A Perfect Spy

Magnus Pym, a British spy, disappears to write his memoir after attending his father's funeral, and the Service is looking for him. Much of the story in this BBC Radio adaptation is moved forward through conversation and interviews, a structure that can occasionally make it bog down. Even so, the unfolding reminiscence about the friendship that developed between Pym and an operative from the other side is an interesting one that will hold listeners' interest. The drama is presented as eight half-hour episodes, a format that is suited to listening a section at a time rather than all at once. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine


Taut, intricate, and urbane--this BBC/Scotland radio adaptation captures the sound and feel of the British-grey atmosphere and cold war imagery of John le Carr�'s 1986 masterwork. The story focuses on a spy who seems to be a friend and confidant to all who suddenly disappears. With a tone that moves between hope and a feeling of lost chances, British character actor Julian Rhind-Tutt dives deep into the motivations of the perfect spy--Magnus Pym. The plot twists include a number of flashbacks, so it is left to the wonderfully naturalistic performances by the entire cast to keep the story immediate and grounded. It's not often that a spy novel can be described as heartbreaking, but that's just how close to the bone and well told this spy story is. B.P. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine