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A Loyal Spy, by Simon Conway


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#1 MkB

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Posted 15 October 2010 - 06:53 PM

Hi CBners!

I thought you might be interested in this piece of news: the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger 2010 has recently been awarded to writer and former British Army officer Simon Conway, for his novel A Loyal Spy.

More information here: http://www.thecwa.co...2010/steel.html

I must say the comparisons with John LeCarré are enticing, and the plot has some Bondesque features... I'm tempted to give it a try.
Has anyone here already read this novel, or one of the two others by Conway (Damaged and Rage)? Please share your opinion!

#2 MkB

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Posted 07 December 2010 - 12:01 AM

Well, I finally bought and read this book. Here's my tuppence worth:

- Positive:
It is a well-documented book, with a lot of research on the political context or pre- and post-9/11 terrorism and politics. The author probably know something about what he's talking about, which is always pleasant. Lot of action, evil megavillain(s) plan, twists and turns aplenty.

- Negative:
To me it lacked the humanistic or travelogue quality that I like to find in spy novels (pity, the first pages in Africa augured rather well in this respect). My feeling is that it reads more like a journalistic book (stylistically I mean). A bit long maybe, I would have edited some bits.

Any other readers want to share their thoughts?

#3 terminus

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Posted 07 December 2010 - 12:51 AM

It's on my Amazon wishlist for future purchase!

#4 terminus

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Posted 30 January 2011 - 10:52 PM

Aaaaand picked up, intending to swap this with Roma in my literary adventures and reading it after the Trek book I'm thumbing through.

#5 MkB

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Posted 30 January 2011 - 10:56 PM

Great terminus, I'm curious to know your opinion about this book! :)

#6 terminus

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Posted 31 January 2011 - 05:39 PM

I will be sure to post my thoughts on my blog when I'm done. It will be my first book of February!

#7 terminus

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Posted 10 February 2011 - 08:35 PM

Only about halfway through it - think this one is going to take the full two weeks, if not slightly longer, to read. It's good, from what I've read so far. Judging it as it stands, I wouldn't be opposed to Conway doing the next Project X novel.

#8 MkB

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Posted 26 April 2011 - 02:37 PM

Seen this in the news today, and somehow it echoed the storyline of "A Loyal Spy":
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13191959