A SPY BY NATURE

Simon Vance excels with this thriller about double-crossing British and American spy agencies. The plot is twisted, and one is never quite certain who is good or bad, who works for the agencies and who doesn't. We know that the main character was kicked out of the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS)--and promptly rehired. Things only get murkier. Vance's deft pacing and characterizations help keep the listener from getting hopelessly lost, while also increasing the suspense. Vance offers believable renditions of American and British speech, including accents and rhythms, although he is occasionally careless with women's voices. Overall, a suspenseful story--suspensefully told. R.E.K. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]