Agents of Treachery

Starred review from April 12, 2010
Astonishingly, as mystery maestro Penzler points out in his cogent introduction, “there has never been, until now, a collection of original stories devoted” to spy fiction. Penzler has assembled 14 of the biggest names in the thriller genre—such as Lee Child, Joseph Finder, Stephen Hunter, Gayle Lynds, and David Morrell—who all rise to the challenge of writing a short story set in the complex world of international espionage. This unique anthology’s best entry, Charles McCarry’s “The End of the String,” which depicts an intelligence officer’s role in a planned coup aimed at a despotic African president-for-life, will evoke comparisons with John le Carré and Graham Greene. The superlative writing is matched by the variety, which ranges from tales with clever twists to straightforward ones, some contemporary, others with historical settings.

Starred review from May 1, 2010
This remarkable collection of 14 short stories explicating tradecraft from the OSS of World War II through today's "sleepers" and terrorists is contributed by leading contemporary American and British stars in spy fiction. Editor Penzler has chosen well as no disappointments lurk here, and the stories move the reader on a roller coaster of moods from dismal through the brightest of lights and back again. Prominent among the contributors, Charles McCarry summons West African horrors, John Lawton offers a hilarious con job, James Finder springs a sudden surprise, John Weisman demonstrates that it's hard for a spy to stay alive, and Dan Fesperman's storytelling shines, as does Stella Rimington's. VERDICT Those spy fans who enjoy the excellent writing in the celebrated novels of these contributors will discover no loss of tension or excitement here and are likely to acquire new appreciation for the skill with which the authors deliver their tales.Jonathan Pearce, California State Univ.-Stanislaus, Stockton, CA

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from May 1, 2010
Spy fiction and short stories are usually mutually exclusive. As editor Penzler points out in his introduction, spy fiction is usually lengthy, as the authors weave byzantine plots bolstered with double crosses, red herrings, and dozens of characters. Tough to fit all that into a few thousand words. He also points out this is the first anthology of original short spy fiction. The 14 authors include Lee Child, James Grady, Stephen Hunter, Andrew Klavan, and Stella Rimington, who was the director-general of Britains MI5. Childs story centers on the particulars of assembling a special-ops team. David Morrell weighs in with the moral and professional dilemma of Andrew, a professional CIA interrogator who ultimately succumbs to . . . well, thats the surprise. Stephen Hunter contributes a WWII tale in which love and a Mata Harilike character play key roles. Charles McCarry introduces readers to a mysterious man on the Guinea coast in the fifties who assists an American agent and may have questionable motives. Espionage fans will absolutely love this collection of uniformly fine storiesa series of 500-page spy novels expertly distilled to their involving, suspenseful essence.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)