Moscow Midnight

by John Cody Fidler-Simpson

MP Patrick Macready has been found dead in his flat. The coroner rules it an accident, a sex game gone wrong.

Jon Swift is from the old stock of journos - cynical, cantankerous and overweight - and something about his friend's death doesn't seem right. Then days after Macready's flat is apparently burgled, Swift discovers that his friend had been researching a string of Russian government figures who had met similarly 'accidental' fates.

When the police refuse to investigate further, Swift gets in touch with his contacts in Moscow, determined to find out if his hunch is correct. Following the lead, he is soon drawn into a violent underworld, where whispers of conspiracies, assassinations and double-agents start blurring the line between friend and foe.

But the truth will come at a price, and it may cost him everything.

Genres: Crime, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Politics, Espionage

336 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2018

About the author

John Cody Fidler-Simpson CBE is an English foreign correspondent. He is world affairs editor of BBC News, the world's biggest broadcast news service. One of the most travelled reporters ever, he has spent all his working life at the corporation. He has reported from more than 120 countries, including thirty war zones, and has interviewed numerous world leaders.

Simpson was born in Cleveleys, Lancashire; his family later moved to Dunwich, Suffolk. His great grandfather was Samuel Franklin Cowdery (later known as Samuel Franklin Cody), an American showman in the style of Buffalo Bill Cody, who became a British citizen and was an early pioneer of manned flight in the UK. Simpson reveals in his autobiography that his father was an anarchist. That didn't prevent him from getting a top-notch education: he was sent to Dulwich College Preparatory School and St Paul's, and read English at Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he was editor of Granta magazine. In 1965 he was a member of the Magdalene University Challenge team. A year later Simpson started as a trainee sub-editor at BBC radio news.

Simpson became a BBC reporter in 1970. He describes in his autobiography how on his very first day the then prime minister Harold Wilson, angered by the sudden and impudent, as he saw it, appearance of the novice's microphone, punched him in the stomach.

Simpson was the BBC's political editor from 1980 till 1981. He presented the Nine O'Clock News from 1981 till 1982 and became diplomatic editor in 1982. He had also served as a correspondent in South Africa, Brussels and Dublin. He became BBC world affairs editor in 1988.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Simpson is a well respected foreign correspondent and world affairs editor for the BBC news, so I was super excited when I saw his espionage novel ‘Moscow Midnight’ up for grabs.

MP Patrick Macready has been found dead in his flat, in what appears to be a sex game gone wrong. Macready’s friend Jon Swift thinks otherwise - he’s a journalist - the old, world weary, seen it all before type, who cares nothing for the PC brigade, a fact which can, and does, lead him into great danger. He discovers that his friend had been researching Russian government figures, and guess what? They too had suffered very similar ‘accidental’ deaths.

The police seem completely indifferent to Jon’s theory about the suspicious death, so he decides to reach out to contacts in Russia - if no one in the UK will listen to his concerns, he’ll discover the truth all by himself, and at the same time reveal those responsible.

This is a particularly topical storyline at present, given the recent Russian security threats here in the UK. However, I was disappointed initially, as I found the narrative quite tedious, self indulgent almost. Thankfully, that was soon forgotten as the pace picked up, and I quickly became immersed in this strong and exciting plot, and although I found our protagonist rather unlikeable, (he’s grumpy, cynical, and extremely difficult at times) he does have a wicked sense of humour, and I liked his determination to get to the bottom of his friend’s death, whilst completely disregarding his own safety - and when you’re pitting your wits against the Russians, you really need to watch your back! Definitely a compelling read!

*My thanks to Netgalley and John Murray Press for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Simpson, journalist and well known foreign correspondent for the BBC, writes a espionage novel that resonates in our contemporary world, that of a Russia that interferes in the political affairs of other nations with impunity. The overweight, cynical Jon Swift is a ageing journalist working for a TV company that is looking to edge him out as a analogue hack in a digital world. Swift's world is turned upside down when his long time friend, the Conservative MP Patrick Macready is found dead, a sex game gone wrong. None of this makes sense to Swift, this is not the man he knows, and his suspicions are aroused further when Macready's flat is trashed and burgled soon after. After getting his hands on the politicians Ipad, he learns that Patrick had been looking into a group of Russian Government people who had met similar 'accidental' fates, and that the MP had been planning to give a speech in Parliament on the issue. However, the police are unwilling to investigate, although the intelligence services and others key figures are more willing to consider Swift's theory that the Russians were behind Patrick's death.

Swift's life falls apart, and he is forced to flee the country, making his way to Paris. then on to Brussels. Swift is determined to get to the truth of his friend's death despite the numerous obstacles and brutality he encounters. He finds support from the Russian Varvara Kuznetsov, Patrick's griefstricken girlfriend, his colleague, the politically correct Alyssa Roberts, both women that had initially been hostile to him. There is his brave and courageous South African producer, Os, proving to be loyal and enter dangerous territory in his efforts to help Swift. Rumours swirl of conspiracies, assassinations, and the involvement of the FSB, which replaced the old KGB and those such as Mikhail Gronov in Britain, said to be bringing on board local crime gangs to achieve their nefarious aims. In a story of double agents, betrayal, and of an unforgiving FSB that will never give up on vengeance, Swift is to find that the truth is something the powerful will do anything to suppress and that danger is likely to stalk him for the rest of his life.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable espionage thriller from John Simpson, the author utilises his extensive professional experience as a journalist in the creation of his central character, Jon Swift and the world that Swift resides in, the media news outlets and the type of people that run and work in them. There are flaws in the storytelling, there are times when the narrative is so uneven that I considered not reading on, but I was so glad that I persevered because I got completely immersed and gripped by the characters and the plot. A wonderfully entertaining and compelling book that speaks of the world we live in today and the uncomfortable influence and meddling of Russia in the affairs of other nations. Many thanks to John Murray Press for an ARC.

[Pili · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disfruté la personalidad y manera de expresarse del Protagonista, quien además es el Narrador por lo que la alegría fue doble (ya que no suelen gustarme los narradores en primera persona.)
Aprendí mucho del Periodismo como profesión e industria.
Eché de menos una trama sólida y lo suficientemente interesante para llevar el verdadero peso del libro.

[Keith Mills · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stick to your day job John Simpson. Please. You're good at that. This is a wooden, slow-moving novel where the words seem to be there to make an impression rather than to enhance the story, with strings of literary quotations which are included for exactly the same reason. There is not a single character that I could believe in. Sorry, but I was more than disappointed.

[Jarryd Munslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, there is a fair bit wrong with this book, whether it's being too bloated with utter drivel or some serious pacing issues, or whatever. It probably deserves something along the lines of 3.5 stars, maybe 4 at a big push, but at the same time I have a soft spot for Moscow, Midnight. It hits a lot of notes for me and points of interest. So, yeah, objectively 3ish stars. Subjectively, a shameful 5.

[Greville Waterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, topical, well written and very credible given the recent Russian security threats. John Simpson uses his vast experience of politics and current affairs to devise an excellent thriller that excited and captivated in equal doses.

Written in the first person it enabled us therefore to get up close and personal with the grumpy, cynical Jon Swift of dubious moral compass as he travelled Europe to solve the mystery of his friend MP Patrick Macready's death after an apparent sex game went wrong.

Hopefully the first in a series, this is recommended.

[Keith Johnstone · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this book because I respect John Simpson as a journalist and the way he communicates, as well the high ratings the book has already received, but I have to say I was disappointed. The Daily Mail are quoted on the front as saying ‘A rip-roaring story’ - did they read another book? I found it slow with a lot of unnecessary detail, I didn’t warm to any of the characters or feel they were sufficiently developed to understand why the other characters were drawn to them. The protagonist, who seems purposely to be autobiographical, was unlikeable meaning I wasn’t bothered if he lived or died nor felt any tension in mildly suspenseful moments. He comes across as racist, misogynist and a bit of a snob which seriously impacts on any witticisms. There is something there of course, Mr Simpson no doubt has a wealth of experience to draw on and of course so many of us are interested in international journalism & politics but I hope future books are given stronger guidance by editors and publishers.

[Pixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little novel that's almost a spy story but not quite, giving some amazing insights into journalism and russian political machinations, all told via multiple flashbacks & the personal viewpoint of a hardy journalist who remembers 'the good ole days'. He gets mixed up in a murder & ensuing suppression of 'the story'. The book's plot seems somewhat incredulous in places and moves fairly quickly; however, there are some absolutely hilarious character descriptions all from the perspective of the journalist which make this a very personal novel and a fantastic read -- will be looking for more from this author!

[Douglas Osler · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a ludicrous story,badly told.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good yarn with some extremely funny lines, Simpson knows his journalism, his journalists, and his Russia well.

[John MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Intriguing Page Turner

If this is John's first fictional book it's a cracking debut
The fact that our hero in this book , is John himself , elevates interest , in what is a populous spy fiction field
I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys great writing with a wry sense of humour
Some of the events depicted in this book involve tragic incidents which have appeared in the news , some of which been left unexplained, and have fuelled conspiracy theories since , and our author has skilfully weaved some of these threads into a cracking story, with TV journalist John Swift (Snow ) at the centre of it
The narrative also involves dirty political dealings, Russian terror and smear campaigns against individuals seeking the truth, in the UK , - again all based on recent real life events
John ‘s real life career as a foreign correspondent for the BBC , and a ( fictional? ) stint working for a famous news mogul’s evil empire, adds to the apparent reality of this compelling book
The author’s self deprecating sense of humour, paints his John Swift character, as a famous super spy, who is slightly past it , at times, which must have been great fun to write!
This was a fab ,meta , page turning book that I would highly recommend, and I’m already looking forward to reading this authors next fictional foray

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely read that was. John Simpson has an easy narrative style and, what with a lifetime of listening to his reports on "the telly" his voice jumps off the page. A bit like jackanory for adults.
Yet another picked up from Culzean (I'll need to go back there soon) and a real gem, one I'll keep for re-reading again.

Not really a spy novel but steeped in the goings on of the spying fraternity. A politician is found dead in peculiar circumstances and the authorities conclude it was a sexual exploit gone wrong but our hero, Jon, is a good friend and knows otherwise. Being a reporter, and a TV one at that, he looks into this event and makes lots of enemies - of the Russian sort. Twists, turns, lots of foreign travel, frightened editors, assassination attempts, femme fatale and so on, all the ingredients of a great yarn (including the faceless MI5 person) and told in an impeccable style. I was a bit sad when it ended, bit not overly surprised at the last twist in the tale

[Gordon Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moscow, Midnight starts with the death of an MP and then meanders through a series of Russian connections as the words of journalism and espionage intersect.

John Simpson has decades of experience as a foreign correspondent, and he brings that to bear here giving the novel a real feel of authenticity, as real names are dropped in alongside fictional ones. The tale is told as a first person memoir by Anglo-Irish journalist Jonathan Swift, an old school television journalist full of cynicism and outdated attitudes. The creation of a cast of rounded and complex characters is perhaps the key strength of the novel.

The narrative arc is relatively straightforward, as Swift investigates the killing using his contacts in the UK and Russia. The pace takes a little getting used to, with long periods of introspection and asides punctuated by bursts of action. It's unusual but works, suiting the character well.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot (there are reviews like that out there if that's what you are looking for).

This is the first novel I've read by this author - a well known and respected UK journalist - and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The novel is told from the viewpoint of a fictional well known UK journalist, who is fighting to keep his position. The plot is interesting and the action moves from London to Russia and Paris, as our hero pursues the truth whilst being pursued himself!

I liked the tone of the writing - authoritative and with more than a touch of self-deprecating humour - and enjoyed the novel's twists and turns.

Will definitely read more by this author!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This just scraped a fourth star, the story was good, the main character relatively empathetic and lots of the detailing interesting, but I got a bit fed up with all the poetry quotes holding up the story. Funnily enough I had just finished a book about Russian activities in the UK which form the core of this storyline. When you read books by otherwise famous people you often wonder whether there are any autobiographical elements. In Simpson’s case I have read and hugely enjoyed a couple of his journalism memoirs and I did think there were one or two such possibilities here, albeit heavily disguised. Not Le Carre or Cummings, but enjoyable.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A difficult book to review - it started well and then became a bit of a shaggy dog story with undertones of Raymond Chandler's quips and asides. There was a lot of detail and the writing is very intelligent but the pace of the book was very uneven - you could read several pages with the plot not progressing one jot.
That said, if you get through to the final 50 pages, the plot picks up as does the pace, which makes for a gripping and fast-paced ending. If the ending had been like the rest of the book, I would have given it 3 stars, but the ending saves it, hence 4 stars.

[Peter Thew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely read. I suppose it would be categorised as a spy thriller but it's far from the usual. An MP is found dead in his apartment in an apparently auto-erotic experience gone wrong. Told through the eyes of his journalist friend Jon Swift - a barely disguised John Simpson - all is not what it appears to be. For those, like me who miss John Simpson's reliable foreign affairs reporting on the BBC, this is a joy. You can hear his voice - and if he's reading the audible version it's a must-hear. Thoroughly recommended.

[I Read, Therefore I Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Simpson’s second novel is an international political thriller with an old-fashioned vibe (despite the topical focus on Russia’s murkier activities). Simpson writes in a conversational style and brings personal insight to bear on Swift’s old-school ways and I liked the insight into a broadcaster’s celebrity but unfortunately the plot and pacing get mushy after the first third and descend into a mess of deus ex machina and foreseeable betrayal.

[Derek McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book which was read by the author. The central character is a TV journalist and I get the impression that John Simpson is using his own experience. The central story is based on a factual one and the exposee of the world of broadcasting is sensational as well as being highly amusing.

[Curphey Taggart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb read

Very enjoyable book. You can hear John Simpson whenever John Swift speaks. He writes with a lightness and humour even during the more grizzly parts. I think many parts are autobiographical (but haven’t read any of his multiple factual books as yet). As an Irish friend of mine is wont to say “read this and you will not be disappointed).

[F Pessayre · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit chatty but...

A good story close to reality. Even the hero’s mixture of sympathetic and annoying traits are realistic. But remember to keep the caviar in the fridge with your vodka !

[Paddy · Rating 2 out of 5]

John Simpson is deservedly a well respected journalist so it felt a bit strange to be reading this book which I would describe as ‘light and fluffy’. Still, it helped pass the time this week when the weather has been awful.

[Rob Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine adventure

I really enjoyed this book, not so much for the story,but hearing John Simpson all the way through it in his inimitable style was what brought it to life!

[Jem Wilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the journo references.... snappers and hacks... I used to partake!

[Neil Crase · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the money

Thoroughly enjoyed this yarn from one of the finest foreign correspondents.
Hopefully we will get more tales to enjoy .

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good thriller.

[Mike Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written drama were the author uses a lot of his own experiences as a backdrop to an espionage thriller. Hard to put down.

[James Quentin · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5* rounded down, perfectly enjoyable if watery thriller but slightly too much "the humble middle-aged man" saves the day for my liking.

[Russ Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, not le Carre

[Jessica Formosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging story of corrupt politics, media, businesses and international influences....