The Private Life of Spies and The Exquisite Art of Getting Even

Stories

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: David Rintoul

From the beloved author of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series comes a new short story collection: half spy stories, half tales of revenge, all highlight the kinder, funnier, and gentler side of espionage and retribution.

In this dual collection of short stories, Alexander McCall Smith brings his trademark humor and warmth to inventive tales of spying and vengeance. In one story, a spy dropped deep into enemy territory manages to disguise himself—quite convincingly—as a nun. In another, an invitation to join the Vatican Secret Service sends a prospective operative down a rabbit hole of controversy and confusion. A third story finds an author, on the brink of public ruin, seeing the error of his ways after an act of kindness saves the day.

A keen observer of humanity imbued with a sparkling imagination, Alexander McCall Smith illustrates throughout that transparency is paramount and forgiveness is restorative. With surprising insight and a healthy helping of humor, these stories remind us that, in the end, the high road is often the better one for all involved.

©2023 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2023 Recorded Books

McCall Smith does it again!

McCall Smith is a GREAT storyteller. Have read most of his books, and I especially like his few books that are not part of a series, such as this one. He explores flawed and interesting characters, but never in a judgmental way. Loved this book!

He never fails

May Alexander McCall Smith live forever. No matter what the subject, it is spot on.

Good stories. I was absorbed

Liked the narrator. I found myself lying down to listen. I really wanted to relax and enjoy the story.

I agree with ‘he never fails’

Marvelous and worth sharing! I find myself smiling and laughing after each story. That feeling carries me through hours.

Philosophy for everyman.

Alexander McCall Smith presents moral dilemas from his usual insightful perspective of human natures varieties.

A variety of short stories

Spies and revenge are the main, separate, topics of this book. Entertaining and a variety of writing projects. Humor, surprise, suspense, but most of all, they stay along the lines of the author's signature of kindness, understanding, gentleness, and love.

Brilliant

As ever, intelligent without bravado or pandering. McCall Smith is so gifted that I’m saddened there are those who’ve never read his work.

Great anthology

Good themed anthology, good narration. The intros were extraneous and could be kept off, in lieu of a better transition between chapters.

Preposterous, Hilarious, and Entertaining

I think my title pretty much says it all. These stories are first-class FUN and I highly recommend them. Loosely based on reality in some cases (which is rather horrifying in some respects if you think about it) the tales are wonderful examples of human absurdity in all its glory.

Not what one usually gets from an AMS novel

I sincerely love the author’s Dalhousie, and Scotland street series. I have read and enjoyed the Corduroy Mansions and No. 1 Ladies Detective series as well. This book … not so much. I guess I was expecting the quality of Ronald Dahl; considering the title. This fell quite a bit short of any of Dahl’s works. It was not always clear when one story was complete and the next started. Though I did not actively dislike the book, I was left disappointed.