Every Spy a Traitor

The Double Agent #1

by Alex Gerlis

Trust no one. Suspect everyone. It’s 1937. Fear and suspicion stalk the Continent. A million have died in Stalin’s Great Purge and the Nazi terror grips Germany. But British intelligence is still trying to work out who the enemy is.

As Europe heads towards war, treason is in the air. British spymasters know there is one Soviet agent in their ranks, codenamed Agent ‘Archie’, and there’s a frantic search to find them. What they don’t know is that he is not the only traitor.

The life of Charles Cooper, a young British writer travelling Europe to research his novel, is about to change for ever…

The thrilling first novel in Alex Gerlis’ new Double Agent espionage series, perfect for fans of Charles Cumming and Mick Herron.

Genres: Espionage, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Germany

397 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2024

About the author

Alex Gerlis was born in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, in 1955. He graduated with a degree in Law and Politics from Hull University in 1977 and, after working as a political researcher and journalist, joined the BBC in 1983 as a researcher on Panorama.

Over the next twenty years he worked on a number of BBC News and Current Affairs programmes, including making documentaries for The Money Programme and election programmes with David Dimbleby and Jeremy Paxman. He has also edited Breakfast News, the One o'Clock News, the Six o'Clock News and the Weekend News for the BBC. In August 1998 he was the BBC TV News duty editor on the day of the Omagh bomb in Northern Ireland, the coverage of which later won a Royal Television Society award. In September 2001 he was one of the BBC Newsroom team covering the attack on the Twin Towers. He has also worked for the BBC throughout Europe, the United States, the Middle East and in China, and from 2005 to March 2011 was Head of Training at the BBC College of Journalism – the body in charge of the training of the corporation's 7,500 journalists.

Alex's first novel was inspired by his work covering the 50th anniversary of D-Day from Normandy. He is married with two daughters and lives in west London.

Reviews

[Susan J. Barrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cooper is probably the most unlikely spy ever, and certainly far from the brightest. Through a series of unfortunate events (and inordinate naivety), he finds himself approached/manoeuvred into offers he’s unable to refuse, not only by the Soviets, but also the British. As a result, he somehow ends up working for both sides, and not even as a double agent, which may have (at least partially) made up for his previous incompetence.
I’m not sure whether this story is supposed to be a farce, but at times it certainly reads like one.
There are quite a number of characters who come and go throughout the novel, occasionally this was confusing. The author also has a habit of name-dropping various streets around Europe, which was a level of detail I found unnecessary at times.
As a spy novel, this lacked the element of suspense I was hoping for, and there didn’t seem to be a structure to it, or a specific plot. I wouldn’t describe it as character-driven either, although Cooper did become a little less naive towards the end of the story, but the character arc was minimal.
Without a clearly discernible plot (other than will the incompetent Cooper, by some miracle, evade identification) the end was somewhat sudden.
Overall, this felt very much like the author’s opportunity to showcase their own knowledge and interest in European cities, and the relationship between the UK and the Soviet Union in the period leading up to WWII.
I’m at a bit of a loss as to how to rate this one, as it wasn’t uninteresting and did hold my attention, but didn’t live up to my expectations. So I’m going with 3.5 stars, with thanks to NetGalley and WF Howes Ltd for the chance to listen to an ARC.
Every Spy a Traitor is out now.

[eyes.2c · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love spy novels! All very exciting. Between wars, post wars, the Cold War. Fascinating! The idea of how a person becomes a spy and then a double agent is arresting. This was fairly slow in developing in the first instance however, which was a drag. In the end I liked Every Spy a Traitor but I just didn’t love it as I’d wanted to.

A Canelo ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Hsm and ReadingredLady mendez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t love it at all. Was a bit confusing to follow and think, thin on plot. Heavy on double agent but too much of their story not enough spying. NetGalley provided the copy which was appreciated

[Nicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this espionage thriller, and I’m glad I took a chance on it when I spotted it on NetGalley recently. It the first book in the Double Agent series by a new-to-me author.
As the synopsis states above it’s about a mole in British Intelligence known as ‘Archie’ and also about Charles Cooper, a young writer whose life takes an extraordinary turn whilst travelling around Europe writing his novel.
It was set in Europe in the 1930s just before the Second World War, so Charles comes into contact with some very interesting people and situations. People who you and me would definitely avoid, but he’s incredibly trusting and tends to take people at face value, which causes him a lot of problems in the long run.
I liked Charles at first and enjoyed his European adventure, although I did find his naivety annoying at times. Maybe it’s because I’ve read a few spy novels, because it was quite obvious what was going to happen to him, every time he thought he was safe.
I loved the setting of this novel, especially the way it took me across lots of European cities. I didn’t have a clue who ‘Archie’ was and I look forward to trying to find out who he is in the the next book.
Definitely recommended if you enjoy espionage thrillers.
Thanks so much to Canelo and NetGalley for my digital copy via the NetGalley app.

[Imran Ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Spy a Traitor by Alex Gerlis is a compelling dive into the shadowy world of espionage set against the backdrop of the impending Second World War. Gerlis delivers a story that keeps readers gripped from start to finish.

The novel introduces readers to a protagonist whose evolution is as captivating as the plot’s twists. The novel blends suspense, complex characters, and the ever-present threat of betrayal in the high-stakes world of intelligence operations. The story is believable and the reader is constantly pondering the tensions created by the constant intrigue.

Gerlis skillfully balances moments of slow-burning anticipation with sharp, adrenaline-fueled scenes that highlight the perils and moral complexities faced by those involved in espionage. The dialogue is appropriate to the period and helps immerse the reader in a Europe that teeters on the brink of devastation.

Every Spy a Traitor leaves readers contemplating the fine line between loyalty and treachery. Gerlis’s work is both an entertaining read and a subtle meditation on trust. It's a great read for fans of historical thrillers and espionage fiction

[Pheadra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this through my online bookclub, Pigeonhole. It started off well with an exciting premise of Charles, a young student, being recruited into the world of spying through British intelligence prior to the Second World War. It then slowed and became confusing. Not for me, though some readers enjoyed it. 3 stars

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you, NetGalley and publishers.

Every Spy a Traitor is a twisty tale of the late 1930s in Europe. A young English writer is reluctantly drawn into the world of espionage, spying for both the UK and the Soviet Union. But there are many other spies, and loyalties are always changing. Perfect for fans of Josh Lawton, this thriller is based on real events.

[Peter Allum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barely a three-star read.

Picked up this novel on account of a strong Financial Times review. What can they have been thinking! Set in the late-thirties involving British and Soviet spies and some implausible plot of overlapping recruitment of a hapless Brit who juggles his dual bosses. Pure hokum. I was reaching for a two-star review but it kept me occupied through a day of airports and flights.

Not recommended.

[SJS Edmonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent start to the new series

Alex has again pulled out an excellent novel the first in a new series that will match those that he has written before eg Wolf Pack or Spy Masters. I cannot wait for the next instalments of Double Agent series. This first novel is fast paced, really well researched and totally engrossing.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've never read any espionage type of book before, so when I saw this on netgalley, I felt drawn to give the spy genre a go.

This novel as the description explains is pre world war 2 begining 1937 where an english man Charles Cooper is travelling around Europe to write his own novel and has become asked to simply take notes and pictures during his travels to which he replies you mean become a spy...!! Fully aware he decides this really shouldn't be too difficult considering his travels are innocent right although he does worry he may end up in jail or otherwise he has agreed to go ahead with the plan.

Throughout this plot there are various twists and turns simple things such as forgetting he is now an irish man not English and letting these things slip due to his own niavety when he meets various characters along his journey in Europe. Some situations that really leave him in some tricky situations that he just doesn't seem to quite ever learn the lesson of being aware and cautious even though he believed at times he was keeping to himself. He was briefed on how to gather Intel, etc, which in his eyes he saw this had been more of an entrapment rather than a recruitment process.

He thereafter takes on the identity of his grandfather to get away from the spy lofe he had been living to end the trace of which he had any involvement when he moved back to London where he was trying to write his novel. He begins to get pulled into things he should have stayed away from, but in Charles Cooper style he lets his curiosity and naivety take over. Then of course it doesn't take long for things to take a turn for him which lead to events he couldn't have expected nor did he wish to be part of but for him the life he began travelling in Europe when he agreed to be a spy set out the rest of his path. Once again he finds himself in a situation he feels he is trapped without a way out without a choice being recruited by MI5 in London to infiltrate, becoming aware if your not an asset you are a liability.

Who is Archie? This first book is setting the scene perfectly for a series with the initial outlay of Charles, code name Bertie now searching for another spy known as a traitor known as Archie in the later chapters....

Oh Charles Cooper how did you ever find yourself in these situations, there is a little humour in the way he trys to navigate his way through all these situations by minimising the severity or danger at times as a coping mechanism.

The narration is done well overall (side note below) and I think along with book cover gives the feeling of black noire movie when you begin to listen to the audio it takes you to that kind of vision until Charles moves back to London giving more of now feeling even though it is still based in the same timeline.

For me personally I don't think this is my usual genre and therefore the story didn't quite hit the mark for me however if this is your point of interest I do believe you would enjoy it alot more.

There has clearly been alot of research went into this book as the detail of this timeline and what was happening around these years from the little I do know is impeccable from this perspective I'd round up to 3.5🌟

NARRATION * Side note at chapter 21, the beginning, there is a repeat of the same sentence*

With thanks and gratitude to Netgalley and W.F. Howes Ltd for the opportunity to listen in advance to this novel in return for a review, all of which are my own views.

[Mal Warwick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A FARCICAL STORY ABOUT SOVIET MOLES IN MI6

Does a farce need to be funny? Wikipedia defines farce as “comedy that seeks to entertain an audience through situations that are highly exaggerated, extravagant, ridiculous, absurd, and improbable.” To me, it seems doubtful that Alex Gerlis set out to create a farce when he wrote Every Spy a Traitor. He’s an accomplished author of espionage fiction. And there is little humor in the novel. But the plot Gerlis weaves around his protagonist, Charles Christopher Cooper, is in fact, exaggerated, extravagant, and improbable. The story is cleverly crafted, of course, and well written. And it’s full of fascinating detail about the practices of the NKVD and Stalin’s purge in the 1930s. None of that is funny in the least. So, the book is an unfunny farce.

And here’s why: Cooper will accidentally become a spy for both the Soviet Union and Great Britain. And not as a double agent. But with neither service knowing about his link to the other. Believe it or not, that’s exactly the story Gerlis tells.

TWO SOVIET SPIES IN MI6

Actually, two spies dominate this story. The hapless Christopher Cooper is one, and we follow his absurd progression through recruitment by both the NKVD and MI6 and then his frantic efforts to keep each knowing about the other. But there’s another man, and he’s not the least bit absurd. We know him throughout by his Soviet codename, Archie. He’s a wealthy aristocrat, a Cambridge graduate, and highly placed in MI6. The NKVD regards him as an excellent source of top-secret information. Of course, the two men’s lives will intersect. But they do so in surprising ways.

VISITING STALIN’S MOST FRENZIED PURGE

What’s most interesting about Every Spy a Traitor is Gerlis’ deep dive into the history of Stalin’s purge of the intelligence service. The story is set in 1937 and 1938, and much of the action takes place in Moscow or in Soviet embassies and consulates elsewhere in Europe. We witness the purge through the eyes of NKVD officers and other Soviet officials as they see colleagues hauled off, one by one, to the basement of the Lubyanka. And we even get a glimpse in the notorious prison itself—including an execution there. Along the way we learn a good deal about the spycraft of the NKVD. And Alex Gerlis is known to be a meticulous researcher, so it seems safe to trust what he writes as at least very close to the truth.

He’s also on solid ground in his portrayal of Archie, the aristocratic spy. MI6 in the 1930s had a full complement of privileged and sometimes aristocratic Communists, most famously the Cambridge Spies. The agency was clueless for many years, and the most prominent of the lot lasted in sensitive positions into the 1950s.

That said, however, I would have enjoyed the book more if the story at its heart hadn’t been so laughably unlikely.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alex Gerlis was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1955. He received a degree in Law and Politics from Hull University and, after working for several years as a political researcher and journalist, joined the BBC as a researcher. Over the next twenty years he worked for BBC News and Current Affairs. He left the BBC in 2011 to write full-time, and has since authored twelve spy novels and two nonfiction books about the Normandy Invasion. Gerlis is married with two daughters and lives in west London.

[Martin Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping and atmospheric start to a great new series.

“Every Spy a Traitor” opens in Moscow, in 1937. A man is rudely awoken to noises outside his hotel room, and he quickly realises it's about to be raided. His female companion urges him to hide in a pre-prepared hidey-hole. Just as she closes him in, he hears the banging at the door, and soon is forced to listen as the woman is taken away and the room searched.

We then turn to an earlier time, Paris 1931, and an unnamed man is enjoying a leisurely road trip across France. He is approached at a café by a man offering advice on what to drink. When he meets the same man again later in Lyon, he realises all is not as it seems.

Skip ahead to England 1936 and another man, soon to find himself in a whole load of trouble, is about to receive some life-changing news from his solicitor.

Soon the reader is set on a journey which will cover the years leading up to WW2, in which plots are set in motion, lives are forever changed, and decisions are made that will have far-reaching consequences. We find ourselves in England, France, Russia and Germany as we are introduced to a large cast of characters, many of whom are swept along in fast moving events over which they have little control. It's difficult to say more without spoiling some wonderful twists and turns which I'm sure will be developed further in the forthcoming books (this is a four-book series).

Fan of Alex Gerlis' previous books will find this one a slightly different read. We've still got characters, some more astute than others, all of whom find themselves drawn into the world of spies and spying, who then suffer the stresses of life as an undercover espionage agent. We still see the effects of living a double life have on them and those around them, and how the spying fraternity is a heartless one. But, unlike the previous books, some of which arguably could be read as stand-alone novels, “Every Spy a Traitor” is clearly part one of four-part, overarching saga. Events are set in motion and plots are put in place, all of which will take time to unfold and become clear. The final lines of the book certainly leave us in no doubt of that.

The opening chapters of this book read like a 1930's black and white Noir film. Naïve young men enjoying the halcyon pleasures of Europe, others whose lives seem set but are about to change, more sinister characters who know dark days are coming, and events which at first seem random, but which soon coalesce into a web of deceit and danger. It seems to do the book an injustice to call it a “page turner”, but that's what it is. Again, the research is impeccable, the atmosphere thick with dread and suspicion. And all painted against the backdrop of 1930's Europe. I dare you not to want to visit a Paris café, or the Kremlin, or the Hague after reading this.

I was fortunate to receive a Netgalley review copy of this book, but be sure I'll be first in the queue for a proper copy of this, and the rest of the series. It's the best yet from a writer who knows his subject. Heartily recommended for existing fans and those of Len Deighton, Ben Creed and Helen Macinnes.

[John Purvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex Gerlis (https://alexgerlis.co.uk) is the author of 20 novels. Every Spy a Traitor was published earlier this month and is the first book in his Double Agent series. It is the 53rd book I completed reading in 2024.

I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this novel as R.

This novel begins in the early 1930s and concludes just after WWII started. Several characters are included in the story, but two Englishmen stand out. One is Charles Cooper, while the other is the mysterious man code-named Archie. While this novel is set on the precipice of WWII, the focus is on British and Russian spies.

Cooper is a young man just out of college when he is approached and somewhat forcefully recruited to spy for the Russians. Incredibly, he is later recruited by MI-6 to spy for the British. Neither side knows of his conflicting connections. He must walk a narrow path to preserve his secrets and avoid detection.

Archie is a man of mystery. Only identified as a high-ranking official within British Intelligence. He will do anything to preserve his position and his secret affiliation with the communists.

The stories of other spies are told. Too often, they end with discovery and death. In some way, these stories intersect with those of Cooper and Archie. Over the period covered by this novel, British intelligence slowly realizes that it has a traitor within.

I enjoyed the 9.5+ hours I spent reading this 397-page WWII-period thriller. I have had the opportunity to read a few of Mr. Gerlis' excellent novels. Among them are Agent in Berlin, Prince of Spies, Ring of Spies, and Agent in Peril. I like the cover art selected for this book. I give this novel a rating of 4.4 (rounded to 4) out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

[Pam Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every Spy a Traitor is a spy’s espionage novel. This book is the first of three in a new series by Alex Gerlis called the Double Agent Series where we meet a handful of spies during the pre-WWII years. Several of the spies we meet are indeed double agents – some purposeful and some only because of blackmail.
We meet Cooper, a young journalist, who is purposeless and rather naïve until he is swayed to join not one, but two, different spy agencies. For opposing sides. He is allegedly writing a book that never happens; probably for the best as he is quite busy trying to escape his duties with both agencies without the other finding out.
And then there is the mole in the British war effort. Unfortunately, this story line is disappointing as we are left with less than an answer as to who and what is going on before the novel ends…. It IS a trilogy, of course. But still disappointing to have so many unanswered questions on the last page.
While the novel has a great deal of realistic and convincing spy craft and detail about pre-WWII Europe, our hero Cooper is likewise a bit of a disappointment as he proves to be less than competent and amazingly unsophisticated – while at the same time a psychopath and killer. Is he really our hero?
The many twists and turns in Every Spy a Traitor, as well as the excellent agent activities, keep the reader happy and compelled to read on. However, I do wish the ending had more of a conclusion than wait until next time. And I do worry about our hero’s dark side.
Rating: 3 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review. Every Spy a Traitor was published on June 6, 2024.

[Dirk Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am grateful I was able to get a copy of this novel through NetGalley.

I'm a sucker for a good WWII spy story. Fiction or non-fiction, it doesn't matter. Just give me more. Every Spy a Traitor sets a compelling story of double agents, spies on both sides and government agencies crippled with spies in their ranks.
While the main protaganist seems a bit naive at times, I think that was on purpose and you see the character grow through the book into a reliable agent. Agent Archie is akin to Kim Philby in my mind, and I treated him like that as I read. A highly placed spy in the British ranks who gave great information to the Soviets. And hard to find who he was no matter what.
With the backdrop of Nazi Germany, the rise of paranoia in Stalin's USSR and fear in the rest of Europe, this book weaves fact with fiction is such a way that you feel like you are reading more fact than fiction.
I am glad that this is the first in a series as there are a few story lines that are not resolved and I need to know how they end.
Great characters, good settings and lots of intrigue.
I think this book is more enjoyable knowing more of WWII spy history, allowing the reader to appreciate the stories, the thoughts going through characters minds and how easy it would be to be trapped in these circumstances.
A highly entertaining read and I look forward to the next in the series.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of the Double Agent series and an entertaining and engrossing read although it can be quite baffling at times trying to keep track of all the spies involved in the story, at least whilst they are alive! It is 1937 and young Englishman and budding writer Charles Cooper inherits some money. He decides to travel Europe and get some ideas about a novel he wants to write. Instead however he finds himself caught up in the vortex of evil transforming both Germany and Russia.

Briefly, Cooper finds himself in a position of spying for both Russia and England and although he doesn’t call himself a Double Agent he is in all but name. Whose side is he actually on and does he even know the answer to that? MI6 want him to find out who the Russian agent ‘Archie’ is whilst the Russians are so busy killing each other that Cooper tries to keep clear of them. Confused? So is Cooper!

Cooper is a great character, rather hapless but as the story progresses he seems to be growing into his new role. Using a mix of real people, places and events alongside fiction the author has given us a really good read. A very good spy thriller with plenty of suspense and a few loose ends waiting to be tied up so I am ready for book 2!

[Catsalive · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never been a big fan of espionage tales, mainly because I find them too convoluted & confusing, I think, & they are usually very grim, but I really enjoyed this tale of the slightly gormless Charles Cooper who finds himself caught in the unlikely situation of being recruited involuntarily by both the British & the Russians. Perhaps not really gormless, because he is reasonably intelligent, but certainly naive. He's not really a double agent as neither side knows about the other.

Our man has some luck, heaped helpings of both good & bad, but ends the day alive & undiscovered. Although, every time he thinks he's managed to escape Russian observation, they have him in their sights again.

At the same time, the Russians are running Agent Archie in London, someone highly-place & providing good intelligence to them. A real spy who went in with his eyes open, a very dangerous man.

At the end of this book, WWII has just been declared & things are looking very dangerous for Cooper. I'm really looking forward to finding out what happens to him in the next book, & how they are going to find & stop Archie. I may even check out the author's back catalogue as I enjoyed his writing very much.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start of a brand new spy series. I've read all Alex Gerlis's previous series and enjoyed them all. This one is set the 1930s. Charles Cooper has inherited some money. He decides to take a break and travel around Europe. He is, to a certain extent, an innocent abroad. He finds himself unwittingly recruited by the Soviet Union as a communist spy. On returning to England, he believes he has walked away from the situation but his life soon becomes even more complicated.
This is a gripping read which at times seemed rather amusing. Cooper's hapless attempts to stay out of trouble seem to only lead him into worse scenarios. The operations of the different spy agencies in both Britain and Russia makes for interesting reading, as did the changing political situation in Russia as Europe heads towards war.
There are a number of unresolved points at the end of the book and so I'm eagerly looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.

[Michael Martz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the 1930's and, as Europe is dealing with Hitler's rise and a potential war, lots of cloak and dagger stuff is taking place behind the scenes. The Russians recruit a young Brit to spy for them, hoping he'll find a place in the upper reaches of England's power elite at some point. He does, eventually, as a key player in MI6. At about the same time, another young English man inherits some money, decides to travel through Europe to create some material for a book, and is duped into becoming a Russian spy as well. He realizes his mistake and escapes back to Britain where he is recruited to spy for a clandestine department in the country's intelligence community. His past as a Soviet spy, well hidden from his current employer, returns to haunt him as MI6 learns of a traitor in their midst.

This is a fine, old-school type spy novel with solid, atmospheric writing and lots of historical references. I did have a bit of a problem with the main character making many bad decisions, but the story itself was fine and I look forward to subsequent offerings in the series.

[neel khare · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slow burn and you really need to concentrate hard to keep track of the various characters in the book who come and go and then reappear later in the book . There are three main characters in the book around which the story is centred- Archie , Cooper and Branstone , each of them pretend to be someone they are not and as you read the author makes links between their stories
Reading the book gives you the idea of what it means to a be a spy in that 1920-1930s era where you cannot trust anyone and being on the right side is cricual for survival and one must be willing to change colours like a chamaelon and blend in with whichever side is in favour .
4* because the end is abrupt and after finishing the book you really are confused as to the loyalties of the main character in the book but I guess that was expected when the subtitle of the book reads "trust no one suspect everyone"

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Spy A Traitor by Alex Gerlis and narrated by Phillipe Bosher is an intriguing thriller set in the pre-WWII era during movements and machinations in Europe, under the nose of British intelligence, still trying to ascertain who is the primary foe, Stalin or Hitler. Added to this, there is a mole in the ranks on the brink of jeopardizing the entire British espionage and intelligence operation

The premise was very clever, the MMC travelling to Europe to write a novel, not with any intention of getting embroiled in espionage on a global level. Well written, unique and dynamic, a compelling listen

A challenging narration of a lot of different accents and personalities and Phillipe Bosher puts in a great performance

Thank you to Netgalley, W.F. Howes Ltd, the author Alex Gerlis and narrator Phillipe Bosher for this ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

[David Lowther · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read and enjoyed every one of Alex Gerlis’ novels. Every Spy a Traitor is not one of his best. The chief difficulties relate to the confusing number of personalities adopted by the main character - Cooper - and his general incompetence in the first half of the book. Surely no one as useless as Cooper appeared to be would never lasted five minutes as a spy.
Having said that, once Cooper grows into a credible espionage agent and the hunt for the mole at the heart of the British establishment begins it really picks up and the climax is exciting making the sequel, when it’s published, a very interesting proposal.

David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War, The Summer of’39 (all published by Sacristy Press) and Ordinary Heroes (published by I M Books).

[David Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as historical fiction goes, Gerlis did a great job of taking his readers directly into pre-WWII Europe. Even though Cooper, the protagonist, was quite naive about the dangers that permeated within Nazi Germany and Communist Russia in the late 1930s, the author gave just enough warning signs to ramp up the tension and intrigue. On the downside, while Cooper was a likable main character, I often found myself cringing at his childlike innocence and gullibility while walking through the endless perils of pre-war Europe. In any event, Cooper will need to develop a little more sophistication and better sense of danger if Gerlis wants his protagonist to survive this interesting series.

[Di Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those spy novels where you're never quite sure what's happening, yet it's totally gripping! There's a large cast of characters, and it's not easy keeping track of who's who and how they're connected, but ultimately, it all comes together. The main protagonist, Cooper, is well-characterised in that you're never quite sure about him ... even at the end. Speaking of which, I loved the ending! The historical aspect of the period, the run-up to the outbreak of World War II, is also intriguing, although not central to the plot. Thank you, Pigeonhole and Alex Gerlis for the opportunity to read it. This is a must-read for all lovers of Cold War spy novels!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1937 Charles Cooper is a young aspiring author who, after coming into some money, decides to travel round Europe to research his new novel. Somehow he manages to be recruited as a spy for both Russia and Britain but he's not the only Briton spying for Russia. I did enjoy the book though I found it quite confusing at times and thought Cooper was extremely naive to say the least. I also didn't realise that this is the first in a new series which would explain why we never found out who the other spy "Archie" is. Thanks to the Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity of reading this book.

[Laura Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thrilling read and a great start to the series.
I loved how the author set the book in the run-up to the outbreak of WW2, especially in relation to Stalin's 1936 purge in Soviet Russia.
The multiple points of view really kept me on my toes, and although I got a bit confused between Archie, Bertie/Cooper it did not spoil my enjoyment of the story.
The author has clearly done lots of detailed research beforehand to ensure the scenery/political landscape was accurate.
I look forward to reading the next books in the series and the author's extensive back catalogue.
With thanks to the author and Pigeonhole for the opportunity.

[SEE-J · Rating 2 out of 5]

So you've got two spies - One (really willingly) blackmailed into spying for Russia (We never did find out his identity in this book even though a good deal of the later chapters were about hunting this mole who had risen quickly in MI6), another unwittingly recruited/blackmailed(yes right he was seeking to publish a stupid book and walked into a trap anyone with half a brain could see from miles out) into NKVD but decided to just fuck it and walk away only to be unwittingly recruited by a MI6-like outfit to Spy for Britain against commies in the country, neither side aware of his non-allegiance like the guy was in some fantasy spy-land where bad things happen but no consequences ever land.

[Melisende · Rating 2 out of 5]

As much as I truly love a spy / espionage novel, this one just did not gel with me and I found the character of Charles Cooper aka "Bertie" rather .... grating.

I just did not like him from the start and as such found the narrative rather forced to get the reader to believe that this person would make / be a suitable agent. Many pre-Cold War agents were drawn from the upper echelons of British society or were "approached" at university; and yet this character just did not sit right with me - especially as an agent sent into Stalinist Russia!. As such, I failed to become invested in the narrative and could not wait for tome to end. I will not be pursuing any further books in the series.

[Marc Diepstraten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a bit on the fence with this one. The setting is ok including the intense paranoia of the Russians. But there are a number of decisions by lead characters that are implausible or just plain dumb which left me wondering. You get the feeling that Gerlis. Has written himself into a corner and had to pull the strangest tricks to get himself out of there, just to keep the story going. Also lots of interludes with chapters of the quick rise and demise of people on the fringe especially Russians. Backstory I guess. Not the worst and not the best out there. The way it ends suggest that this is the first of a series.