From the Bookshelf of Reading the Detectives…

Real Tigers (Slough House, #3)

Mick Herron

Start date: February 14, 2019

Finish date: March 7, 2019

Discussion: Buddy reads

Why we're reading this: The next in the popular Slough House series which several members are reading together.
[close] The next in the popular Slough House series which several members are reading together.

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What Members Thought

Feb 07, 2017 Susan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is the third in the Slough House series, where the ‘Slow Horses’ reside – those M15 operatives who have made mistakes and have been shunted off to do administrative tasks; either because of personal failures or embarrassing mistakes. Slough House is presided over by Jackson Lamb, who, although now he appears to be slovenly, unkempt and interested only in himself, was once an undercover operative during the Cold War and, despite his appearances, is not only still quite capable of out manoeuv This is the third in the Slough House series, where the ‘Slow Horses’ reside – those M15 operatives who have made mistakes and have been shunted off to do administrative tasks; either because of personal failures or embarrassing mistakes. Slough House is presided over by Jackson Lamb, who, although now he appears to be slovenly, unkempt and interested only in himself, was once an undercover operative during the Cold War and, despite his appearances, is not only still quite capable of out manoeuvring those at the Park, but he is fiercely loyal to those he is responsible for and anyone he considers to be one of his own.

One of the members of Lamb’s team is recovering alcoholic, Catherine Standish. Although it is difficult to say that Lamb is fond of any of the inhabitants of Slough House; Catherine acts as something of a buffer between him and everyone else and, as such, he at least notices she is gone. The reason for her sudden absence is that she is snatched in what appears to be a straightforward kidnap. However, as with all of these novels, nothing is straightforward and the Slow Horses may soon be heading back into the field and into danger as they become involved in a complicated and complex plot .

I would really suggest that these books be read in order – the first being “Slow Horses,” followed by “Dead Lions.” This is a very believable world of spooks, politics, double dealing, conspiracy, intrigue and naked ambition; all wrapped up with very British concerns of saving money, muddling through, often with no discernable plan, and wrapping the intention to win at all costs in the politest language possible. Savagery, but all done with a smile, and very dark humour. At the centre of every web is the magnificent Jackson Lamb, who suddenly emerges from his seeming stupor to take on his superiors and take back what he considers to be rightfully his.

Despite the fact that Slough House is seen very much as the place where the losers of the Secret Service are made to regret the way their career has collapsed, it is also, very obviously, a thorn in the side of those in power. These include new Home Secretary Peter Judd (who bears more than a little resemblance to a current politician), the head of the Park, Ingrid Tearney and her second in command, Diana Taverner. However, all of these political, and power players, have their own agenda and, in order to gain the upper hand, Lamb must outmanoeuvre them all. This series has been my first great series discovery of 2017 and I am so glad that I finally got around to reading the first novel. ...more

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Oct 14, 2024 Louise Culmer rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Catharines Standish is kidnapped, and Rive Cartwright is told he must break into Park House and steal a confidential file if they want her to be released. Is it really that simple? Of course not. This is the most exciting adventure for the Slow Horses yet. The mystery about this series is that everyone is supposed to be bored at Slough House and yearning to be back at the Park, yet they seem to get far more action as they go from one exciting adventure to another. I would expect keen young agent ...more

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Feb 22, 2023 Marcella rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, 2023-75-book-challenge

My favorite of the three Slough House novels I've read so far, possibly because all of the character development built in books 1 and 2 are coming to fruition in this twisted double-or-triple-bluff cat and mouse game. River remains the hapless fool with a hero complex (but I love him for it), Jackson Lamb a walking pile of dirty laundry with the ability to see through all forms of misdirection, Catherine possibly the strongest of them all. I heart Catherine. Don't take Catherine from me. Roddy i ...more

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Feb 17, 2019 Frances rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery-series

This British series keeps getting better and better-my only concern is that I'm reading them faster than the author can write sequels. This is a spy series which features a gang of failed MI5 agents who've been exiled to Slough House where they are set to menial tasks of the most mundane sort imaginable in the hopes that they will quit or at least stay out of further trouble. When one of their members is kidnapped and held for ransom, the team has to find a way to bring her back while figuring o ...more

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Dec 17, 2022 Carolien rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2022, crime, otsp-mystery-2022

I read this in one sitting, consumed by the double-crossing of the spies and laughing out loud at the descriptions of the Home Secretary. Off to find the next one in the series.

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Feb 09, 2019 Jill rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: mick-herron

When you consider these characters are all supposed to be failures in one way or another, they certainly know how to step up to the mark when needed. This book is full of political maneuvering centered on the secret service, and the ambitions of various people in the hierarchy. One being a Home Secretary whom any one in Britain would recognize instantly from his description.
This is the third book in this series, although there is a 2.5 shorter book preceding this, and I would say it definitely n ...more

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Jan 20, 2016 Tom rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Once again, Nick Herron hits the bull's eye. His Slough House series is super. His stand alones are brilliant. One of the top thriller/spy writers working today. Fortunately, he's got a strong backlist I'm working through. Keep writing, Nick. ...more

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