Charlie M by Brian Freemantle (June 2022)

[Roman Clodia]

Welcome to our buddy read of Charlie M by Brian Freemantle for June 2022:

A decidedly un-Bond-like British spy outwits the Soviets--and his bosses--in this thriller from a multimillion-selling author that offers "pure delight" (Chicago Tribune).

Charlie Muffin is an anachronism. He came into the intelligence service in the early 1950s, when the government, desperate for foot soldiers in the impending Cold War, dipped into the middle class for the first time. Despite a lack of upper-class bearing, Charlie survived twenty-five years on the espionage battle's front line: Berlin. But times have changed: The boys from Oxford and Cambridge are running the shop again, and they want to get rid of the middle-class spy who's a thorn in their side. They have decided that it's time for Charlie to be sacrificed. But Charlie Muffin didn't survive two decades in Berlin by being a pushover. He intends to go on protecting the realm, and won't let anyone from his own organization get in his way.

[Rosina]

For subscribers to Audible in the UK, the book is available free with Audible Plus. I haven't listened to it yet ...

[Nigeyb]

Just downloaded. Will give it a go 🫡

[Susan]

Looking forward to finally getting around to this one. Here's a link to a podcast about the series:

https://spybrary.com/10-charlie-muffin/

Might be spoilers so I might listen after reading.

[Sid]

I'll be in - probably when I've polished off the Maigret I'm reading for Reading The Detectives. ( A Man's Head if you're interested - the first 20% or so is good!)

[Susan]

Good to hear, Sid. I have never really clicked with Maigret but we have so many series running on Detectives I've had to pick and choose!

[Sid]

I've been a bit ambivalent about Maigret, too, but the new Penguin translations are much better than the 50s and 60s ones I've read previously and I'm enjoying them much more.

[Susan]

Yes, had we not had so many series running, I would have tried, but I think I am currently following Gervase Fen, Falco, Flavia de Luce, Freddy Pilkington-Soames the Cyril Hare ones, Hilary Tamar and Catherine Aird. Even there, I feel I have missed one :)

[Sid]

There's the Ocean Liner series by Edward Marston, too, although having read the first I may bail from that one. Plus Punshon's Bobby Owen series and Cadfael, neither of which I've committed to.

Plenty to be going on with!

[Susan]

I liked Cadfael when younger but didn't really get into them this time around. Perhaps it was just the wrong book, wrong time. Yes, will probably continue the Ocean Liner series, but not Bobby Owen.

Plenty, as you say, to read!

[Nigeyb]

Having realised I'm a tad overcommitted in the next couple of months because of my enthusiasm for this group, I've gone early on this.

I'm a few chapters into the audiobook and thoroughly enjoying it. The way Charlie Muffin consistently annoys, but also outthinks, his disapproving public school superiors is already a rich source of entertainment.

A fun read so far.

[Susan]

I have finished this now and really loved it. Good fun and I'm pleased I tried it.

[Nigeyb]

Thanks for suggesting it Susan - I would not be bothering without your encouragement.


Just noticed you rated it five stars. I look forward to reading your review once I finish.

I should add that being written in the 70s by a bloke I have just encountered the first example of the predictable casual sexism. Jeez. What were some men on in the late 20th century?

[Susan]

I was unsure whether to give four or five stars, but I really enjoyed it and so opted for five. Yes, it is a product of its era though. I remember watching TV in the Seventies and wondering why all those pretty young girls liked old men with bad mustaches!

[Nigeyb]

This certainly is a quick and easy listen


I'm close to the end now. There's plenty to enjoy but it is a little broadbrush in parts and not a patch on John le Carré or Mick Herron who are far more nuanced and credible.

Susan wrote: "I remember watching TV in the Seventies and wondering why all those pretty young girls liked old men with bad mustaches!"

This is a real bugbear, even by the standards of the 70s the wife and the mistress are ludicrously one dimensional and simpering.

I was confused why Charlie describes his wife as tight (mean with money) when talking to his mistress but his wife states to him that all her money is his. As you say Susan, the adoration they both have for him (albeit qualified on the part of the mistress) is a little ridiculous. There's really no need to make Charlie a Bond-style magnet for any woman who comes near him.

I'm also struggling a bit with how all the bosses are such idiots and why Charlie is not afforded any respect. I cannot accept that the intelligence service would be peopled by such naive and closed minded types who blunder around. le Carré this certainly aint.

Still, I am really enjoying it but am finding the issues I raise above a tad distracting. I'll most likely try the next book in the series as there's still a lot to enjoy.

[Susan]

Yes, I enjoyed it despite the faults. It was, as you say, a quick and easy lesson and lots of fun.

[Pamela]

I’m just starting the audiobook today as it sounds like a fun listen

[Nigeyb]

Wonderful news Pamela

[Susan]

Charlie Muffin has such a delightful ring to it - he's a good anti-hero.

[Nigeyb]

Finished


A very satisfying and unexpected ending which goes some way to mitigating my earlier criticism

I'm now very intrigued to know where the story goes from here

I will be listening to the next one soon - it's also included with the Audible subscription

[Susan]

Glad you liked it, Nigeyb. I will also continue and liked the twist.

[Nigeyb]

Thanks Susan


I've now penned my spoiler free review of this short and engrossing Cold War-era spy tale...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

4/5

I'm looking forward to discovering what everyone else makes of this novel, and also how many people are inspired to continue with the series

[Nigeyb]

I'm so intrigued to know what happens next that I have started listening to the second book in the series...


Here Comes Charlie M (1980)

Avoid the blurb though as it contains spoilers for this book

[Sid]

I'm afraid I really disliked it and bailed out at about half-way. My very grumpy but spoiler-free review explains more and is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Roman Clodia]

Haha, nothing better than a grumpy review from Sid to cheer up a tea break 😂

[Pamela]

Great grumpy review! I must admit I thought it was one of those ‘spoof’ novels that were popular in the 70s, so was a bit puzzled by the le Carré and Deighton comparisons. It feels like a Tom Sharpe or David Nobbs to me. I’m a bit worried if I’m supposed to take it seriously.

[Nigeyb]

Sid wrote: "I'm afraid I really disliked it and bailed out at about half-way. My very grumpy but spoiler-free review explains more and is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Great stuff Sid

I agree with all of that and yet and yet and yet....

....I found I warmed to it considerably

The sexism and, to an extent, the idiocy of the higher ups, does make a bit more sense in the end. Not much.

Either way, it's no Deighton or le Carré

I've nearly finished the second book and the ridiculous conduct and decision making of the higher ups get taken to even greater levels of absurdity (but I'm still enjoying it!)

[Jill]

I’m about a quarter in now, and so far really like Charlie. As you say no way a Deighton or le Carre, more a Jeeves and Wooster to me.

[Nigeyb]

Nigeyb wrote:



"I'm so intrigued to know what happens next that I have started listening to the second book in the series...

Here Comes Charlie M (1980)"


A spoiler free review of Charlie Muffin #2...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

3/5

[Susan]

I thought it was good fun, but I take the points made :)

[Nigeyb]

Agreed Susan


Are you continuing with the series?

[Jill]

Finished Charlie M and really liked it. I loved the way Charlie plays with his superiors, and those that think they are. For me, the end was perfect and I really want to read on, and know what happens next.

[Susan]

Glad you liked it, Jill,

I do intend to continue the series, Nigeyb. I am just a bit over-stretched at the moment. Reading some Detectives books and NetGalley ones, but definitely will read the next one.

[Nigeyb]

That's good to know Jill - I'll be very interested to discover what you make of it


If I can carve out the time I'll listen to number three.