Book cover of Legacy

Book description

Charles Thorougood is an agent of MI6 working in London during the Cold War, with a young Soviet assistant. Unexpectedly he learns of a strange legacy left to him by his estranged father, the implications of which are much darker than expected at first. The first novel in a spy…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Legacy as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I loved the authentic setting in London in the mid-1970s, which was real in every way to me. The insights Judd offers from experience into the shadowy world of British intelligence are comparable to Le Carré's, with the same knowing detachment as the plot rolls along. The story is all too believable while maintaining its high-stakes premise, and grips until the final page. The hero Charles Thoroughgood manages to be both relatable and an action-man risk-taker when required. Can't believe it took me so long to discover this novel.

My selections are based on good writing and authenticity, even Fleming peppered his Bond books with elements of the real thing that no one but insiders would know, like ‘M’ writing his memos in green ink on blue notepaper. Alan Judd who served as a British army officer before joining MI6 has written a series of books about Charles Thoroughgood, a former army officer who like Judd himself ‒ his real name is Alan Petty ‒ then joined MI6. Every one of them is a gem, reeking of authenticity. A former colleague of Judd even told me that one of…

From Michael's list on spy thrillers by former members of MI6.

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