Northern Spy

Reese's Book Club (A Novel)

By: Flynn Berry

Narrated by: Katharine Lee McEwan

Reese’s Book Club Pick
Instant New York Times Bestseller
A New York Times Book Review Top 10 Thriller of 2021
A Washington Post Top 10 Thriller or Mystery of 2021

“If you love a mystery, then you’ll devour [Northern Spy] . . . I loved this thrill ride of a book.” —Reese Witherspoon

“A chilling, gorgeously written tale . . . Berry keeps the tension almost unbearably high.” —The New York Times Book Review

The acclaimed author of Under the Harrow and A Double Life returns with her most riveting novel to date: the story of two sisters who become entangled with the IRA

A producer at the BBC and mother to a new baby, Tessa is at work in Belfast one day when the news of another raid comes on the air. The IRA may have gone underground in the two decades since the Good Friday Agreement, but they never really went away, and lately bomb threats, security checkpoints, and helicopters floating ominously over the city have become features of everyday life. As the news reporter requests the public's help in locating those responsible for the robbery, security footage reveals Tessa's sister, Marian, pulling a black ski mask over her face.

The police believe Marian has joined the IRA, but Tessa is convinced she must have been abducted or coerced; the sisters have always opposed the violence enacted in the name of uniting Ireland. And besides, Marian is vacationing on the north coast. Tessa just spoke to her yesterday.

When the truth about Marian comes to light, Tessa is faced with impossible choices that will test the limits of her ideals, the bonds of her family, her notions of right and wrong, and her identity as a sister and a mother. Walking an increasingly perilous road, she wants nothing more than to protect the one person she loves more fiercely than her sister: her infant son, Finn.

Riveting, atmospheric, and exquisitely written, Northern Spy is at once a heart-pounding story of the contemporary IRA and a moving portrait of sister- and motherhood, and of life in a deeply divided society.

Wonderful read

I can almost feel the wind and air of the Irish coastal town and see the rows of houses described so well in this story. Flynn Berry's story is gripping and couldn't be better narrated by Katherine Lee McEwan. I highly recommend it!

Thrilling with family loyalty

I found this book fascinating because the main character Tess is so ordinary, yet she's found herself in trouble and has a strong loyalty to her sister. Definitely recommend, a thrilling read. Learned a few things about the IRA too.

Worth the read!

I really enjoyed this book when listening to it, but it didn’t necessarily keep me hungry to hurry back. Overall, good storyline and the performance was well done.

A glimpse into another world!

You read about the troubles, but you never wonder about everyone that lives with the aftermath.

Incredible Narration

As a new Mom this book was an uncanny account of the emotional swings of the first year with Baby. Add into that the powerful history of Northern Ireland and gripping story of a family’s twisted involvement with both sides of the conflict, and I was riveted. The author’s language is beautiful and the narrator was captivating. Well worth a listen!