The Hidden Hand cover art

The Hidden Hand

Manon Tyler Thrillers, Book 2

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The Hidden Hand

By: Dame Stella Rimington
Narrated by: Penelope Rawlins
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About this listen

 Bloomsbury presents The Hidden Hand by Stella Rimington, read by Penelope Rawlins.

'Stella Rimington was the first female director general of Britain’s MI5 and brings true authenticity to her tale of intellectual thievery' Irish Independent

A historic institution is hiding a very modern threat.

The student
Li Min, a Chinese student, is forced by her government to transfer from Harvard to Oxford University, where she is recruited to an elite Chinese study centre based out of St Felix’s College.

The scapegoat
Meanwhile, the centre’s newly recruited head stumbles on its more sinister purpose: recruiting Chinese and sympathetic British students to steal high-value research and intellectual property. Unsure who at the university he can trust, he turns to CIA agent Manon Tyler for help.

The spy who might be their only hope...
But as Li and another Chinese-American student are drawn deeper into a deadly game, will Manon be able to penetrate the heart of St Felix’s secrets in time to save them?

PRAISE FOR STELLA RIMINGTON:

'Intriguing and very cleverly-plotted' ALEX GERLIS

'Races along at breakneck speed. Packed with insider information, this is not one to miss' M. W. CRAVEN

'Damn good' Daily Telegraph

'A must-read for fans of contemporary spy fiction' Publishers Weekly

'This is something rare: the spy novel that prizes authenticity over fabrication, that is true to the character and spirit of intelligence work' Mail on Sunday©2025 Stella Rimington (P)2025 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Espionage Mystery Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths China Student
All stars
Most relevant  
With the Manon Tyler series, the author appears to have slid into the cosy fiction genre. Her Liz Carlyle series was edgy and compelling. The main character was relatable, while the supporting cast sprang alive from the pages - it was clear that Stella Rimington was writing about an environment she knew, with familiar and well rounded characters.
The Manon Tyler series may be an attempt to appeal to a younger audience, or to straddle the Atlantic, but it falls flat for me. The main character is dull and vapid, and I miss the background politics and intrigue of the MI 5/6 rivalry.


Please revive the Liz Carlyle series.

Bring back Liz Carlyle

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