The Peacock and the Sparrow

by I.S. Berry
The Peacock and the Sparrow cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Thriller/Suspense
Technical:
  • ID: 287
  • Added: 2025-09-07
  • Updated: 2025-09-07
  • ISBN: 9781835012505
  • Published: 2024-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

The Peacock and the Sparrow is a meticulously crafted espionage thriller that immerses readers in the psychological and tactical realities of spycraft. Shane Collins, a seasoned CIA operative on his last tour in Bahrain, is tasked with uncovering Iranian support for insurgents against the monarchy. His routine mission is upended when his trusted informant becomes embroiled in a murder, and Collins meets Almaisa, an enigmatic artist who reveals to him a hidden side of Bahrain few outsiders see. Drawing on the author's real-life intelligence experience, the novel explores themes of loyalty, truth, and the moral ambiguities of espionage amid the tumult of the Arab Spring. The story combines authentic spy tradecraft with rich atmospheric detail and emotional depth, as Collins navigates a dangerous revolution while confronting his own beliefs and desires. This debut thriller has been acclaimed for its authenticity and suspense, winning multiple awards and recognition from major literary and thriller organizations.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-09-07
engaging 4.00

The novel is praised for its escalating tension and layered plot, with the protagonist's evolving perspective providing a compelling emotional and symbolic depth.

The reviewer highlights how the book gains momentum as the main character, Shane Collins, discovers a different Bahrain through his relationship with a local artist. This relationship challenges his loyalties and injects emotional complexity into the espionage plot. The novel's structure, framed as retrospective reflections filled with regret and sadness, adds a poignant layer. The reviewer appreciates the symbolic elements and the skillful handling of the ending, which deepens the story beyond standard spy thriller fare, making it resonant and engaging for readers who enjoy character-driven narratives.

Quick quotes

    "Crackling debut thriller"

    Berry handles the ending superbly

    The story is framed as Collins’ retrospective reflections, tinged with regret and sadness

BookBrowse · 2025-09-07
authentic 4.40

The novel offers an explosive and eerily realistic espionage story with deep authenticity, focusing on the elusiveness of truth and the human desire for belonging beyond just political intrigue.

This espionage debut, written by a former CIA officer, is praised for its authentic portrayal of spy craft and the complexities of the Arab Spring in Bahrain. The story goes beyond a typical spy thriller by exploring nuanced themes such as the power of love, belief, and the universal human longing to be part of a greater cause, making it compelling for readers who appreciate depth alongside suspense. The reviewer highlights the protagonist Shane Collins’ personal journey and the blurred lines between personal and political conflicts. The narrative is described as a breathless, tour-de-force spy tale that balances action with insightful reflections on truth and loyalty, making it a rich and timely read for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    "A breathless tour-de-force, the perfect spy tale"

    Dripping with authenticity

    A timely story of the elusiveness of truth, the power of love and belief

The Mystery of Writing · 2023-05-30
thoughtful 4.10

The story provides a rich and layered exploration of espionage intertwined with personal destiny, highlighting the protagonist's internal struggle amid political upheaval and the futility of escaping one's fate.

This review appreciates the novel's depth beyond a typical spy thriller by focusing on the personal and philosophical undertones drawn from the parable of the peacock and the sparrow. It reflects on the protagonist Shane Collins’ attempts to shape his destiny against the backdrop of the Arab Spring, emphasizing the blurred line between Bahrain's secrets and American espionage. The reviewer also notes the story's symbolic and thematic richness, particularly how it addresses illusions versus reality, and the inevitability of certain outcomes. The nuanced portrayal of political conflict and personal transformation makes the reading experience thought-provoking and emotionally engaging.

Quick quotes

    A breathless tour-de-force, the perfect spy tale

    The futility of trying to outrun your destiny

    Most of us harbor visions, hopes, sometimes illusions, of what our lives should look like

Appears in Lists