomer, Robert McCoy, arrives and flaunts his big red car and fancy new house.
As the story unfolds, someone is wronged, and there are consequences.
📕 The Principles of Soap
David Thoreau is an aspiring actor who makes a friend named Henry in acting school. Henry isn't a great actor, and becomes the target of cutting remarks from a fellow pupil called Virginia. Years after acting school ends, these three people come together on the set of a television show.....and things happen.
📕 Cavalleria Rusticana
Rose and Colin marry and buy a house with a large garden in the lovely Edinburgh suburb of Balerno.
The newlyweds are taken aback when they learn their neighbors have a big, rambunctious, barking dog Monty, who has no boundaries. All this leads to a series of unfortunate actions.
📕 One, Two, Three
Sam gets a degree in English literature and goes to work for a publisher. A big part of Sam's job involves editing (rewriting) the novels of Brock Maxwell, a very successful author who can't write.
Despite his writing challenges, Maxwell is arrogant, condescending, and nasty.
In time, there's an opportunity to take Maxwell down a peg.
**********
I'm a fan of author Alexander McCall Smith and always enjoy his stories and erudite philosophic insights. In this book, Smith depicts the more lighthearted aspects of espionage, and discusses the morality of revenge vs. forgiveness. Smith prefers forgiveness. I'm probably not as kindhearted, though I might hold a grudge in lieu of full-out revenge (sometimes). 🙂
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
April 12, 2023
The Private Life of Spies is a collection of five short stories from the world of spies by popular Scottish author, Alexander McCall Smith. Each story arises from a basis of truth, but is then embellished in McCall Smith’s whimsical and often tongue-in-cheek manner, resulting in an entertaining tale. The audio version is narrated by Saul Reichlin.
Nuns and Spies: due to his English fluency, in 1943 Conradin Muller is an unwilling conscript into German Intelligence and, after some basic training, is parachuted into rural England disguised as a nun. When he enters the closest village, he deftly disposes of his radio and joins a group of nuns filing into their convent.
He is surprised and grateful at their generous welcome: “He had fallen amongst people whose approach to the world about them was not one of confrontation or anger – as it was back in Germany at present – but of acceptance and love. It was so different, and even he, an intruder, an imposter, felt embraced by that feeling.”
He’s happy to work hard on the pig farm. There’s one close call with a fellow trainee from spy school when he’s visiting Cambridge, but on the whole, he’s contented to pretend. Only, some comments and looks from the nuns have him wondering if they have twigged to his secret…
Syphax and Omar: in the late nineteenth Century, a young Algerian man is sent to Constantinople to further his education. And he is educated, but not quite in the manner his father had intended. While he tells his family that he’s working for the Ottoman Civil Service, it’s really the Secret Service by whom he is employed. He’s been recruited by a Mr Nercessian who supplements his training with methods that guarantee a gentlemanly lifestyle free of the routine of tedious tasks.
To the delight of his father, he is sent on assignment to Algiers, where he uses both his training and his initiative to maintain his accustomed lifestyle. Italian spy, Omar Benamara is assigned to watch Syphax’s movements; Syphax reciprocates, while a cross-dressing Comintern agent watches them both, and all remains very civilised.
Ferry Timetable: a government decision about his land leaves beef farmer Fergus McTavish disgruntled enough to, on the spur of the moment, offer his services to the Russians. As a token of his sincerity, he mails them a local ferry timetable. Soon after, he reconsiders his treasonous offer, and confesses to the vicar and his daughter, Kirsty. Both are unfazed: he hasn’t actually DONE anything!
A letter from Russia alerting them to expect a visit from agent Yuri Olevsky, has Fergus a little concerned, but the young man’s first observation is about the beauty of their island, and from there, things go in quite an unexpected direction, even when Yuri’s colleague turns up looking for him.
Donald and Yevgney: when Archie Clark Kerr joins the British Diplomatic service in 1906, and is assigned to Berlin, then Cairo, his sympathetic attitude to the underdog impedes his climb up the Foreign Office ladder somewhat, but eventually he’s in Moscow during the war, getting on quite well with Stalin.
On his departure, destination Washington DC and a post as Ambassador, Stalin gives him a dwarf to act as his valet. Yevgeny Yost deserted from the army and Archie saved him from a firing squad, so his loyalty is unquestioned by Archie. But First Secretary Donald Maclean doesn’t trust him, and makes that clear to Archie. Yevgeny doesn’t trust Donald either, but knows better than to say so.
Filioque: When young French seminarian, Pierre Citroen, studying in Rome, is invited to lunch by a Cardinal on the strength of a question he posed about the Filioque controversy during a lecture, he has no idea what to expect. But as he later leaves the fancy restaurant, a waiter slips him a note with a warning: “be careful”. When he is offered a position, on his graduation, with the Entity, the Vatican’s secret service, he’s not sure what to do. He goes to his mentor for advice, and discusses it with his fellow seminarian, Alaine. A few other incidents help his make up his mind.
As always, McCall Smith includes a good helping of gentle philosophy, plenty of insightful observations, quite a bit of absurdity and some subtle humour. Very enjoyable.
Nuns and Spies: due to his English fluency, in 1943 Conradin Muller is an unwilling conscript into German Intelligence and, after some basic training, is parachuted into rural England disguised as a nun. When he enters the closest village, he deftly disposes of his radio and joins a group of nuns filing into their convent.
He is surprised and grateful at their generous welcome: “He had fallen amongst people whose approach to the world about them was not one of confrontation or anger – as it was back in Germany at present – but of acceptance and love. It was so different, and even he, an intruder, an imposter, felt embraced by that feeling.”
He’s happy to work hard on the pig farm. There’s one close call with a fellow trainee from spy school when he’s visiting Cambridge, but on the whole, he’s contented to pretend. Only, some comments and looks from the nuns have him wondering if they have twigged to his secret…
Syphax and Omar: in the late nineteenth Century, a young Algerian man is sent to Constantinople to further his education. And he is educated, but not quite in the manner his father had intended. While he tells his family that he’s working for the Ottoman Civil Service, it’s really the Secret Service by whom he is employed. He’s been recruited by a Mr Nercessian who supplements his training with methods that guarantee a gentlemanly lifestyle free of the routine of tedious tasks.
To the delight of his father, he is sent on assignment to Algiers, where he uses both his training and his initiative to maintain his accustomed lifestyle. Italian spy, Omar Benamara is assigned to watch Syphax’s movements; Syphax reciprocates, while a cross-dressing Comintern agent watches them both, and all remains very civilised.
Ferry Timetable: a government decision about his land leaves beef farmer Fergus McTavish disgruntled enough to, on the spur of the moment, offer his services to the Russians. As a token of his sincerity, he mails them a local ferry timetable. Soon after, he reconsiders his treasonous offer, and confesses to the vicar and his daughter, Kirsty. Both are unfazed: he hasn’t actually DONE anything!
A letter from Russia alerting them to expect a visit from agent Yuri Olevsky, has Fergus a little concerned, but the young man’s first observation is about the beauty of their island, and from there, things go in quite an unexpected direction, even when Yuri’s colleague turns up looking for him.
Donald and Yevgney: when Archie Clark Kerr joins the British Diplomatic service in 1906, and is assigned to Berlin, then Cairo, his sympathetic attitude to the underdog impedes his climb up the Foreign Office ladder somewhat, but eventually he’s in Moscow during the war, getting on quite well with Stalin.
On his departure, destination Washington DC and a post as Ambassador, Stalin gives him a dwarf to act as his valet. Yevgeny Yost deserted from the army and Archie saved him from a firing squad, so his loyalty is unquestioned by Archie. But First Secretary Donald Maclean doesn’t trust him, and makes that clear to Archie. Yevgeny doesn’t trust Donald either, but knows better than to say so.
Filioque: When young French seminarian, Pierre Citroen, studying in Rome, is invited to lunch by a Cardinal on the strength of a question he posed about the Filioque controversy during a lecture, he has no idea what to expect. But as he later leaves the fancy restaurant, a waiter slips him a note with a warning: “be careful”. When he is offered a position, on his graduation, with the Entity, the Vatican’s secret service, he’s not sure what to do. He goes to his mentor for advice, and discusses it with his fellow seminarian, Alaine. A few other incidents help his make up his mind.
As always, McCall Smith includes a good helping of gentle philosophy, plenty of insightful observations, quite a bit of absurdity and some subtle humour. Very enjoyable.
July 31, 2023
This book came to my attention by a friend who was mentioning one of the revenge stories. I should also mention that I'm not keen on short story collections and that McCall Smith books are a mixed bag for me. I like the No 1 Ladies books, La's Orchestra Saves the World and the Wolf Wolf ones (Ulf Varg--name literally means what I wrote.) I haven't cared much for most of his other books. That said, I really enjoyed a few of the stories in this collection.
My rating is based on the average rating for each story since it's a mixed bag. The average of the 11 stories (NOT the average of the two parts since they have different numbers of stories) is 2.4444
First part, The Private Life of Spies
Nuns and Spies - 4.5
Syphax and Omer - 3.5
Ferry Timetable - 3
Donald and Yevgeni - 2
Filioque - 1
The average of part 1 is 2.8
Second part. The Exquisite Art of Getting Even (I'm including the intros that are right before these stories with them).
Vengeance is Mine - 1 star
The Principle of Soap - 4
Money, Tiger, Rose, Etc. This was hard. The introduction is 5 stars, but I disliked the story at 1 star which is much longer, so I'm going to give it 2 stars
One, Two Three - 1 star
average of part 2 is 2 stars
My rating is based on the average rating for each story since it's a mixed bag. The average of the 11 stories (NOT the average of the two parts since they have different numbers of stories) is 2.4444
First part, The Private Life of Spies
Nuns and Spies - 4.5
Syphax and Omer - 3.5
Ferry Timetable - 3
Donald and Yevgeni - 2
Filioque - 1
The average of part 1 is 2.8
Second part. The Exquisite Art of Getting Even (I'm including the intros that are right before these stories with them).
Vengeance is Mine - 1 star
The Principle of Soap - 4
Money, Tiger, Rose, Etc. This was hard. The introduction is 5 stars, but I disliked the story at 1 star which is much longer, so I'm going to give it 2 stars
One, Two Three - 1 star
average of part 2 is 2 stars
May 12, 2023
This a collection of soft, thoughtful stories around either spies or forms of revenge. Because of my own preferences, the four stories on revenge far outranked the spy stories but they’re all well written. I just found them to be a tad boring.
I’ve always enjoyed this author and his ladies detective agency books but I do think he needs a mystery added to his plots for it to be interesting enough to sink your teeth into.
I’ve always enjoyed this author and his ladies detective agency books but I do think he needs a mystery added to his plots for it to be interesting enough to sink your teeth into.
July 26, 2025
3.7 Stars rounded up.
Nine entertaining short stories.
The Private Lives of Spies
Nuns and Spies ⭐⭐⭐
Syphax and Omar ⭐⭐
Ferry Timetable ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Donald and Yevgney ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Filioque ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Exquisite Art of Getting Even
Sweet Vengeance: Vengeance is Mine ⭐⭐⭐
A Melbourne Story: The Principles of Soap ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cavalleria Rusticana: Monty, Tiger, Rose etc. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dignity and Decency: One, Two, Three ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nine entertaining short stories.
The Private Lives of Spies
Nuns and Spies ⭐⭐⭐
Syphax and Omar ⭐⭐
Ferry Timetable ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Donald and Yevgney ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Filioque ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Exquisite Art of Getting Even
Sweet Vengeance: Vengeance is Mine ⭐⭐⭐
A Melbourne Story: The Principles of Soap ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cavalleria Rusticana: Monty, Tiger, Rose etc. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dignity and Decency: One, Two, Three ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 29, 2023
The most gentle, meandering stories of spies that I have ever had the privilege to read. Far from the gadgetry, plots (really bad killing ones, not storylines), darker side of life and its associated death, this collection of 5 short stories, ranging from parachuting pseudo-nun Germans in WWII, through to Russian dwarf valets, subterfuge in the Vatican, all the while seamlessly blending fiction with real people, and fondly musing upon my all time favourite - Syphax and Omar - beautifully written story of spies who just can’t stop their job. Highly recommended.
August 10, 2023
All of McCall Smith's books are essentially a series of stereotypes, though they used to be written with more depth and affection. At it's best, this book felt like it was a series of character studies for future books (especially Sam the writer ). At it's worse, it was just stereotypes of many people from many different cultures and class (I am no sure what he has against Glaswegians). I think he has spent the past few years focused too much on output and has lost his affection for his characters.
November 3, 2024
These short stories, half about different kinds of spies and half about revenge in various settings, are McCall Smith’s best work. I tend to see his books as enjoyable but ultimately not too meaningful or deep; I read him to relax, the way you might watch a reality show.
These stories are so much better than that. Funny, thoughtful, and told well. Makes me want to see more short stories from him!
These stories are so much better than that. Funny, thoughtful, and told well. Makes me want to see more short stories from him!
July 22, 2024
Absolutely wonderful collection of stories with the author’s trademark charm and wit, exalting the mundane actions and speeches and upholding kindness. The narrator of the audio book was superb.
October 25, 2023
DNFed at 50%
The first story is hands down the best one, the rest just felt a little empty.
Cool concept, it’s definitely interesting to think about the spies out there that said “no thank you”, especially in a world where we think spies are the coolest thing ever. I think that’s where McCall Smith was trying to get the humour from, and it’s there, but I personally didn’t really find it punchy enough to get it up to a high rating.
The first story is hands down the best one, the rest just felt a little empty.
Cool concept, it’s definitely interesting to think about the spies out there that said “no thank you”, especially in a world where we think spies are the coolest thing ever. I think that’s where McCall Smith was trying to get the humour from, and it’s there, but I personally didn’t really find it punchy enough to get it up to a high rating.
January 2, 2024
A fun read. Five short stories that often left me wanting more.
August 1, 2023
This seemed a mish-mash of AMS stories. I enjoyed moments, but overall not the usual joy I feel reading this author.
Read
January 5, 2025McCall Smith's is the unsung master of bullshit jobs. A couple of examples from this book:
* Researchers spending a lifetime of work on the translation of a word in holy scripture and the consequences each translation might have
* Teachers sending their servants who do not speak the language to read out college notes phonetically, instead of teaching
* Students pretending to be at those classes, but taking on side jobs instead
* The side jobs consisting of replacing some higher up administrator, who is covering for a higher up administrator, who is covering for a higher up administrator
* Spies being sent on missions to places they find appealing, pretending to be locals until they are and forget about or ignore their assignment
* Two spies spying on each other on alternating days for otherwise the task would be too confusing and nobody would get anywhere.
* Everybody sending out reports so everybody else can rest assured that everthing is under control.
Sounds far-fetched? Look around you.
Still sounds far-fetched? Read Alexander McCall Smith.
* Researchers spending a lifetime of work on the translation of a word in holy scripture and the consequences each translation might have
* Teachers sending their servants who do not speak the language to read out college notes phonetically, instead of teaching
* Students pretending to be at those classes, but taking on side jobs instead
* The side jobs consisting of replacing some higher up administrator, who is covering for a higher up administrator, who is covering for a higher up administrator
* Spies being sent on missions to places they find appealing, pretending to be locals until they are and forget about or ignore their assignment
* Two spies spying on each other on alternating days for otherwise the task would be too confusing and nobody would get anywhere.
* Everybody sending out reports so everybody else can rest assured that everthing is under control.
Sounds far-fetched? Look around you.
Still sounds far-fetched? Read Alexander McCall Smith.
May 26, 2024
This is very much two books under one cover. The first is a series of short stories imagining or reimagining the lives of spies across the decades and globe. The second are a series of short stories about revenge.
If I could rate these books separately the first would be 5 star and the second would be 2 star (hence the overall 3 star rating). I thoroughly enjoyed the first book it was funny and imaginative, I will follow up on the reference and source material that McCall Smith mentions. The second book felt the like least in character or line with the author that I've ever read. While they are still very much in his wheelhouse the subject matter of revenge made me dislike these stories. I was genuinely surprised and very disappointed at the treatment of the poor Rottweiler, McCall Smith is usually a dog loving writer, and as someone who has one of these "terrifying" dogs it's such a load of crock.
If I could rate these books separately the first would be 5 star and the second would be 2 star (hence the overall 3 star rating). I thoroughly enjoyed the first book it was funny and imaginative, I will follow up on the reference and source material that McCall Smith mentions. The second book felt the like least in character or line with the author that I've ever read. While they are still very much in his wheelhouse the subject matter of revenge made me dislike these stories. I was genuinely surprised and very disappointed at the treatment of the poor Rottweiler, McCall Smith is usually a dog loving writer, and as someone who has one of these "terrifying" dogs it's such a load of crock.
August 10, 2023
A collection of short stories. Enjoyed “Nuns and Spies” and the truth that inspired it. The rest all had his usual wit and a lesson on humanity, but overall made me feel like it was a high school lit textbook
June 11, 2024
McCall Smith is great at short stories. Indeed, his novels often struggle with being long enough, so well-suited is he to short form stories. These thematic stories of spying and vengeance make the expected points about kindness with entertaining characters.
July 29, 2023
This was a fun read. Cute short-stories about spies and revenge.
June 12, 2023
This book was delightful! If you are a fan of his writing you will love these stories. My personal favorite was the first one but they were all compelling. AMS is the ultimate cozy writer; I never thought I would describe a book as cozy spy stories, but that is how I felt the whole time reading this book. I never quite knew what was going to happen, but it was the relaxing feeling of sipping a cup of tea and knowing that the book was going to make you smile with every page.
These are heavily character driven stories with lots of humor! AMS has such a great power of observing and capturing human nature no matter the quirkiest of situations and building his stories around that. This is why he is one of my very favorite authors!
These are heavily character driven stories with lots of humor! AMS has such a great power of observing and capturing human nature no matter the quirkiest of situations and building his stories around that. This is why he is one of my very favorite authors!
September 13, 2023
Very good. Not something I would normally read but a I love anything this author writes. Excellent.
March 19, 2024
I enjoyed these short stories from a great storyteller.
May 23, 2023
Nine celever short stories, half of which deals with spies in some form or another living their secret lives, Some are funny and other makes you think.
The other half deals with those of us who plan revenge against someone supposed enemy, which either works out for good or boomerangs back on us.
My favorites ae the very first story involving a Nazi spy who, lands in England in a nunnery. Very funny and has a great ending. More interesting is Donald and Yevgeni about the Cambridge pies of the fifties and early sixtie
The second half is The Exquisite Art of Getting Even, two stories in this collection are: Moonty, Tiger and Rose, which deals with a barking dog that drives a neighbor into planning a ghastly end. The last story Dignity and Decency follows a stuck-up writer and his former editor.
All of the stories are well done.
The other half deals with those of us who plan revenge against someone supposed enemy, which either works out for good or boomerangs back on us.
My favorites ae the very first story involving a Nazi spy who, lands in England in a nunnery. Very funny and has a great ending. More interesting is Donald and Yevgeni about the Cambridge pies of the fifties and early sixtie
The second half is The Exquisite Art of Getting Even, two stories in this collection are: Moonty, Tiger and Rose, which deals with a barking dog that drives a neighbor into planning a ghastly end. The last story Dignity and Decency follows a stuck-up writer and his former editor.
All of the stories are well done.
August 13, 2024
This book includes 2 sets of short stories...The Private Life of Spies was OK, while I loved the stories that comprise The Exquisite Art of Getting Even. The first set mildly entertaining (some stories were better than others), the second set worthy of a bookclub discussion (or philosophy class...lots to think about - in a good way!).
March 4, 2024
An enjoyable collection of 5 short stories, found some more engaging than others but overall a pleasant take on the subtleties and sometimes silly side of espionage.
June 2, 2023
This one is the private life of spies, minus the revenge. Loved the stories. Great comment on the human condition and the reality of espionage.
June 11, 2023
Well running dry?
Two sets of short stories in one volume. All of them modest at best. And hardly worth the $16.99 CDN for the Kindle edition on Amazon.
The first series – The Private Life of Spies – showed potential if you recognize they are parodies of Christie, Wodehouse and Graham Green. The second series on Revenge is even less entertaining, and one story, ‘Monty, Tiger, Rose, Etc.’, almost incomprehensible in it’s unlikely plot.
And I used to love AMS.
Two sets of short stories in one volume. All of them modest at best. And hardly worth the $16.99 CDN for the Kindle edition on Amazon.
The first series – The Private Life of Spies – showed potential if you recognize they are parodies of Christie, Wodehouse and Graham Green. The second series on Revenge is even less entertaining, and one story, ‘Monty, Tiger, Rose, Etc.’, almost incomprehensible in it’s unlikely plot.
And I used to love AMS.
July 3, 2023
Do you enjoy reading short stories as a sort of pallet cleanser?
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That’s what I did with The Private Life of Spies and The Exquisite Art of Getting Even by Alexander McCall Smith. I read the short stories in this book in between finishing other novels. A quick cozy escape. This collection of short stories took me into the captivating world of espionage. Some of the stories were faster-paced and had me wondering what is going to happen next, while others were just a lovely escape into a story. The second half of the book about the art of getting even will have you wiggling with secondhand concern and worry for what’s unfolding and then chuckling as revenge is served, all while highlighting that in the end taking the high road is usually the best road taken.
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Normally I don’t bounce around in a book but because none of the stories were connected I enjoyed flipping thru the pages browsing over the titles and reading a few lines till I settled on one that grabbed me. I think one of the things I enjoyed most in these stories was the endings. Some had happily ever after endings and others a subtle yet satisfying conclusion, like a conversation with a friend.
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Have you read any of Alexander McCall Smith’s stories? He wrote a modern retelling of Emma that I want to read.
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Thank you to Pantheon Books/ Penguin Random House for sending me a copy of this book to enjoy. All opinions are my own.
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That’s what I did with The Private Life of Spies and The Exquisite Art of Getting Even by Alexander McCall Smith. I read the short stories in this book in between finishing other novels. A quick cozy escape. This collection of short stories took me into the captivating world of espionage. Some of the stories were faster-paced and had me wondering what is going to happen next, while others were just a lovely escape into a story. The second half of the book about the art of getting even will have you wiggling with secondhand concern and worry for what’s unfolding and then chuckling as revenge is served, all while highlighting that in the end taking the high road is usually the best road taken.
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Normally I don’t bounce around in a book but because none of the stories were connected I enjoyed flipping thru the pages browsing over the titles and reading a few lines till I settled on one that grabbed me. I think one of the things I enjoyed most in these stories was the endings. Some had happily ever after endings and others a subtle yet satisfying conclusion, like a conversation with a friend.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Have you read any of Alexander McCall Smith’s stories? He wrote a modern retelling of Emma that I want to read.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Thank you to Pantheon Books/ Penguin Random House for sending me a copy of this book to enjoy. All opinions are my own.
May 16, 2023
I grabbed this off the new display at my library. I really enjoy Alexander McCall Smith and knew that he would do an excellent job with a short story format. My guess is that he had these ideas stashed away in a file of ideas to expand when I get the time.
IN CASE YOU DID NOT READ THE FLYLEAF: McCall Smith brings his trademark wit and warmth to nine twisty tales of spy craft and vengeance.
Story 1: Nuns and Spies follows a spy dropped into enemy territory who manages to disguise himself - quite successfully - as a nun. This one is hilarious.
Story 5: Reveals that the Vatican has a secret service and a very bright student is being invited to join. The whole thing is rather convoluted as the student tries to decide what would be the best path to follow. It is rather a twisty story full of confusion and controversy.
STORY 4: The ups and downs of being a spy and you why can never let yourself get TOO Comfortable and trusting.
The second half of the book is entitled The Exquisite Art of Getting Even". These stories really speak to the heart of what will we do to GET EVEN and what are the consequences. Very well done and very readable and thought provoking.
My favorites were "Monty, Tiger, Rose, Etc." and :Dignity and Decency". Both worthy of acclaim.
IN CASE YOU DID NOT READ THE FLYLEAF: McCall Smith brings his trademark wit and warmth to nine twisty tales of spy craft and vengeance.
Story 1: Nuns and Spies follows a spy dropped into enemy territory who manages to disguise himself - quite successfully - as a nun. This one is hilarious.
Story 5: Reveals that the Vatican has a secret service and a very bright student is being invited to join. The whole thing is rather convoluted as the student tries to decide what would be the best path to follow. It is rather a twisty story full of confusion and controversy.
STORY 4: The ups and downs of being a spy and you why can never let yourself get TOO Comfortable and trusting.
The second half of the book is entitled The Exquisite Art of Getting Even". These stories really speak to the heart of what will we do to GET EVEN and what are the consequences. Very well done and very readable and thought provoking.
My favorites were "Monty, Tiger, Rose, Etc." and :Dignity and Decency". Both worthy of acclaim.
March 19, 2023
A bit "hit-and-miss". Some stories were a bit disappointing. Those that employed humour, relied on absurdity of situations.
During WW2 there was a rumour that German spies were landing by parachute in Britain, dressed as nuns... Conradin Muller was an unusual spy. He was recruited in Hamburg in June 1943, much against his will, and sent on his first, and only, mission in late September that year. He failed to send a single report back to Germany, and when the War came to an end in May 1945, he fell to his knees and wept with relief. From a highly reluctant German spy who is drawn to an East Anglian nunnery as his only means of escape, to the strange tale of one of the Cambridge spy ring's adventures with a Russian dwarf, these are Alexander McCall Smith's intriguing and typically inventive stories from the world of espionage.
During WW2 there was a rumour that German spies were landing by parachute in Britain, dressed as nuns... Conradin Muller was an unusual spy. He was recruited in Hamburg in June 1943, much against his will, and sent on his first, and only, mission in late September that year. He failed to send a single report back to Germany, and when the War came to an end in May 1945, he fell to his knees and wept with relief. From a highly reluctant German spy who is drawn to an East Anglian nunnery as his only means of escape, to the strange tale of one of the Cambridge spy ring's adventures with a Russian dwarf, these are Alexander McCall Smith's intriguing and typically inventive stories from the world of espionage.
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