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Paul Samson #3
The Old Enemy
Paul Samson is living in London and picking up some extra work for a private security company when he is almost killed by a thuggish assassin while tailing a mysterious and gifted young employee of a powerful environmental NGO. The murder of legendary spy Robert Harland, the poisoning of billionaire philanthropist Denis Hisami with a neurotoxin in the United States House of Representatives, and a second attempt on Samson’s own life send him on the run to Estonia to figure out who is trying to kill him, and why. Anastasia leaves her comatose husband Denis in the US to join Samson in Estonia and help him get to the bottom of things. Soon it becomes clear that Denis and Harland were running an investigation into a spectral former Stasi agent and her sprawling network of assets across industry and government in the US and the UK when they were attacked. Samson and Anastasia must tap into their research and expose the spymaster before any more people are killed or agencies compromised. An astonishing and timely thriller examining the penetration of Russian assets into all levels of western life, The Old Enemy is a complex, breathtaking race against time from “one of our most accomplished thriller writers,” ( Financial Times ).
368 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2020
140 people are currently reading
1402 people want to read
About the author
Henry Porter
48 books242 followersHenry Porter has written for most national broadsheet newspapers. He contributes commentary and reportage to the Guardian, Observer, Evening Standard and Sunday Telegraph. He is the British editor of Vanity Fair, and lives in London with his wife and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 20, 2021
Henry Porter has been compared with John le Carré – and with good reason. The Old Enemy is far ranging both in terms of its geographical locations and in terms of its characters and timelines. It is a complex book.
Robert Harland, ex senior MI5 officer, is shot dead just outside his retirement home on the Baltic Coast of Estonia. He was the mentor of Paul Samson who left the service to work privately. In London Paul has been persuaded to take a short term role (somewhat beneath his experience level) to monitor the movements of a young woman, Zoe, working as a researcher at GreenState – a global environmental agency. He is wounded whilst trying to protect her, but it turns out that he was in fact the target. Meanwhile Denis Hisami, billionaire philanthropist, is critically ill having been targeted with a nerve agent as he gave evidence to a congressional committee in Washington. Hisami was close to Harland and was working with him on a secret project that he was financing. He was also financing Zoe and, unknown to him, Paul himself. What was he up to, what was Zoe’s role, and why should anyone want to kill all three men? It must go back into cold war history – when Harland and Samson were serving intelligence officers, and Hisami was active in his native Kurdish homeland. Samson is taken on by Anastasia (Hisami’s wife and a former lover of his) to try and get to the bottom of what is happening and why. His investigation takes him back to the Stasi days of East Germany – and events and people then that may be influencing current affairs in both London and Washington. Paul gets involved with the security services in both cities – some clearly want to help him, some are equally clearly involved in a major cover up. Have the UK and US governments been infiltrated at the highest levels? He again encounters, and finds out a great deal more about, Zoe.
The story moves apace from London to Washington, along the 2015 refugee trail through Macedonia, and on to Latvia and Estonia before reaching a thrilling climax back again in Washington. It is fast moving and exciting. You know the guilty parties before the end, but you don’t know whether they will be trapped by events or whether they will somehow escape justice.
The Old Enemy is a really good, old fashioned, spy thriller. Highly recommended.
June 6, 2021
I received a free advance review copy from the publisher, via Netgalley.
The first thing to know is that this is the final entry in an espionage trilogy (after Firefly and White Hot Silence). Porter spends a lot of time on exposition to ensure that readers are up to speed on what happened in the prior books and that they are told the names and backgrounds on a large cast of characters. I’m terrible about remembering book details, so I appreciate the refresher, but all that explaining does slow things down a bit.
Anyone who reads a lot of espionage books probably guessed that the “old enemy” of the title refers to the Cold War. The Cold War is supposed to be over, but its old warriors and their grudges aren’t dead yet. Lead character Paul Samson and some of his contacts from past books are right in the thick of what is suddenly, for them, very much a hot war.
When Porter isn’t explaining, he’s throwing a lot of big action scenes at the reader. And I mean a lot. This is an action-oriented espionage thriller, not a brooding shadowy kind of novel. If you’re in the mood for more action and less mood and character development, this should suit.
The first thing to know is that this is the final entry in an espionage trilogy (after Firefly and White Hot Silence). Porter spends a lot of time on exposition to ensure that readers are up to speed on what happened in the prior books and that they are told the names and backgrounds on a large cast of characters. I’m terrible about remembering book details, so I appreciate the refresher, but all that explaining does slow things down a bit.
Anyone who reads a lot of espionage books probably guessed that the “old enemy” of the title refers to the Cold War. The Cold War is supposed to be over, but its old warriors and their grudges aren’t dead yet. Lead character Paul Samson and some of his contacts from past books are right in the thick of what is suddenly, for them, very much a hot war.
When Porter isn’t explaining, he’s throwing a lot of big action scenes at the reader. And I mean a lot. This is an action-oriented espionage thriller, not a brooding shadowy kind of novel. If you’re in the mood for more action and less mood and character development, this should suit.
April 12, 2021
The Old Enemy is the third book featuring ex-MI6 officer Paul Samson but the first I have read. While I'm sure returning readers will enjoy being reunited with the characters and will have the benefit of prior knowledge of what happened previously, I didn't feel my enjoyment of the novel was curtailed by my reading it as a standalone. The long history between spies is explored throughout the book and so actually, not knowing everything and discovering information as the story progresses adds to the sense of the past still affecting the present.
It's the relationship between the West and Russia which becomes a central theme but although The Old Enemy has all the intrigue and suspense of a classic Cold War tale, it is also a strikingly contemporary thriller. Russia's influence on the democratic processes in the West, particularly the harvesting and manipulation of data, are explored to devastating effect and are a chilling reminder that our governments are as vulnerable now as they've always been. It's a complex novel with a large cast of characters and so not an especially light read but I really enjoyed the pervasive sensation of murkiness.
The assassination of Samson's former mentor, Robert Marland is quickly followed by an attempt to kill billionaire philanthropist and possible war criminal, Denis Hisami who is poisoned with a nerve agent similar to Novichok, and then Samson himself is targeted in London. The governments in the UK and USA are keen to suggest the attacks were revenge for a previous mission but he is convinced the truth goes much deeper. When the authorities start to actively obstruct the investigation, Samson is still able to call on old friends and perhaps enlist the assistance of new allies - although who can actually be trusted isn't fully clear right up to the terrifically tense conclusion.
Paul Samson is an engaging, believable protagonist but I must admit to having a sneaking affection for the older spies, Macy and particularly Cuth Avocet, who is better known as the Bird. Although spying is often portrayed as a rather lonely business, the often witty but occasionally more poignant dialogue reveals real camaraderie and indeed friendship between these colleagues. Likewise, while they might be looking to expose corruption that goes right to the very top, there is also a sense of honour here too. These are not people who are blindly patriotic but they believe in protecting the people against a familiar enemy.
It's not just older faces who have an important role to play here, however, and although there is a strong suggestion that the Cold War never really went away, there is still an acceptance of necessary change, with the old guard making way for new faces. Zoe Freemantle, Naji Touma and Hisani's wife and Samson's sometimes lover, Anastasia might not be part of the establishment but they too have vital roles to play alongside Samson and there are excitingly tense scenes where each is given the opportunity to demonstrate their courage and resourcefulness.
The Old Enemy isn't a comforting read; the collection of data through our use of social media and its manipulation by hostile individuals and nations is something that should concern us all, as should the willingness of our own governments to cover-up those inconvenient truths which may embarrass a country. The intricate plotting and the gradual divulging of the truth however, meant I couldn't put the book down. The numerous locations are all vividly described giving an excellent sense of place while the suspense is cleverly shared between the dramatic action scenes and the whispered conversations and clandestine meetings. Espionage thrillers at their best give us a revealing window into a secretive world we know exists but acknowledge we have little understanding of - and The Old Enemy does just that. Authentic and riveting throughout, I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from Henry Porter in the future.
It's the relationship between the West and Russia which becomes a central theme but although The Old Enemy has all the intrigue and suspense of a classic Cold War tale, it is also a strikingly contemporary thriller. Russia's influence on the democratic processes in the West, particularly the harvesting and manipulation of data, are explored to devastating effect and are a chilling reminder that our governments are as vulnerable now as they've always been. It's a complex novel with a large cast of characters and so not an especially light read but I really enjoyed the pervasive sensation of murkiness.
The assassination of Samson's former mentor, Robert Marland is quickly followed by an attempt to kill billionaire philanthropist and possible war criminal, Denis Hisami who is poisoned with a nerve agent similar to Novichok, and then Samson himself is targeted in London. The governments in the UK and USA are keen to suggest the attacks were revenge for a previous mission but he is convinced the truth goes much deeper. When the authorities start to actively obstruct the investigation, Samson is still able to call on old friends and perhaps enlist the assistance of new allies - although who can actually be trusted isn't fully clear right up to the terrifically tense conclusion.
Paul Samson is an engaging, believable protagonist but I must admit to having a sneaking affection for the older spies, Macy and particularly Cuth Avocet, who is better known as the Bird. Although spying is often portrayed as a rather lonely business, the often witty but occasionally more poignant dialogue reveals real camaraderie and indeed friendship between these colleagues. Likewise, while they might be looking to expose corruption that goes right to the very top, there is also a sense of honour here too. These are not people who are blindly patriotic but they believe in protecting the people against a familiar enemy.
It's not just older faces who have an important role to play here, however, and although there is a strong suggestion that the Cold War never really went away, there is still an acceptance of necessary change, with the old guard making way for new faces. Zoe Freemantle, Naji Touma and Hisani's wife and Samson's sometimes lover, Anastasia might not be part of the establishment but they too have vital roles to play alongside Samson and there are excitingly tense scenes where each is given the opportunity to demonstrate their courage and resourcefulness.
The Old Enemy isn't a comforting read; the collection of data through our use of social media and its manipulation by hostile individuals and nations is something that should concern us all, as should the willingness of our own governments to cover-up those inconvenient truths which may embarrass a country. The intricate plotting and the gradual divulging of the truth however, meant I couldn't put the book down. The numerous locations are all vividly described giving an excellent sense of place while the suspense is cleverly shared between the dramatic action scenes and the whispered conversations and clandestine meetings. Espionage thrillers at their best give us a revealing window into a secretive world we know exists but acknowledge we have little understanding of - and The Old Enemy does just that. Authentic and riveting throughout, I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from Henry Porter in the future.
April 5, 2021
The third book to feature Paul Samson. I read the first, Firefly, and quite enjoyed it, the second, White Hot Silence, passed me by. Really to get the most out of this you do need to have read both of the first two as some characters are linked through the books.
I have to admit finding it slightly hard going. Samson seems a different character now and is not overly engaging. It starts off well with Samson doing a job shadowing someone on behalf of the firm he now works for and then finding an old friend from his spying days, has been assassinated. Everything seems to link to a woman from Stasi days who may or may not still be alive, and if she is, she may be the spider in the web of a Russian intelligence gathering operation.
Good premise but held back by too much stilted dialogue and a lack of pace. Far too many characters to keep track of and not enough you cared about.
It does try to deliver a thoughtful and intelligent thriller but misses the target. “Firefly” had the unique perspective of a manhunt over a refugee migration, this didn’t really have an interesting core to hang the story off.
I have to admit finding it slightly hard going. Samson seems a different character now and is not overly engaging. It starts off well with Samson doing a job shadowing someone on behalf of the firm he now works for and then finding an old friend from his spying days, has been assassinated. Everything seems to link to a woman from Stasi days who may or may not still be alive, and if she is, she may be the spider in the web of a Russian intelligence gathering operation.
Good premise but held back by too much stilted dialogue and a lack of pace. Far too many characters to keep track of and not enough you cared about.
It does try to deliver a thoughtful and intelligent thriller but misses the target. “Firefly” had the unique perspective of a manhunt over a refugee migration, this didn’t really have an interesting core to hang the story off.
December 11, 2022
Excellent, as were the other two books in this series, Firefly and White Hot Silence. A writer in the same league as Le Carre, Deighton, John Lawton, David Downing, Jane Thynne and Phillip Kerr.
September 14, 2021
Ex-MI6 officer Paul Samson is back in the third instalment of Henry Porter’s Firefly series. The Old Enemy opens with the assassination of Samson’s role-model and mentor, Robert Harland. Harland has retired from his life as an MI6 agent and due to terminal illness is enjoying the last three months of his life on the Baltic Coast of Estonia with his wife Ulrike. While outside painting, preparing for his exhibition, Harland is gunned down.
Back in London Samson, who is working for Hendricks Harp, a private security company, survives a knife attack while monitoring a young researcher. Zoe Fremantle is an employee of GreenState, a global, environmental. But there might be more to GreenState than making the world a better place.
Full review: https://westwordsreviews.wordpress.co...
Back in London Samson, who is working for Hendricks Harp, a private security company, survives a knife attack while monitoring a young researcher. Zoe Fremantle is an employee of GreenState, a global, environmental. But there might be more to GreenState than making the world a better place.
Full review: https://westwordsreviews.wordpress.co...
April 20, 2021
Note; Do NOT read if you haven't read firefly.
I like it, but it is more complex than any other Paul Samson novel.
It full with political stories and old tragedies. I was waiting for this book but unfortunately it turned out to be not as good as I expect.
I like it, but it is more complex than any other Paul Samson novel.
It full with political stories and old tragedies. I was waiting for this book but unfortunately it turned out to be not as good as I expect.
July 13, 2021
4.5 Stars.
When you read Henry Porter, you can sense the BBC2 commissioning editors readying their pitches for proposal day; and you wonder why on earth someone hasn't turned a camera on Paul Sampson and his now well-established set of acquaintances.
If you've consumed the previous two Sampson books - Firefly: a wonderful start, 4 stars; and White Hot Silence: a slightly sagging 3.5 stars - then you'll know that Porter seems to have really found his groove with this series. The fourth book is undeniable proof of it. Whereas #2 gave us some great new characters and certainly drove forward the story for our hero, it was also a little sticky in patches; the spy story that Porter usually gets spot-on, felt a little like his heart wasn't in it and he tried too hard - I could be wrong. In his previous books, he sticks to simple elements; bombs in public places, stolen data or mislaid information with the power to topple or disgrace. In book #2, it all seemed a little too grandious and lacked his usual talent for deftly weaving it all together and bringing you along as a conspirator.
Here, there are no such concerns. Porter is back to his best and perhaps, because he seems to treasure these characters just as much as his readers; he's even better than he's ever been.
This is not a rollicking spy adventure. If you like your spies jumping off of buildings and taking out a gang of twelve henchman, look elsewhere. Paul Sampson is a good man who puts himself in the line of fire to protect what he believes is right; but you don't get the usual fanfare that accompanies a 'hero' so a lot of it goes unnoticed. But the depth that Porter goes to to ensure that you buy into his characters is rewarding and captivating, without being even the slightest bit arduous.
If you want to read the next Ethan Hunt, keep searching. But if you like your heroes a little more Harry Pearce or Johnny Worricker, then stop right there - you've found your next series. And if you know anyone who works in commissioning for BBC2, give them a nudge, will you.
When you read Henry Porter, you can sense the BBC2 commissioning editors readying their pitches for proposal day; and you wonder why on earth someone hasn't turned a camera on Paul Sampson and his now well-established set of acquaintances.
If you've consumed the previous two Sampson books - Firefly: a wonderful start, 4 stars; and White Hot Silence: a slightly sagging 3.5 stars - then you'll know that Porter seems to have really found his groove with this series. The fourth book is undeniable proof of it. Whereas #2 gave us some great new characters and certainly drove forward the story for our hero, it was also a little sticky in patches; the spy story that Porter usually gets spot-on, felt a little like his heart wasn't in it and he tried too hard - I could be wrong. In his previous books, he sticks to simple elements; bombs in public places, stolen data or mislaid information with the power to topple or disgrace. In book #2, it all seemed a little too grandious and lacked his usual talent for deftly weaving it all together and bringing you along as a conspirator.
Here, there are no such concerns. Porter is back to his best and perhaps, because he seems to treasure these characters just as much as his readers; he's even better than he's ever been.
This is not a rollicking spy adventure. If you like your spies jumping off of buildings and taking out a gang of twelve henchman, look elsewhere. Paul Sampson is a good man who puts himself in the line of fire to protect what he believes is right; but you don't get the usual fanfare that accompanies a 'hero' so a lot of it goes unnoticed. But the depth that Porter goes to to ensure that you buy into his characters is rewarding and captivating, without being even the slightest bit arduous.
If you want to read the next Ethan Hunt, keep searching. But if you like your heroes a little more Harry Pearce or Johnny Worricker, then stop right there - you've found your next series. And if you know anyone who works in commissioning for BBC2, give them a nudge, will you.
June 14, 2021
Review #TheOldEnemy by Henry Porter
Launched April 2021
I got a copy to review on #NetGalley
A spy thriller on a grand scale and epic scope. Touching on important issues which affect our lives today, this novel harks back to the cold war but remains relevant and contemporary. Corruption, data-security and media manipulation thread through the action, alongside a tender love story.
It is a great spy story in the traditional sense, a complex plot but not over complicated, strong characters with a flawed and very human protagonist. The action-driven plot takes us across the globe and back again, the tension building to a gripping climax.
This is the third in a series which started with the excellent ’Firefly’ and works both as a satisfying finale and as a stand alone thriller. I really enjoyed it
Launched April 2021
I got a copy to review on #NetGalley
A spy thriller on a grand scale and epic scope. Touching on important issues which affect our lives today, this novel harks back to the cold war but remains relevant and contemporary. Corruption, data-security and media manipulation thread through the action, alongside a tender love story.
It is a great spy story in the traditional sense, a complex plot but not over complicated, strong characters with a flawed and very human protagonist. The action-driven plot takes us across the globe and back again, the tension building to a gripping climax.
This is the third in a series which started with the excellent ’Firefly’ and works both as a satisfying finale and as a stand alone thriller. I really enjoyed it
April 13, 2021
The Old Enemy by Henry Porter will be published April 15th with Quercus and is a book that is described as ‘a heart-stopping international spy thriller.’ The Old Enemy is the third book in this series featuring Ex-MI6 officer Paul Samson, following on from Firefly and White Hot Silence. Having not read either of these books I was a little reticent jumping in at number three, but I was soon caught up in the complexities of this intriguing and fast-paced tale of espionage and deceit.
Henry Porter is fastidious in his research and, when reading through his notes about his approach to writing, it was fascinating to see how he incorporated different characters from previous books (including those from Brandenburg, a novel that was published in 2005 and won the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger award) into The Old Enemy.
“What appealed to me was that the younger generation now faced a battle with the same forces that the Cold War Warriors had had to deal with in the 70s and 80s. And with that came the understanding that the level of penetration and the Russian campaign to destabilise the West both exceeded the threats of the Cold War. Both the older and younger generation contend with a threat from exactly the same origin, in fact the Old Enemy” – Henry Porter
The Old Enemy is a modern-day tale about an old nemesis that has infiltrated both the UK and US government, including many powerful individuals who will do anything to protect their own public reputation. When Paul Samson is asked to shadow a young woman, Zoe Freemantle, it is a job he feels is beneath his ability. But it is a favour for a friend, and it pays the bills, so he accepts the role. Now, working off the grid so to speak, Samson has a level of freedom and flexibility in his life. After being impacted by previous events, Samson had fallen into a serious gambling addiction but now he is on the right path. He doesn’t dwell too much on his past but the memory of a lost love is forever etched into his mind, that of Anastasia Hisami.
Zoe Freemantle works for an environmental NGO. On trailing her, Samson becomes the victim of an unexpected attack. He is initially unsure as to the why and is cautious as he follows the trail of the suspect. When he hears of the murder of his friend, and former legendary MI6 colleague, Robert Harland in Estonia, Samson is angered. This event is soon followed by live TV footage from Washington of philanthropist billionaire, and husband of Anastasia Hisami, Denis Hisami collapsing in the House of Representatives after being poisoned by a nerve agent. Unwittingly, Paul Samson finds himself caught up in a web of treachery that will take him on a journey laced with death and lies. It soon becomes apparent to Paul Samson that his life is in serious danger, setting him on a perilous path to discover the truth behind this sabotage and murder. Using all resources possible, he discovers that the Kremlin, in conjunction with a reviled veteran of the Stasi regime, has penetrated into the deepest levels of British and American society mining information about millions of people while also using extreme violence to achieve their objective.
The plot in The Old Enemy is tight. Henry Porter has very cleverly introduced characters from his previous books with clear enough background given so the reader is provided with sufficient knowledge to understand the connections, allowing the reader to become totally immersed in the story. Henry Porter has been described by Charles Cummings as an ‘espionage master’ carrying the mantle of being heir to John le Carré and it is very clear why. Reading The Old Enemy is an addictive experience. With every page turned, the reader is taken on an electrifying ride across the UK, the Balkans and the States. The locations are all very well depicted with Henry Porter stating that “I always use locations that I have visited. This kind of detail is important to me” – and it shows. By ensuring the reader has a strong sense of place, Henry Porter very much brings the story to life. The action sequences are exciting to read with heart-thumping scenes that kept me very much riveted to the end.
The Old Enemy is a very complex and layered piece of fiction. Focus is most definitely required at all times as many secrets are revealed and old faces surface. Using a new generation of young hackers with the more old-fashioned approach of hands-on spy work, Henry Porter crosses a divide which will appeal to the more traditional le Carré reader and also new, and younger fans, of the spy thriller genre.
Henry Porter highlights the idea that ‘whatever the changes in rhetoric, ideology and appearance, the greatest threat to peace and stability in the West is still Russia.’ Full of shadows that lurk in the background, who is genuine and who hides behind a mask slowly reveals itself, but who will eventually win out?
The Old Enemy is a solid, exciting and very realistic read. It’s a superb example of a thriller and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. All the characters have their own back-stories, based on real-life events that have shaken our world, which adds to the authenticity of the tale. Espionage, thrills and gutsy characters crossing multiple borders in a fight for justice and peace, the perfect ingredients for a great read!
Henry Porter is fastidious in his research and, when reading through his notes about his approach to writing, it was fascinating to see how he incorporated different characters from previous books (including those from Brandenburg, a novel that was published in 2005 and won the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger award) into The Old Enemy.
“What appealed to me was that the younger generation now faced a battle with the same forces that the Cold War Warriors had had to deal with in the 70s and 80s. And with that came the understanding that the level of penetration and the Russian campaign to destabilise the West both exceeded the threats of the Cold War. Both the older and younger generation contend with a threat from exactly the same origin, in fact the Old Enemy” – Henry Porter
The Old Enemy is a modern-day tale about an old nemesis that has infiltrated both the UK and US government, including many powerful individuals who will do anything to protect their own public reputation. When Paul Samson is asked to shadow a young woman, Zoe Freemantle, it is a job he feels is beneath his ability. But it is a favour for a friend, and it pays the bills, so he accepts the role. Now, working off the grid so to speak, Samson has a level of freedom and flexibility in his life. After being impacted by previous events, Samson had fallen into a serious gambling addiction but now he is on the right path. He doesn’t dwell too much on his past but the memory of a lost love is forever etched into his mind, that of Anastasia Hisami.
Zoe Freemantle works for an environmental NGO. On trailing her, Samson becomes the victim of an unexpected attack. He is initially unsure as to the why and is cautious as he follows the trail of the suspect. When he hears of the murder of his friend, and former legendary MI6 colleague, Robert Harland in Estonia, Samson is angered. This event is soon followed by live TV footage from Washington of philanthropist billionaire, and husband of Anastasia Hisami, Denis Hisami collapsing in the House of Representatives after being poisoned by a nerve agent. Unwittingly, Paul Samson finds himself caught up in a web of treachery that will take him on a journey laced with death and lies. It soon becomes apparent to Paul Samson that his life is in serious danger, setting him on a perilous path to discover the truth behind this sabotage and murder. Using all resources possible, he discovers that the Kremlin, in conjunction with a reviled veteran of the Stasi regime, has penetrated into the deepest levels of British and American society mining information about millions of people while also using extreme violence to achieve their objective.
The plot in The Old Enemy is tight. Henry Porter has very cleverly introduced characters from his previous books with clear enough background given so the reader is provided with sufficient knowledge to understand the connections, allowing the reader to become totally immersed in the story. Henry Porter has been described by Charles Cummings as an ‘espionage master’ carrying the mantle of being heir to John le Carré and it is very clear why. Reading The Old Enemy is an addictive experience. With every page turned, the reader is taken on an electrifying ride across the UK, the Balkans and the States. The locations are all very well depicted with Henry Porter stating that “I always use locations that I have visited. This kind of detail is important to me” – and it shows. By ensuring the reader has a strong sense of place, Henry Porter very much brings the story to life. The action sequences are exciting to read with heart-thumping scenes that kept me very much riveted to the end.
The Old Enemy is a very complex and layered piece of fiction. Focus is most definitely required at all times as many secrets are revealed and old faces surface. Using a new generation of young hackers with the more old-fashioned approach of hands-on spy work, Henry Porter crosses a divide which will appeal to the more traditional le Carré reader and also new, and younger fans, of the spy thriller genre.
Henry Porter highlights the idea that ‘whatever the changes in rhetoric, ideology and appearance, the greatest threat to peace and stability in the West is still Russia.’ Full of shadows that lurk in the background, who is genuine and who hides behind a mask slowly reveals itself, but who will eventually win out?
The Old Enemy is a solid, exciting and very realistic read. It’s a superb example of a thriller and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. All the characters have their own back-stories, based on real-life events that have shaken our world, which adds to the authenticity of the tale. Espionage, thrills and gutsy characters crossing multiple borders in a fight for justice and peace, the perfect ingredients for a great read!
April 16, 2021
Ex-MI6 officer Paul Samson, the protagonist of the author’s previous two novels (Firefly & White Hot Silence) has been tasked with secretly guarding a gifted young woman, Zoe Freemantle. She’s an analyst working for an opaque international NGO and he is guarding her without her knowledge, volunteering in her workplace so as to be in close proximity to her and following her about the streets. One day, while tailing her, he’s attacked and it seems that he was the target, rather than the woman he is guarding.
Meanwhile, his old MI6 mentor, Richard Harland, is assassinated while painting in Estonia. This despite the fact he has terminal cancer. And the billionaire philanthropist, Denis Hisami, is poisoned with a nerve agent while testifying before Congress. It quickly becomes apparent that all three events - the attack on Samson himself, the murder of Harland, and the poisoning of Hisami - are all linked. Samson decides to find out what is going on and soon becomes embroiled in a labyrinthine plot where nothing is as it seems.
As mentioned, The Old Enemy is the third in the author’s Paul Samson series. While it can be read as a standalone, and it’s not imperative to have read either Firefly or White Hot Silence (the relevant information is drip-fed throughout the narrative of The Old Enemy so that those who haven’t read the previous titles can still follow the plot) it’s much more enjoyable if you have. Luckily, the previous two titles are very well-written, so this is no bad thing.
These are very topical thrillers: Firefly focused on the refugee crisis in the Mediterranean, White Hot Silence focused on far-right groups across Europe and from where they get their funding, while The Old Enemy continues this focus and concentrates on Russian interference in the West’s political systems and Russian killings in the US and Europe.
Like the previous titles, The Old Enemy is skilfully plotted. It’s a fantastic thriller and confirms Henry Porter as a spy novelist at the top of his game. It’s little wonder that the novel comes with a glowing endorsement from Charles Cummings (another leading spy-thriller author) and I can’t recommend this title enough. I have a strong feeling that there will be another Paul Sampson novel at some point, and I for one will certainly read it.
Meanwhile, his old MI6 mentor, Richard Harland, is assassinated while painting in Estonia. This despite the fact he has terminal cancer. And the billionaire philanthropist, Denis Hisami, is poisoned with a nerve agent while testifying before Congress. It quickly becomes apparent that all three events - the attack on Samson himself, the murder of Harland, and the poisoning of Hisami - are all linked. Samson decides to find out what is going on and soon becomes embroiled in a labyrinthine plot where nothing is as it seems.
As mentioned, The Old Enemy is the third in the author’s Paul Samson series. While it can be read as a standalone, and it’s not imperative to have read either Firefly or White Hot Silence (the relevant information is drip-fed throughout the narrative of The Old Enemy so that those who haven’t read the previous titles can still follow the plot) it’s much more enjoyable if you have. Luckily, the previous two titles are very well-written, so this is no bad thing.
These are very topical thrillers: Firefly focused on the refugee crisis in the Mediterranean, White Hot Silence focused on far-right groups across Europe and from where they get their funding, while The Old Enemy continues this focus and concentrates on Russian interference in the West’s political systems and Russian killings in the US and Europe.
Like the previous titles, The Old Enemy is skilfully plotted. It’s a fantastic thriller and confirms Henry Porter as a spy novelist at the top of his game. It’s little wonder that the novel comes with a glowing endorsement from Charles Cummings (another leading spy-thriller author) and I can’t recommend this title enough. I have a strong feeling that there will be another Paul Sampson novel at some point, and I for one will certainly read it.
August 15, 2021
The Old Enemy by Henry Porter
I enjoy very much reading espionage books and participate in a Facebook site about spy books. I had not read a Henry Porter book before but had read many good things about his writing. I was greatly disappointed by this book. For sure, he is not leCarre or Deighton or even a Fleming type of writer but this book either in my opinion was either poorly written or poorly edited or book. Examples, Samson the hero has had a previous love interest in Anastasia the heroine who is now married to a Kurd (Denis Hisami) who was a former war criminal but is now a good guy. However, Hisami is attacked with a biological weapon while walking into a Congressional Hearing where he is to testify. His lawyer sitting behind him dies and Hisami is rushed to the hospital in a coma, where he ultimately dies. In the meantime, Anastasia rekindles her love with Samson first with something they decide to call “Dream Sex” where I guess you either snore or pretend you are asleep. We are supposed to like these two? Also, in spite of the efforts of the US and British Intelligence Agencies trying to catch these two, they roam over international boundaries in the Baltic and Balkan States without being caught.
The evil person behind all this is Mila Daus a former Stasi, who somehow ends up in the US and is extremely wealthy (billionaire status) but no one seems to know her. Really. Rather than tormenting and torturing Germans she now is able to get members of Congress, the White House, Intelligence and Downing Street to do her bidding and share information all based upon them being compromised by young boys or young girls. This information she passes on to the Russians. When our two lovers appear in the same Congressional Hearing a few days later they are able to finger the vile Mila who has been lured into the hearing but escapes and makes it to Cuba. All in all this book just doesn’t hold up. It is too bad I think there might have been a good story here, if had been more credible.
I enjoy very much reading espionage books and participate in a Facebook site about spy books. I had not read a Henry Porter book before but had read many good things about his writing. I was greatly disappointed by this book. For sure, he is not leCarre or Deighton or even a Fleming type of writer but this book either in my opinion was either poorly written or poorly edited or book. Examples, Samson the hero has had a previous love interest in Anastasia the heroine who is now married to a Kurd (Denis Hisami) who was a former war criminal but is now a good guy. However, Hisami is attacked with a biological weapon while walking into a Congressional Hearing where he is to testify. His lawyer sitting behind him dies and Hisami is rushed to the hospital in a coma, where he ultimately dies. In the meantime, Anastasia rekindles her love with Samson first with something they decide to call “Dream Sex” where I guess you either snore or pretend you are asleep. We are supposed to like these two? Also, in spite of the efforts of the US and British Intelligence Agencies trying to catch these two, they roam over international boundaries in the Baltic and Balkan States without being caught.
The evil person behind all this is Mila Daus a former Stasi, who somehow ends up in the US and is extremely wealthy (billionaire status) but no one seems to know her. Really. Rather than tormenting and torturing Germans she now is able to get members of Congress, the White House, Intelligence and Downing Street to do her bidding and share information all based upon them being compromised by young boys or young girls. This information she passes on to the Russians. When our two lovers appear in the same Congressional Hearing a few days later they are able to finger the vile Mila who has been lured into the hearing but escapes and makes it to Cuba. All in all this book just doesn’t hold up. It is too bad I think there might have been a good story here, if had been more credible.
June 8, 2021
Robert Harland, a retired spy, was shot and killed in Estonia. On the same day someone attempted to kill Denis Hisami in Washington DC with a chemical attack as he prepared to testify before a congressional committee. In London Paul Samson, working for Hisami, is also attacked. Several years earlier, the men were each involved in an operation to rescue Hisami’s kidnapped wife Anastasia, but why would someone wait so long to exact revenge? To Samson this explanation of events does not ring true. When he discovers that Harland and Hisami were working on a project he begins his own investigation into Harland’s death.
Harland had spotted someone in Berlin that he recognized as a Stasi agent who operated before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Mila Daus dealt in information and she has continued building a web of agents as she expanded her business. Through blackmail and deception, she recruited important figures in Britain and America and passed their information on to Russia. Hisami’s project has been gathering evidence against her but now he lies in a coma as a result of the attack. All of the evidence that he accumulated is on a computer that only he has the codes to open. With assassins on his trail and his friends in danger, Sansom must work with Anastasia to expose Daus.
Henry Porter has not only written an engrossing spy novel, but also one that explores the use of technology to influence politics and economies. The story builds as Sansom discovers the extent of Hisami’s project and culminates in a tense showdown in the halls of Congress. It is a spy novel and a political story that will keep you eagerly turning pages to the end. I would like to thank NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for providing this book for my review.
Harland had spotted someone in Berlin that he recognized as a Stasi agent who operated before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Mila Daus dealt in information and she has continued building a web of agents as she expanded her business. Through blackmail and deception, she recruited important figures in Britain and America and passed their information on to Russia. Hisami’s project has been gathering evidence against her but now he lies in a coma as a result of the attack. All of the evidence that he accumulated is on a computer that only he has the codes to open. With assassins on his trail and his friends in danger, Sansom must work with Anastasia to expose Daus.
Henry Porter has not only written an engrossing spy novel, but also one that explores the use of technology to influence politics and economies. The story builds as Sansom discovers the extent of Hisami’s project and culminates in a tense showdown in the halls of Congress. It is a spy novel and a political story that will keep you eagerly turning pages to the end. I would like to thank NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for providing this book for my review.
April 16, 2021
Paul Sampson is an ex-MI16 officer, but he now finds himself doing private work to pay the bills and now he has been hired to keep safe Zoe Freemantle. But now someone has tried to kill him just because he was keeping an eye on the young woman he was hired to protect. The Old Enemy (Quercus) by Henry Porter is the new gripping espionage thriller.
Sometimes it is always best to ask questions, but Sampson took the job, and the money was good, but this job is more dangerous than he has realised and when news reaches Sampson that his former colleague Robert Harland has been murdered, he soon realises that his own life is now in real danger and at any moment he could be next. All that he knows is that Zoe Freemantle worked for a powerful environmental organisation, but what is the connection?
Over in the States Sampson’s friend Denis Hisami is giving evidence in Washington when he is poisoned with a neurotoxin, there is a real concern of something sinister like that of what happened in Salisbury. Now Paul Sampson heads to Estonia to try and find the link that will lead his to those responsible for Harland’s murder as well as the poisoning of Hisami as well as the attempts on his own life.
It soon becomes clear that both Harland and Hisami were clearly on to something that involved an ex-Stasi agent. When Sampson is joined by Hisami’s wife they must act quickly and find who is responsible before anyone else is murdered and if they can strike at the heart of Washington then no-one is safe.
This is the first novel I have read by Henry Porter and is a pulsating read, the idea was created by Porter on the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall.
Sometimes it is always best to ask questions, but Sampson took the job, and the money was good, but this job is more dangerous than he has realised and when news reaches Sampson that his former colleague Robert Harland has been murdered, he soon realises that his own life is now in real danger and at any moment he could be next. All that he knows is that Zoe Freemantle worked for a powerful environmental organisation, but what is the connection?
Over in the States Sampson’s friend Denis Hisami is giving evidence in Washington when he is poisoned with a neurotoxin, there is a real concern of something sinister like that of what happened in Salisbury. Now Paul Sampson heads to Estonia to try and find the link that will lead his to those responsible for Harland’s murder as well as the poisoning of Hisami as well as the attempts on his own life.
It soon becomes clear that both Harland and Hisami were clearly on to something that involved an ex-Stasi agent. When Sampson is joined by Hisami’s wife they must act quickly and find who is responsible before anyone else is murdered and if they can strike at the heart of Washington then no-one is safe.
This is the first novel I have read by Henry Porter and is a pulsating read, the idea was created by Porter on the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall.
March 14, 2021
This novel concerns the murder of a retired spy and the investigation of a company, Greenstate, which is involved in some nefarious business. Paul Samson, a former MI6 operative, is asked to keep an eye on Zoe Freemantle , a young woman who works for Greenstate, by a friend who works in intelligence circles.
When someone tries to kill him whilst he is following Zoe and then an old friend of his, Denis Hisani, is targeted whilst giving evidence to Congress in Washington DC, Samson ends up teaming up with Alexandra, Hisani’s wife and his former lover as they try and piece together what is going on and how these events are connected.
This was a complex espionage thriller which followed on from the author’s previous two books. I found it rather difficult to get into and then really hard to maintain my interest. I must admit I nearly gave up half way through as I realised that did not care sufficiently about what was going to happen to the main characters as the novel progressed. As I had read the 2nd book in the series and I’d quite enjoyed I decided to persevere with this one and in the end I concluded that it was a reasonable if somewhat over complicated read which did pick up as it moved towards its climax.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
When someone tries to kill him whilst he is following Zoe and then an old friend of his, Denis Hisani, is targeted whilst giving evidence to Congress in Washington DC, Samson ends up teaming up with Alexandra, Hisani’s wife and his former lover as they try and piece together what is going on and how these events are connected.
This was a complex espionage thriller which followed on from the author’s previous two books. I found it rather difficult to get into and then really hard to maintain my interest. I must admit I nearly gave up half way through as I realised that did not care sufficiently about what was going to happen to the main characters as the novel progressed. As I had read the 2nd book in the series and I’d quite enjoyed I decided to persevere with this one and in the end I concluded that it was a reasonable if somewhat over complicated read which did pick up as it moved towards its climax.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2021
In 2018, of the 200 or so books I read, Firefly (the first in Henry Porter's espionage series loosely structured around global refugee issues) was my favorite. The second book, White Hot Silence, didn't speak to me as forcefully, but it was beautifully written and geopolitically aware.
I enjoyed The Old Enemy, the third in the series, as fully as Firefly. I hated to put the book down for any reason. The characters from Firefly have evolved, although Paul Samson, a former spy, is still possessed of his level head, cool instincts, and disdain for official fiat; and Naji, a Syrian refugee, is still endearing and off-the-scale brilliant.
Two things set this book apart for me: Porter's point that the fiercest weaponry of 21st-Century warfare is data mined and brokered from social media; and his intergenerational cadre of investigators, including seasoned retirees facing death and youth with little experience but vast digital skills.
According to Wikipedia, this so-far-a-trilogy is a planned quartet, and I will be thrilled when the next installment appears. Thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for an advance readers copy.
I enjoyed The Old Enemy, the third in the series, as fully as Firefly. I hated to put the book down for any reason. The characters from Firefly have evolved, although Paul Samson, a former spy, is still possessed of his level head, cool instincts, and disdain for official fiat; and Naji, a Syrian refugee, is still endearing and off-the-scale brilliant.
Two things set this book apart for me: Porter's point that the fiercest weaponry of 21st-Century warfare is data mined and brokered from social media; and his intergenerational cadre of investigators, including seasoned retirees facing death and youth with little experience but vast digital skills.
According to Wikipedia, this so-far-a-trilogy is a planned quartet, and I will be thrilled when the next installment appears. Thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for an advance readers copy.
June 3, 2021
I suspect that fans of the series will be very happy with this final installment of the adventures of retired MI-6 officer Paul Samson. If you, like me, have not read the earlier books, you'll find there's just enough backstory included to get you going although I'm quite sure I missed certain things, especially with regard to the dynamic between the characters. Here, Samson is being chased (effectively) by Anatoly Stepurin a vengeful Russian. There's murder ripped from the headlines (nerotoxins!) , a former Stasi agent, global conspiracy, world travel, and lots of other things to make this complex enough to keep even the most jaded reader of the genre guessing. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
April 12, 2023
The best of the three books in the series-- but the main character is once again outshone by the supporting players-- the series would be great if the bumbling lead was portrayed a la the "Pink Panther" and the books were comedic but sadly-- we are supposed to believe this dude's luck is somehow "skill." The worst thing about this book is the sudden "coming out" as gay of one of the main players in all 3 books. It is a short scene and the never alluded to again which makes me wonder why in the world Mr. Porter felt the need to include it. As a gay man, I found it insulting and patronizing-- a way to pander to a segment of the population. Not every story needs gay characters. Quit trying to tick off boxes of representation...
August 20, 2021
Well plotted, Porter pulls you in in the beginning and ride the course to the last page. He knows a thing or two about plotting espionage novels. His characters are well defined and you find yourself needing to find out what happens to them. The title, though a good one may seem slightly misleading. At first glance you think the story takes place years ago, “an old enemy”, that of the past. This is not the case, it takes place in current day. There can be many types of old enemies as we discover as we progress through the novel. All in all, a very good read.
February 15, 2025
A fitting end to the trilogy.
Considering where the world is four years on from him writing the book he covers current challenges so well in a work of fiction.
It's a great page turner and while touching the bounds of fiction over dramatisation actually brings it back with a realistic plot line and conclusion.
Really glad I've read the three books, Firefly very thought provoking in it's background setting, second book fine, then The Old Enemy to bring it altogether with another thought provoking "what if" plot
Considering where the world is four years on from him writing the book he covers current challenges so well in a work of fiction.
It's a great page turner and while touching the bounds of fiction over dramatisation actually brings it back with a realistic plot line and conclusion.
Really glad I've read the three books, Firefly very thought provoking in it's background setting, second book fine, then The Old Enemy to bring it altogether with another thought provoking "what if" plot
March 3, 2021
This is the third, and best of the Paul Samsom spy/intelligence thrillers and Henry Porter has really found a successful formula with this exceptional series.
The writing is fresh and lucid and the author has a deep knowledge of spy craft. The geographic descriptions are accurate, the characters well depicted, the plot is exciting, credible and drives you on and is totally relevant to what is happening in the world today.
What more do you really want in a thriller?
Highly recommended.
The writing is fresh and lucid and the author has a deep knowledge of spy craft. The geographic descriptions are accurate, the characters well depicted, the plot is exciting, credible and drives you on and is totally relevant to what is happening in the world today.
What more do you really want in a thriller?
Highly recommended.
July 25, 2021
My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
This is the third and apparently final book of the Paul Samson series, but he and other survivors of this excellent series are such brilliant characters I find it hard to believe they won't be revisited, I certainly hope so.
Well written and researched a fast paced clever complex story of deceit and high level corruption, with an evil old Stasi agent the main protagonist.
Completely and utterly recommended.
This is the third and apparently final book of the Paul Samson series, but he and other survivors of this excellent series are such brilliant characters I find it hard to believe they won't be revisited, I certainly hope so.
Well written and researched a fast paced clever complex story of deceit and high level corruption, with an evil old Stasi agent the main protagonist.
Completely and utterly recommended.
June 23, 2025
A series of ever-wilder adventures, a noble cause, a deep love. How prescient it appears now in the midst of our dismantling of democracy in the U.S. in 2025.
This book is an addictive ride to a beautiful climax of the trilogy.
Well, they call it a trilogy, but I can easily see the possibility of a fourth book. In fact, if you think about the themes of these books, and the ascendant political power of the tech broligarchy, it really calls for a fourth book.
This book is an addictive ride to a beautiful climax of the trilogy.
Well, they call it a trilogy, but I can easily see the possibility of a fourth book. In fact, if you think about the themes of these books, and the ascendant political power of the tech broligarchy, it really calls for a fourth book.
July 18, 2021
Excellent; Continuing character: Paul Samson; associates of Samson's are attacked, as is he, tracing back to a far flung conspiracy to undermine US and UK governments; Samson and others he's worked with before must work to expose the network; received free from Goodreads giveaway in exchange for honest review
July 21, 2021
More than four, but not quite five stars! “The Old Enemy” is a classic international espionage thriller. Action from start to finish with enough twists and turns to keep the reader fully engaged. This is the third book of a series. I have already ordered the first two and can’t wait for them to be delivered.
August 9, 2021
A magnificent conclusion to the trilogy
These three books have it all: they are politically relevant to our time. they contain murder , espionage, harrowing escapes, complicated love , government intrigue and corruption.
The third book ends with a beautifully thought our conclusion.
If I would fault anything, it is the many improbable escapes
These three books have it all: they are politically relevant to our time. they contain murder , espionage, harrowing escapes, complicated love , government intrigue and corruption.
The third book ends with a beautifully thought our conclusion.
If I would fault anything, it is the many improbable escapes
May 31, 2022
My dog ate it after I read 100 pages.
But. It was pretty slow going through 100 pages. I didn't care for the recurring love angle, either.
Maybe I'll put it on kindle. Seemed very thin though through 1oo pages. Author fluff. No narrative drive. Just kind of drifted.
(my dog really did destroy it)
But. It was pretty slow going through 100 pages. I didn't care for the recurring love angle, either.
Maybe I'll put it on kindle. Seemed very thin though through 1oo pages. Author fluff. No narrative drive. Just kind of drifted.
(my dog really did destroy it)
April 22, 2021
I read this in a week, I think it was just the sort of thing I needed. During lockdown, I swear my mind went to mush - so to be kept on my toes with this fast-paced novel was a big relief. I already have queue of people wanting to read it after me!
July 8, 2021
I liked this book enough, but found it a bit confusing since I had not read the previous novels. Once the narrative picked up and I became more familiar with the characters, I enjoyed it more. Haven't decided if I liked it enough to go back and read the first two books.
July 19, 2021
Very enjoyable. You enter a maze of twisted loyalties and conflicts and exit very satisfied. Well written.
Librarians...your male patrons will enjoy this book. Yes, it's number 3 in the Firefly series but it's a fine stand alone read
Librarians...your male patrons will enjoy this book. Yes, it's number 3 in the Firefly series but it's a fine stand alone read
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