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The Stranger
'A brilliant and unpredictable climax' Times thriller of the year 2020
'Top echelon, adrenalin-pumping entertainment all the way' Irish Independent
'The sense of danger is deep and unsettling' Financial Times
_________________________________________________
The new novel from the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger award-winning author of A Loyal Spy
ISIS can't control him.
MI6 can't find him.
But he's coming...
Things change quickly in the world of espionage and clandestine operations. Jude Lyon of MI6 remembers the captured bomb-maker. He watched him being flown off to Syria, back when Syria was 'friendly'. No-one expected him to survive interrogation there.
Yet the man is alive and someone has broken him out of jail.
Bad news for the former foreign secretary who authorised his rendition. And Jude's boss Queen Bee who knew he wasn't a at all, but an innocent bystander. Now she calls Jude back from a dangerously enjoyable mission involving a Russian diplomat's wife.
He has a new close down this embarrassment. Fast.
But embarrassment is only the beginning. Someone is using the former prisoner to front a new and unspeakably terrifying campaign. Someone not even ISIS can control.
He is like a rumour, a myth, a whisper on the desert wind. But he is real and he is coming for us . . .
He is the genius known only as . . .
The Stranger.
From the corridors of Westminster to the refugee camps of Jordan, the back streets of East London to the badlands of Iraq, The Stranger is a nerve-shredding journey of suspense as Jude Lyon pieces together the shape of an implacable horror coming towards him - and a conspiracy of lies behind him.
'Top echelon, adrenalin-pumping entertainment all the way' Irish Independent
'The sense of danger is deep and unsettling' Financial Times
_________________________________________________
The new novel from the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger award-winning author of A Loyal Spy
ISIS can't control him.
MI6 can't find him.
But he's coming...
Things change quickly in the world of espionage and clandestine operations. Jude Lyon of MI6 remembers the captured bomb-maker. He watched him being flown off to Syria, back when Syria was 'friendly'. No-one expected him to survive interrogation there.
Yet the man is alive and someone has broken him out of jail.
Bad news for the former foreign secretary who authorised his rendition. And Jude's boss Queen Bee who knew he wasn't a at all, but an innocent bystander. Now she calls Jude back from a dangerously enjoyable mission involving a Russian diplomat's wife.
He has a new close down this embarrassment. Fast.
But embarrassment is only the beginning. Someone is using the former prisoner to front a new and unspeakably terrifying campaign. Someone not even ISIS can control.
He is like a rumour, a myth, a whisper on the desert wind. But he is real and he is coming for us . . .
He is the genius known only as . . .
The Stranger.
From the corridors of Westminster to the refugee camps of Jordan, the back streets of East London to the badlands of Iraq, The Stranger is a nerve-shredding journey of suspense as Jude Lyon pieces together the shape of an implacable horror coming towards him - and a conspiracy of lies behind him.
341 pages, Paperback
Published January 21, 2021
69 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
Simon Conway
17 books115 followersSimon Conway is a former British Army officer and international aid worker. With The HALO Trust and later as director of Landmine Action he cleared landmines and unexploded bombs in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
As Co-Chair of the Cluster Munition Coalition he successfully campaigned to achieve an international ban on cluster bombs.In 2014 he returned to The HALO Trust to lead the organisation's effort to address urban conflict in the Middle East.
He lives in Glasgow with his wife the journalist and broadcaster Sarah Smith. He has two daughters.
As Co-Chair of the Cluster Munition Coalition he successfully campaigned to achieve an international ban on cluster bombs.In 2014 he returned to The HALO Trust to lead the organisation's effort to address urban conflict in the Middle East.
He lives in Glasgow with his wife the journalist and broadcaster Sarah Smith. He has two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 15, 2020
*4.5 stars *
Author Simon Conway’s CV includes, military service with the Black Watch and Queen’s Own Highlanders, the extremely dangerous task of clearing land mines around the world, and just for the record he’s also won the Crime Writers Association Steel Dagger award for ‘A Loyal Spy’. ‘
The Stranger’ takes us right into the heart of international espionage and clandestine operations, and introduces MI6 agent Jude Lyon.
Jude is astounded, when a report suggests that a terrorist ‘bomb maker’ nicknamed The Stranger, appears to be alive and well, after being broken out of a Syrian jail. Jude had witnessed the terrorist being escorted onto a rendition flight to Syria many years ago, the purpose being to torture and interrogate him. He had been accused of the murders of 25 British soldiers in Basra, by arranging an ambush. Not unnaturally, the expectation was that he would not have survived the interrogation process. However, it now looks as if he did indeed survive, and he’s out for revenge!
It’s clear that much research has been carried out to make this thriller as authentic as possible. The plot is very believable and some of the depicted events are extremely current. It’s well written, with fully fleshed characters, and a breathtaking storyline that produces edge of the seat stuff. Highly recommended.
*I was invited to read ‘The Stranger’ by the publisher, and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Author Simon Conway’s CV includes, military service with the Black Watch and Queen’s Own Highlanders, the extremely dangerous task of clearing land mines around the world, and just for the record he’s also won the Crime Writers Association Steel Dagger award for ‘A Loyal Spy’. ‘
The Stranger’ takes us right into the heart of international espionage and clandestine operations, and introduces MI6 agent Jude Lyon.
Jude is astounded, when a report suggests that a terrorist ‘bomb maker’ nicknamed The Stranger, appears to be alive and well, after being broken out of a Syrian jail. Jude had witnessed the terrorist being escorted onto a rendition flight to Syria many years ago, the purpose being to torture and interrogate him. He had been accused of the murders of 25 British soldiers in Basra, by arranging an ambush. Not unnaturally, the expectation was that he would not have survived the interrogation process. However, it now looks as if he did indeed survive, and he’s out for revenge!
It’s clear that much research has been carried out to make this thriller as authentic as possible. The plot is very believable and some of the depicted events are extremely current. It’s well written, with fully fleshed characters, and a breathtaking storyline that produces edge of the seat stuff. Highly recommended.
*I was invited to read ‘The Stranger’ by the publisher, and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
January 6, 2021
ISIS can’t stop him
M16 can’t find him
But he’s coming
Is how the blurb looks for this book, I must admit to thinking mmmmmm been there, read that but have to say was wrong and am glad didn’t give it the cold shoulder.
‘The Engineer’, the mastermind of terror is supposed to be gone forever, dead in Syria, imagine everyone’s horror when he is shown on video being broken out of a Syrian jail, everyone is back on full alert but what would happen if everyone had been fooled and the real threat was making his way to the UK?, planning the attacks of all attacks,known only as ‘The Stranger’ well Jude Lyons MI6 agent is tasked to find ‘ The Engineer’ and then ‘The Stranger’ and stop him before it’s too late, but unlike many book plots it doesn’t quite work out that way
Full of double crossers, blackmail, lies and dodgy characters this is a new take on this kind of story, new as the plot often doesn’t go as expected and new in the storytelling style, modern and chatty ( while at times still complex but understandable ) which I loved
My old workplace featured heavily in the ending and so I really could picture it all step by step and ended what has been a thrilling, scary, detailed, focused, tense and worryingly believable read
I look forward to more of Jude Lyons....ye I liked him!
5 Stars
10/10
M16 can’t find him
But he’s coming
Is how the blurb looks for this book, I must admit to thinking mmmmmm been there, read that but have to say was wrong and am glad didn’t give it the cold shoulder.
‘The Engineer’, the mastermind of terror is supposed to be gone forever, dead in Syria, imagine everyone’s horror when he is shown on video being broken out of a Syrian jail, everyone is back on full alert but what would happen if everyone had been fooled and the real threat was making his way to the UK?, planning the attacks of all attacks,known only as ‘The Stranger’ well Jude Lyons MI6 agent is tasked to find ‘ The Engineer’ and then ‘The Stranger’ and stop him before it’s too late, but unlike many book plots it doesn’t quite work out that way
Full of double crossers, blackmail, lies and dodgy characters this is a new take on this kind of story, new as the plot often doesn’t go as expected and new in the storytelling style, modern and chatty ( while at times still complex but understandable ) which I loved
My old workplace featured heavily in the ending and so I really could picture it all step by step and ended what has been a thrilling, scary, detailed, focused, tense and worryingly believable read
I look forward to more of Jude Lyons....ye I liked him!
5 Stars
10/10
August 13, 2020
The Stranger is award-winning writer Simon Conway’s fifth thriller and arguably his most gripping and accomplished to date; he deserves to be better known so here's hoping this new novel, a twisty tale of spies and lies in which no one is ever quite what they seem, will raise his profile. This is undoubtedly a top-notch espionage thriller. When a terrorist known as The Stranger is reported to have been seen, Jude Lyon of MI6 is shocked; he thought the apparent terrorist bomb-maker in question was as good as dead when he watched him being escorted away on a rendition flight to Syria, back when it was friendly towards us, to be interrogated and likely tortured years ago. He had been accused of arranging the ambush of British soldiers in Basra which snuffed out 25 lives, however, now someone has broken him out of prison so the former foreign minister who ordered his rendition is likely watching his six extra closely. Knowing his superiors were aware of and encouraged the arrest of Nasruddin al-Raqqah, an innocent bystander who was present when the bombs exploded, Jude realises he can't trust anyone but himself...
This is a riveting and fantastically written thriller with all the action, drama, tension and twists you could ever need. You are barely given time to digest the last exciting development before another is upon you. It's abundantly clear that the author has carried out extensive research in order to make it as authentic as possible and of course Conway’s former jobs, as a British army officer with the Black Watch and the Queen’s Own Highlanders, as well as working in the international aid field, definitely informed this story making it fully rounded, believable and reality-driven. Jude is an excellent and fascinating protagonist who, even when it's dangerous, vows to uncover the truth of the matter and expose all of those who played a part in the cover-up and who thought it was fine to make an innocent civilian bystander the fall guy. The short, snappy chapters also add to the enjoyment with a little progress being made in each one to keep your attention throughout.
This is a book with an intriguing, multi-layered plot, superb character development, rapid pacing, and a mission that takes you to a plethora of interesting destinations; it is a first-class, edge-of-your-seat political thriller and is not to be missed. Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC.
This is a riveting and fantastically written thriller with all the action, drama, tension and twists you could ever need. You are barely given time to digest the last exciting development before another is upon you. It's abundantly clear that the author has carried out extensive research in order to make it as authentic as possible and of course Conway’s former jobs, as a British army officer with the Black Watch and the Queen’s Own Highlanders, as well as working in the international aid field, definitely informed this story making it fully rounded, believable and reality-driven. Jude is an excellent and fascinating protagonist who, even when it's dangerous, vows to uncover the truth of the matter and expose all of those who played a part in the cover-up and who thought it was fine to make an innocent civilian bystander the fall guy. The short, snappy chapters also add to the enjoyment with a little progress being made in each one to keep your attention throughout.
This is a book with an intriguing, multi-layered plot, superb character development, rapid pacing, and a mission that takes you to a plethora of interesting destinations; it is a first-class, edge-of-your-seat political thriller and is not to be missed. Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC.
August 17, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
MI6 Agent Jude Lyon is called back from a mission which included seducing a Russian Diplomats wife to sort out a problem that shouldn’t have been raising its ugly head all these years later.
Nasruddin al-Raqqah, nicknamed ‘The Engineer’ was captured years ago accused of killing twenty-five British Soldiers in an ambush in Basra. He was sent on a flight from Iraq to Syria with his pregnant wife to be interrogated and most likely killed for his crimes, with Jude overseeing the departure, which was written off by the then Foreign Secretary.
Present-day and someone has put a great big hole in a Syrian prison and taken one of the prisoners, MI6 believe that the prisoner was Nasruddin al-Raqqah and that the affairs of the past are about to come back to haunt them, especially when a journalist gets her hands on a copy of the transfer papers for Nasruddin.
But was Jude told the truth all those years ago about Nasruddin’s involvement in the killing of the soldiers, and why has someone taken the trouble to break him out of the prison now? Are ‘The Engineer’ and ‘The Stranger’ one and the same. One thing is for sure, ‘The Stranger’ is coming and he’s not going to stop until he finishes what he’s started.
The Stranger is a gripping political thriller that spans multiple countries. Jude was enjoying his latest assignment with the Russian Diplomats wife when he was pulled away with immediate effect and told to never see or contact her again and given his new task.
His commanding officer known as Queen Bee is angry. This whole mess with The Engineer suddenly coming to light has the government on tenterhooks and they need someone to clear it up now and fast. Jude was there at the time of Nasruddin’s capture and transfer to Syria and so he is the best man for the job.
The plot contains a lot of detail of the handling of the case and the methods used to find out the information that was needed, including interrogations and following people who might lead them to the ‘bigger fish’.
You can tell from the way the book has been expertly written that the author used to be in the military and that he knew his stuff. I enjoyed the pace of the book which moved with the scenes, some slow, some fast. I liked the short chapters which always gives action books an edgy feel and Jude Lyon was a very likeable character too, it was nice to see the way he viewed the world and the situations he found himself in.
Overall, this is a must-read for readers who love a good spy/espionage/political thriller. It has everything you could want including the usual twist, turns, and red herrings. Multiple layers you will want to peel back and scenes that will make you question the chapters you had previously read and which side the characters truly stand.
MI6 Agent Jude Lyon is called back from a mission which included seducing a Russian Diplomats wife to sort out a problem that shouldn’t have been raising its ugly head all these years later.
Nasruddin al-Raqqah, nicknamed ‘The Engineer’ was captured years ago accused of killing twenty-five British Soldiers in an ambush in Basra. He was sent on a flight from Iraq to Syria with his pregnant wife to be interrogated and most likely killed for his crimes, with Jude overseeing the departure, which was written off by the then Foreign Secretary.
Present-day and someone has put a great big hole in a Syrian prison and taken one of the prisoners, MI6 believe that the prisoner was Nasruddin al-Raqqah and that the affairs of the past are about to come back to haunt them, especially when a journalist gets her hands on a copy of the transfer papers for Nasruddin.
But was Jude told the truth all those years ago about Nasruddin’s involvement in the killing of the soldiers, and why has someone taken the trouble to break him out of the prison now? Are ‘The Engineer’ and ‘The Stranger’ one and the same. One thing is for sure, ‘The Stranger’ is coming and he’s not going to stop until he finishes what he’s started.
The Stranger is a gripping political thriller that spans multiple countries. Jude was enjoying his latest assignment with the Russian Diplomats wife when he was pulled away with immediate effect and told to never see or contact her again and given his new task.
His commanding officer known as Queen Bee is angry. This whole mess with The Engineer suddenly coming to light has the government on tenterhooks and they need someone to clear it up now and fast. Jude was there at the time of Nasruddin’s capture and transfer to Syria and so he is the best man for the job.
The plot contains a lot of detail of the handling of the case and the methods used to find out the information that was needed, including interrogations and following people who might lead them to the ‘bigger fish’.
You can tell from the way the book has been expertly written that the author used to be in the military and that he knew his stuff. I enjoyed the pace of the book which moved with the scenes, some slow, some fast. I liked the short chapters which always gives action books an edgy feel and Jude Lyon was a very likeable character too, it was nice to see the way he viewed the world and the situations he found himself in.
Overall, this is a must-read for readers who love a good spy/espionage/political thriller. It has everything you could want including the usual twist, turns, and red herrings. Multiple layers you will want to peel back and scenes that will make you question the chapters you had previously read and which side the characters truly stand.
September 12, 2020
The Day of the Jackal meets I Am Pilgrim
The Stranger has the potential to become a modern classic of the spy thriller genre. Simon Conway creates intriguing characters, who act believable and feel like real human beings as opposed to the paper cutouts of similar works.
The author also clearly knows how to tell a story about the murky, post 9/11 world of espionage. The depicted topics are not only highly relevant for our times but are presented in a thought-provoking, matter-of-fact way that never seems preachy. Conway just perfectly captures the moral ambiguity of a covered war.
Last but not least, the pacing is expertly crafted with lots of twists and not a single dull moment through the whole story. Also, action and suspense strike a magnificent balance here.
I can’t wait to learn more about the dangerous world, which the fascinating lead Jude Lyon inhabits!
The Stranger has the potential to become a modern classic of the spy thriller genre. Simon Conway creates intriguing characters, who act believable and feel like real human beings as opposed to the paper cutouts of similar works.
The author also clearly knows how to tell a story about the murky, post 9/11 world of espionage. The depicted topics are not only highly relevant for our times but are presented in a thought-provoking, matter-of-fact way that never seems preachy. Conway just perfectly captures the moral ambiguity of a covered war.
Last but not least, the pacing is expertly crafted with lots of twists and not a single dull moment through the whole story. Also, action and suspense strike a magnificent balance here.
I can’t wait to learn more about the dangerous world, which the fascinating lead Jude Lyon inhabits!
March 29, 2021
An excellent high octane thriller which keeps you hooked from beginning to end. This book should be made into a film. It’d have to be an 18 certificate but by god what a production it would be.
August 3, 2020
Scottish author Simon Conway’s fifth novel looks poised to position him as one of the best authors working in the thriller genre today c
Full confession: I’d heard of Simon Conway but this is the first novel of his that I have read. Frankly, after this, my ignorance shames me and, I mean this sincerely, this piece should propel Conway into the very first rank of thriller writer’s working today.
A world of smoke and mirrors
The Stranger centres on Jude Lyon, an SIS officer, dispatched by his duplicitous Head of Service, Queen Bee, to track down a legendary terrorist who was taken to Syria back when we didn’t do that sort of thing. Honest.
But this terrorist is not all that he seems. And neither is anyone else in this novel.
As well as Lyon, a lead character with a love life complicated enough to make George Smiley blush, and Queen Bee, the smoke and mirrors head of the security services, the novel is populated with a fascinating cacophony of characters, including a squirming semi-alcoholic former Foreign Secretary, a Scottish journalist with a professional and personal interest in Lyon and a Russian diplomat and his wife who may or may not be luring Jude towards the rocks of disaster.
Conway’s plots are onion layered: peeling back one skin at a time. He manages that neat trick so often missing in this type of novel which makes plot reveals seem inevitable and surprising rather outlandish or tediously predictable.
His storytelling remind me of the best of Charles Cumming or Jeremy Duns – engaging, jigsaw tight, satisfying at the end but with potential for expansion in a future work.
Descriptive passages Martin Amis would be proud of
He writes well too. “Jude’s immigrant provenance is equally exotic and fragmentary, shot through with competing veins of conformity and criminality, from a cigar-chomping bank robber for a grandfather to a general given to eccentricity and dark moods for a father,” is the sort of descriptive passage that Martin Amis at his most interesting would have been proud of.
And, while it is true, Conway’s novel doesn’t – of necessity – have the same laugh out loud quality of some of Mick Herron’s novels, “Jonno Butcher, one of Cathy’s seemingly inexhaustible supply of meat-faced nephews,” is a description of which even the Slough House author would be proud.
I will be surprised if it emerges that Conway is not a fan of Le Carré. In fact, I’m not sure if it’s an affectionate nod to Le Carré, or merely to do with the abundance of such names in the region, but all the characters from the Caucuses we encounter in the book have names from Le Carré’s novels, especially ‘Our Game’.
Perhaps the most impressive area is that of the terrorists. He makes them well-rounded, whole characters who you don’t mind spending time with. Terrifying, yes, but nuanced and engaging too.
A crash, bang, wallop conclusion done with joie de vivre
The ending of The Stranger may be slightly crash, bang, wallop for some people’s tastes but even this is done with enjoyable joie de vivre and edge of the seat inducing tension as well as some final plot twists which make me hope that this is not a standalone novel but the first in a series.
Overall, a triumph of a novel that makes me long for the opportunity to encounter Jude Lyon and his world again.
Just need to go back and read Simon Conway’s back catalogue now. Whole-heartedly recommended.
https://t.co/BwzmoyhhUd
Full confession: I’d heard of Simon Conway but this is the first novel of his that I have read. Frankly, after this, my ignorance shames me and, I mean this sincerely, this piece should propel Conway into the very first rank of thriller writer’s working today.
A world of smoke and mirrors
The Stranger centres on Jude Lyon, an SIS officer, dispatched by his duplicitous Head of Service, Queen Bee, to track down a legendary terrorist who was taken to Syria back when we didn’t do that sort of thing. Honest.
But this terrorist is not all that he seems. And neither is anyone else in this novel.
As well as Lyon, a lead character with a love life complicated enough to make George Smiley blush, and Queen Bee, the smoke and mirrors head of the security services, the novel is populated with a fascinating cacophony of characters, including a squirming semi-alcoholic former Foreign Secretary, a Scottish journalist with a professional and personal interest in Lyon and a Russian diplomat and his wife who may or may not be luring Jude towards the rocks of disaster.
Conway’s plots are onion layered: peeling back one skin at a time. He manages that neat trick so often missing in this type of novel which makes plot reveals seem inevitable and surprising rather outlandish or tediously predictable.
His storytelling remind me of the best of Charles Cumming or Jeremy Duns – engaging, jigsaw tight, satisfying at the end but with potential for expansion in a future work.
Descriptive passages Martin Amis would be proud of
He writes well too. “Jude’s immigrant provenance is equally exotic and fragmentary, shot through with competing veins of conformity and criminality, from a cigar-chomping bank robber for a grandfather to a general given to eccentricity and dark moods for a father,” is the sort of descriptive passage that Martin Amis at his most interesting would have been proud of.
And, while it is true, Conway’s novel doesn’t – of necessity – have the same laugh out loud quality of some of Mick Herron’s novels, “Jonno Butcher, one of Cathy’s seemingly inexhaustible supply of meat-faced nephews,” is a description of which even the Slough House author would be proud.
I will be surprised if it emerges that Conway is not a fan of Le Carré. In fact, I’m not sure if it’s an affectionate nod to Le Carré, or merely to do with the abundance of such names in the region, but all the characters from the Caucuses we encounter in the book have names from Le Carré’s novels, especially ‘Our Game’.
Perhaps the most impressive area is that of the terrorists. He makes them well-rounded, whole characters who you don’t mind spending time with. Terrifying, yes, but nuanced and engaging too.
A crash, bang, wallop conclusion done with joie de vivre
The ending of The Stranger may be slightly crash, bang, wallop for some people’s tastes but even this is done with enjoyable joie de vivre and edge of the seat inducing tension as well as some final plot twists which make me hope that this is not a standalone novel but the first in a series.
Overall, a triumph of a novel that makes me long for the opportunity to encounter Jude Lyon and his world again.
Just need to go back and read Simon Conway’s back catalogue now. Whole-heartedly recommended.
https://t.co/BwzmoyhhUd
December 12, 2020
Set in the continuing tumult of the Syrian conflict and the mayhem wrought by ISIS, this novel follows MI6 officer, Jude Lyon, as he hunts for a secretive, almost mythical, terrorist who’s skilled with explosives. The man, known only as The Stranger, is believed to have escaped Syrian government custody and is on his way to the UK to wreak his revenge after the UK authorities helped to have him kidnapped and imprisoned for torture. But is the man they believe to be The Stranger even him? Or might he be a cut-out for the real bomber?
Simon Conway is in my opinion one of the best contemporary thriller writers. But he’s criminally underrated and I rarely see his books mentioned. This is a real shame because all of the books of his that I’ve read have been fantastic and The Stranger is no different. Recently I spoke to a literary agent who told me that in his opinion there are too many books on the market that feature Islamic fundamentalism, and I agree with that assessment. Like the Russians during the Cold War, al Qaeda and ISIS are all-too-often the go-to baddies in fiction, and many of the works that feature them are run of the mill. But equally, it would be terrible if this novel was caught up in that dismissal, for it stands head and shoulders above the competition.
The Stranger is brilliantly told and brought to life and has an original plot which I won’t reveal here for risk of spoilers. Needless to say, it will do nothing for one’s faith in the intelligence services, not a surprise in a post-dodgy dossier world. But the malfeasance and double-dealing of the intelligence chiefs in this novel rival that infamous example, and unfortunately, are all too believable.
What really sets The Stranger apart is the namesake villain. He’s a chilling creation and steals the show. While Conway’s protagonist, MI6 man Jude Lyon, is compelling enough, he can’t help but be overshadowed by his antagonist. If I have once minor criticism, it’s The Stranger's sexual deviancy, which he indulges in with a female acolyte who’s obsessed with him. There’s nothing graphic about it, the author doesn’t dwell on it at all, but I found this strand unnecessary and at danger of making him into a pantomime villain. But luckily Conway doesn’t linger on this and thus it doesn’t spoil what is otherwise an excellent portrayal of a terrifying adversary.
The Stranger is a really good book and I really hope this brings the author to more reader’s attention.
Simon Conway is in my opinion one of the best contemporary thriller writers. But he’s criminally underrated and I rarely see his books mentioned. This is a real shame because all of the books of his that I’ve read have been fantastic and The Stranger is no different. Recently I spoke to a literary agent who told me that in his opinion there are too many books on the market that feature Islamic fundamentalism, and I agree with that assessment. Like the Russians during the Cold War, al Qaeda and ISIS are all-too-often the go-to baddies in fiction, and many of the works that feature them are run of the mill. But equally, it would be terrible if this novel was caught up in that dismissal, for it stands head and shoulders above the competition.
The Stranger is brilliantly told and brought to life and has an original plot which I won’t reveal here for risk of spoilers. Needless to say, it will do nothing for one’s faith in the intelligence services, not a surprise in a post-dodgy dossier world. But the malfeasance and double-dealing of the intelligence chiefs in this novel rival that infamous example, and unfortunately, are all too believable.
What really sets The Stranger apart is the namesake villain. He’s a chilling creation and steals the show. While Conway’s protagonist, MI6 man Jude Lyon, is compelling enough, he can’t help but be overshadowed by his antagonist. If I have once minor criticism, it’s The Stranger's sexual deviancy, which he indulges in with a female acolyte who’s obsessed with him. There’s nothing graphic about it, the author doesn’t dwell on it at all, but I found this strand unnecessary and at danger of making him into a pantomime villain. But luckily Conway doesn’t linger on this and thus it doesn’t spoil what is otherwise an excellent portrayal of a terrifying adversary.
The Stranger is a really good book and I really hope this brings the author to more reader’s attention.
August 2, 2020
Things change quickly in the world of espionage and clandestine operations. Jude Lyon of MI6 remembers the captured terrorist bomb-maker. He watched him being flown off to Syria, back when Syria was 'friendly'. No-one expected him to survive interrogation there. Yet the man is alive and someone has broken him out of jail. Bad news for the former foreign secretary who authorised his rendition. And Jude's boss Queen Bee who knew he wasn't a terrorist at all, but an innocent bystander. Now she calls Jude back from a dangerously enjoyable mission involving a Russian diplomat's wife. He has a new job: close down this embarrassment. Fast.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author & it certainly won’t be the last. Well written, fast paced, strong characters & edge of the seat action that kept me turning the pages. I was drawn in from the start & was engrossed until the end. A first class thriller, will Jude find The Stranger? Well you'll just have to read it to find out
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the first book I’ve read by the author & it certainly won’t be the last. Well written, fast paced, strong characters & edge of the seat action that kept me turning the pages. I was drawn in from the start & was engrossed until the end. A first class thriller, will Jude find The Stranger? Well you'll just have to read it to find out
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 24, 2021
Outstanding thriller - well written, paced with intricate and complex plot. It is populated with colorful and believable characters. The author's understanding with the subject matter in the story is clear, no doubt gained from his many years of working in dangerous war zones. I would rank this as one of the best spy thriller in the recent years. Conway has always been a very good writer but this is best novel yet.
However my only complain is that some part of the plot do not make sense. Nevertheless the novel was a great read and hope to see more from the author.
However my only complain is that some part of the plot do not make sense. Nevertheless the novel was a great read and hope to see more from the author.
March 13, 2021
Absolutely loved this. A modern, gritty, fast-paced, complex story, with a strong sense of Now. Hope we’ll see Jude Lyons again. I haven’t read any of the author’s books before but will be looking for them. Do read this. Only me second 5-start review - unmissable.
January 4, 2022
The origin story for my first dumb thriller of the extended Christmas period. No. 2 in the Jude Lyon series is better - but this sets up the excellent characterisation that every great series needs.
March 6, 2021
A clever, multi-layered plot and complex, relatable characters make this a compelling political thriller. With short chapters, each revealing something significant to push the story forward, this is addictive reading.
The ethos is realistic, and the main protagonist easy to like. The thriller has a contemporary edge and relentless action keeping the reader on edge until its conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from Hodder & Stoughton via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The ethos is realistic, and the main protagonist easy to like. The thriller has a contemporary edge and relentless action keeping the reader on edge until its conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from Hodder & Stoughton via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 20, 2021
An excellent thriller that kept me on the edge.
Well written, fast paced and with a cast of interesting characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Well written, fast paced and with a cast of interesting characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 4, 2026
3.5 stars. Physical book. A lot of acronyms and jargon in this book made for difficult reading. Eventually the story comes together, but to a rather unsatisfactory end.
April 15, 2021
A great thriller, loved the writing style
July 14, 2021
Interesting said in last post would not read another war type book for a while then read this, highly enjoyable with some interesting plots turns will read more of his as and when ready for this type of book
August 19, 2020
This is one of my top reads this year.
I have to admit that it is also my first book by the author and what an impression he has left. The story begins with a gift from MI6 in 2006 to the Syrian authorities of a man in their custody that is known as the Engineer and his 7 months pregnant wife. It is said that he is responsible for the deaths of a number of people, including 25 British soldiers. There is no trial or compassion. The man pleads he is innocent but no-one listens. Jude Lyon of MI6 witnessed them being put on the plane, something that didn’t rest easy with him. Ten years on the Engineer is rescued and it could bring the whole British Government crashing down.
Oh my, within the first pages I got a glimpse of this man’s existence and it is haunting. I know that this happens in the world daily and no-one does anything to stop it. It wasn’t just the horrific way people died, it was the quantity, a never-ending daily count that just grew. The writing is powerful with chapters that switch between the three main characters, The Engineer, The Stranger and Jude Lyon of MI6. Jude uncovers the truth about the Engineer and finds himself in a race against the clock to find out which British target the Stranger intends to hit. He knows if he fails the death count will be huge.
This story has such a realness to it that I could imagine the headline news that would go along with the events that were unfolding. The Stranger is a really complex character, the sort that I love reading about. I am not going to tell you his name, you need to discover it yourself in the book. Even on a hot day like it is now just writing this makes me shudder.
He is a master of manipulation through any means possible, a magnetic charm that gives him control over people. A brilliantly written character that you see from all sides. Some people are just born evil and no matter who their parents no amount of money can change that.
A belting reading. I wish to thank the publisher and NetGalley for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
I have to admit that it is also my first book by the author and what an impression he has left. The story begins with a gift from MI6 in 2006 to the Syrian authorities of a man in their custody that is known as the Engineer and his 7 months pregnant wife. It is said that he is responsible for the deaths of a number of people, including 25 British soldiers. There is no trial or compassion. The man pleads he is innocent but no-one listens. Jude Lyon of MI6 witnessed them being put on the plane, something that didn’t rest easy with him. Ten years on the Engineer is rescued and it could bring the whole British Government crashing down.
Oh my, within the first pages I got a glimpse of this man’s existence and it is haunting. I know that this happens in the world daily and no-one does anything to stop it. It wasn’t just the horrific way people died, it was the quantity, a never-ending daily count that just grew. The writing is powerful with chapters that switch between the three main characters, The Engineer, The Stranger and Jude Lyon of MI6. Jude uncovers the truth about the Engineer and finds himself in a race against the clock to find out which British target the Stranger intends to hit. He knows if he fails the death count will be huge.
This story has such a realness to it that I could imagine the headline news that would go along with the events that were unfolding. The Stranger is a really complex character, the sort that I love reading about. I am not going to tell you his name, you need to discover it yourself in the book. Even on a hot day like it is now just writing this makes me shudder.
He is a master of manipulation through any means possible, a magnetic charm that gives him control over people. A brilliantly written character that you see from all sides. Some people are just born evil and no matter who their parents no amount of money can change that.
A belting reading. I wish to thank the publisher and NetGalley for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
August 18, 2020
‘My name is Nasruddin al-Raqqah.’
'I was kidnapped by the British for a crime I did not commit and they sent me to Damascus. I was questioned and tortured, I spent more than ten years in a tiny cell deep under the ground without sunlight, without speaking. Every day I washed the bodies of those killed by Assad. Thousands of bodies, men and women, I thought I was dead and in hell.'
'But now I am free.’
Ten years ago, MI6 Officer, Jude Lyon witnessed the rendition of The Engineer, a terrorist responsible for the killings of 25 British soldiers in a fiendishly clever attack in Pakistan. Haunted by his part in the handing over of the captive and his pregnant wife to torture, Jude becomes involved once more when The Engineer, long presumed dead, is offered for sale on the dark web by a terrorist organisation who have violently freed him from captivity. The press have now come into possession of documents proving British complicity in The Engineer’s rendition, Jude is caught in the political crossfire as the guilty scramble to cover their tracks while their rivals seek advantage, and he is unable to shake the memory of Nasruddin al-Raqqah’s last words as he was dragged away, “I am not The Engineer.”
And who is The Stranger...?
THE STRANGER is a fast paced ‘War on Terror’ thriller with interesting characters, a tightly plotted, tense set up, political intrigue, and an explosive climax but the characters are conflicted, the politics anything but straightforward. There are no goodies and baddies and Simon Conway, a writer with whom I was previously unfamiliar, has delivered a novel that is several steps above the gung-ho, flag-waving thrillers that seem to fill the shelves, much more Le Carre than Clancy.
'I was kidnapped by the British for a crime I did not commit and they sent me to Damascus. I was questioned and tortured, I spent more than ten years in a tiny cell deep under the ground without sunlight, without speaking. Every day I washed the bodies of those killed by Assad. Thousands of bodies, men and women, I thought I was dead and in hell.'
'But now I am free.’
Ten years ago, MI6 Officer, Jude Lyon witnessed the rendition of The Engineer, a terrorist responsible for the killings of 25 British soldiers in a fiendishly clever attack in Pakistan. Haunted by his part in the handing over of the captive and his pregnant wife to torture, Jude becomes involved once more when The Engineer, long presumed dead, is offered for sale on the dark web by a terrorist organisation who have violently freed him from captivity. The press have now come into possession of documents proving British complicity in The Engineer’s rendition, Jude is caught in the political crossfire as the guilty scramble to cover their tracks while their rivals seek advantage, and he is unable to shake the memory of Nasruddin al-Raqqah’s last words as he was dragged away, “I am not The Engineer.”
And who is The Stranger...?
THE STRANGER is a fast paced ‘War on Terror’ thriller with interesting characters, a tightly plotted, tense set up, political intrigue, and an explosive climax but the characters are conflicted, the politics anything but straightforward. There are no goodies and baddies and Simon Conway, a writer with whom I was previously unfamiliar, has delivered a novel that is several steps above the gung-ho, flag-waving thrillers that seem to fill the shelves, much more Le Carre than Clancy.
August 10, 2020
I had heard so much about this book that I was very pleased to be given the opportunity to review The Stranger from NetGalley. Needless to say it didn’t disappoint and I finished it in 24 hours. The plot revolves around `Jude, who works for MI6 is trying to complete a dangerous mission involving the Russians when he is called back to base. The Engineer is a dangerous terrorist who is credited with the death of 25 so.doers in a plot that was so expertly and callously devised that Jude has never forgotten the moment The Engineer was arrested and with his pregnant wife sent to Syria for interrogation. Moving to the present day, the Engineer is still alive and has been broken out of jail. Jude always has a bad feeling about what happened, and his sixth sense isn’t often wrong. Forces beyond his control start a sequence of events that will cause the higher echelons of MI6 and parliament to unravel. The level of detail in the character development and plot line make this a stand out read for 2020. I was drawn into the horrifyingly realistic storyline as Jude will seek to stop a devastating terrorist act by travelling across Europe and back onto on home turf. The Stranger definitely lived up to the hype and I look forward to reading the back collection of Simon Conway’s books
July 21, 2020
Back in the day MI6’s agent Jude Lyon was part of the operation which captured a terrorist bomb-maker and he witnessed the rendition flight to friendly Syria where he would be ‘questioned’.
Then, years later, when a story is leaked suggesting that the former foreign secretary authorised the rendition Jude is called back to close it all down. Not so easy though, because whispers have it that he wasn’t a terrorist but there is someone out there who poses a threat, not only to the citizens of the UK but to people in high places. So Jude is surrounded by those in authority over him but who is working for who; who knows what is happening; what the aims are?
So, who is the stranger; what is the stranger? It is up to Jude to discover.
Great! A bit confusing at the beginning but soon it becomes clearer and what you get is a very satisfying spy story, complete with all the latent anger against ‘those in high place’.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
Then, years later, when a story is leaked suggesting that the former foreign secretary authorised the rendition Jude is called back to close it all down. Not so easy though, because whispers have it that he wasn’t a terrorist but there is someone out there who poses a threat, not only to the citizens of the UK but to people in high places. So Jude is surrounded by those in authority over him but who is working for who; who knows what is happening; what the aims are?
So, who is the stranger; what is the stranger? It is up to Jude to discover.
Great! A bit confusing at the beginning but soon it becomes clearer and what you get is a very satisfying spy story, complete with all the latent anger against ‘those in high place’.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
September 19, 2020
Reading Stuff 'n' Things
I was lucky enough to be invited to read "The Stranger" by Hodder & Stoughton after having read and reviewed other books from their catalogue in the past. I haven't read anything by Simon Conway despite this being his fifth book and, if I'm honest, I hadn't heard of him before either but he is definitely on my radar now.
This is a complex tail involving terrorists, spies, lies and subterfuge within the murky world of MI6. I admit that it took me a while to get into it but once I did, I couldn't put it down. The characters are believable and interesting and the plot is complex, tense and gripping and, unfortunately, not beyond the realms of reality.
This is a very well written and researched spy thriller and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for my copy in return for an unbiased and unedited review and for introducing me to yet another great author.
I was lucky enough to be invited to read "The Stranger" by Hodder & Stoughton after having read and reviewed other books from their catalogue in the past. I haven't read anything by Simon Conway despite this being his fifth book and, if I'm honest, I hadn't heard of him before either but he is definitely on my radar now.
This is a complex tail involving terrorists, spies, lies and subterfuge within the murky world of MI6. I admit that it took me a while to get into it but once I did, I couldn't put it down. The characters are believable and interesting and the plot is complex, tense and gripping and, unfortunately, not beyond the realms of reality.
This is a very well written and researched spy thriller and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for my copy in return for an unbiased and unedited review and for introducing me to yet another great author.
August 15, 2020
A highly intelligent and entertaining read with lots of depth! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There are lots of plot turns and surprises and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters are also very well developed and like in books like I am Pilgrim you get a lot of insight into the terrorists and their ideologies.
Who is The Stranger? Is he the terrorist everyone makes him out to be? Will Jude be able to catch him?
"The news of him alive is startling, like finding an atomic bomb at the back of a cupboard, and the idea of him unleashed is exhilarating and horrifying, in equal measure."
This book is definitely a must-read if you enjoy well-written spy thrillers!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Who is The Stranger? Is he the terrorist everyone makes him out to be? Will Jude be able to catch him?
"The news of him alive is startling, like finding an atomic bomb at the back of a cupboard, and the idea of him unleashed is exhilarating and horrifying, in equal measure."
This book is definitely a must-read if you enjoy well-written spy thrillers!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 25, 2021
An excellent spy thriller written by someone who is an expert in his field. The excitement was palpable and nonstop, the characters well drawn and the tradecraft descriptions accurate and detailed.
Well written with a credible plot this is a first class thriller.
Highly recommended.
Well written with a credible plot this is a first class thriller.
Highly recommended.
July 31, 2020
Wow! First book I've read by Simon Conway, and I'm asking myself why I haven't read a book of his before! Amazing writing and the whole story reflects well researched and thought out storyline Wish I didn't read this so fast and could read it for the first time again! Highly recommended Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for ARC
August 20, 2020
First book i read by this author and won't surely be the last.
It's gripping, well written and highly enjoyable. I appreciated the storytelling and the character development.
The, fast paced and action packed, kept me hooked till the last page.
It's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's gripping, well written and highly enjoyable. I appreciated the storytelling and the character development.
The, fast paced and action packed, kept me hooked till the last page.
It's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
November 26, 2020
A rip-roaring yarn with great relevance to the terror threat the UK is
constantly under in 2020. Written with great technical knowledge of weaponry and ordnance giving the story a highly authentic and worryingly realistic atmosphere.
constantly under in 2020. Written with great technical knowledge of weaponry and ordnance giving the story a highly authentic and worryingly realistic atmosphere.
December 8, 2020
An enjoyable read but not quite 4 stars and there are no half marks.
A basically enjoyable tale of the gov't agent tasked to find the bomber coming to wreak havoc on England.
I have two gripes that kept this from being a 4 for me. First, there is really no change in pace/tension from the start to the end. One single note that is carried for the duration. Thus, finding Jude at the start of the book and the final resolution at the end both have the same feeling. There are no peaks and valleys of action and release.
Second, this was long enough to be enjoyable but it felt a bit short. Normally I gripe about too much bloat in a book but in this case I felt that both Jude and the baddy could have used more pages. Jude gets a bit more development than the baddy but I'm left feeling both could have had more and it would not have taken away from the story.
Still, basically an enjoyable story and I'll probably check out a second book if he puts one out.
A basically enjoyable tale of the gov't agent tasked to find the bomber coming to wreak havoc on England.
I have two gripes that kept this from being a 4 for me. First, there is really no change in pace/tension from the start to the end. One single note that is carried for the duration. Thus, finding Jude at the start of the book and the final resolution at the end both have the same feeling. There are no peaks and valleys of action and release.
Second, this was long enough to be enjoyable but it felt a bit short. Normally I gripe about too much bloat in a book but in this case I felt that both Jude and the baddy could have used more pages. Jude gets a bit more development than the baddy but I'm left feeling both could have had more and it would not have taken away from the story.
Still, basically an enjoyable story and I'll probably check out a second book if he puts one out.
October 20, 2021
Thriller set in the Middle East and the UK - it deals with Islamic related terrorism and the UK intelligence service attempts to head off an attack. The author is ex - Army and has wide experience of explosives and military doctrine. The protagonist of the book is an MI6 officer chasing a terrorist who turns out to be not what he seemed at the time of his rendition - and perhaps not who MI6 was looking for. Various members of the security services and the Government have their own agendas, partly in relation to trying to avoid blame for past mistakes - how topical!
An excellent read with lots of plot twists.
An excellent read with lots of plot twists.
August 16, 2022
This was honestly a drag to read. The storyline wasn’t exciting and the characters were poorly developed and had no connection with me as the reader. At some point this book almost made me get into a reading slump but I managed to make it to the (after convincing myself not to dnf) end.
The ending was very anticlimactic and there was honestly no real point to the story. The main reason for 2 stars was about the part on using 5 Britons to write letters and then the process of handing them out. That was the only clever bit of the story.
I don’t know if I will be reading any of the authors other works but maybe I’ll try one more before giving a final verdict.
The ending was very anticlimactic and there was honestly no real point to the story. The main reason for 2 stars was about the part on using 5 Britons to write letters and then the process of handing them out. That was the only clever bit of the story.
I don’t know if I will be reading any of the authors other works but maybe I’ll try one more before giving a final verdict.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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