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A Spy Alone

By: Charles Beaumont
Narrated by: David Thorpe
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Summary

Everyone knows about the Cambridge Spies from the 1950s, but no spy ring was ever unearthed at Oxford. Because one never existed? Or because it was never found...?

2022: Former spy Simon Sharman is eking out a living in the private sector. When a commission to delve into the financial dealings of a mysterious Russian oligarch comes across his desk, he jumps at the chance. But as Simon investigates, worrying patterns begin to emerge. His subject made regular trips to Oxford, but for no apparent reason. There are payments from offshore accounts that suddenly just...stop. Has he found what none of his former colleagues believed possible, a Russian spy ring now nestled at the heart of the British Establishment? Or is he just another paranoid ex-spook left out in the cold, obsessed with redemption?

©2023 Charles Beaumont (P)2023 Isis Audio
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What listeners say about A Spy Alone

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A very good story based in current times.

Really enjoyed the story and the performance. It being set in very recent times (2022) made it very interesting for me.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Current Relevance

Liked inclusion of latest tech, range of accents from narrator and current UK political trauma

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Totally believable story in this day & age of uncertainty.

Uses current day issues to lend credibility to story. Lots of twists and turns. Flashbacks were hard to follow but were also integral to the story..

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good story marred by inappropriate narration.

I spent the first half of the book confused as to whether it was an elaborate spoof - due to the jaunty, almost jokeu, narration.
I'm glad I stuck with it, and I've bought the kindle book to read so that I can fully appreciate what I think is a very clever, and all too believable, story

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Why do my reviews keep disappearing?

Just because this one is negative?

This book is a bit preachy and the delivery a bit too Adrian Mole Diary to work.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

What a spell binder!

We all know about Cold War spying and have absorbed the genre, but this is right up to date, right now and the political shenanigans make you wonder long and hard. How much is true?! The narrator reads the story well and as the whole story ramps up, you don’t want it to finish. Perhaps Simon will emerge again!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

incredible plotline gripping listening

one of the best books I have read/ listened to in ages. the writer is accomplished at creating a mood and atmosphere without overplaying it. I had to re start as I wasn't getting the story initially but I'm glad I did as the pace and intrigue constructed in the telling of this kept me hooked to the end. very enjoyable.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The 666th Protocol

Mischievous school boy narration, imparts this almost lampoon tale of what spies ex or otherwise are up to these days, with some call backs to the days when Le Carre/Clancy/Freemantle/Forsythe ruled the roost, which will amuse those who read their books back in the day. A fraught factionalized fillip on the state of the state?

It showcases how woke tiptoed into the now and how concepts no one from 1980/1990 ever contemplated or envisioned, but which can cripple all the institutions set up back in the year dot and what we are expected to do and think about it.

Where is George Smiley or Charlie Muffin when you need them? Personally I have long sided with Bill Hicks and his "It's just a ride" scenario.

AN ENJOYABLE TRIP

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Superb!

One of the best spy stories I have read in many years. Gripping, frustrating and exciting in equal measure. The style is excellent and the narrative voice is first class. Outstanding all round, from story and plot through to narration.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding

For a book I rated highly, I started out almost returning it.

I am glad I stuck with it. it has been one of the most enjoyable listens of the year for me so far.

The narration takes a little getting used to, but once it clicks, this is a well-plotted story with more twists and turns than the proverbial twisty-turny thing.

Excellent work all round, I look forward the authors next one.

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