Watchman

From the iconic #1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES

Bombs are exploding in the streets of London, but life seems to have planted more subtle booby-traps for Miles Flint. Miles is a spy. His job is to watch and to listen, then to report back to his superiors, nothing more. The job, affording glimpses into the most private lives of his victims, appeals to Miles. He doesn't lust after promotion, and he doesn't want action. He wants, just for once, not to botch a case. Having lost one suspect - with horrific consequences - Miles becomes too involved with another, a young Irish woman. His marriage seems ready to crumble to dust. So does his home.

But Miles is given one last chance for redemption - a trip to Belfast, which quickly becomes a flight of terror, murder and shocking discoveries. But can the voyeur survive in a world of violent action?

Read by Roger Allam

(p) 2004 Orion Publishing Group©1988 John Rebus Ltd

Reseñas de la Crítica

Ian Rankin is perhaps the best and most complex thriller writer in Britain today

Britain's No.1 crime writer

An addictive writer ... a remarkable talent

Rankin is the thinking man's thriller writer

Rankin is a master of his craft

An excellent piece of espionage fiction

Ian Rankin's novel of spies and surveillance officers is engrossing, and Roger Allam reads it perfectly. There is humour, drama, pathos and excitement as we learn how surveillance work impacts not just on those who perform it, but their families too, and how a normal stake out can reveal something way beyond any expectations. The main character, Miles Flint, is a high level MI5 officer, brought vividly to life by Rankin's writing and Allam's narration. For those who love Allam's work, this is a must (especially when he adopts a Scottish accent). For those who love the Rebus series, this is an early Rankin novel, which is engaging and entertaining. Highly recommended.

My first Rankin book - won't be my last!

Any additional comments?

Thankfully he is a prolific writer! And the thing that lifts the experience into the truly sublime is Roger Allam narrating - his voice and command of accents is pure pleasure.

HIGHLY recommended.