A Spy by Nature: A Novel (Alec Milius) Review

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A Spy by Nature: A Novel (Alec Milius) ReviewGeorge Bernard Shaw's famous observation that "The British and the Americans are two people separated by a common language" serves also to explain some important distinctions that American readers will find in the British mystery novel A SPY BY NATURE. In addition to the common language that separates the two nations, Charles Cumming's book reminds us of differences in philosophy and plot between the writing styles of many American and English authors. In the mystery field, American writers tend toward the physical and the violent. Their English counterparts seem a little more understated and less likely to resort to fisticuffs and mayhem. Although lacking almost any violence, A SPY BY NATURE nevertheless is an absorbing novel of the modern world of espionage. Its plot twists and double-dealing characters will have readers shaking their heads in wonder.
The story is semi-autobiographical as Cumming himself served for a period of time in England's MI6, a branch of their intelligence service. Indeed, the first 100 pages of the book serve as a primer for how one is recruited, interviewed and considered for service with British Intelligence. This description is detailed, tedious and sadly quite boring. However, these pages do introduce us to Alec Milius, the unsuccessful MI6 candidate whose rejection serves as the stepping-off point for the final two-thirds of the novel, which easily compensates for the tedium of the first third.
Alec Milius is certainly no James Bond. It's hard to characterize Milius as a hero in this novel. He is a pathological liar who apparently would lie even when the truth would better serve his purpose. Although deemed unqualified for MI6, he is recruited for industrial espionage. In the course of that action, the reader is introduced to many deftly portrayed characters, including the American couple who Milius must befriend in order to ultimately betray. The story is both understated and complex, and the conclusion will leave audiences with just enough unanswered questions to await Milius's return.
Reading A SPY BY NATURE requires effort by the reader, similar to a John le Carre or Graham Greene mystery. This is not meant to compare Cumming to either of these great writers. But this is not the kind of thriller in which harrowing escape and violent confrontation stimulate the reader from chapter to chapter, and the confrontation is not simply between good and evil. Instead, there are moral shades that make distinguishing between those two extremes much more difficult. Still, A SPY BY NATURE is a thoughtful and well-written mystery that many will find a refreshing change of pace from traditional spy thrillers.
--- Reviewed by Stuart ShiffmanA Spy by Nature: A Novel (Alec Milius) Overview

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The Trinity Six: A Novel Review

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The Trinity Six: A Novel ReviewI have long been fascinated by true life tales of espionage, and so I was excited to pick up Charles Cumming's "The Trinity Six." Cumming has begun to make a name for himself within this genre, and it's easy to see why. In "The Trinity Six," he takes on one of the most notorious spy rings ever discovered and puts his own fictionalized spin on things. The Cambridge Five included Guy Burgess, Donald Maclean, John Cairncross, Anthony Blunt, and Kim Philby. All students at Trinity College in the 1930s, these individuals were recruited by Russian Intelligence and took important stations within the British establishment before meeting their individual fates as the truth became uncovered. I have followed this stunning account in both non-fiction and fictionalized formats for years ("Another Country" with Rupert Everett representing Burgess--but named Bennett--is one of my favorite film incarnations of the group's early days). I'd undoubtedly describe myself as a bit of a nerd on the topic! In "The Trinity Six," Cumming presents a scenario in which there was a sixth spy--one that went completely undiscovered!
Set in modern day, the story revolves around a British historian (of Russian history) and author named Sam Gaddis. Gaddis happens upon what might be the biggest scoop of his life and soon becomes entrenched in finding out about the British Government's involvement in covering up this sixth individual. Things turn dangerous as those who have relevant details of the case start turning up dead. Never knowing who to trust or who to turn to, Gaddis starts unraveling the plot which includes espionage, double agents, and a treacherous secret big enough to topple a foreign regime. It's well conceived, if fairly typical fare, that is highlighted by a growing tension but little actual action. Those that like non-stop adventure may well be disappointed by this wordy tale of intrigue. There is so much exposition, explanation, and discussion within Cumming's story--I'd hesitate to categorize the book as a thriller. Not that I minded, but I have a pre-existing knowledge and interest in this specific topic. Easily, the first third of the novel has so much back story--it's literally people standing around talking about history! If you have no fore knowledge of The Cambridge Five, the beginning may be a bit of a slog.
That said, Cumming is certainly an entertaining and engaging writer. Even the driest early sections are rendered with a surprising intensity. Gaddis is an intriguing every man who has an inexplicable knack of putting himself in the wrong place at the right time. There is quite a bit of convenience and happenstance in this tale--perhaps too much--as things just fall into Gaddis' hands. The whole plot is balanced on the fact that two separate (and unrelated) parties provided him with necessary evidence at just the moment needed to kick off the adventure. But overlooking the flaws, I was fitfully entertained for the journey. I liked the British/Russian interplay, and I thought that the character who had the answers behind the elusive sixth man was terrifically complex! The book's biggest secret was serviceable and realistic, but the novel succeeds more with its interesting characters than with its startling revelations. A nice time killer, I'd rate this at 3 1/2 stars--rounding up for my intrinsic interest in the tale. KGHarris, 2/11.The Trinity Six: A Novel Overview

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Typhoon Review

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Typhoon ReviewWith each novel, Charles Cumming keeps getting better. Comparisons to Le Carre and Graham Greene are accurate- can't wait for his next book. His characters are real, warts and all. This is my favourite book by him to date, though the others are excellent. In Typhoon, you can feel the texture of China and its people. If you are looking for a good summer "read"- this is it.Typhoon Overview

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