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The Insider

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The Insider

By: Matthew Richardson
Narrated by: Sean Barrett
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

A thrilling novel of espionage and murder in the dark heart of Westminster, from the UK's most exciting new spy writer.

A Russian defector is found brutally murdered in a London hotel.

Only four people knew he had turned - the four most important and powerful figures in Whitehall.

There's only one conclusion - a mole has infiltrated the highest levels of the nation's security.

Operating in secret from within Westminster's darkest corners, former spy Solomon Vine must uncover the traitor.

Because Britain's future hangs in the balance.

And with it the fate of the whole world....

©2021 Matthew Richardson (P)2021 Penguin Audio Espionage Political Spies & Politics Suspense Thriller & Suspense Exciting

Critic Reviews

"Proof that the spy genre is flourishing in the 21st century.... [Richardson's] plotting has an old-school, Swiss-clock precision." (Guardian)

"Compelling, intense and sharply authentic." (James Swallow, best-selling author of Nomad)

"A splendid tale of espionage starring an old-fashioned MI6 hero...exciting spy literature." (Times)
All stars
Most relevant  
The story has just the right balance of narrative to conversation. The tension builds slowly and relentlessly. Sean Barrett's reading is - as ever - faultless. In the past year I've probably listened to a couple of hundred books, and this is one of the top five. I'll admit I guessed the villain half-way through, but that hardly made the story less enjoyable because there was no certainty the hero would find out in time.

Perfect balance.

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One of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to this year - both the story and the narration. Starts out like a modern day Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and then takes an unexpected turn. Highly recommend.

Fantastic

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Excellent story Classic spy who done it Immerses the listener in a world of twists and turns
Well read Immensely enjoyable

Recommended

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Taunt plot and wonderful narration. Welcome to the world of a spy and his craft.

Excellent

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The plot was great just what you would expect from a spy thriller. It was also very atmospheric of London . The character is very much what we would call on the spectrum but relatable.
I do wish we really did work our security system like this but feel UK. no longer has the skill or training.
The clues he had to follow were very hard to find and then didn’t seem that impactful!
Really worth the read

Great Spy thriller

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Sean Barret makes anything worth listening to, and Matthew Richardson adds the perfect story that keeps you listening until the end

spy craft craftily written and performed

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I'm new to this author and I think he writes an intriguing story. As a crime thriller lover I only started this because Sean Barrett was narrating and was not disappointed. I was interested to know he last.

clever plot

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Riveting story and compelling narration. The streamlined, pared-back writing meant there wasn’t much fat on the narrative and the characters’ back stories, relationships, conversations or their inner lives; I would have liked some more substance to all of this. Everything serves the movement and tension of the story, and it’s great!

The glaring flaw was the way the narrative set up who the mole could be among the possible options: it made it too easy to guess who it could be. Still, the other twists and turns kept me wanting more.

Great narrative with a significant flaw

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Fabulous storyline and very well read. Thoroughly enjoyable book. I highly recommend it and hope there is a sequel.

Outstanding!

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A spy story blending yesteryear with a modern slant. Thoroughly enjoyed Solomon’s reflections. All too real in our current world

Captivating and thoughtful

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