The Spy Killer

By: Jimmy Sangster

Narrated by: James Greville

Ex-British spy John Smith is nearly broke, has bad teeth, is lousy in bed, and drinks too much. But he's no fool. He's a man who knows his own limitations and works within them.

He blackmailed his way out of the secret service years ago and is barely making a living as a London private eye when his ex-wife comes calling and asks him to follow her philandering husband. But that sleazy, all-too-common job leads to some uncommon trouble...and Smith is thrown like a chunk of raw meat into a lion's den of international espionage, betrayal, and killing. His only hope of surviving is to outwit his clever and brutal adversaries at their own deadly game.

"Very astutely plotted, with many surprising twists and a sharp bite," (The New York Times)

"There's nothing ordinary about this adventure. It's big league intrigue." (Kirkus Reviews)

"A deadly, cold, serious drama of counter-espionage." (Atlanta Constitution)

"A witty spy story in the anti-James Bond tradition." (The Cedar Falls Courier)

This novel was original published under the title Private I and was adapted into a feature film starring Robert Horton, Jill St. John, and Sebastian Cabot.

©2019 Jimmy Sangster (P)2019 Brash Books LLC

Very Enjoyable

I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and any opinions expressed herein are my own.

This is a fun private investigator/spy novel. Our hero is a pudgy middle-aged man, who is not great in the bedroom; worries about gaining more weight but has trouble denying himself sweets; is clumsy; and makes humorous observations about himself and others. While our hero is clearly not in the class of the James Bond ultra-alluring, tuxedo-clad, suave spies, he does have a skill set which allows him to keenly observe and manipulate.

The story is set in the 60's but is still interesting and fun. It has a good amount of suspense and humor. I was drawn in from the beginning and entertained throughout.

The narrator, James Greville, had the perfect British accented narration, with a lackadaisical feel to it, which fit the main character. His dry delivery at some of observations made me laugh out loud.

Good story inspires me to buy the book

I like the story because I could follow the twists of a believable spy novel. The protagonist isn't perfect (definitely not James Bond) though
he was professionally trained, and supposedly very good, once upon a time. I am not going to provide any "spoilers" ...

I will say the narration of a book, especially of this ilk, is vital to my listening pleasure and it distresses me to write a less- than glowing review when the publisher provided me with a free review copy, but, "honest" review: I believe a different performance would greatly improve this audio book. I didn't get to "live" the story because of a relatively flat narrative style. When I listened to the sample I liked the voice and recording quality but the voice lacked emotion or was misplaced somehow. So, I am going to buy the book so that I can appreciate the story.

What a treat!

The Spy Killer is about an English former spy, now private eye, who while in the midst of a case suddenly finds himself embroiled with his former vocation as well as past participants.

This novel is one of those that kept me engaged from the get go. Not just from the plot and characters but through the narrative by the protagonist. Frankly I listened on audible more than straight reading the book, as the narrator, James Graveville, was gave perfect voice to the main character. He was so adept at the intricacies brought forth by the author I laughed out loud at appropriate times.

I cannot wait to read and hear the next installment. This book was a true treat to read and hear!

Gritty Spy Drama

I received this audiobook free at my request and am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Spy Killer is a gritty easy to follow spy yarn with a bit of a noir feel to it. I guess you could say that the MC is a kind of antihero, in that he's a somewhat flawed human being, but you're still rooting for him as the story draws to a close. The story itself is pretty easy to follow, but fans of 60s era spy novels should really enjoy this. I found the narration by James Greville to be quite good overall, and added to the enjoyment factor of the novel.

Great average guy thriller

Everything about this book pulled me in from the start. John Smith is no James Bond - he's just a regular investigator trying to get by. When's he's pulled back into the world of international intrigue and betrayal, he has to use his smarts to figure a way out. I finished in one session.

James Greville did an excellent job narrating this story. His voice is pleasant and easy to listen to, narration well paced and his vocal performance helped bring John Smith to live.

Readers who enjoy gritty, non-traditional hero thrillers will rate this a 5-star story.

Review copy provided. This review voluntary posted. All opinions my own.