Real Tigers

SHORTLISTED FOR THE THEAKSTON OLD PECULIAR CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR

"If you read one spy novel this year, read Real Tigers" - The Spectator

"The finest new crime series this millennium" - Mail on Sunday

Real Tigers delves into the murky world of British intelligence through the eyes of the misfits and outcasts stationed at Slough House, a dumping ground for disgraced spies. As part of Mick Herron's gripping espionage series, this novel brilliantly explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption.

Catherine Standish, a recovering alcoholic with a shadowy past, finds herself in the clutches of an unknown captor. She is well aware that such events are never mere coincidences in the intelligence world. Her abduction isn't personal, she's sure of that; it’s connected to Slough House. Jackson Lamb's team of former M15 agents have been mothballed there, sidelined from the action, yet still posing a threat to someone, somewhere.

The stakes are high as Jackson Lamb and his team work frantically to uncover the truth behind Catherine's kidnapping. Lamb, the cynical yet fiercely protective leader of this band of misfits, is a complex character who can be trusted to go to great lengths for his team members, even when his methods are unorthodox and his motives unclear.

In a world where every encounter can turn deadly, Real Tigers serves up a masterclass in tension and intrigue, with each page packed with razor-sharp dialogue and gripping twists. Mick Herron's narrative prowess shines through, making this an unmissable entry in contemporary spy fiction.

Real Tigers is more than just a crime thriller; it’s an exploration of the fractures within the intelligence community and the personal sacrifices made by those who work in its shadows. For fans of smart, sophisticated storytelling flavored with dark humour, this book is a must-read.