The Secretary

Revolving around Lois Vale ( MI6 ) and her work as a ‘secretary’ at the British Embassy in Moscow where she was given unenviable tasks/mysteries to solve and report back via diplomatic bags to her ‘handlers’ I cant emphasis enough how much work has gone into this book,the history and facts and descriptions of Russian and Embassy life for foreign diplomatic workers is probably the detail richest I have read,fascinating does not cover it and everything from the climate,to food and shops,Embassy rituals and protocols,housing and local culture is nothing short of fascinatingly explained, I drank in every sentence and far from being overpowering in content I could not get enough of what I was reading The story itself is thrilling and character laden with Lois ‘colleauge’ Sonia being more than worthy of an Oscar,she was portrayed scarily brilliantly Even more astounding to me was the authors notes that told me the book was actually based on diary’s from her Mother This book is special,it’s more than a ‘great read’ and deserves much recognition

This was such an interesting read. The amount of people that were spies and all the work that they did is amazing to read about. I don't think I could have done it if I were in their shoes. The amount of close calls would have been so terrible to deal with. Overall kept my attention and on pins and needles in several spots. Great story.

A deeply enthralling thriller which also features some well developed characters who will all keep you guessing as to their status and role, even after you think you have it all clear. I really enjoyed the depth of detail around the role of embassies and ambassadors in different countries. I found I had to pay attention, so this is not one for a skim read. There’s a fair bit of detail to the plot and many, many strands of espionage but it is well worth the concentration.

THE SECRETARY by Deborah Lawrenson This is a 5-star read! The novel ( with a poignant back-story) sits comfortably in the spy-thriller genre: a deep-cover Cold War mission to identify a Moscow mole, but Lawrenson transcends the conventional with vital, engaging writing. Pre-eminent here is the creation of Lois Vale ,a remarkable heroine, living in a closed community under threat at all times. From her cool under pressure to the dry but whip-smart humour, and quietly penetrating observations, and in her mental and verbal gymnastics - on a taut tightrope, like the reader- she thrills us. We are treated here to Lawrenson’s enthralling writing in presenting Lois’s act, actions, words, and situational apercus. I loved the depiction of Moscow -its architecture, skies, history, society, artistic events and political activities. The immersion in the environment was totally engaging and the characterisation, through description or dialogue, of a wonderful dramatic cast , was delightful. Begin your journey! John Hargreaves