The Catch

The Catch by Mick Herron is a compelling and tightly crafted tragicomedy that dives into the perilous world of British Intelligence with sharp wit and sardonic humour. The story revolves around John Bachelor, a washed-up spy who has learned to keep his head down to survive. John's current predicament is less than enviable; living rent-free in the flat of a deceased colleague, he wakes up one morning to the unwelcome visit of two heavies from Regent's Park.

The heavies are on the hunt for Benny Manors, a client John hasn't seen in years. Unbeknownst to him, Benny has stolen some highly sensitive secrets that have attracted dangerous attention. With his own safety at risk and the threat of losing his unconventional living arrangement, John embarks on a reluctant quest to find Benny before it's too late.

Benny could be found anywhere in London, but one thing is for certain: he'd be somewhere alcohol is served. As John navigates through the capital's pubs and bars, he is plagued by ongoing concerns about his precarious future. Will he end up homeless, sleeping in his car? How many more bottles of gin can he afford at exorbitant London prices? And perhaps most worryingly, to what extremes will Regent's Park go to silence anyone threatening the stability of the Establishment?

This brief yet potent serio-comic novel showcases Herron's distinctive style—packed with razor-sharp one-liners and a narrative that cleverly unravels to reveal the absurdities and dangers of the spy game. With its smartly plotted storyline and richly developed characters, The Catch demonstrates why Mick Herron is widely regarded as one of the finest thriller writers in Britain today.

'This tightly plotted tragicomedy will provide a welcome fix for addicts awaiting Herron's seventh Jackson Lamb novel.' The Times

'Packed with Herron's trademark witty one-liners and sardonic humour... it's clear why Herron is a force to be reckoned with and the best thriller writer in Britain today.' Daily Express

'A slim serio-comic offering... It plays out typically cleverly.' Sunday Times