CLAP HANDS HERE COMES CHAR

Charlie Muffin #2

by Brian Freemantle

Disavowed spy Charlie Muffin wages war against his former employers. Charlie Muffin has come back to England. The ex-spy, a veteran of 25 years' service to the Crown, was last seen in Berlin, where an attempt on his life by his own organization led to international embarrassment. They had expected Charlie - a disheveled, middle-aged survivor of every double cross in the book - to die easily. Instead, he disappeared. But after months on the run, dulling his instincts with alcohol and laziness, the strain of life in the shadows finally gets to Charlie. By now the heat back home must have died down, and he shouldn't have any trouble sneaking across the Channel. Now, he expects, he can finally be safe in England. Charlie Muffin is dead wrong.

Genres: Fiction, Espionage, Mystery, Thriller, British Literature, Crime, Adventure

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Aka John Maxwell, Jonathan Evans, Jack Winchester, Harry Asher and Richard Gant.

Brian Freemantle [b. 1936] is one of Britain's most acclaimed authors of spy fiction. His novels have sold over ten million copies worldwide. Born in Southampton, Freemantle entered his career as a journalist, and began writing espionage thrillers in the late 1960s. Charlie M (1977) introduced the world to Charlie Muffin and won Freemantle international recognition—he would go on to publish fourteen titles in the series.

Freemantle has written dozens of other novels, including two featuring Sebastian Holmes, an illegitimate son of Sherlock Holmes, and the Cowley and Danilov series, about an American FBI agent and a Russian militia detective who work together to comabt organized crime in the post-Cold War world. Freemantle lives and works in London, Englad.

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling and suspenseful direct continuation of the first book, quite shocking in demonstrating the extreme lengths to which the seemingly benign and inscrutable Muffin will go when crossed. Muffin's unassuming, even shabby (yet fully competent) veneer brings to mind George Smiley, yet these books pack in quite a bit more action than le Carré, though Muffin is hardly a Jason Bourne or even a Jack Ryan. On to book three!

[Nigeyb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having enjoyed Charlie M (1977), the first book in Brian Freemantle's long running series, and despite some significant reservations, I was keen to know what happens next given the surprising and unexpected ending. Here Comes Charlie M (1980) follows straight on with many of the same characters reappearing.

If anything, those in charge are portrayed as even more idiotic than in the first book. These characters lack any credibility and their plans are foolish in the extreme. This story predominantly takes place away from the world of spycraft and the plot embraces robberies and a convoluted revenge plan. None of it bears any real scrutiny.

That said, and like the first book, it's short, free for Audible subscribers in the UK, and, for all its inherent absurdity, entertaining. By the end I was left wondering how on earth Brian Freemantle could move the plot forward so may have to read the third instalment.

3/5

[Drea Razer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Charlie Muffin series. If you haven't read the first one (Charlie M), you'll want to do that first. If its been a year or so in between readings, and you're trying to remember what happened, don't worry, you'll get enough of a recap early in this one to jog your memory. Charlie Muffin, the slovenly, down at heels James Bond, continues to outwit his enemies with a minimum of fuss. If you haven't read these, don't expect high speed car chases and raging gun battles. These are rather a sophisticated battle of wits, well and concisely written. Not to mention, they're just fun! I'll be embarking on the 3rd book of the series next, as I'm eager to stay in Charlie's universe a little bit longer.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie screwed up an operation involving several important figures in the British and American intelligence networks, mostly because they were trying to kill Charlie a part of the operation. Charlie and hi wife have been hiding out for two years, but he's been spotted again. This time, they really ant to kill him. But Charlie hasn't been a spy for twenty-five years for nothing.He's smart, and he's not that easy to kill.

[John R. Goyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, pretty close to a perfect read. Charlie is a bastard - once you get past that and enjoy his exploits, the book is a gem. The agents he goes up against in this story are somewhat second rank, but that's the whole point of the action in the first two books. Good amount of tension, and an ending that surprised me. I'm very much looking forward to volume 3 to see what this professional does next - and who he does it to... Highly recommended.

[Jeff Slater]

Entertaining but the ending is more predictable than the last book. Nonetheless worth reading (if you enjoyed the first)

[Dipanjan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here Comes Charlie M (the 2nd book in the series) is as fine as the novel that introduced Charlie M. The plot takes off from where the first book left off with Charlie making it imperative for any reader to start this series from the very beginning. Charlie is still on the run from the British Intelligence. This time instead of Charlie being in disgrace, matters are worse off with the young snobs, (who were outwitted, out maneuvered and outfoxed) are in charge. They are now desperate to cover up past mistakes and indiscretions and seriously vengeful about how they were made the laughing stock last time around by Charlie M. The chief plot of this book is about their elaborate planning to entrap, discredit and eliminate Charlie Muffin. After all, he was responsible for the loss of two of the Department's best operatives as well as the mastermind behind the Soviet European spy network. It was Charlie who made the men in charge look like idiots. And now the intelligence outfits of UK and USA is out for revenge. The question is - Can Charlie outwit them again?

The series continues to be a "fine wine" of the espionage genre that includes: The Cold War environment, the "old school spycraft" with zero technology and 100% brainwork, messages delivered with what's left unsaid, the information in the hidden layers of innuendos and suggestions, betrayals after betrayals, revenge, an underdog agent, the KGB vs the West, internal politics at the highest levels of diplomatic rung, twists and turns, ambiguous personal attachments for deception leverage, etc. Mr. Freemantle's, Charlie M delivers all of the above as a signature style.

This second novel "Charlie M." continues to operate on the complex stage for everything that follows with its ingenious tale of how the deceptively scruffy Charlie Muffin delivers "the last laugh" to his sleeker masters in the Intelligence Departments of USA and UK after they attempt (and fail) to manipulate, discredit and eliminate him for good. The 2nd appearance of Charlie M stand out yet again with its crisp, dry wit and meticulous insights into how a good spy actually goes about his business. He's a self-lacerating loner, a loving husband, and a vulnerable hero whose survival skills make him Charlie M.

This series is a MUST for anyone that loves old school espionage of the Cold War Era.

[Anna Lyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unkempt, scruffy looking Charlie Muffin is a field agent at the British Intelligence. He's in hiding after falling out with his superiors and ridiculing them in Charlie Muffin. The new superiors want to tie up loose ends whilst simultaneously get back and take revenge on this insubordinate Charlie M. Needless to say, that doesn't bode well with Charlie and he brings the fight back to their home turf.

This is straight forward, easy to follow entertainment. It's not unnecessarily convoluted or twisted, it's quite one-dimensional, everyone is behaving as they should and it doesn't offer in-depth views into the souls of the characters. But it's also sportfully amusing, suspense-packed and excitingly fast paced.

It's not on par with similar spy novel / thriller authors like Len Deighton or John Le Carré, but a close second. And that's most of the time good enough for me. I love this genre and not everything I read need to potentially end up on the short list for the Booker or Nobel.

[Matt Raubenheimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first Charlie Muffin novel was one of the most enjoyable and thrilling surprises that I’ve experienced in the genre of spy fiction when I read it last year. I’ve been looking forward to reading the next in the series ever since, and now that I have read it I can say that I wasn’t disappointed. The second novel is very much a continuation from the first, and revolves around the British and American secret services’ response to Charlie’s actions in the first novel. I found it quite thrilling as the novel builds towards its climax, and even though I had some idea how it would end, the conclusion of the novel was still surprising. All round a very good novel and Charlie remains one of the most exciting spy characters I’ve come across in fiction.

[Ted Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up on the classic spy novels that my dad recommended to me and my brother. This is one of those and it is readable today as it was years ago. It is John LeCarre without the Wikipedia entries on in-fighting. Now that I have almost the last episode in this character's series, I want to read more. How did I miss this author?

[Michael Martz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, that was something, huh? "Here Comes Charlie M" follows on the heels of the "Charlie M" and, if anything, is even more audacious. I can't imagine where Brian Freemantle goes (or went... it's an old series) at this point but I intend to find out.

Charlie Muffin is a veteran English operational agent back in the 70's who'd been badly treated by his superiors. He exacted his revenge on them by conspiring with the Russians to obtain the return of their important imprisoned spymaster. His act was costly to the Brits, causing embarrassment to both their service as well as to the CIA, exposing the identities of many agents, and transferring a bunch of money that was supposed to go to the Russians to Charlie's hidden bank account. "Here Comes..." begins with Charlie and his wife Edith hiding out in Switzerland, with Charlie spending his days getting drunk and being challenged by Edith to get his act together. Both the Brits and the Americans are chomping at the bit to find him and arrest and/or kill him. Charlie makes an ill-advised trip back 'home', which gives the spy services enough of an opportunity to track him down, and the chase is on.

"Here Comes..." is the story of Charlie Muffin getting back on his feet, the spy services making plans to trap him, Charlie outsmarting his adversaries, a shocking denouement that results in a terrible loss for him, and an over-the-top reprisal. There are many, many twists and turns along the way as the the services and Charlie punch and counter-punch until one of the parties is defeated.

The Charlie Muffin series is certainly interesting, as it entices the reader to root for a guy who is likeable but extremely flawed. Charlie seems like an everyman character- a bit disheveled, not extremely handsome or athletic, likes a drink every now and then.... probably like a guy or two you know. However, he's also a skilled and brilliant operator, capable of outsmarting not only foreign adversaries but his own superiors and intent on avenging every single slight that he's ever suffered. His methods of revenge in the first two episodes in the series include betraying his country and murder, so perhaps he goes a bit overboard on the whole retribution thing?

I thought the first of the series, "Charlie M", was better, but "Here Comes..." is certainly a worthwhile read. The only problem I had is that the Brit and American spy organizations were almost comically inept and it was hard for me to consider the acts and planning to be plausible. It's great fun, though to follow Charlie's thought processes as he outwits his adversaries (and occasionally blows them up). 3.5 rounded down....

[Ed Mestre · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Charlie Muffin series. It takes place 2 years after the first. Both British and American intelligence agencies are still seething over what Charlie did in the first book. Constantly looking over his shoulder is wearing on Charlie and nearly broken his wife, Edith. He has to figure a way out of this impossible situation if he’s to save himself and his marriage. So, here he comes, not as an announcement, but as a warning. Like the first book, it’s pretty short with the first half laying out the conundrum and the second half has Charlie desperately zigging when his enemies expect him to zag. But tragedy cannot be completely avoided which, of course, makes me want to read the third book.

[Krishnan Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this pretty much right after the previous novel. I liked that a lot and I was quite interested in knowing where it would go from the ending.

While the story picks up around 2 years later, it felt like we were starting right from where the first book ended. This book had a significantly higher body count and it surprised me in terms of the lengths the character of Charlie Muffin was ready to go to.

It definitely got me interested in knowing where the story will go next.

[ShanDizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again, well done Charlie. Some unnecessary collateral damage, but you sent them a message that won't soon be forgotten.


‘Not knowing is like being aware that you’re dying and unable to do anything about it,’ he said. For several moments, neither spoke.
Then Berenkov said: ‘And Charlie’s got to live like that forever.’
‘Unless he’s caught,’ she reminded him.
‘Unless he becomes careless and is caught,’ he agreed.

Charlie’s response would be to fight back. Survival, he called it...The need to survive: Charlie’s panacea for anything unpalatable.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific, if tragic sequel to the excellent first Charlie Muffin book. Wanting to avoid spoilers I’ll simply say it has quite the surprise towards the end and although I saw the very end coming, it up as nothing if not satisfying. 4+ out of 5 stars and highly recommended.

[Bob Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie and his wife are in hiding, but a desire to see his mentor's burial place puts Charlie back in the line of site for his former employers who haven't forgotten how he turned the tables on them as he left the service. It's Charlie against the intelligence community again.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story isn't as effortless as the first installment, but Charlie develops into a much more complex character and the plot carries the reader along instead of teasing and surprising with Charlie's ingenious set ups.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little light but fun in the beginning, and even though you just know that Edith will be fridged as soon as everything seems to be happy for Charlie and his wife, it makes the revenge that much sweeter.

[Kayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story far more than the first, but it still took a little while to get going.

It’s always interesting to see how Charlie gets the overall upper hand, although this time it had a heartbreaking twist.

[iain finlayson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie M is on the run and his enemies believe they have got him cornered. A great book and it leaves you wanting more...

[Terry Simpkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn good…. Don’t mess with Charlie Muffin

[Adolfo Ramon · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like spying stuff, that might be your favorite!

[Minnesinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

In which Wilberforce is Director and uses his position to seek revenge upon Charlie. Which leads to the ponce’s downfall. But Charlie suffers, too…. As does Edith. And Brian Snare.

[Jak60 · Rating 2 out of 5]

As an old hand of the espionage genre who went all the way through from Le Carré to Deighton, McCarry & Co, I was literally set on fire by the discovery ("how could I have missed it so far?") of Charlie M and his author so close to the classic masters.
The first novel was just so good, and so short that I wanted more and I wanted it immediately; so I started at once the second one, Here Come Charlie M.
Now, just a couple of remarks on the sequel:
1. this is NOT an espionage novel; the plot and especially the ending of the first novel left me very curious of how the author could manage a sequel. And in fact that proved very difficult...this turns out as a story of settling scores among the protagonists of the former novel, but there is no hint whatsoever of espionage stuff
2. Realism and plausibility, a clear strength of the original novel, here go down the drain; here we leave the realm of subtle spy-craft and deception to enter that of a man hunt involving bank robbery, stealing Russian object arts, etc, having the directors of the British and American intelligence personally involved in leading such activities and looking like dumb boy scouts
So, in essence, a major deviation from the narrative trajectory started with the first novel; it remains quite an easy read with some enjoyable parts, but it is a different thing.

[Jeff Crosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie Muffin is an amoral, intelligent, ruthless, and vindictive agent. He is not a man of action, and selects his causes. he is not motivated by patriotism, conviction, or ethics. He is fascinating.

This second novel is a direct sequel to Carlie M. It can be read independently, but is better appreciated if read sequentially.

[Patrick SG · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a con man story than a spy story. A natural follow-on to the preceding novel in this series. Despite the summarizing of its predecessor in this book, I'd recommend reading it if for no other reason than to savor its ending. And, as with that one, I'm hard pressed to figure how the series continues after this entry....though I know it does.

[Ted Biggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad to find a new series to read. Interesting with it's realism, no one is James Bond. Sometimes drags a little with close study of small intranet-departmental political maneuverings, but usually comes back to fit into the story.

[Diogenes · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of the tragic and ironic saga of the gross incompetence and arrogance of the top officials of the British Secret Service and the CIA, all in an attempt to get even with Charlie Muffin. Things constantly go awry - with tragic consequences to all, including Charlie.

[Vikas Datta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling stuff - of how one crafty man, even when cornered, can hit back when pushed too far...