Author – Mick Herron
Publication Year – 2010
Format – Ebook
Rating – 4/5
This book came to my notice after I listened to the author’s interview on Spybrary podcast. I have to mention that I am a big fan of the podcast and being a spy fan myself this has added considerably to my ‘To Be Read (TBR)’ list. I will be revisiting this episode since I’ve completed the book to relate with some parts which I did not understand the first time I heard it. (Link to episode is at the end of the review)
The story revolves around a group of ex-spies of the British Intelligence service who have been excommunicated from the main service due to some errors or failed missions and have been moved to administrative roles in a decrepit building named the Slough House in London. The title Slow Horses derives from the name given to the inhabitants of Slough House as an internal joke. The slow horses are a group of misfits , each having the proverbial ‘skeletons in their cupboard’ and are led by an ex spook , Jackson Lamb. The main tasks of the slow horses are majorly administrative and mundane and they are kept away from the main spy headquarters in Regent’s Park where all the ‘action’ is supposed to take place. However, a kidnapping takes place where the perpetrators make no ransom demands but threaten to behead the victim within a stipulated time. Invariably, the slow horses get involved in the chase to save the victim and what follows is a lession in politics, deceit, double cross and revenge.
This book grips you till the last page with it’s continuous plot twists and turns. The strongest part of the book is its narrative , impeccable dialogue writing and the timely, poignant snippets the author leaves in all chapters which gives you an idea of the backstory of all the slow horses. Jackson Lamb is a character I fell in love due to his intelligence, dry wit, brashness and resourcefulness.
This book is a first in a series and the climax ensures that you will definately pick up the next one.. I am on to the next book in the series ‘ Dead Lions’ and hope to be as shocked, surprised, enthralled and enchanted as the first one…
Please pick this book up and don’t forget to listen to the authors interview on Spybrary podcast on Apple podcasts.
Link is below:
https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/spybrary/id1229409577?i=1000403445660
prathamesh87 