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Solomon Vine #2
The Insider
A Russian defector is found brutally murdered in a London hotel. Only four people in the world knew he had turned - the four most important and powerful figures in Whitehall. There's only one conclusion - a mole has infiltrated the highest levels of the nation's security. Operating in secret from within Westminster's darkest corners, former spy, Solomon Vine, must uncover the traitor. Because Britain's future hangs in the balance. And with it the fate of the whole world . . .
352 pages, Paperback
Published November 25, 2021
202 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Richardson
63 books99 followersMatthew Richardson was born in 1990 and graduated with a First in English from Durham University in 2011. He then went on to postgraduate research at Merton College, Oxford, specialising in intellectual history. He was a freelance journalist, a speechwriter and a researcher in Westminster while also starting work on his debut novel, My Name is Nobody. In the summer of 2015, at the age of 24, Matthew Richardson was signed by Penguin in a six-figure pre-empt deal.
Librarians note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarians note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
October 10, 2022
An ex-spy is called out of retirement to hunt down a Russian mole at the very heart of the secret establishment. If you’re thinking Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy at this point you can be forgiven, but dismiss the thought, because Le Carré this isn’t.
The plot is linear and delivered at a pedestrian pace, seldom managing to build any real tension. The characters lack any real depth too, you never truly feel yourself rooting for Vine as he pursues his quarry. And the identity of the mole? Let’s just say it doesn’t come as a huge surprise.
There’s the kernel of a decent story here and there’s a sprinkling of convincing tradecraft along the way, but overall while this is a workmanlike spy novel it’s one that never really sparkles.
The plot is linear and delivered at a pedestrian pace, seldom managing to build any real tension. The characters lack any real depth too, you never truly feel yourself rooting for Vine as he pursues his quarry. And the identity of the mole? Let’s just say it doesn’t come as a huge surprise.
There’s the kernel of a decent story here and there’s a sprinkling of convincing tradecraft along the way, but overall while this is a workmanlike spy novel it’s one that never really sparkles.
March 14, 2023
I think that Saul Herzog's books are great and this one does not disappoint.
His plotting is spot on. I agree with Herzog's opinions, which he freely implies, about Russian leadership as highly accurate. I do believe, again as he seems to imply somewhat, that the current leadership is exceedingly dangerous. I think that Putin will either get what he wants, or drag the human race to a nuclear demise; I think he's that determined.
Anyhow, 'The Insider' follows the earlier Lance Spector books and takes us further into the narrative. This book comes to a conclusion that is satisfying, and will lead into the nect book.
His plotting is spot on. I agree with Herzog's opinions, which he freely implies, about Russian leadership as highly accurate. I do believe, again as he seems to imply somewhat, that the current leadership is exceedingly dangerous. I think that Putin will either get what he wants, or drag the human race to a nuclear demise; I think he's that determined.
Anyhow, 'The Insider' follows the earlier Lance Spector books and takes us further into the narrative. This book comes to a conclusion that is satisfying, and will lead into the nect book.
April 18, 2025
3.5* The Insider is spy fiction at the heart of the establishment.
Documents of the utmost sensitivity are given special status in Dresden as the Berlin Wall falls. In present day London, a Russian defector is found murdered. The logical conclusion is a mole, but given the top secret identity of the defector, it can only be someone holding one of the most senior positions of state. When ex-spy Solomon Vine is asked to unravel the identity of the infiltrator, he finds himself trying to peel back a plan decades on the making.
A fun and well written spy book. It’s the second outing for Solomon Vine and it continues with high level tension and plot. Some of the characters a little two-dimensional but it doesn’t dint the enjoyment.
I listened to the audio, narrated by the fantastic Sean Barrett (who also narrates the Slow Horses books). His delivery is second to none.
Documents of the utmost sensitivity are given special status in Dresden as the Berlin Wall falls. In present day London, a Russian defector is found murdered. The logical conclusion is a mole, but given the top secret identity of the defector, it can only be someone holding one of the most senior positions of state. When ex-spy Solomon Vine is asked to unravel the identity of the infiltrator, he finds himself trying to peel back a plan decades on the making.
A fun and well written spy book. It’s the second outing for Solomon Vine and it continues with high level tension and plot. Some of the characters a little two-dimensional but it doesn’t dint the enjoyment.
I listened to the audio, narrated by the fantastic Sean Barrett (who also narrates the Slow Horses books). His delivery is second to none.
January 25, 2025
Enjoyed this spy thriller mostly because of the Mick Herron/LeCarre style, but with more pace and action. The protagonist, Solomon Vine, is a sympathetic and engaging character and the plot twist is not completely unexpected, but nonetheless satisfying.
January 2, 2022
Solid spy thriller with a decent and satisfying plot. It's slightly let down by a style that I can only describe as pulpy pastich. The chapters are so short I thought I was reading The Da Vinci Code!The chapters would often break up the same scene and character dialogues so were totally pointless.
Inserting unnecessary cliffhangers constantly just erodes tension, not increase it.
Hopefully his next book moves away from this as I think there is potential here for a half decent series.
Inserting unnecessary cliffhangers constantly just erodes tension, not increase it.
Hopefully his next book moves away from this as I think there is potential here for a half decent series.
May 31, 2022
This book is excellent. Great story that doesn’t become overly complicated. Richardson doesn’t confuse the reader with too many characters. I loved the tradecraft in the book…Richardson does a brilliant job talking about the tradecraft. I just loved this book. It needs to get more love. Taking the baton from Le Claire, Kannon, Littel, etc, this book is right there with the new wave of great espionage books…Jason Matthew’s Red Sparrow trilogy, Charles Cummings, David mcClosky, and Herron’s Slough Horses.
September 11, 2023
A synopsis of Matthew Richardson’s excellent espionage novel might ring bells among the spy fiction cognoscenti. It opens with a retired senior spook being approached by the National Security Adviser, and commissioned to undertake an urgent investigation. She has very robust evidence to suggest the existence of a Russian mole placed high in the echelons of the most senior officials overlooking the security services, and the culprit could be one of four possible candidates.
Yes, this book revisits the premise behind one of the most accomplished and well known spy novel’s, John le Carré’s Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, in which George Smiley was called back from retirement (in his case imposed from above, rather than sought voluntarily) to investigate four of his senior former colleagues, and establish which was the traitor. However, despite such strong similarities in the basic premise, this is no hollow reworking of le Carré’s work. Solomon Vine is a very different character from George Smiley, although they both emerged from similarly academic circles. In this book, the four potential culprits are even higher than those whom Smiley had to consider: the Head of MI6, the Permanent Secretary of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Cabinet Secretary.
The plot is labyrinthine, so I will say no more about the content, beyond the fact that it is highly complex. I don’t know what Matthew Richardson’s background is, but he captures his setting very accurately. His description of the various offices around Whitehall that Vine has to visit seem very accurate – over the years I have worked in two of the buildings that Vine visits, as well as being lucky enough to attend meetings at No. 10 a few times. Richardson’s descriptions are spot on.
He develops the story very capably, and despite the alarming premise of the novel, it never feels at all implausible. He may not have le Carré’s purple prose, but then who else does? On the basis of this novel, and the couple of other that I have read by him, he is right up there with Charles Cumming in competition to be heralded as le Carré’s successor.
Yes, this book revisits the premise behind one of the most accomplished and well known spy novel’s, John le Carré’s Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, in which George Smiley was called back from retirement (in his case imposed from above, rather than sought voluntarily) to investigate four of his senior former colleagues, and establish which was the traitor. However, despite such strong similarities in the basic premise, this is no hollow reworking of le Carré’s work. Solomon Vine is a very different character from George Smiley, although they both emerged from similarly academic circles. In this book, the four potential culprits are even higher than those whom Smiley had to consider: the Head of MI6, the Permanent Secretary of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Cabinet Secretary.
The plot is labyrinthine, so I will say no more about the content, beyond the fact that it is highly complex. I don’t know what Matthew Richardson’s background is, but he captures his setting very accurately. His description of the various offices around Whitehall that Vine has to visit seem very accurate – over the years I have worked in two of the buildings that Vine visits, as well as being lucky enough to attend meetings at No. 10 a few times. Richardson’s descriptions are spot on.
He develops the story very capably, and despite the alarming premise of the novel, it never feels at all implausible. He may not have le Carré’s purple prose, but then who else does? On the basis of this novel, and the couple of other that I have read by him, he is right up there with Charles Cumming in competition to be heralded as le Carré’s successor.
October 14, 2022
This is the follow-up to Richardson’s debut novel, My Name is Nobody – a really excellent tale of espionage and skulduggery. The protagonist, Solomon Vine, is an MI6 spy in the mould of George Smiley – clever, methodical, precise and rather dry.
This is about another mole hunt but the action is centred in Westminster, because it’s suspected that a Russian agent has found their way to the top levels of government. The hunt kicks off when a Russian billionaire is killed in London. His murder doesn’t just look professional, it has all the hallmarks of a Russian assassination.
Vine is summoned, and searching the crime scene finds something that could direct him to the mole. It’s the first of several clues which must be chased down, but as Vine identifies suspects, people are being killed; and it seems there’s a deadline approaching, although it’s not clear what it can be.
As Vine closes in on the truth the tension rises and although the identity of the mole, when revealed, wasn’t a total surprise to me the end of the novel was gripping nonetheless. It’s an intriguing and well-plotted story, where the clues are teased out to keep you on your toes.
This is about another mole hunt but the action is centred in Westminster, because it’s suspected that a Russian agent has found their way to the top levels of government. The hunt kicks off when a Russian billionaire is killed in London. His murder doesn’t just look professional, it has all the hallmarks of a Russian assassination.
Vine is summoned, and searching the crime scene finds something that could direct him to the mole. It’s the first of several clues which must be chased down, but as Vine identifies suspects, people are being killed; and it seems there’s a deadline approaching, although it’s not clear what it can be.
As Vine closes in on the truth the tension rises and although the identity of the mole, when revealed, wasn’t a total surprise to me the end of the novel was gripping nonetheless. It’s an intriguing and well-plotted story, where the clues are teased out to keep you on your toes.
April 12, 2024
I had already read and commented on Richardson's 1st Solomon Vine Book - My Name is Nobody - my review stating: "it started off with good promise - but failed. I was going to give 2 stars but upped it to 3 on the basis of the writing and some flashes of inspiration."
Again there is and element here of "analogue" rather than "digital" spy craft but not too good effect and the logical thinking was more like guess work.
As with the first book things became a little annoying with the main character, Vine, again seemingly blessed with good fortune -e.g. The paper fluttered to the ground from between the pages just as he was about to put it back on the shelf........... etc.
As the book went on it became increasingly outlandish and though I was left with a feeling 2/3rds of the way through that I wished it would come to a rapid conclusion - I had also guessed correctly by then who the main "bad guy" was - but I kept reading to do the author justice and to see if I was correct in my assumption.
I decided to give it 2 stars - generous I think - as some would probably enjoy the story, but too me it was too shallow and runs out of steam. Not recommended.
Again there is and element here of "analogue" rather than "digital" spy craft but not too good effect and the logical thinking was more like guess work.
As with the first book things became a little annoying with the main character, Vine, again seemingly blessed with good fortune -e.g. The paper fluttered to the ground from between the pages just as he was about to put it back on the shelf........... etc.
As the book went on it became increasingly outlandish and though I was left with a feeling 2/3rds of the way through that I wished it would come to a rapid conclusion - I had also guessed correctly by then who the main "bad guy" was - but I kept reading to do the author justice and to see if I was correct in my assumption.
I decided to give it 2 stars - generous I think - as some would probably enjoy the story, but too me it was too shallow and runs out of steam. Not recommended.
August 20, 2023
The Insider is based on a rather conventional counter-espionage plot revolving around the search of a Russion mole planted at the highest levels of the British establishment. We have seen dozens of stories like this, from Le Carré to Allbeury and Littell; The Insider though, curiously enough, reads like a blend of the former ones with a Hercules Poirot investigation.
We are taken through the usual wilderness of mirrors which is the essence of counter-intelligence and we'll find the usual twists and turns of this type of stories.
The authors clearly loves the tradecraft (especially the classical cold war stuff) and loves even more to explain it in great detail to his readers.
In any case, the book is pretty well written, with very short and agile chapters and fluent prose; hard to put down at times.
We are taken through the usual wilderness of mirrors which is the essence of counter-intelligence and we'll find the usual twists and turns of this type of stories.
The authors clearly loves the tradecraft (especially the classical cold war stuff) and loves even more to explain it in great detail to his readers.
In any case, the book is pretty well written, with very short and agile chapters and fluent prose; hard to put down at times.
December 3, 2022
A new young writer and it appears this may be a follow-on of a previous work. This is my first encounter with him, though. It is the rare book I give 5 stars-- they really need to blow me away, and even though I guessed the bad-guy early on (and much sooner than the hero) the "quality" of the writing is phenomenal-- the story almost becomes secondary. I largely think that is because I read roughly 3 books every week and some writers have great imagination and the meat of the story covers a multitude of sins in the art of words but very few have real talent and can transport you into that wonderful world totally inhabited by words-- and those that can are truly great purveyors of literature in the truest sense.
June 27, 2023
This the second of Richardson’s novels and like the first its main character is the former spy Solomon Vine, brought back in this story as an outsider to investigate a mole. Sound familiar at all? Whilst this is not ‘Tinker Tailor, Soldier, Spy’ the plot is reasonably gripping, a whodunnit with just enough of a Moscow centre tinge. His characters are adequate - and to be honest I would prefer the thinner characterisation of this book to the anguished inner life trauma that seems to be de rigeur now (plus there is much more Vine backstory in the first novel which I suspect many will have read before picking up this one). Also - there is something of the early Le Carré - of ‘Call for the Dead’ particularly - here. I enjoyed this.
October 22, 2023
This book entertains but is very far fetched. Slight spoiler here, but can you ever envisage the Cabinet Secretary and The Chief of The Defence Staff, as well as other of equal status, being personally involved in the recruitment and handling of Intelligence sources? Well - I can’t.
There are many inaccuracies, impossible time lines, and one or two loose ends (for example at one stage an individual supposedly in handcuffs opens and consults his mobile phone) and this detracts from the quality of the book.
So - undertake a massive suspension of your disbelief if you are to read this book. The ending is implausible and this caps the experience. I nearly stopped reading it but saw it through. I won’t read another by this author.
There are many inaccuracies, impossible time lines, and one or two loose ends (for example at one stage an individual supposedly in handcuffs opens and consults his mobile phone) and this detracts from the quality of the book.
So - undertake a massive suspension of your disbelief if you are to read this book. The ending is implausible and this caps the experience. I nearly stopped reading it but saw it through. I won’t read another by this author.
December 2, 2023
Solomon Vine is call in from the cold to ferret out a mole in the highest echelon of power in HMG. A double agent for the British, a Russian oligarch Alexander Ivanov in the heart of London set in motion a witch-hunt of the highest order. A little rusty, Vine has his job cut out for him as he was tasked by the National Security Advisor, Emma Lockwood to find the mole by the codename Phoenix.
As he investigate further, he is faced with more dead bodies as the mole is doing all it can to disrupt him. As he get nearer to the truth, he realised that all that he believed in is not the whole truth. In the final climax, Vine has to fight for his life as he finally come face to face with Phoenix. Who will catch whom?
As he investigate further, he is faced with more dead bodies as the mole is doing all it can to disrupt him. As he get nearer to the truth, he realised that all that he believed in is not the whole truth. In the final climax, Vine has to fight for his life as he finally come face to face with Phoenix. Who will catch whom?
December 30, 2024
A spy to catch a spy…. Another old school spy thriller honouring the standards set by John Le Carré. The premise is based on the idea that Russia would be able to insert long term sleepers into the UK society working their way up into the government.
Compared to the debut of this author (My name is nobody) featuring the same main character Solomon Vine, ex head of counter espionage of MI6, this book’s story line is more elaborate and leaves the reader till the last chapters doubleguessing. As per its predecessor the author manages well a fast paced story set in today’s world proving that the espionage thriller is alive and kicking.
Compared to the debut of this author (My name is nobody) featuring the same main character Solomon Vine, ex head of counter espionage of MI6, this book’s story line is more elaborate and leaves the reader till the last chapters doubleguessing. As per its predecessor the author manages well a fast paced story set in today’s world proving that the espionage thriller is alive and kicking.
March 24, 2023
There’s always room in the world for another world-weary spy and this is a very satisfying London thriller. I’ve not read the previous book, which may explain Solomon’s backstory, however this can definitely be enjoyed as a stand-alone book.
Very much in the vein of Charles Cumming’s Box 88 and Mick Herron’s Slough House series, especially the latter with gravely narration by Sean Barratt.
My only complaint was that, at 7 hours, it was a little short and another couple of hours would have given space to flesh out some of the details. But thoroughly enjoyable.
Very much in the vein of Charles Cumming’s Box 88 and Mick Herron’s Slough House series, especially the latter with gravely narration by Sean Barratt.
My only complaint was that, at 7 hours, it was a little short and another couple of hours would have given space to flesh out some of the details. But thoroughly enjoyable.
March 29, 2025
This was an unusual novel -about 95% good and 5% silly. Lots of twists and turns although astute readers will guess the bad spy antagonist. But, the continuity or flow is bizarre. How does a character in handcuffs take out his mobile phone or his earbuds? Who unlocked him? The twists at the end are really quirky and it seemed like the author was in a hurry to wrap it up. Could have been a stellar book but for the omniscience of the main character and his ability to apparently get out of handcuffs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2022
An up to date spy novel and a proper page turner.
Solomon Vine is asked to find the Russian mole recruited 30 years ago as a high flyer and now in position at the very top of government service.
I guessed the mole quite early but the twists, turns and misdirections kept me guessing and reassessing to the end.
I hadn’t realised there was an earlier book featuring Vine and will look that out.
Solomon Vine is asked to find the Russian mole recruited 30 years ago as a high flyer and now in position at the very top of government service.
I guessed the mole quite early but the twists, turns and misdirections kept me guessing and reassessing to the end.
I hadn’t realised there was an earlier book featuring Vine and will look that out.
June 24, 2023
Great spycraft read. Solomon Vine is an endearing protagonist. Toward the end things get rushed, but the accompanying action keeps the interest and offsets any annoyance. Shows how the British and the Americans are intertwined at high government levels. The star of the show, though, is the nature of the British - Russian relationship - the adversarial and diplomatic aspects their working in concert. Writing enjoyable.
November 22, 2023
Really enjoyed this. It's another spy thriller (I seem to be reading a lot of them recently) and even though there are several scenes that give the old plausibility radar a bit of a challenge it's a real page turner. Fascinating insight into the murky world of our security forces. No idea how much (if any) of it is based on first-hand experience but it manages to convince and entertain at the same time. I suspect I'll be reading his debut 'My Name Is Nobody' before long.
December 9, 2024
I am an instant Matthew Richardson fan. A fantastic read for those fascinated by stories of Gordievsky and Cambridge 5. Richardson’s Solomon Vine series is a worthy adversary to the likes of Fleming and le Carré. An immersive tale of high-stakes counter espionage at the heights of the British establishment. The twist is fairly obvious, which may frustrate some readers, but despite this I still enjoyed the deductive process of uncovering the big reveal. Recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2025
too much like a detective story with an ending that beggars belief. The narrative plods along with Vine getting lots of helpful assists that switch him on at intervals so he can move on to the next stage of the interminable hunt for the mole. Absent the great John le Carre this might have warranted 4 stars but unfortunately we have been spoiled by Le Carre forever. Hard graft ahead for all spy authors.
July 26, 2025
I was so close to giving this 5 stars and the only reason I didnt was the use of acronyms throughout which made it harder to keep up with the flowers if the story.
To be clear though, this is incredible storytelling. The story is told from one perspective in its entirety which can sometimes be longwinded and one dimensional but this is anything but. It's pacy, gripping and smart...now I'm off to order his other books.
To be clear though, this is incredible storytelling. The story is told from one perspective in its entirety which can sometimes be longwinded and one dimensional but this is anything but. It's pacy, gripping and smart...now I'm off to order his other books.
November 21, 2021
More mainstream than his first novel (which I enjoyed more), excellently plotted and fast-paced. However my heart did sink somewhat when the first page was titled "Dresden,1989" and yes, my suspicions were confirmed at the end - this little bit of history is now in the public domain and doesn't take us by surprise any more. So a bit predictable and one-dimensional. But a good read nevertheless.
September 21, 2023
Interesting main character, solid plot that's not too intricate and - as many other reviews have said - the bad hat is fairly obvious from early on. All the tradecraft and politics stuff feels real even if it isn't. The ending got a touch cinematic, but the whole thing made me want to read more of the author's stuff, so that's a good sign.
October 6, 2023
Brilliantly written, every page gave me something new to consider in the plot
Really liked this low physical action, cerebral approach to the unfolding story line. I did though correctly guess about two thirds of the way through who the double agent was, but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment, just felt triumphant I had correctly read the signs :)
Really liked this low physical action, cerebral approach to the unfolding story line. I did though correctly guess about two thirds of the way through who the double agent was, but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment, just felt triumphant I had correctly read the signs :)
April 23, 2024
A terrific espionage novel with numerous twists and turns, fascinating characters, sharp dialogue and bags of excitement.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War, The Summer of ‘39 (all published by Sacristy Press) and Ordinary Heroes (published by I M Books).
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War, The Summer of ‘39 (all published by Sacristy Press) and Ordinary Heroes (published by I M Books).
July 25, 2024
Amazing book
This is one of the best espionage thrillers I’ve ever encountered. Written in reality, told at warp speed and with authenticity to the brim. This is the world we live in and this book tells our real stories, with a bit of fiction entangled. Thx very much Matt, looking forward to the next one!
This is one of the best espionage thrillers I’ve ever encountered. Written in reality, told at warp speed and with authenticity to the brim. This is the world we live in and this book tells our real stories, with a bit of fiction entangled. Thx very much Matt, looking forward to the next one!
January 19, 2025
DNF.
While the writing is first class the plot itself is plodding and highly improbable. Those writers who do not understand the espionage business should stick to topics they know better. The plot line is off from the first page. Do not assume all readers are unfamiliar with the spy business or lack logical thinking,
While the writing is first class the plot itself is plodding and highly improbable. Those writers who do not understand the espionage business should stick to topics they know better. The plot line is off from the first page. Do not assume all readers are unfamiliar with the spy business or lack logical thinking,
March 27, 2025
Think about Trump Putin after you read this excellent book.
this is way more than a good sot thriller w a strong protagonist
It is an insight into the present unstable world order and Putin’s
Well worth reading through the tricky plot
Then think hard about what you have read
this is way more than a good sot thriller w a strong protagonist
It is an insight into the present unstable world order and Putin’s
Well worth reading through the tricky plot
Then think hard about what you have read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews