The Insider

By: Matthew Richardson

Narrated by: Sean Barrett

Brought to you by Penguin.

A thrilling novel of espionage and murder in the dark heart of Westminster, from the UK's most exciting new spy writer.

A Russian defector is found brutally murdered in a London hotel.

Only four people knew he had turned - the four most important and powerful figures in Whitehall.

There's only one conclusion - a mole has infiltrated the highest levels of the nation's security.

Operating in secret from within Westminster's darkest corners, former spy Solomon Vine must uncover the traitor.

Because Britain's future hangs in the balance.

And with it the fate of the whole world....

©2021 Matthew Richardson (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Proof that the spy genre is flourishing in the 21st century.... [Richardson's] plotting has an old-school, Swiss-clock precision." (Guardian)

"Compelling, intense and sharply authentic." (James Swallow, best-selling author of Nomad)

"A splendid tale of espionage starring an old-fashioned MI6 hero...exciting spy literature." (Times)

Em…what is going on… never mind.

I actually have a lit degree, but I gave up on this one! Pretty writing.

Thoroughly enjoyed this espionage tale!

The protagonist is a grizzled veteran of the spy game called back into service to investigate the possibility of a Russian mole at the highest levels of British government. There are quite a few twists and turns the harrowing conclusion. I look forward to more of Richardson's books. The narration was a bit slow, so I just sped it up, but the story was engrossing!

I wanted to love it

I really wanted to love it, to be sucked in. But the narrator just never sparked. It feels like a good effort on the author’s part, and there’s an atmosphere and subtlety that comes across, an appealing dryness. There are some nice passages and clever turns of phrase. But I just didn’t believe it. The dialogue isn’t convincing. I purchased another book and tried to come back with fresh ears… still no joy. The narrator seems well cast for the genre. Maybe you’ll enjoy it but it’s no JLC.

great classic espionage

as good as the best of today and of older days of the cold war, le carre(still), silva, greaney, a very few others. hard to find this level of espionage novels these days, unfortunately almost all other authors nowadays can't write. reminiscent of Forsyth's Fourth Protocol.

A TRUELY EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG AUTHOR

With 900 books downloaded I'm becoming increasingly frustrated. Those of you who have loved audible books over the years I'm sure feel the same way. Our standards have risen actually, haven't they, having been exposed to excellent writing and superb narration on occasion, it becomes very difficult to go back. The authors I have listened to over the years, even if talented, become lazy, don't put the work in, and turn out really lousy books year after year now. Combine poor quality prose, with mediocre narration and it really becomes an unsatisfying experience. Then by chance, I stumbled onto this young author, this being his second novel, joined by Mr. Barrett as voice actor who is just superb. I hope this pairing goes on forever!

Slow story hindered by poor audio quality.

I struggled with this, mostly I think due to poor production. The story wasn't bad but I had to constantly replay entire chapters as it didn't hold my attention. The narration volume level was extremely low, even playing at full/high volume across 3 different devices, including in my car (never had this issue with previous 300+ books), so I have to believe that's either an issue with production, or the narration.

Trite is being generous

Solomon Vine is a grizzled veteran of every element of espionage. Just ask him. Even so, despite his decades of experience, etc, he misses the solution so poorly idem within the author’s clumsy plotting and leaden prose. It is a poor tale, filled with poorly conceived characters, poorly told.

I pity the narrator.