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The Private Life of Spies

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The Private Life of Spies

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: Saul Reichlin
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About this listen

In this collection of short stories, Alexander McCall Smith brings his trademark humour and warmth to inventive tales of spying and vengeance. In one story, a spy dropped deep into enemy territory manages to disguise himself – quite convincingly – as a nun.

In another, an invitation to join the Vatican Secret Service sends a prospective operative down a rabbit hole of controversy and confusion. A third story finds an author, on the brink of public ruin, seeing the error of his ways after an act of kindness saves the day.

A keen observer of humanity imbued with a sparkling imagination, Alexander McCall Smith illustrates throughout that transparency is paramount and forgiveness is restorative. With surprising insight and a healthy helping of humour, these stories remind us that, in the end, the high road is often the better one for all involved.

©2023 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2023 Bolinda Publishing Anthologies & Short Stories Espionage Short Stories Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Fiction
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Well written but felt more like education than entertainment. I slept through a lot of it as I kept falling asleep and in the end I couldn’t be bothered to wind it back. I’m sure it suits some but not me.

Clever

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The narrator is very good. Loved these short stories. Alexander McColl Smith and Michael Morpurgo are two of my favourite writers. They never disappoint.

Different but good.

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There were some interesting ideas for these short stories and some moments that made me smile but overall I found the stories were not quite what I expect from AMS and didn't give the usual listening satisfaction. Nearly but not quite...

Not quite...

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Alexandra McCall Smith never ceases to amaze me in terms of the range of his writing his clearly wide interest in many subjects across the world and his ability to create vivid characters who are quirky and unique no matter what setting. These short stories were a departure from his other series, but they were so compelling and with foundation in history as well as just being completely original. Thoroughly enjoyed and you will too.

Delightful

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A wonderful set of stories and highly recommended. AMS at his usual best in story telling.

AMS - Private Life of Spies

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