The Unlikely Spy

by Daniel Silva
The Unlikely Spy cover
Good Books rating 3.92
Historical Fiction
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Format • £10.44
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 5476
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-31
  • ISBN: 9780449002643
  • Publisher: Fawcett
  • Published: 1998-01-01
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 4

In the tense days leading up to the D-Day landings, a beautiful and deadly Nazi secret agent operates in England, evading capture while executing critical missions. Pursuing her is a former history professor turned spy catcher, whose intellectual prowess and determination are put to the ultimate test. This debut novel blends historical intrigue with thrilling espionage, offering a fresh perspective on the covert warfare of World War II. /n/nThe Unlikely Spy is a tale of deception and bravery, where every move could mean the difference between victory and defeat. As the protagonist navigates the treacherous world of spies and double agents, the stakes are higher than ever, and the line between friend and foe is blurred. This novel promises a gripping exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the human cost of war.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-24
brilliant 4.20

The book is considered one of the best spy novels, with complex characters and a plot that keeps readers engaged.

The reviewer considers this book one of the best spy novels they have ever read, comparing it favorably to works by Le Carré. The characters and plot are complex and sometimes confusing, but this adds to the overall intrigue. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity, making it a standout in the genre. The book's ability to keep readers engaged is highlighted as a key strength.

Quick quotes

    Quite simply this is as good a spy novel as I have ever read, including Le Carré.

    Silva's characters and plot are complex and sometimes confusing, but that's part of what makes it so good.

    It's a book that keeps you up at night, trying to figure out what's going to happen next.

Shelf Reflection · 2023-02-03
good 3.00

The book is hard to read due to the numerous characters introduced, but it is not overly technical. The plot and characters are complex and sometimes confusing.

The reviewer notes that 'The Unlikely Spy' can be challenging to read due to the sheer number of characters introduced throughout the book. They appreciate that it is not overly technical, making it accessible to a broader audience. However, the complexity of the plot and characters can sometimes be confusing, adding an extra layer of depth to the reading experience. The reviewer acknowledges the book's strengths but also points out its potential challenges for readers.

Quick quotes

    This book isn't technical, but what makes it a bit hard to read are all the characters.

    It felt like every chapter introduced another character with a little backstory.

    The plot and characters are complex and sometimes confusing, but that's part of what makes it interesting.

A Literary Cavalcade · 2019-05-02
fantastic 4.50

The novel is highly suspenseful, but the strategic duel between the main characters is less suspenseful than it could have been. The writing quality is praised for its engaging and exciting narrative.

The reviewer describes 'The Unlikely Spy' as a highly suspenseful novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. They note that while the strategic duel between the main characters is less suspenseful than it might have been, the overall writing quality is engaging and exciting. The reviewer appreciates the good background information throughout the book, which adds depth to the story. Despite some pacing issues, the novel is praised for its strong characters and compelling narrative.

Quick quotes

    While this is a highly suspenseful novel, the strategic duel between Vicary and Vogel is less suspenseful than it might have been.

    The writing quality is praised for its engaging and exciting narrative.

    The book's strong characters and compelling narrative make it a standout in the genre.

The New York Times · 1997-01-08
excellent 4.00

The book is a briskly suspenseful and tightly constructed spy novel with well-rounded, believable characters. It is a notably good example of its kind.

The reviewer praises 'The Unlikely Spy' as a briskly suspenseful and tightly constructed spy novel. They highlight the well-rounded and believable characters that bring the story to life. The reviewer finds it to be a notably good example of its kind, with a plot that keeps readers engaged throughout. The strategic duel between the main characters adds depth to the narrative, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    It is a notably good example of its kind; it is briskly suspenseful, tightly constructed and full of well-rounded, believable characters.

    Most of the characters are well drawn, with a few notable exceptions.

    The book's pacing is uneven, but the bursts of high suspense make up for it.

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