Jack of Spies (Jack McColl, #1) in Espionage Aficionados

Jun 12, 2022 Eric_W rated it liked it

Shelves: spies, ww-i

OK, I realize Downing is just setting this book up as the first in a new series. I read his "station" series, Zoo Station, etc. and enjoyed them. They were all set in events related to WW II. This one places Jack McColl, a British spy, before WWI, with lots of historical background related to the Germans, the Irish seeking to kick the British from their Island, and the British trying to protect their Empire. Things get really complicated for McColl when he falls in love with a journalist whose b ...more

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Sep 30, 2013 Peter Kavanagh rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Great start to a new series. Downing is seriously good. The Stations series was great and this looks like it could turn into an equally impressive effort. If you like the espionage genre then you will love this.

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May 19, 2014 Nooilforpacifists rated it really liked it

Shelves: thriller, world-war-one-fiction

Just barely four stars. The main character, McColl, isn't as convincing, isn't as fleshed out, as the lead in Downing's "Station" series. The book meanders a bit, like old fashioned luggage covered with city stamps, before any plot is presented. Eventually, plot -- and central conflict -- arrive. It's just that neither is hugely believable. McColl works for Cumming, and mentions Sidney Reilly several times--alas, McColl (and, I guess, Downing) are no Sidney Reilly.

Yet, it's an enjoyable read and ...more

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Apr 21, 2018 Ric rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Spy story set in the time just before and at the start of the First World War.

Spying is a gumshoe business so its not surprising to see it have a place even before internet, instant communications, trans-oceanic jets, and drones were available. Talk about the oldest occupation ... Anyways, here we have Jack, part-time spy, pressed into her Majesty's service in a time when tensions are rising between the competing tripartites of Germany-Austria-Hungary and Britain-France-Russia. In China, Jack me Spy story set in the time just before and at the start of the First World War.

Spying is a gumshoe business so its not surprising to see it have a place even before internet, instant communications, trans-oceanic jets, and drones were available. Talk about the oldest occupation ... Anyways, here we have Jack, part-time spy, pressed into her Majesty's service in a time when tensions are rising between the competing tripartites of Germany-Austria-Hungary and Britain-France-Russia. In China, Jack meets a liberated Irish woman, Kate, and establishes an intimate relationship with her without informing her of his other occupation beyond car salesman. (view spoiler)

This was my first novel by the author. I found it slow moving but still compelling. The various historical references help keep the interest but in the end it seems all spy stories end the same way. I am surely feeling George Smiley in the Circus books of Lecarre John.

Anyway, this was good enough that I will try other books by the author. Apparently, there is another series that was better than this. Anyway, I'd say 4.25 stars.

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Dec 31, 2019 Hans Ostrom rated it liked it

Shelves: detective-fiction, british-literature, 21st-century-literature

Maybe a 3 and a half, actually. It's an engaging book, set in the pre-World War II eara. McColl is a believable protagonist, although he desperately needs more of a sense of humor. The characters and plot are well drawn. If you're expecting an action-packed spy book, you'll be disappointed, but there certainly is a sense of menace. I'd say it's probably a more realistic spy story than most--which has its pros and cons. A solid read for a rainy day. Intelligent prose. ...more

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