Spy Trade

Spycatcher #4.5

by Matthew Dunn

When a mission goes awry in Syria, senior CIA officer Bob Oakland is captured by aspiring members of ISIS, who demand the release of one of their own, Arzam Saud, in U.S. captivity. When their hands are tied by Washington's refusal to negotiate, the CIA turns to MI6 officer Will Cochrane to find out what's really going on. The threats are escalating quickly, and in order to save the CIA officer, Cochrane must uncover why Saud is truly so important . . .

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Espionage, Short Stories

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 4, 2015

About the author

Matthew Dunn was an MI6 intelligence officer who spent years operating around the world on matters pertaining to the national security of Great Britain and its allies. For the last decade he has been an author and has written 14 published books. He is the author of the "Spycatcher" series and "Ben Sign" series of espionage-mystery noir novels.

Reviews

[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spy Trade is a Spycatcher novella and gives the reader a glimpse into the world of terrorism. spies, CIA, MI6, ISIS...everything that makes for a great spy novel, even though this book is a novella, there is enough action to keep the reader occupied until the end.
A CIA officer is kidnapped along with his translator, the payoff? A group proclaiming to be ISIS wants one of their own, a man by the name of Arzam Saud released from prison, plus a ransom. Negotiators are tasked with finding out who this man is,why he is so important and it is a race against time to get these answers and get the victims released.
This short story I found to be very exciting and if this is how Mr.Dunn writes, then I want more. This is the first I had read of Mr.Dunns work and I really enjoyed it, a fast and thrilling read. I will definitely have to check out more by this prolific author. You can definitely tell he knows his stuff, having been an MI6 operative. I would imagine he has a lot of great stories to tell. I love a well-crafted story that has lots of good guys, corrupt guys then this novella is for you.

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[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Spycatcher Novella Spy Trade is a Spycatcher novella and gives the reader a glimpse into the world of terrorism. spies, CIA, MI6, ISIS...everything that makes for a great spy novel, even though this book is a novella, there is enough action to keep the reader occupied until the end. 
A CIA officer is kidnapped along with his translator, the payoff? A group proclaiming to be ISIS wants one of their own, a man by the name of Arzam Saud released from prison, plus a ransom. Negotiators are tasked with finding out who this man is,why he is so important and it is a race against time to get these answers and get the victims released. 
This short story I found to be very exciting and if this is how Mr.Dunn writes, then I want more. This is the first I had read of Mr.Dunns work and I really enjoyed it, a fast and thrilling read. I will definitely have to check out more by this prolific author. You can definitely tell he knows his stuff, having been an MI6 operative. I would imagine he has a lot of great stories to tell. I love a well-crafted story that has lots of good guys, corrupt guys then this novella is for you.
 
 

[Chris B · Rating 3 out of 5]

While in many ways this deserves 4 stars, I'm marking it down to 3 because - perhaps because this is a novella, with limited space for explanation or development - Will Cochrane's 'powers' seem almost magical rather than a result of training and experience. It has however encouraged me to read one of the novels.

[Nyssy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was *eh* ok...😏

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has been awhile since I last read a spy novel, and this was my first time reading anything by Matthew Dunn. I was looking for something short and fast paced when I picked up The Spy Trade to read. The mention of CIA and MI6 caught my interest immediately. I imagine the characters are more fully developed in the longer novels and over the course of the series, and so there was little time spent on that aspect of the story. Still, Dunn does a good job of setting up the characters and getting the reader invested in them and their plight. I wanted Bob to come home alive and in one piece. I am glad Will Cochrane is one of the good guys, although I think I would feel intimidated in his company. The story itself was at times intense, and always interesting. I loved how it all played out. It wasn't quite what I expected. Will I read more in the series? I just might. I would like to see Will Cochrane in action again.

I received a copy of this book for an honest review from the publisher via Edelweiss.

[Lance Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storyline is a good one, peppered with a few twists and turns, and ends with an unexpected resolution to a hostage situation. It is not necessary to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this longish novella, but even those readers familiar with the Spycatcher will appreciate visiting with him in this setting. Read our full review, here: http://www.mysteriousreviews.com/myst...

[5ngela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the story. Once again I was surprised with the endings. It's rare to read espionage story in which have the endings like this one. Much like the story I read before. Anyway cannot wait to read Mr Dunn next story

[brian c okane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just Ok

spy novel, I guess Will Cochran is now a psychic? His first book was better. I am desperate for some good reads, please help.