The Private Life of Spies and the Exquisit Art of Getting Even

The Private Life of Spies and The Exquisite Art of Getting Even: Stories of Espionage and Revenge by Alexander McCall Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


*** Possible Spoilers ***

This book is classic Alexander McCall Smith. It seems two smaller books are compressed into one. In any event, if you're familiar with the author's work, you'll have a reasonable idea what to expect. This is particularly true if you've read The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. The author writes what I think of as 'soft' fiction. The keyword 'cozy' doesn't apply because there's nothing maudlin about the work, but at the same time there is no hard conflict, no life and death struggle. For example in one story a student comes across a double agent, someone who is probably ruthless and a member of some shadowy group. He could expose the individual and risk retribution. Instead he simply leaves, moves to another city and takes up a new profession there. You won't find violence or car chases here. I definitely enjoyed this book and I've read other works by this author; however, he's someone I prefer to take in small doses. Now and then a McCall Smith book is a refreshing change from the high drama found in many books, but I think if I read too many in too short a time I'd find them becoming just a bit tedious, so while I enjoy his books, I like to space them out.

If you haven't read this author you may be a bit disappointed, particularly if you expect explosive action. On the other hand, this author is a particularly nice individual and his writing reflects that.



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