The Miernik Dossier

By: Charles McCarry

Narrated by: Christopher Cazenove, Stephen Hoye, Moira Quirk, Stefan Rudnicki

The Miernik Dossier is the dazzling first novel, newly reissued, by master spy novelist Charles McCarry. In this riveting, imaginative tale, five international agents embark on a car trip in a Cadillac, traveling from Switzerland to the Sudan. Among them are Paul Christopher, an American operative; Kalash el Khatar, the seven-foot-tall Muslim prince; Ilona Bentley, the beautiful half-English, half-Hungarian girlfriend of the British national, Nigel Collins; and Tadeusz Miernik, the shy and bumbling Polish scientist who might be the leader of a terror force that could set the Cold War aflame.

Related as a collection of dossier notes written by the five characters, the novel reveals a complicated web in which each spins his or own deception: each is a spider, and each is a spy.

©1973 Charles McCarry (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

Dated, but interesting

The author tells the story in a series of letters, reports, diary excerpts, building up genuine tension around the question of whether Miernik is a Soviet agent or just a blundering Pole who speaks Arabic. As someone who has worked in a government bureaucracy, I was really impressed with how the author caught the tone and way of thinking of the bureaucrats he created.
For me, the story had a bit too much sex and violence, a little too much of the air of 1970’s spy movies. But cleverness of the storytelling in the end won me over.

Captures the paranoia

Well written and very well read. It captures both the naivite and the paranoia of the era quite well. Is he or isn't he a spy/enemy agent? Story told through "official" documents and debriefings is an excellent vehicle for a taut plot. Different from the usual cold-war spy thriller and well worth the listen.

An American LeCarre

This book reminds me of nothing so much as my first experience with John le Carre. Excellently drawn characters, believable dialogue, compelling plot lines, and an extraordinary capture of the atmosphere of time and place that are true to the geopolitical situation of the time. The author gradually reveals the many levels of practical and moral ambiguity of the situation on the ground, and for the main characters through their choices and actions. The literary device of telling the story as through a reading of a case file rather than the more traditional narrative structure works very well in this novel. Finally, I found the narration greatly increased my enjoyment of the novel. I cannot complement the voice actors highly enough.

Riveting Spy story

Realistic, thoughtful depiction of espionage. Well developed, fascinating characters. Not a pulp thriller but a masterfully crafted tale of intrigue and an examination of the human condition.

Fascinating look at post WWII espionage.

I loved the enigma at the heart of this story: who are the good guys? And specifically who was Miernik working for? Very well written and narrated.

Creative story structure

I appreciated the unique structure of the story, told from a series of intel dossier reports. The story itself was good (not great), but the approach and good performance by the voice actors made it a pleasure to listen to.

Intrigue & Unique format

Excellent book with unique characters. A deep look into where our suspicions lead us and how people come to see others. Self fulfilling prophecies and ambition..
Almost 50 years old and still amazing to read..

Creative, unique storytelling

I've never heard a book or story told in this way. It was very intriguing. Hard to get into for the first couple chapters. However, the storyline began to unfold and it was easier.

The story itself left some things to be desired in my opinion. With this type of storytelling, character development is much more difficult. The resolution of the story was a bit anti-climactic as well.

Overall, I will likely read another but I can put it in my all time favorites. If you are looking for something different and a change of pace to help stir up the way you read and interpret... worth it.

Outstanding

I have long been a fan of john LeCarre. In every way this is equal to or better than the Smiley series of books. The difference is that in this book there is a far more realistic outcome. I won’t say more to spoil an ending This is a MUST to read and or listen. The narration is superb. The story captivating. The characters 3 dimensional Do yourself a favor and read / listen.

Unusual format

Unusual format. If it were a movie you would watch it again as soon as it finished to see what you missed the first time. I enjoyed it. In the ending the hubris and lack of conscious we are witnessing today from our “intelligence” services is evident. Likely it has always been there.