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Dead Line (Liz Carlyle #4)

3.5 of 5 stars 3.50 · rating details · 273 ratings · 30 reviews

MI5 Intelligence Officer Liz Carlyle is summoned to a meeting with her boss Charles Wetherby, head of the Service's Counter-Espionage Branch. His counterpart over at MI6 has received alarming intelligence from a high-placed Syrian source. A Middle East peace conference is planned to take place at Gleneagles in Scotland and several heads of state will attend. The Syrians ha...more

Hardcover, 374 pages

Published 2008 by Quercus

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Jan 19, 2009 Rod rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book is a thriller based on the British security service MI5. It is the fourth in a series dealing with the exploits of Liz Carlyle and is written by Stella Rimington, who ran MI5 in a previous existence. For this reason reviewers like to state that the books are realistic since the author knows the service from the inside. Which may or may not be true - but they cannot know without having been on the inside themselves.

Some reviews include mild complaints to the effect that the plots are a...more This book is a thriller based on the British security service MI5. It is the fourth in a series dealing with the exploits of Liz Carlyle and is written by Stella Rimington, who ran MI5 in a previous existence. For this reason reviewers like to state that the books are realistic since the author knows the service from the inside. Which may or may not be true - but they cannot know without having been on the inside themselves.

Some reviews include mild complaints to the effect that the plots are a little low key. This may be the case compared to books where bursts of machine-gun fire, lengthy car chases, and powerful explosions are to be found on every second page. But there is nothing inherently interesting in machine gun fire and I find the relative absence of such things an advantage. Since our streets don’t resound to gun fire and explosions I think it likely that the author’s plots reflect reality in this respect too. In this case – I haven’t read the other three – the plot is quite well constructed, though in places it reminds me of films of the same genre and to that extent is derivative. The first chapter is a case in point, the car driving up a narrow road in Cyprus to meet a contact. Several chapters later, on that same road, the driver plunges over a cliff when two of his tyres are shot out. But we can live with that.

What I can’t live with is the cast. At one point we are told that MI5 is no longer dominated by recruits from Oxford and Cambridge. Given the number of traitors from Cambridge that’s got to be a relief! But if this book is anything to go by MI5 is dominated by white men and women from the London and the south east of England. I would think that anyone reading this book from the north of England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland might feel that MI5 does not represent them. When in Gleneagles Liz says the following to Hannah (page 259):
‘To the Scots I’m as foreign as you.’ What she should have said was that the Scots were foreign to her. And, of course, the local chief constable is incompetent and feisty young Liz has to sort him out.

The writing style, where the people are concerned, is reminiscent of Biggles. Here are some examples of what I mean from pages 152 and 153.
Liz: ‘I’m awfully sorry for joking.’ (152)
Edward: ‘They’d had an awfully rough time.’ (152)
Edward ‘It was a jolly dangerous time.’ (153)
What an awfully exciting read!

This book is a novel, you can hold it in your hand. The author is a writer because she has written it. But compare it to the work of someone who really can write and it doesn’t hold up. Look, for example, at the descriptive ability of Patricia Cornwell and the wonderful complexity of many of her characters as it comes out in dialogue. What we have here is competent but wooden by comparison.

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Jun 03, 2011 Kay Rollison rated it 3 of 5 stars

Dame Stella Rimington is Chair of the judges for this year’s Man Booker Prize. She is a former Director General of MI5, Britain’s counter-espionage agency. She has written an autobiography called Open Secret, which apparently doesn’t give any away, and spy stories featuring Liz Carlyle, also of MI5. Since she will be judging writing, I thought I’d see how she goes about it herself.

Dead Line, published in 2008, is the fourth in the series. A Middle East peace conference is to be held at Gleneagle...more Dame Stella Rimington is Chair of the judges for this year’s Man Booker Prize. She is a former Director General of MI5, Britain’s counter-espionage agency. She has written an autobiography called Open Secret, which apparently doesn’t give any away, and spy stories featuring Liz Carlyle, also of MI5. Since she will be judging writing, I thought I’d see how she goes about it herself.

Dead Line, published in 2008, is the fourth in the series. A Middle East peace conference is to be held at Gleneagles, but there has been a tip off that unknown forces will try and disrupt it. Syria fears there will be attacks on two British residents who may be involved, and that the Syrians will be blamed for it. Is the threat to be taken seriously? Where should British counter-espionage start their investigations? Liz Carlyle gets the job. At the same time, she has friends and family to worry about, and at 35, is wondering about the direction of her own life.

I started reading expecting something along the lines of the TV series Spooks, but aside from the fact that MI5 is based at Thames House in both, and that both deal with internal threats to security, they couldn’t be much more different. Spooks is all clever computer investigation and shootouts. Dead Line owes much more to the Len Deighton tradition of tea and biscuits and inter-agency bickering. There isn’t a computer or a spy satellite in sight, and no one even glances at the CCTV footage – even when in practice I thought they would have. Given Rimington’s experience in the service, her version is doubtless far closer to the reality of counter-espionage than the more ‘kiss kiss bang bang’ version, as Ian Fleming characterised his own work (though Bond is of course MI6). Not the truth perhaps, but certainly what might have been the truth.

So how does the story stand up? Carlyle describes her investigation as being like ‘a hall of mirrors’, and certainly between MI5 and MI6, the CIA and Mossad, the left hand never knows what the right hand is doing. This makes for an intriguing story. But I would be happier if a crucial breakthrough hadn’t come about by chance. And I did feel rather confused at times, though this may have been the intention. However Rimington is making the interesting point that despite the ‘sophisticated technology and big bureaucracies’ of the security services, the human element remains crucial for both good and ill.

In my view, Rimington’s writing is perfectly adequate, rather than really compelling. For example she sometimes telegraphs her punches. Why mention not once but twice that there is a car waiting on a street, which Carlyle notices but does not question? The reader can see well in advance the car’s likely significance. It’s quite refreshing to have an ordinary fallible hero, but it seems a pity to spoil what is intended to be a point of high drama in the story. This is one place where a camera would have worked better. Then there is the question of characterisation. Rimington has chosen to humanise her characters in a way that some writers of spy thrillers don’t bother with, and while this may accord better with reality, Liz nevertheless remains rather bland and two dimensional. She is said to be tough and steely, but this never really shows.

It is true that you don’t have to write really well to be a good judge of other people’s writing. Many critics either don’t write fiction or don’t write it particularly well. (You might say this is true of me in a small way.) But I’m still a bit surprised at Rimington’s role in the Man Booker judging. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how it goes.

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Feb 22, 2013 Henri Moreaux rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: action-adventure, spy-intel-services, crime-murder, terrorism

I was drawn to this book by the blurb, it sounded like the basis for an exciting spy thriller. Sadly, whilst this book has the elements of an exciting spy thriller, it is far from such.

The narrative it at times rather dry and the plot isn't unique in terms of the method of getting to the climax, it's merely a rehash of the methods of a hundred other spy movies & books implemented in a way that makes you feel drowsy.

It's set in Britain so predictably there is no gun play, but there's also no...more

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Mar 04, 2012 Kate Neilan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: thriller

Liz Carlyle is in Counter Terrorism, at MI5. She's good at it, too. She's logical, methodical but also intuitive; she's learned to trust her instincts in her previous few cases, and that includes her relationships with coworkers.

Her immediate superior is Charles Wetherby; his wife is terminally ill so whatever might have been between them is dismissed by Liz as an impossibility. There's also the rakish scoundrel Geoffrey Fane, who always plays fair at work but nowhere else. Peggy is Liz's faithf...more

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Jun 12, 2011 Joe Robles rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 03, 2011 Craig Shier rated it 4 of 5 stars

Another good read from an authority on MI5.
Sketchy information, accidental relationships and interplay between UK and US intelligence services engage the reader in the effort to uncover a threat to a mid-east peace conference. Main characters are well drawn and sympathetic. Tense situations are presented so as to maintain interest throughout the story. The author has fun with the reader as well, not every bang or flash of light is a threat. The end is satisfying insofar as the mystery is concer...more

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Dec 20, 2010 Ted rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Like a crack addict I went back to Ms. Rimington, even though I had only moderately enjoyed the other two. This one just screamed "read me" and it was slightly less disappointing, but ultimately not enough to put the author into positive, 3+ star, territory. I wanted a light read and I got it --it just wasn't a good one. Liz Carlyle is a likable character and the MI5 procedural bits feel authentic, but the plot was too reminiscent of an earlier episode (rogue agent with Daddy issues) and the act...more

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Oct 23, 2010 Mike rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone

I picked this book up without knowing the author or any of her works. As a result, I found that it is at least a second book in a series using a continuing cast of characters. A condition I run into more often that one might suppose, not through laziness, but the desire to "select and go" - usually quickly. And so, I find someone whose work I like and could have started with book #1, but don't. (The Cece Caruso mystery series is another recent example.)

Usually this does not detract from my enjoy...more I picked this book up without knowing the author or any of her works. As a result, I found that it is at least a second book in a series using a continuing cast of characters. A condition I run into more often that one might suppose, not through laziness, but the desire to "select and go" - usually quickly. And so, I find someone whose work I like and could have started with book #1, but don't. (The Cece Caruso mystery series is another recent example.)

Usually this does not detract from my enjoyment of the book, as most are intended to be accessible as "standalones" so that a reader can pick it up and still feel that they are not too far behind. In some genres, there is the large "what has gone before" introduction (usually in a tightly coupled heroic or epic series). While that does give the new reader the necessary background, it always makes me want to stop and actually read the prior book(s) if I really think I am interested in the one I have in my hand.

This book, like most, makes reference to events that occurred before the current story in several places. Depending on the author's skill (or ham-handedness) and the story I may not care about this "flashbacks" or allusions to off-stage action. Such was the case with "Dead Line". Only in a couple of places did I really want to have read the material being referred to. That's not to say that I don't want to locate and read the earlier novels, quite the opposite, I do.

Overall, I think this is a pretty well-written and plotted story. I found only a couple of plot points that were either too extraneous to the main line or just seemed to be present for lengthening of the tale. Ms. Rimington is British and so the book's language is full of across-the-pond expressions and spellings - none of which should bother or surprise an American reader. There is a bit of "properness" to the writing: reserve when detailing outre or potentially offensive behavior. But that is in keeping with the style of many well-loved British writers.

"Dead Line" is a very decent tale of intrigue, murder, suspense and detection all set in our current world with highly topical concerns and motivations. I know at least I liked it and I recommend it as a good book. Pick it up (or better the predecessors) and enjoy yourself.(less)

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Dec 29, 2012 Dianne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: espionage

Stella Rimington was head of MI5, and this novel has an authenticity about it. Having said that, the life of a counter-espionage agent must be very boring with its interminable meetings. Liz Carlyle is an attractive heroine. Rimington's prose is clean and clear, but it lacks the nuances and tensions which make Gerald Seymour and John Le Carre so gripping. Having said that, one cannot fault the finale at Gleneagles as the Middle East Conference gets underway.

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Aug 04, 2011 Hilary Lang Greenebaum rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was my first in the series and I enjoyed it, overall a bit complicated to keep track of who wore the white/balck hat but wasnt bored. Last week end there was an author profile in our newspaper so that made it all make sense! Stella Rimington was head of MI5 and really was a spy in real life. The book rings true in many small details as well as larger plots and intrigues. Well it feels authentic but I wouldn't really know!

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Nov 19, 2010 Joanne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery

I really like this series and Liz Carlyle as a character. Here Scotland's hosting a Middle Eastern peace conference, and MI5 has received warning that someone will try to disrupt it. Liz tries to figure who and how.

Not as much fun to read, since The Bad Guy is revealed to us pretty early on, but I still enjoy watching her work. I also like that she's honorable -- she's in love with her boss, but he's married, so she is silent.

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Sep 14, 2011 JoTownhead rated it 2 of 5 stars

Contemporary spy mystery. MI5's Liz Carlyle plays a pivotal role in security service efforts to foil a threat to a Middle East peace conference. Complicated plotline with lots of characters (possibly too many) and a slight air of implausibility around the conference incident. A satisfying read, nevertheless.

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Oct 19, 2012 George Abbs rated it 3 of 5 stars

An engaging holiday read, but too many characters. At times every chapter introduced new characters many of whom were extraneous to the story and where only there to provide a smokescreen.

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Jan 17, 2011 Dot rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I thought there was something perhaps a bit naive about this book, compared to most spy novels, and certainly it is not as gritty at the UK tv show "MI5", but it has a good plot and the author builds suspense well.

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Feb 06, 2013 Lynne rated it 3 of 5 stars

A good read on train journeys - the first of the series I have read. I like the central character and enjoyed the story. I'd definitely read more if they come my way.

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May 31, 2011 SueDella rated it 3 of 5 stars

Never read this author before, I must be on a spy kick. Liked her style and knew she did her homework. Another good summer read.

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Aug 02, 2011 Dave rated it 3 of 5 stars

These are all fun books but blur in the memory after a while.

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Aug 26, 2012 Samia Ruponti rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: thriller

This is by far my most favorite Carlyle book......can't wait to start the fifth one....

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Jul 08, 2012 Penny rated it 4 of 5 stars

It was a surprisingly good read.

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Feb 13, 2013 Carol Taylor rated it 3 of 5 stars

bit slow took a long time to build to a dissapointing ending

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Dec 24, 2011 Jez Sharpe rated it 2 of 5 stars

Quite dull considering the subject matter

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Mar 28, 2009 Judith rated it 2 of 5 stars

I had very high expectations of Stella Rimington, since she worked for MI5, but this was just another crime story without anything to distinguish it.

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Jul 24, 2012 Colin Galbraith rated it 1 of 5 stars

Scrapped at 51%. SO boring and with technical errors in the writing, I just can't find the will to continue. There is no compelling reason to believe these characters are 3D and the plot trudges along mercilessly. I was looking forward to finding a new author with a series I could get into - not so. Sorry Dame Stella.

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Nov 18, 2012 Rob rated it 3 of 5 stars

I like the Liz Carlyle books and this had all the makings of a good story, but it just seemed like it had been rushed. There're some critical parts in the story and it just seems to scoot past them. Missed a trick with this one, in my opinion.

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Aug 14, 2010 Jeff Crosby rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: espionage, 2010

Clever, well paced counter espionage tale. The book is not particularly suspenseful, but it has strong, interesting characters. The plot is effectiely driven by procedure.

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Aug 17, 2011 Erin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 52-in-2011, goochland-library, thriller

Probably my least favorite installment in the series. She just seems determined to convince me that espionage is drudgery.

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Jul 19, 2010 Marianne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Marianne by: beckma43@yahoo.com

Interesting. About Liz Carlyle, MI6 agent who foils a terrorist plot to disrupt peace talks held in Scotland.

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Sep 25, 2010 Anne rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The 4th book in a series about a woman who works in MI5. Like the series; like the lead character.

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Oct 20, 2008 Bebeth rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a gripping read that keeps the reader guessing.

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Aug 17, 2010 Dennis Willingham rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, fiction

Good spy page turner by former head of MI5.

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About Stella Rimington

Dame Stella Whitehouse Rimington joined the Security Service (MI5) in 1968. During her career she worked in all the main fields of the Service: counter-subversion, counter-espionage and counter-terrorism. She was appointed Director General in 1992, the first woman to hold the post. She has written her autobiography and five Liz Carlyle novels. She lives in London and Norfolk.

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Dead Line (Liz Carlyle #4)

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