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So much more than a spy novel, Gabriel‘s Moon is a book about humans being - or not being - who you think they are. Gabriel Pax is a likable enough protagonist, but thematically, espionage is the real character here. We‘re on a need to know basis, and Boyd makes sure the reader discovers things at the same time Pax does. Side note: my lungs and liver hurt just thinking about the excessive nicotine and booze contaminating Pax‘s body.

July was a bit of a low month reading-wise, but I did enjoy the first in Boyd‘s series featuring reluctant spy Gabriel Dax

#12BooksOf2025

Just finished the second book in the Gabriel Dax series and hoping the author has a third on the way.

Not exactly "festive" reading!

Looking at Goodreads I discovered I have read several books by William Boyd over the years and given them 4 or 5 stars. Gabriel's Moon is the first of the Gabriel Dax novels and even though I am only on page 31 know I will love another of his books. Those of his unread are on my TBR list, he is a favorite author.

I devour history like this.

Happened upon this at a used book store right after hearing a podcast suggestion. I liked it a lot and can‘t wait to dig in to more from Alan Furst

Today has been a #terribletuesday (it‘s totally an Alexander Day and I‘m ready to move to Australia-IYKYK). To get me through the rest of this day, I‘m turning to a much beloved author and a favorite audiobook narrator (Simon Vance). My favorite thing about this one is all the time we get with “Mother Russia” Connie Sachs. I love Connie so much. So. Much.

It doesn't look like I've moved other than to grab wine + pizza, but book 2 on our holidays was this very good spy thriller set in bahrain after the Arab spring revolts. Shane Collins is a jaded CIA operative, divorced, and a heavy drinker living in the American community, having to temper his anger at a younger boss. When he is attracted to a bahranian woman, and he becomes attached to his source in the protest movement, the story gains pace.

I probably shouldn‘t mark this reread as a review, but consider this a review of the audio narrated by Simon Vance. Vance is perfect for le Carre‘s novels. This one is not as adventurous or glamorous as his more well known novels, but the author himself notes that this is closer to reality than Spy or Tinker Tailor. It‘s petty, sad, and filled with egos that desperately want to be relevant but aren‘t. Le Carre‘s writing is brilliant, as always.