The Hidden Man
ISBN: 9780007487226
Description
Mark and Benjamin Keen have not seen their father, Christopher, for more than twenty years. Hoping for a reconciliation, Christopher reappears, but he has only just begun to shed light on his life in the secret service when he is murdered in cold blood by an unidentified assassin. Was his death connected to his MI6 past? Did Christopher uncover a dangerous conspiracy involving his elder son? And what were his links to Moscow, Afghanistan and the Russian mafia in London? To discover the truth – and avenge their father’s death – the brothers are drawn into the legacy of his life as a spy.
Reviewed on 28th October 2023
This is an odd spy novel in which for a long time I wasn’t sure that much was happening. I’m still not quite sure I follow what happened either.
It’s a story of two brothers, who have very different relationships with their father, who in turn is killed in suspicious circumstances. Between them, they are drawn into his life as a spy from different ends.
It’s definitely a captivating narrative, despite the confusion. I raced through it and enjoyed the characters and the moments between them.
However the book feels surprisingly dated for something only 20 years old. There’s a total lack of diversity in the cast, and the only female character is presented in a way which feels very uncomfortable to a modern reader. The lack of technology really stands out, and I wonder if perhaps this will become more readable on that front in another 29 years as it becomes more of a period piece.
