BAD ACTORS by Mick Herron (released last Spring) is book eight in the Slough House Series which is not one to be missed in print; plus, two seasons, (titled Slow Horses) are available with more planned through Apple TV+. The series titles are best read in order, but can function as stand-alones. After all, few can resist a spy story like BAD ACTORS that begins: "The woods were lovely, dark, and deep, and full of noisy bastards." That encapsulates Herron's snarky commentary, often expressed by his main character, Jackson Lamb, who heads a group of misfit spies (MI5 rejects), bending normal rules, and subtly (OK, sometimes, not so subtly) pushing them to the edge of their abilities. While after bad guys, Lamb is also out to get revenge on a manipulative former colleague, Diana Taverner, and the way they dance around each other is fascinating. Herron has crafted an exciting, fast-paced thriller series that includes a large dose of crude comic moments. This latest entry has been widely praised: BAD ACTORS received starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly ("an outstanding mix of arch humor, superb characterizations, and trenchant political observations").

I really enjoyed the latest novel in series. Once thing that I think Mick Herron gets right is the pacing of these novels. Fun, full of action, and keeps you on your seat!

Another excellent entry. Jackson Lamb is a character for the ages. My husband and I have started watching the Apple TV series, so it was a challenge to read this book and simultaneously reflect on what had happened through the course of eight books to some of the characters. I enjoyed the plot, as the PM's advisor disappears; former MI5 chief Claude Whelan is tasked with tracking her down, but the slow horses try their hand at it, too, with their usual ensuing chaos. As always, there's a lot of amusing back-and-forth banter between Lamb and Diana Taverner, MI5's First Desk and his frequent nemesis; when it seems like she's being set up to take a fall, though, it's Lamb and his slow horses who end up sorting out some of the issues. A carefully-plotted story with Herron's usual strong characterizations and sly sense of humor.

Mick Herron's further adventures of The Slough Horses, is welcome. The story of these misfits of British intelligence (too much of a risk to have as a part of the normal intelligence apparatus, placed too awkwardly to fire outright), does not disappoint. There is action, suspense, humor, and the usual spycraft that Herron does so well. Don't spend time on Apple + watching the pale-by-comparison series based on these books! Mick Herron has created a gritty world with deeply flawed characters, not a pretty picture, but one that could be more reflective of the actual world of espionage.

When I had the opportunity to get an advance reader copy of the latest Slough House book I jumped at the chance. Word of warning to other readers: they should be read in order to get maximum enjoyment out of them. And not only the full-length novels, but also the couple of story combinations Herron has published. Those who know and love Herron's works understand that things happen in his books that have impacts down the line and if you break into that narrative line you may be confused/disappointed/sad at what you find there. Having said that as an advance warning, I know those who have read the series in order will enjoy the latest immensely.

In this latest work the denizens of Slough House are once again thrown into the midst of the latest political and intelligence kerflufle to confront this corner of Her Majesty's Government (as if she didn't have enough to worry about with her immediate family). In this book a government fixer/advisor/manipulator of the Prime Minister has some outside influence to assist him in his nefarious plans to subvert British democratic institutions and it's up to Jackson Lamb and his assets (?) at Slough House to play a role in countering that.

A centerpiece of the book is chase through the town of Wimbledon that bounces back and forth between characters like a tennis match in classic Herron style. It's just one of the enjoyable interludes in this book and carries it's own cinematic quality and pacing.

For those who have seen the Apple TV presentation of Herron's first Slough House book, "Slow Horses," you'll recognize many of the characters and enjoy guessing which actors they will get to play some of the characters in this one. Here's hoping there are at least 7 future airings of the TV series.

Fasten your seat belt and hang on for a wild ride with the Slough House crew. Their numbers may be diminished but the remaining secret Service rejects still have work to do. The struggle between Downing Street and Regent's Park is brought to a head when a Downing Street think tank member disappears. The Prime Minister's evil, conniving aide sees this as the perfect opportunity to take over the Secret Service and oust it's First Desk. Russian spies are involved as well. Never fear - Jackson Lamb and crew are on the case with Lamb playing one end against the middle. There are car chases, people on roofs, a mysterious fire and a bang up free-for-all involving Shirley Dander.
This is one of the best in the series and you definitely won't be bored!

Plenty of bad actors in this book starting with the PM's bully boy Sparrow. Diana Taverner, current First Desk at Regents Park, is another. The question is who will come out ahead when the two clash? The clash comes when a forecaster for the PM disappears , maybe with the aid of the Service. At least that is how Sparrow is spinning this event, trying to bring the Service more firmly under the thumb of the PM. But that backfires due to the inadvertent interference of the slow horses of Slough House. Eventually, the tale is revealed in segments, fights ensue, agents are dispatched and heroics are done on many sides. In all a satisfying addition to this series.

Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this title!

This is the eighth book in the series, but don’t worry about spoilers. The author does a great job of keeping each story almost a stand alone, but to truly understand the characters and their interactions, as well as their motivations, I do recommend that you start at the beginning of the series.

There is a large cast of characters and sometimes it is hard to keep track of them all, but the slow horses are the most memorable ones. Most of them that have survived this far are back and just as clueless yet somehow very smart and getting the job done before MI5 even knows what is happening. This story also shows how they are all dealing with losses and the pandemic as well as other issues.

The story centers around Diana Taverner, who is the first desk at MI5 and Jackson Lamb, head of Slow House. Their relationship is an interesting one, with both of them hating each other, but still willing to work together and have each others backs when necessary. Lamb seemed a bit toned down this time around, not as racist or as misogynistic as usual. As awful as he is though, you have to love him in that he really does care for his crew and what happens to them. I kept getting the feeling that his rough exterior is all an act, so that people won’t take him seriously when they should. Catherine is usually not very likable either, but in a different way. But you find yourself rooting for her in this book.

This book like all of the others, is rooted in current events and political scandals that seem to occur on a regular basis in any country. I like that the Prime Minister and Russia’s President are never mentioned by name, but you know who the characters are talking about anyways. The plot is convoluted and as twisty as spy novels usually are, so you do need to pay close attention. It didn’t help that it starts sort of in the middle of the story and then flashes back to events that happened a few days before and then goes back to the present. But lots of action and some dark humor keep you entertained and wanting to figure out what is really going on before the characters do.

Another wonderful book and a great addition to the series. If you enjoy spy novels that are full of action, quirky characters that you will love even when you don’t like them, then this is a series I recommend you pick up.

The ragtag bunch of misfit spies return to Slough House for another engrossing (non)mission. As always, Herron's pacing is immaculate, and his prose delightful. The story is told from multiple perspectives, and the intensity increases as readers come ever closer to the conclusion. Exciting, intricate, funny, wonderful. Fans of spy fiction and quirky, flawed characters will love it.

The First Desk at MI5, Diana Taverner, is in trouble. A Steve Bannon-style politician who wants to burn it all down has decided he will install his own lackey. Meanwhile, an old-hand Russian operative appears in London and seems quite unbothered that MI5 knows it. Taverner has to turn to (shudder) Jackson Lamb and his crew of misfit spies, Slough House, for assistance. As Taverner does a disappearing act, one of the misfits is locked up in a hospital for deranged spies, thanks to her overactive cocaine habit - and things get confusing.

As usual, Herron brings present-day politics to the table, doused in acidic wit. Another frenetic, funny, and furious entry in an excellent series.

Another fast paced, exciting, tantalizing book about Slough House and it’s veritable cast of characters. Focusing more on those circling Slough House -this is a book you can’t put down unless of course you don’t want to see it end; and the news at the end-well makes it all worthwhile-but I won’t give away the spoiler. Politics gone bad-what else is new-but the services role makes this an exciting and fun read. One of the best titles I’ve read in a long time.