A Spy at War

The Oxford Spy Ring, Book 2

De: Charles Beaumont

Narrado por: David Thorpe

Russia is struggling to defeat Ukraine on the battlefield. But can it win the war for influence?

August 2022. Simon Sharman is out for revenge, pursuing the assassin of his former colleague across war-torn Ukraine. Back in London, a Russian spy ring at the heart of the British Establishment remains active, attempting to sabotage the West's support for Ukraine.

In the fiercely contested Donbas region, Simon finds himself sucked into a terrifying shadow conflict between Russia and the West. Can a lone spy make a difference to the course of a conflict?

From the ruins of Bakhmut to the corridors of Whitehall, A Spy at War reveals the secret struggle for Ukraine, on the frontlines and in the arena of global public opinion.

Contains mature themes.

©2025 Charles Beaumont (P)2025 Tantor Media

Good not great

This a well-written but very plot-driven spy-thriller. Very creative and twisty, surprising plotting but struggles to convey motivation and big picture ideology a little. Overall, worth the credit

Brilliant story about corruption and foreign policy actors

The way this story is built around current world events mixed with excellent trade craft and treachery makes this authors work as captivating as LeCarre. I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.

Contemporary

I loved the book and can’t wait for the next book to come out so I can continue the story.

Outstanding second book in the series

Following the success of A Spy Alone, Charles Beaumont returns with A Spy at War, a taut and deeply atmospheric sequel that cements his reputation as a master of contemporary espionage fiction.

Beaumont’s protagonist, Simon Sharman, a former British intelligence officer grappling with both professional and personal battles, finds himself drawn into a geopolitical conflict where the boundaries between loyalty and betrayal blur with unsettling ease. The novel unfolds against the backdrop of rising tensions between the West and Russia, weaving real-world espionage techniques with a sharp exploration of power, deception, and moral ambiguity.

What sets A Spy at War apart is Beaumont’s unflinching commitment to realism. This is not the glamorous, gadget-laden world of Bond, nor the melancholic introspection of Le Carré’s Smiley, it is something altogether more urgent, more contemporary. Intelligence work here is ruthless, often devoid of heroism, and the consequences are far-reaching. Sharman is not infallible; his personal struggles, intertwined with the complex dynamics of statecraft, add a compelling layer to a narrative already rich with suspense.

For readers seeking an espionage novel that resonates with the complexity of modern-day geopolitics, A Spy at War is a triumph: meticulously researched, elegantly written, and as intellectually stimulating as it is thrilling. Beaumont does not merely tell a story; he asks urgent questions about power, secrecy, and the cost of knowing too much.

David Thorpe’s narration of A Spy at War elevates the novel’s tension and atmosphere, bringing Charles Beaumont’s intricate world of espionage to life with remarkable precision. His delivery is measured yet compelling, capturing the nuances of Simon Sharman’s character, his weariness, determination, and quiet intelligence, with an authenticity that enhances the listening experience. Thorpe’s ability to shift seamlessly between accents and tones ensures that each character is distinct, making the audiobook as immersive as the written text. For those who appreciate audiobooks that feel like cinematic experiences, his performance is nothing short of superb.

A step down from the first title

A Spy at Was is a sequel to A Spy Alone that struggles to find much reason for being. The first novel followed only the protagonist, ex-spy Simon Sharman, as he uncovered a spy ring working for post-Soviet Russia. It worked as a more action-driven version of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy with keen insight into modern euroscepticism and pro-Russian propaganda. There were few loose ends to tie up. As such, this novel is far less focused. Without spoilers, Simon is aimless, and his ultimate narrative is weighed down with a deus ex machina, a weak attempt at suspense through a twist ending that lands flat, and some dramatic irony that just makes you frustrated with his character. The other half of the book follows Sarah Duquesne as she attempts to push back against Russian spies-cum-Tories, with nil to show for it. When the book itself tells you how little Britain matters in the world, it's difficult to find much purpose in Sarah's actions.

The narration remains top-notch aside from a couple mispronounciations. It raises the quality of the audiobook beyond the text.

Despite the weaker story, it's a mostly inoffensive bit of comfort listening. I enjoyed returning to this world even if it felt much shallower this time around. It sets up a sequel. As always consider whether you want to invest in a book with a cliffhanger.

Couldn’t finish it

The author’s tedious and predicable views on current events, badly wrapped in a boring spy story. Could not finish it.