Real Tigers (Slough House, #3)

by Mick Herron

Knowing an answer was expected, River said: “He’s hooked up to about seven different machines. Nobody’s expecting him to wake up anytime soon.” “Have they tried switching him off then switching him on again?” “I’ll ask.”

In rather the same way, Dame Ingrid was now realising, that the greatest threat to the Service—and her own role within it—seemed to be emanating from the Home Secretary rather than its more traditional enemies: terrorists, rival security agencies, the Guardian.

No, he doesn’t want to stage a coup, he wants to be acclaimed a saviour. While the leadership falls apart, he’ll be glad-handing local worthies and organising charity balls. Not a hint of treachery in sight.”