A Spy by Nature (Alec Milius #1) in Espionage Aficionados

Mar 07, 2013 Sandi rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2013, crime-mystery-thriller-suspense, audio, library-express

Set during the run up to Blair's election as Prime Minister this was a fairly tepid espionage thriller. The plot just did not do a lot for me and the main character annoyed. Listened to the audio version read by Simon Vance who was the best part of the whole endeavor. ...more

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Dec 18, 2011 Brian Christy rated it it was amazing

This is my first time reading a novel by Charles Cumming, and being a lover of the spy novel genre, I can tend to be a little critical. I loved it! There are plenty of twists and turns throughout the story, and nothing seemed cliche. I especially loved the constant emotional "wrestling" the main character, Alec, faced as he was drawn into the deceipt and high-stakes world of industrial espionage. It was not overdone, but truly believable. Add Mr. Cumming to my list...now on to his next novel, Th ...more

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Aug 28, 2009 Jade17 rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009, espionage

Very smart and subtle espionage novel. Not quite Le Carre but getting there. If Cumming could make industrial espionage sound fascinating, it would be interesting to read a 'real' spy thriller. ...more

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Oct 29, 2013 Karl Øen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: spy

Not much outwardly action, but high tension none the less. The story takes the reader to the mundane, murky and unglorious world of industrial espionage, as seen through the eyes of young, ambitious (and not as smart as he thinks he is) Alec Milius, who more than anything wants to matter, most of all to his ex-girlfriend. The book describes the difficulties, confusion and doubts of an untrained agent, as well as the hazards and dangers his actions brings in a convincing way. The tone of the nove ...more

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Feb 14, 2008 Jeffrey rated it liked it

Shelves: read-in-2008, espionage

A decent spy novel with the some unlikely focus -- spying between friends but with some horrific consequences. One problem with the book is that the main character is pretty much unlikeable. Its a novel that crys out to be shortened by a 1/5 because there is a portion of time where it drags. The ending is good however.

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Sep 05, 2007 Jeremiah Genest rated it it was ok

Shelves: spyfi

Enjoyable novel of deceit, personal and towards others but the end just felt rushed and lacking in something. I enjoyed it up until the last 50 pages or so when it just became lackluster.

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