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John Bailey #4
Killer Traitor Spy
SET TO BE ADAPTED FOR THE SCREEN. Journalist John Bailey and CIA officer Ronnie Johnson join forces to outwit their most deadly adversary yet. ‘Ayliffe is a master of the genre.’ Sulari Gentill STEALING SECRETS IS A DEADLY GAME Someone wants Russian millionaire Dmitry Lebedev dead. After years flying under the radar in Sydney, he’s just had a narrow escape when a sex worker is poisoned in his hotel room. In desperation he contacts his former CIA case officer, Ronnie Johnson, offering to expose a traitor inside the Australian government in return for protection. John Bailey has spent decades risking his life to break news stories. Along the way he’s made some interesting friends, including Ronnie — who saved his life in Iraq — and Scarlett Merriman, whose night with Lebedev left her in a coma. And now they both need Bailey’s help. While Bailey investigates what happened to Scarlett, Ronnie Johnson is calling in an old debt. Because the same people going after Lebedev have framed Ronnie for murder. From Canberra to Moscow to Beijing, Killer Traitor Spy uncovers the new lines of espionage in the twenty-first century. It proclaims Ayliffe as a master of the genre. ‘A carefully crafted, propulsive thriller that sails uncomfortably close to the truth.’ Michael Brissenden ‘Torn from the headlines and relentlessly paced.’ Matthew Spencer
320 pages, Paperback
Published July 5, 2023
31 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Tim Ayliffe
6 books93 followersTim Ayliffe’s thriller novels have been informed by his 25-year career as a journalist in Australia and around the world. He writes about espionage, extremism, politics and the global power games at play in the 21st Century.
He is the author the standalone thriller - Dark Desert Road - and the ‘John Bailey’ series including The Greater Good, State of Fear, The Enemy Within, Killer Traitor Spy and The Wrong Man. Ayliffe's novels are also in development for TV.
When he's not writing or chasing news stories, Ayliffe watches rugby and surfs. He lives in Sydney.
He is the author the standalone thriller - Dark Desert Road - and the ‘John Bailey’ series including The Greater Good, State of Fear, The Enemy Within, Killer Traitor Spy and The Wrong Man. Ayliffe's novels are also in development for TV.
When he's not writing or chasing news stories, Ayliffe watches rugby and surfs. He lives in Sydney.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 12, 2023
5★
“Bailey was solid too, but he was a different kind of solid. He was good at exposing bad people when they did bad things. But the rules that governed Bailey’s methods were no good to Ronnie. Guys like Ronnie were tasked with stopping bad things from happening. “
John Bailey is a Sydney investigative journalist who has a wide brief and a pretty long leash. Ronnie Johnson is a big American bruiser, as smart as he is big and strong. They are an unlikely pair, Bailey being a stickler for fact-checking investigating and Ronnie being more a seat-of-the-pants, I-know-what-I-know guy who isn’t going to wait for proof to stop someone he thinks needs stopping.
This can easily be a stand-alone. Although the characters were introduced in earlier books, the story doesn’t hinge on their previous escapades. Ayliffe fills in any details as necessary.
The book opens with the attempted murder of a Russian man in a hotel. His sex worker visitor is the accidental victim. Bailey happens to know the girl, because he helped her when a friend of hers was murdered, and he’s stayed in touch, just to make sure she stays safe.
Ronnie Johnson is CIA, American through and through. He and Bailey met in Beirut in 1989, which is where Bailey also met his current partner, Annie Brooks, a correspondent. They’d had a wild fling back then that ended, but after all this time, they’re more or less back on again.
Ronnie’s been called to a meeting in the Oxford Tavern by another old friend who works in ASD.
“[He] worked for the Australian Signals Directorate, or ASD, the spy agency responsible for foreign intelligence involving military operations and cyber warfare. His psychological profile would have contained similar words used to describe the American sitting opposite him. Ideological. Secretive. Ruthless.”
The guy mentions inner-west hipsters, and Ronnie cracks up.
“Ronnie laughed, his barrel chest rocking against his jacket. He’d lived in Sydney long enough to know the geographical stereotypes that defined the place. Surfing tradies on the Northern Beaches. Yuppies in the east. The ‘squinters’ in the west who copped the sunrise and the sunsets on their city commutes. Australians loved nicknames and Sydney had plenty.”
It’s true about the nicknames and shorthand, and it can be hard to keep up (in real life, I mean, not the book). Mercifully, this is not one of those Aussie books that splashes around a lot of quirky lingo. In fact, there were a few words that struck me as American, like ‘elevator’ rather than ‘lift’. But I haven’t been in Sydney in years, so perhaps it’s becoming even more Americanised. Or maybe the author is thinking of his American market.
I also appreciate that any abbreviations are either spelled out, like the ASD above, or at least explained. This is very current politics and modern action. But it still relies on old-school smarts - the experience and intelligence of both journalist Bailey and spook Johnson.
What they are up against is Russian infiltration. A retired spook steps in. This will give you a sense of how Ayliffe gives us background.
“‘Ronnie said I could trust you.’
‘You can.’
‘I won’t stand by and do nothing as the GRU conducts a major operation on Australian soil.’
The GRU.
Russia’s foreign military intelligence agency. Bigger, more powerful and more ruthless than the KGB’s successor, the FSB.
‘GRU operatives are here?’
[He] waved his hand dismissively. ‘They’ve always been here. Hiding in plain sight behind bland job titles in the embassy, most likely. They’re everywhere.’
Bailey sat quietly, not wanting to interrupt the flow of information from the man sitting opposite, hoping that a dam was about to burst.
‘It’s not just the GRU, by the way. There are more foreign spies operating in Australia than ever before,’ Staples said. ‘The infiltration of our university campuses by the Chinese has already been well documented. Some of them aren’t even paid intelligence operatives. Like the Russkiy Mir, they’re more focused on influencing opinion here in Australia to be sympathetic to the autocratic ways of their leaders back home.’”
. . .
“ ‘Do you know want to know why people call the GRU’s headquarters in Moscow, “The Aquarium?”’
Bailey stopped in the open doorway. ‘Enlighten me.’
‘Shark-infested waters. These people are trained killers. Be careful.’
‘Thanks for the advice.’ Bailey couldn’t help thinking the old spook had just hooked him to the end of a drum line.”
It’s fascinating, thrilling, and a great addition to the Greater Good series. As I said before, you don’t need to have met any of these people before. You don’t need to know Australian politics or Sydney, either, although I loved revisiting my old stomping grounds. Spies are spies and the hunt is the hunt!
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the copy for review, from which I’ve quoted.
“Bailey was solid too, but he was a different kind of solid. He was good at exposing bad people when they did bad things. But the rules that governed Bailey’s methods were no good to Ronnie. Guys like Ronnie were tasked with stopping bad things from happening. “
John Bailey is a Sydney investigative journalist who has a wide brief and a pretty long leash. Ronnie Johnson is a big American bruiser, as smart as he is big and strong. They are an unlikely pair, Bailey being a stickler for fact-checking investigating and Ronnie being more a seat-of-the-pants, I-know-what-I-know guy who isn’t going to wait for proof to stop someone he thinks needs stopping.
This can easily be a stand-alone. Although the characters were introduced in earlier books, the story doesn’t hinge on their previous escapades. Ayliffe fills in any details as necessary.
The book opens with the attempted murder of a Russian man in a hotel. His sex worker visitor is the accidental victim. Bailey happens to know the girl, because he helped her when a friend of hers was murdered, and he’s stayed in touch, just to make sure she stays safe.
Ronnie Johnson is CIA, American through and through. He and Bailey met in Beirut in 1989, which is where Bailey also met his current partner, Annie Brooks, a correspondent. They’d had a wild fling back then that ended, but after all this time, they’re more or less back on again.
Ronnie’s been called to a meeting in the Oxford Tavern by another old friend who works in ASD.
“[He] worked for the Australian Signals Directorate, or ASD, the spy agency responsible for foreign intelligence involving military operations and cyber warfare. His psychological profile would have contained similar words used to describe the American sitting opposite him. Ideological. Secretive. Ruthless.”
The guy mentions inner-west hipsters, and Ronnie cracks up.
“Ronnie laughed, his barrel chest rocking against his jacket. He’d lived in Sydney long enough to know the geographical stereotypes that defined the place. Surfing tradies on the Northern Beaches. Yuppies in the east. The ‘squinters’ in the west who copped the sunrise and the sunsets on their city commutes. Australians loved nicknames and Sydney had plenty.”
It’s true about the nicknames and shorthand, and it can be hard to keep up (in real life, I mean, not the book). Mercifully, this is not one of those Aussie books that splashes around a lot of quirky lingo. In fact, there were a few words that struck me as American, like ‘elevator’ rather than ‘lift’. But I haven’t been in Sydney in years, so perhaps it’s becoming even more Americanised. Or maybe the author is thinking of his American market.
I also appreciate that any abbreviations are either spelled out, like the ASD above, or at least explained. This is very current politics and modern action. But it still relies on old-school smarts - the experience and intelligence of both journalist Bailey and spook Johnson.
What they are up against is Russian infiltration. A retired spook steps in. This will give you a sense of how Ayliffe gives us background.
“‘Ronnie said I could trust you.’
‘You can.’
‘I won’t stand by and do nothing as the GRU conducts a major operation on Australian soil.’
The GRU.
Russia’s foreign military intelligence agency. Bigger, more powerful and more ruthless than the KGB’s successor, the FSB.
‘GRU operatives are here?’
[He] waved his hand dismissively. ‘They’ve always been here. Hiding in plain sight behind bland job titles in the embassy, most likely. They’re everywhere.’
Bailey sat quietly, not wanting to interrupt the flow of information from the man sitting opposite, hoping that a dam was about to burst.
‘It’s not just the GRU, by the way. There are more foreign spies operating in Australia than ever before,’ Staples said. ‘The infiltration of our university campuses by the Chinese has already been well documented. Some of them aren’t even paid intelligence operatives. Like the Russkiy Mir, they’re more focused on influencing opinion here in Australia to be sympathetic to the autocratic ways of their leaders back home.’”
. . .
“ ‘Do you know want to know why people call the GRU’s headquarters in Moscow, “The Aquarium?”’
Bailey stopped in the open doorway. ‘Enlighten me.’
‘Shark-infested waters. These people are trained killers. Be careful.’
‘Thanks for the advice.’ Bailey couldn’t help thinking the old spook had just hooked him to the end of a drum line.”
It’s fascinating, thrilling, and a great addition to the Greater Good series. As I said before, you don’t need to have met any of these people before. You don’t need to know Australian politics or Sydney, either, although I loved revisiting my old stomping grounds. Spies are spies and the hunt is the hunt!
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the copy for review, from which I’ve quoted.
July 2, 2023
Set mostly in Sydney Australia, investigative journalist John Bailey and Canberra's CIA agent, Ronnie Johnson, joined forces after discovering Dmitry Lebedev's sex worker companion had been poisoned in the luxury hotel room they'd been in. Would their suspicions that Dmitry was the target after he contacted Ronnie, prove to be correct? Dmitry had evidence of corruption in the Australian government, with Russian spies having infiltrated Canberra, sharing top secrets with Russia. Bailey was determined to have a front page story while helping Ronnie oust the traitors.
But when Ronnie was framed for a murder, with video evidence, Bailey was uncertain. Could he still trust Ronnie? Digging deeply into the lives of those individuals who kept just on the right side of the law saw Bailey uncover secrets, corruption and murder. Would Bailey need to cross a line in this investigation?
Killer Traitor Spy is the 4th in the John Bailey series by Aussie author Tim Ayliffe, and the first I've read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Gripping and intense, it's also an easy read. Bailey found himself in an awkward situation, one that he'd be lucky to get out of. He's a great character, as is Ronnie. I have #1 on my kindle, so I'll definitely read more of this series, and watch out for #5. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
But when Ronnie was framed for a murder, with video evidence, Bailey was uncertain. Could he still trust Ronnie? Digging deeply into the lives of those individuals who kept just on the right side of the law saw Bailey uncover secrets, corruption and murder. Would Bailey need to cross a line in this investigation?
Killer Traitor Spy is the 4th in the John Bailey series by Aussie author Tim Ayliffe, and the first I've read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Gripping and intense, it's also an easy read. Bailey found himself in an awkward situation, one that he'd be lucky to get out of. He's a great character, as is Ronnie. I have #1 on my kindle, so I'll definitely read more of this series, and watch out for #5. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2023
This is book four in a great series. John Bailey, reporter and reformed alcoholic is back. This time is CIA agent friend Ronnie Johnson is in trouble as he is framed for the murder of a Russian in Sydney. John is working on a story about a disappeared Russian who was almost poisoned by Novichok, a chemical weapon that appears to be in the hands of terrorists. Bailey is made aware of the event by the involvement of his friend, Scarlett who is a high end prostitute.
The story moves quickly and it appears that a Russian organised crime group may have infiltrated the Australian government and the race is on to see who can put together the missing pieces first. Is Ronnie working with Bailey or setting him up to take some of the heat? Who can Bailey believe as he gets drawn further and further into this nightmare.
Thank you Simon & Schuster Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this digital ARC.
The story moves quickly and it appears that a Russian organised crime group may have infiltrated the Australian government and the race is on to see who can put together the missing pieces first. Is Ronnie working with Bailey or setting him up to take some of the heat? Who can Bailey believe as he gets drawn further and further into this nightmare.
Thank you Simon & Schuster Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this digital ARC.
July 2, 2023
Killer Traitor Spy is the 4th book in the fast-paced and oftentimes brutal John Bailey series. The first three books in the series have established Bailey as a hard-nosed, dogged and determined investigative journalist with all kinds of front as he pursues a story. Once again he’s prepared to take a few hits as he chases down a politically explosive story.
In his past he has worked all over the world, particularly in war ravaged regions and has survived some of the most brutal conditions but in this case, the danger is much closer to home. From a relatively quiet start he is dragged into an intriguing situation that threatens to explode into an internationally dangerous encounter. After all, Bailey has been through the wringer a couple of times and he’s already prone to suffering flashbacks from previous close calls, so his initial reluctance is understandable.
But it’s a little personal because Scarlett Merriman, a friend of Bailey’s, is poisoned with what appears to be a nerve agent after drinking from a glass of vodka while visiting with Russian millionaire Dmitry Lebedev. She’s in an induced coma, Lebedev has disappeared and Bailey wants answers.
Ronnie Johnson, another longtime friend of Bailey’s and a CIA agent, is involved. He calls in a favour from Bailey, asking him to run an investigation on the Russian man, along with another suspicious death that has shone a spotlight on Johnson himself.
When Bailey digs further he uncovers suspicions of a Russian agent who has infiltrated the Australian government at the highest level. Secrets are being passed out of the country, sensitive material is being stolen and people are dying in an effort to keep it all covered up. It’s a matter of working out who’s behind it all and proving that it’s going on.
From Sydney to Canberra and back again, dealing with secretive local operatives and Russian nationals, there’s a lot for an investigative journalist to take in. And even with Ronnie Johnson on his side, there’s a whole lot more danger involved than you would expect a scribbler to usually be faced with.
Like most good spy novels it’s difficult to nail down good, solid information about the bad guys. Spies tend not to pass on information, so whenever Bailey asks a question the answers are generally evasive and non-committal. This means we’re left to make assumptions about the whats, whos and whys of what’s going on. Yes, it can be a little frustrating, but it also heightens the anxiety levels and makes for a much more exciting read.
Killer Traitor Spy is a deeply involved spy novel set within the borders of Australia. The pace is furiously fast and relentless and there are numerous moments of near misses and tense stand-offs. In short, it delivers the kind of action that kept my attention fully for the entire book.
My thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as a digital ARC so I could enjoy and review this book.
In his past he has worked all over the world, particularly in war ravaged regions and has survived some of the most brutal conditions but in this case, the danger is much closer to home. From a relatively quiet start he is dragged into an intriguing situation that threatens to explode into an internationally dangerous encounter. After all, Bailey has been through the wringer a couple of times and he’s already prone to suffering flashbacks from previous close calls, so his initial reluctance is understandable.
But it’s a little personal because Scarlett Merriman, a friend of Bailey’s, is poisoned with what appears to be a nerve agent after drinking from a glass of vodka while visiting with Russian millionaire Dmitry Lebedev. She’s in an induced coma, Lebedev has disappeared and Bailey wants answers.
Ronnie Johnson, another longtime friend of Bailey’s and a CIA agent, is involved. He calls in a favour from Bailey, asking him to run an investigation on the Russian man, along with another suspicious death that has shone a spotlight on Johnson himself.
When Bailey digs further he uncovers suspicions of a Russian agent who has infiltrated the Australian government at the highest level. Secrets are being passed out of the country, sensitive material is being stolen and people are dying in an effort to keep it all covered up. It’s a matter of working out who’s behind it all and proving that it’s going on.
From Sydney to Canberra and back again, dealing with secretive local operatives and Russian nationals, there’s a lot for an investigative journalist to take in. And even with Ronnie Johnson on his side, there’s a whole lot more danger involved than you would expect a scribbler to usually be faced with.
Like most good spy novels it’s difficult to nail down good, solid information about the bad guys. Spies tend not to pass on information, so whenever Bailey asks a question the answers are generally evasive and non-committal. This means we’re left to make assumptions about the whats, whos and whys of what’s going on. Yes, it can be a little frustrating, but it also heightens the anxiety levels and makes for a much more exciting read.
Killer Traitor Spy is a deeply involved spy novel set within the borders of Australia. The pace is furiously fast and relentless and there are numerous moments of near misses and tense stand-offs. In short, it delivers the kind of action that kept my attention fully for the entire book.
My thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as a digital ARC so I could enjoy and review this book.
September 1, 2023
“Stick with me, bubba.’ Ronnie turned to him and smiled. ‘Like I told you, this is going to be a hell of a story.”
Killer Traitor Spy is Tim Ayliffe’s fourth fast-paced thriller to feature investigative journalist John Bailey.
When a young friend of his is poisoned with what appears to be a nerve agent meant for a Russian millionaire, Dmitry Lebedev, John Bailey wants answers. With Lebedev on the run, Bailey begins to dig, and guided by an anonymous tipster, links the man to the death of another expat Russian billionaire, Mikhail Volkov, and the hanging of a dual Russian–Australian citizen working for a locally produced newspaper, The Russian Times. Bailey is not too surprised when he learns his new source is connected to an old ex-CIA buddy, Ronnie Johnson, who now wants Bailey’s help. Having Ronnie’s back can be risky though, and soon Bailey is caught up in the dangerous, shadowy world of secrets, spies and corruption.
Ayliffe draws from headline news events for elements of the plot, which is clever but not complicated. It’s a race against time as the pair follow a trail of money laundering, cybercrime and political scandal to identify the foreign assets working to extract Australian intelligence. Bailey is a skilled and experienced investigator but he finds it difficult to maintain a professional distance from the story as he and Ronnie encounter trained killers, bombs, and a terrifying secret weapon.
Though Ronnie is a reminder of some of his more harrowing experiences as an overseas correspondent, Bailey is mostly in a good place in this fourth novel. His relationship with TV journalist Annie Brooks is a perhaps little rocky but Bailey remains sober, and he is delighted when his daughter announces she is pregnant.
As with his previous novels featuring Bailey, The Enemy Within, The Greater Good and State of Fear, Killer Traitor Spy is a gripping, tense and entertaining read. It’s not strictly necessary to have read the series to enjoy this instalment but I’d recommend it.
Killer Traitor Spy is Tim Ayliffe’s fourth fast-paced thriller to feature investigative journalist John Bailey.
When a young friend of his is poisoned with what appears to be a nerve agent meant for a Russian millionaire, Dmitry Lebedev, John Bailey wants answers. With Lebedev on the run, Bailey begins to dig, and guided by an anonymous tipster, links the man to the death of another expat Russian billionaire, Mikhail Volkov, and the hanging of a dual Russian–Australian citizen working for a locally produced newspaper, The Russian Times. Bailey is not too surprised when he learns his new source is connected to an old ex-CIA buddy, Ronnie Johnson, who now wants Bailey’s help. Having Ronnie’s back can be risky though, and soon Bailey is caught up in the dangerous, shadowy world of secrets, spies and corruption.
Ayliffe draws from headline news events for elements of the plot, which is clever but not complicated. It’s a race against time as the pair follow a trail of money laundering, cybercrime and political scandal to identify the foreign assets working to extract Australian intelligence. Bailey is a skilled and experienced investigator but he finds it difficult to maintain a professional distance from the story as he and Ronnie encounter trained killers, bombs, and a terrifying secret weapon.
Though Ronnie is a reminder of some of his more harrowing experiences as an overseas correspondent, Bailey is mostly in a good place in this fourth novel. His relationship with TV journalist Annie Brooks is a perhaps little rocky but Bailey remains sober, and he is delighted when his daughter announces she is pregnant.
As with his previous novels featuring Bailey, The Enemy Within, The Greater Good and State of Fear, Killer Traitor Spy is a gripping, tense and entertaining read. It’s not strictly necessary to have read the series to enjoy this instalment but I’d recommend it.
April 18, 2024
Being so late to the party with this fantastic Aussie crime fiction writer I’ve been able to binge read four of his work in as many months.
The benefit of this is I really get and understand the main character, John Bailey.
His persona, history, mind set and his loyalty.
I can picture and hear in any situation he is in.
One of Bailey’s friends is found poisoned in a luxury hotel.
The trail of clues leads to the Russian underworld in Sydney, traitors within the Government and Chinese espionage.
As the truth unfurls more people are found dead and Bailey resorts to enlisting the help of Ronnie Johnson who was a former CIA worker.
Unleashing history and motives to complicate matters.
The dots connect seamlessly and reveal intricately a clever plot within this narrative.
The reader gets to see and feel the best and worst of Sydney in these stories which adds realism to the enjoyment.
Details, interactions and the determinations of Bailey make him seem so real and very likeable in our social and political landscape.
The benefit of this is I really get and understand the main character, John Bailey.
His persona, history, mind set and his loyalty.
I can picture and hear in any situation he is in.
One of Bailey’s friends is found poisoned in a luxury hotel.
The trail of clues leads to the Russian underworld in Sydney, traitors within the Government and Chinese espionage.
As the truth unfurls more people are found dead and Bailey resorts to enlisting the help of Ronnie Johnson who was a former CIA worker.
Unleashing history and motives to complicate matters.
The dots connect seamlessly and reveal intricately a clever plot within this narrative.
The reader gets to see and feel the best and worst of Sydney in these stories which adds realism to the enjoyment.
Details, interactions and the determinations of Bailey make him seem so real and very likeable in our social and political landscape.
April 30, 2023
First I must say I am a huge Tim Ayliffe fan and love Bailey as a character.
This book, like the previous ones, was a book I just couldn't out down. I contained the regular characters from previous books but was a new story so can be read as a stand alone novel.
This is full of espionage, spying, traitorous craziness and even though it is full on and intense it is quite easy to follow along with the story and to read. It is so well written that you don't need to be into politics and all the craziness going on in the world to read this one.
John Bailey is more than just an investigative reporter and gets into so many difficult situations. This book is such a great crime, mystery, thriller with a few twists and turns and is well worth reading. I loved it.
Killer Traitor Spy
Tim Ayliffe
Simon & Schuster Publishing
This book, like the previous ones, was a book I just couldn't out down. I contained the regular characters from previous books but was a new story so can be read as a stand alone novel.
This is full of espionage, spying, traitorous craziness and even though it is full on and intense it is quite easy to follow along with the story and to read. It is so well written that you don't need to be into politics and all the craziness going on in the world to read this one.
John Bailey is more than just an investigative reporter and gets into so many difficult situations. This book is such a great crime, mystery, thriller with a few twists and turns and is well worth reading. I loved it.
Killer Traitor Spy
Tim Ayliffe
Simon & Schuster Publishing
August 22, 2025
This is a fast moving and thrilling spy read. It all starts with a Russian style poisoning of a young prostitute while in the company of a Russian millionaire who, in realising the poisoned Vodka was meant for him doesn't meet with American CIA agent Ronnie Johnson as planned, disappearing from sight.
John Bailey, a seasoned and well respected news journalist, friend of Ronnie who had saved his life way back when and who also has a connection to the young poisoned prostitute now in a coma, becomes involved. Ronnie has called in the debt from John as he has been framed for another murder and Ronnie needs all the help he can get, going to ground he contacts John. The same people going after the Russian millionaire, Russian hit men add to their list of murders. It soon becomes apparent there is a mole in the Australian Government via blackmail, leaking information to the Soviets but who is finally discovered and who reveals all.
John Bailey, a seasoned and well respected news journalist, friend of Ronnie who had saved his life way back when and who also has a connection to the young poisoned prostitute now in a coma, becomes involved. Ronnie has called in the debt from John as he has been framed for another murder and Ronnie needs all the help he can get, going to ground he contacts John. The same people going after the Russian millionaire, Russian hit men add to their list of murders. It soon becomes apparent there is a mole in the Australian Government via blackmail, leaking information to the Soviets but who is finally discovered and who reveals all.
December 25, 2025
Killer Traitor Spy opens with real promise—high stakes, intrigue, and that familiar Tim Ayliffe pace that suggests you’re in for a tense, propulsive ride. Unfortunately, the momentum fizzles fast. The plot begins to feel repetitive, the suspense thins out, and John Bailey remains a protagonist I just couldn’t warm to.
When you’re skimming to the end for answers rather than racing there in suspense, it’s probably time to tap out—Bailey and I are officially done. 🫡📖
When you’re skimming to the end for answers rather than racing there in suspense, it’s probably time to tap out—Bailey and I are officially done. 🫡📖
January 13, 2024
3.25 stars
October 21, 2024
Ayliffe is very good at well paced thrillers. I am enjoying the sense of place. It takes me back to my life in Sydney, even down to his description of the Crystal Palace. It’s a pub I remember well as a result of working nearby. Even his descriptions of Canberra take me back to living and working there. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
July 21, 2024
Read this as part of my local library's online book club. I enjoyed it, and glad I persevered. My lack of enthusiasm is likely due to the genre rather than the writing. In saying that, I might still consider reading some of the author's other works one day if I felt a pull towards this type of story.
February 16, 2024
While eminently readable, I found the high stakes international spy plot stretched credibility too much so wasn't as enjoyable as the previous 3 books in the series that felt a bit more grounded. So while very well written and I love the character development through the series, maybe spy stories just aren't my cup of tea.
February 19, 2024
Dull boy stuff. Little finesse, bit of suspense (ish) but ultimately predictable with largely two dimensional characters.
April 22, 2024
A typical action espionage story which puts an Australian perspective on the genre.
July 17, 2024
A not unrealistic bumble through the modern intelligence landscape. Very Australian.
May 23, 2025
Quite a decent whodunnit with some fun twists. main character well written.
April 7, 2025
The fourth in Tim Ayliffe’s John Bailey series, Killer Traitor Spy is a rollicking good read.
If you’re after a fast-paced entry into the world of espionage and spy agencies (Australian, US and Russian), with a healthy dose of investigative journalism and political intrigue thrown in, this is the book for you.
The largely Sydney setting, with a side foray into Canberra, is well drawn (although how John Bailey found a parking space so easily in suburban Barton at 9.30 on a weekday morning is beyond me).
Journalist Bailey is once again on the trail of the bad guys. Who is killing Australian-based Russian nationals and threatening other players with similarly murderous aspirations? (The choice of weapons is varied and creative: nerve agent, hanging, bombing, microwave blast, cyanide, 9mm Glock.)
Bailey’s former lifesaver and CIA buddy Ronnie Johnson is back in the mix, too. Although their modus operandi differs, Bailey and Johnson each act within their own ethical framework. There are lines Bailey won’t cross; Johnson has no qualms about his more brutal methods. As he says to Bailey:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Each book in the John Bailey series can be read as a standalone novel because Ayliffe carefully fills in critical blanks for new readers, but it’s fun to start at #1, The Greater Good , and read the books in order. Backstories, character development, and burgeoning relationships enrich the reading experience when starting at the beginning.
If you’re after a fast-paced entry into the world of espionage and spy agencies (Australian, US and Russian), with a healthy dose of investigative journalism and political intrigue thrown in, this is the book for you.
The largely Sydney setting, with a side foray into Canberra, is well drawn (although how John Bailey found a parking space so easily in suburban Barton at 9.30 on a weekday morning is beyond me).
Journalist Bailey is once again on the trail of the bad guys. Who is killing Australian-based Russian nationals and threatening other players with similarly murderous aspirations? (The choice of weapons is varied and creative: nerve agent, hanging, bombing, microwave blast, cyanide, 9mm Glock.)
Bailey’s former lifesaver and CIA buddy Ronnie Johnson is back in the mix, too. Although their modus operandi differs, Bailey and Johnson each act within their own ethical framework. There are lines Bailey won’t cross; Johnson has no qualms about his more brutal methods. As he says to Bailey:
‘We’ve been friends a long time, bubba. A long time … You think your way of doing things is the right way. But the world needs both of us.’
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Each book in the John Bailey series can be read as a standalone novel because Ayliffe carefully fills in critical blanks for new readers, but it’s fun to start at #1, The Greater Good , and read the books in order. Backstories, character development, and burgeoning relationships enrich the reading experience when starting at the beginning.
July 5, 2023
Russian millionaire Dmitry Lebedev living for many years in Australia with his wife has been caught money laundering for the Russians. In exchange for his freedom from prosecution he offers to give the CIA the name of a high placed Russian mole in Canberra. However, when high class call girl, Scarlett Merriman, is poisoned in his hotel room, with a nerve agent he believes was meant for him he decides to disappear and run for his life.
Scarlett once helped investigative reporter John Bailey out on a case and the two have remained friends, so when he receives a tip off about her poisoning in Lebedev’s hotel room his investigator’s nose tells him he might be on to a big story, especially when the anonymous caller identifies himself as a friend of CIA agent Ronnie Johnson’s. Ronnie and Bailey met years ago when both were working in Middle East war zones, and after Ronnie saved Bailey’s life, became friends, more recently working together to expose terrorist groups in Australia. However, they will have their work cut out in this high-stake investigation and both will be putting their own lives at risk.
In this gritty, intense thriller full of spies, traitors, blackmail and political corruption, there is a race against time to identify the Russian infiltrators and hackers trying to access Australian intelligence and security secrets. Although it’s a complex tale, Ayliffe’s brilliant writing makes it clear and easy to follow. Incorporating many of the issues facing the world today in terms of hacking, terrorism and espionage, the novel is action packed and filled with suspense.
With thanks to Simon & Schuster via Netgalley for a copy to read
Scarlett once helped investigative reporter John Bailey out on a case and the two have remained friends, so when he receives a tip off about her poisoning in Lebedev’s hotel room his investigator’s nose tells him he might be on to a big story, especially when the anonymous caller identifies himself as a friend of CIA agent Ronnie Johnson’s. Ronnie and Bailey met years ago when both were working in Middle East war zones, and after Ronnie saved Bailey’s life, became friends, more recently working together to expose terrorist groups in Australia. However, they will have their work cut out in this high-stake investigation and both will be putting their own lives at risk.
In this gritty, intense thriller full of spies, traitors, blackmail and political corruption, there is a race against time to identify the Russian infiltrators and hackers trying to access Australian intelligence and security secrets. Although it’s a complex tale, Ayliffe’s brilliant writing makes it clear and easy to follow. Incorporating many of the issues facing the world today in terms of hacking, terrorism and espionage, the novel is action packed and filled with suspense.
With thanks to Simon & Schuster via Netgalley for a copy to read
November 14, 2024
Although this is book 4 in a series, I had no trouble getting to know and appreciate John Bailey. (And I look forward to reading more of his adventures in earlier novels.) He is an ethical investigative journalist always making sure his reports are verified before publishing - important in this age of mis- and dis- information.
SET TO BE ADAPTED FOR THE SCREEN. Journalist John Bailey and CIA officer Ronnie Johnson join forces to outwit their most deadly adversary yet.
STEALING SECRETS IS A DEADLY GAME Someone wants Russian millionaire Dmitry Lebedev dead. After years flying under the radar in Sydney, he’s just had a narrow escape when a sex worker is poisoned in his hotel room. In desperation he contacts his former CIA case officer, Ronnie Johnson, offering to expose a traitor inside the Australian government in return for protection. John Bailey has spent decades risking his life to break news stories. Along the way he’s made some interesting friends, including Ronnie — who saved his life in Iraq — and Scarlett Merriman, whose night with Lebedev left her in a coma. And now they both need Bailey’s help. While Bailey investigates what happened to Scarlett, Ronnie Johnson is calling in an old debt. Because the same people going after Lebedev have framed Ronnie for murder. From Canberra to Moscow to Beijing, Killer Traitor Spy uncovers the new lines of espionage in the twenty-first century. It proclaims Ayliffe as a master of the genre. ‘A carefully crafted, propulsive thriller that sails uncomfortably close to the truth.’
SET TO BE ADAPTED FOR THE SCREEN. Journalist John Bailey and CIA officer Ronnie Johnson join forces to outwit their most deadly adversary yet.
STEALING SECRETS IS A DEADLY GAME Someone wants Russian millionaire Dmitry Lebedev dead. After years flying under the radar in Sydney, he’s just had a narrow escape when a sex worker is poisoned in his hotel room. In desperation he contacts his former CIA case officer, Ronnie Johnson, offering to expose a traitor inside the Australian government in return for protection. John Bailey has spent decades risking his life to break news stories. Along the way he’s made some interesting friends, including Ronnie — who saved his life in Iraq — and Scarlett Merriman, whose night with Lebedev left her in a coma. And now they both need Bailey’s help. While Bailey investigates what happened to Scarlett, Ronnie Johnson is calling in an old debt. Because the same people going after Lebedev have framed Ronnie for murder. From Canberra to Moscow to Beijing, Killer Traitor Spy uncovers the new lines of espionage in the twenty-first century. It proclaims Ayliffe as a master of the genre. ‘A carefully crafted, propulsive thriller that sails uncomfortably close to the truth.’
March 23, 2023
When a sex worker takes a sip of vodka intended for her rich client it sets off a hunt for the perpetrator that crosses Sydney and Canberra with journalist John Bailey at the centre of it all.
This. Oh my lord. This was a page turner! I could not put it down.
As a journalist Bailey is dealing with PTSD and addiction from previous assignments and with his buddy from the CIA playing a key part in this mystery where the bodies keep piling up during the hunt for a Russian double agent who has infiltrated Australia’s defence department.
From liberal politicians having illicit affairs and being blackmailed for it. To secret weapons being used outside an office in Canberra, I could never guess what was going to happen next.
The way that this was all wrapped up in a bow of journalistic investigation and the story Bailey finds himself loving through, Killer Traitor Spy has everything that a good crime thriller needs. And the ending. Oh boy I did not see that coming!
This. Oh my lord. This was a page turner! I could not put it down.
As a journalist Bailey is dealing with PTSD and addiction from previous assignments and with his buddy from the CIA playing a key part in this mystery where the bodies keep piling up during the hunt for a Russian double agent who has infiltrated Australia’s defence department.
From liberal politicians having illicit affairs and being blackmailed for it. To secret weapons being used outside an office in Canberra, I could never guess what was going to happen next.
The way that this was all wrapped up in a bow of journalistic investigation and the story Bailey finds himself loving through, Killer Traitor Spy has everything that a good crime thriller needs. And the ending. Oh boy I did not see that coming!
March 2, 2024
Aussie author, Tim Ayliffe's latest spy thriller is Killer Traitor Spy (2023). Investigative journalist John Bailey is again chasing a news-making story, about the deaths of three men in Sydney. His friend Scarlette is accidentally poisoned, instead of the wealthy Russian businessman she was with and he has now disappeared. Police are interested in what Bailey knows, but as usual, he keeps his cards close to his chest. Then Bailey’s friend veteran CIA agent Ronnie Johnson is identified as the main suspect in one of the murders. So, Bailey’s determination to find the truth gets him caught up in a dangerous complex scenario with espionage, Australian security and current events in our daily newspapers. A fine standalone engaging, tension-building action mystery with dangerous consequences and a potential front-page story. This fourth book in the John Bailey series is once again a sophisticated action spy thriller with a four and a half stars read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.
February 1, 2025
A cracker of a yarn and very topical; in today’s geopolitical climate.
This is the first book by Tim Ayliffe that I have read so I did not have the background to the central character, John Bailey but that did not matter at all.
The plot takes place in Sydney and Canberra which I really enjoyed because I know those places. Although it does not matter in the long run, it makes the tale more enjoyable.
The storyline moved along very well and had a sting n the tail at the end which was predictable but still enjoyable.
I did enjoy the comment by the author where he essentially said that this is a work of fiction that could have and possibly will happen.
I am now lining up to read more about the escapades of John Bailey.
This is the first book by Tim Ayliffe that I have read so I did not have the background to the central character, John Bailey but that did not matter at all.
The plot takes place in Sydney and Canberra which I really enjoyed because I know those places. Although it does not matter in the long run, it makes the tale more enjoyable.
The storyline moved along very well and had a sting n the tail at the end which was predictable but still enjoyable.
I did enjoy the comment by the author where he essentially said that this is a work of fiction that could have and possibly will happen.
I am now lining up to read more about the escapades of John Bailey.
May 8, 2023
Another instalment in the series of John Bailey novels. Bailey is an investigative reporter with The Journal, a major Australian newspaper.
Events in this novel find Bailey and his CIA “friend” Ronnie Johnson on the trail of potential Russian infiltration and hacking of Australian political and intelligence systems, and a possible traitor within the government ranks.
Totally engaging and a genuine page turner, I like Ayliffe’s books more than many in this spy/thriller genre, as he doesn’t get bogged down in technical details. The involvement of a journalist - and using him as the lead character - rather than solely the intelligence community assists this aspect, making for a faster paced read.
Events in this novel find Bailey and his CIA “friend” Ronnie Johnson on the trail of potential Russian infiltration and hacking of Australian political and intelligence systems, and a possible traitor within the government ranks.
Totally engaging and a genuine page turner, I like Ayliffe’s books more than many in this spy/thriller genre, as he doesn’t get bogged down in technical details. The involvement of a journalist - and using him as the lead character - rather than solely the intelligence community assists this aspect, making for a faster paced read.
August 23, 2023
A Russian oligarch is on the run when a sex worker he spent the night with us poisoned in his hotel in Sydney, Australia. John Bailey, and investigative reporter becomes invested in discovering the truth and finding the mysterious Russian after the sex worker, Scarlett is a girl he knows after he helped her in the past. Bailey’s old American friend, Ronnie is also on the hunt being he is an old CIA operative and the case has the shock of secrets being sold to foreign intelligence agencies from within the Australian government.
It’s always a pleasure to read novels that are based within your own country as cities, places and corporations are recognisable and there’s a familiarity with it. Tim Ayliffe writes a good book and an entertaining read.
It’s always a pleasure to read novels that are based within your own country as cities, places and corporations are recognisable and there’s a familiarity with it. Tim Ayliffe writes a good book and an entertaining read.
December 6, 2023
4th instalment in the John Bailey series, he has really cemented himself as one of Australia's best authors. Had the good fortune to meet him at the BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival and he's a really nice guy. I read this having only read the 3rd book, The Enemy Within, but you could read it as a stand alone. With a fast paced plot lifted straight from the headlines, he shows his knowledge gained in heading up ABC news. It starts when a sex worker is poisoned in a Sydney hotel room with the intended target a Russian millionaire, and takes off from there. A spy story involving the Russians, CIA and a traitor in the Australian government unfolds in the suburbs of Sydney and Canberra and is all very relatable knowing the locations.
March 29, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced review copy of this book.
I’m not real good at following espionage and coverup’s, but in this case I followed the story very well. Says a lot about the writing style of the Author when you can follow the story and all the different characters.
Investigator John Bailey is pursuing the story of a poisoning of a Lady friend of his. This takes him way out of his usual investigation’s when he works along side a former cia agent and friend of his, who does thing’s a lot different than John.
What if John crosses the line? Is he ever going to come to turns with it.
Read on for a very good book.
I’m not real good at following espionage and coverup’s, but in this case I followed the story very well. Says a lot about the writing style of the Author when you can follow the story and all the different characters.
Investigator John Bailey is pursuing the story of a poisoning of a Lady friend of his. This takes him way out of his usual investigation’s when he works along side a former cia agent and friend of his, who does thing’s a lot different than John.
What if John crosses the line? Is he ever going to come to turns with it.
Read on for a very good book.
August 14, 2023
I received a copy of Killer Traitor Spy from Netgalley to review.
Rating of 4.5.
One of Australia’s fastest rising thriller authors, Tim Ayliffe, returns with the fourth book in his outstanding John Bailey series, Killer Traitor Spy, which sees Cold War espionage re-emerge right in the heart of modern day Australia.
After a sex worker is accidently poisoned by a deadly neurotoxin, it quickly becomes clear that someone is trying to kill Russian millionaire Dmitry Lebedev. As Dmitry disappears into the wind, reporter John Bailey finds himself drawn to the mysterious events, especially as his old friend, Scarlett Merriman, was the unintended victim. As Bailey begins to dig into the circumstances around Scarlett’s poisoning, he soon discovers a hidden world of spies, espionage and secret deals, all tied to his long-time friend, CIA agent Ronnie Johnson.
It soon becomes apparent that Dmitry was an undercover spy secretly working with Ronnie and providing insights into Russian espionage efforts in Australia. His latest bit of intelligence could expose a deadly traitor working at the highest echelons of the government, and many people wanted him dead to keep that a secret. As Ronnie attempts to bring him in, he finds himself being targeted as well, as whoever tried to kill Dmitry has just framed Ronnie for murder.
Now on the run from the authorities and with no official backup to help him, Ronnie has no choice but to call on Bailey to help him investigate the attempted assassination and uncover the traitor. But the more Bailey works with Ronnie, the more he discovers the dark side of the espionage business and the fact that nobody is what they seem. Moving from the deadly urban sprawl of Sydney to the secretive suburbs of Canberra, can Bailey and Ronnie find the truth before it is too late, or will they be the latest victims of an insidious intelligence plot threatening to undermine the entire country?
This was another great book from Ayliffe, who continues to impress me with his intense and addictive reads. Killer Traitor Spy served as a brilliant fourth book in the series, and I had such a wonderful time getting through this captivating and clever story that I ended up reading this book in a single day.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2023/07/23/...
An abridged review of this book also ran in the Canberra Weekly on 13 July 2023:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2023/08/14/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Rating of 4.5.
One of Australia’s fastest rising thriller authors, Tim Ayliffe, returns with the fourth book in his outstanding John Bailey series, Killer Traitor Spy, which sees Cold War espionage re-emerge right in the heart of modern day Australia.
After a sex worker is accidently poisoned by a deadly neurotoxin, it quickly becomes clear that someone is trying to kill Russian millionaire Dmitry Lebedev. As Dmitry disappears into the wind, reporter John Bailey finds himself drawn to the mysterious events, especially as his old friend, Scarlett Merriman, was the unintended victim. As Bailey begins to dig into the circumstances around Scarlett’s poisoning, he soon discovers a hidden world of spies, espionage and secret deals, all tied to his long-time friend, CIA agent Ronnie Johnson.
It soon becomes apparent that Dmitry was an undercover spy secretly working with Ronnie and providing insights into Russian espionage efforts in Australia. His latest bit of intelligence could expose a deadly traitor working at the highest echelons of the government, and many people wanted him dead to keep that a secret. As Ronnie attempts to bring him in, he finds himself being targeted as well, as whoever tried to kill Dmitry has just framed Ronnie for murder.
Now on the run from the authorities and with no official backup to help him, Ronnie has no choice but to call on Bailey to help him investigate the attempted assassination and uncover the traitor. But the more Bailey works with Ronnie, the more he discovers the dark side of the espionage business and the fact that nobody is what they seem. Moving from the deadly urban sprawl of Sydney to the secretive suburbs of Canberra, can Bailey and Ronnie find the truth before it is too late, or will they be the latest victims of an insidious intelligence plot threatening to undermine the entire country?
This was another great book from Ayliffe, who continues to impress me with his intense and addictive reads. Killer Traitor Spy served as a brilliant fourth book in the series, and I had such a wonderful time getting through this captivating and clever story that I ended up reading this book in a single day.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2023/07/23/...
An abridged review of this book also ran in the Canberra Weekly on 13 July 2023:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2023/08/14/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
August 14, 2023
My two favourite characters are back in this thriller, the fourth in the John Bailey series. Although they can be read as standalone books, you would miss the nuances that define Ronnie and Bailey's relationship! They are both on the same side but have vastly different methods on how to solve a problem!
I know that Tim Ayliffe, uses a lot of scenarios in his book that have happened or could happen or may happen, and this, quite frankly is scary!
A book that is hard to put down, well worth the read!
I know that Tim Ayliffe, uses a lot of scenarios in his book that have happened or could happen or may happen, and this, quite frankly is scary!
A book that is hard to put down, well worth the read!
February 15, 2024
Not usually a Thriller reader, the cover on this one intrigued me. Just when I thought I knew what was going on the character would wi d up dead.
There were so many red herrings, with twists and turns. I felt like a pretzel. I didn't know this was book 4 when I started it.
However it has me intrigued enough to locate the previous 3 books to see how John Bailey developed. The other thing I liked it was based in Australia rather than the US.
Tin Ayliffe is a new Author to me so will definitely be reading more from this author.
There were so many red herrings, with twists and turns. I felt like a pretzel. I didn't know this was book 4 when I started it.
However it has me intrigued enough to locate the previous 3 books to see how John Bailey developed. The other thing I liked it was based in Australia rather than the US.
Tin Ayliffe is a new Author to me so will definitely be reading more from this author.
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