The Secret Hours

Mick Herron

The Secret Hours

Mick Herron
45 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2023

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Book Brief

Mick Herron

The Secret Hours

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023
Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Mystery & Crime Fiction

Historical Fiction

Psychological Fiction
Period
Cold War
Setting

London, England • Contemporary

Theme
Truth & Lies

Loyalty & Betrayal

Memory
Topic
European History
Publication Year

2023

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Secret Hours by Mick Herron involves complex espionage and intelligence operations, centered around a secret government inquiry. The narrative dives into the hidden aspects of the intelligence community, exploring themes of betrayal and secrecy. The story unfolds with intricate plot twists, revealing deeper layers of the characters' motivations and the clandestine world they navigate.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.4

43,041 ratings

87%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Secret Hours by Mick Herron receives acclaim for its intricate plotting and sharp wit, hallmarks of Herron's writing style. Critics praise the engaging, well-developed characters and the suspenseful narrative. However, some note that the pacing can be uneven, and new readers may find it challenging to follow without familiarity with the author's previous works.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Secret Hours?

Readers who enjoy Mick Herron's The Secret Hours are likely fans of intricate spy thrillers and satirical takes on intelligence agencies. They align with enthusiasts of John le Carré's Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Len Deighton's Berlin Game. Expect wry humor, rich character development, and complex plotting.

4.4

43,041 ratings

87%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

The head of the British intelligence service, known for her strategic brilliance and dedication to the autonomy of the Service, often employing complex tactics to maintain control.

A civil servant who initially complies with bureaucratic pressures but undergoes a transformation, becoming an active participant in uncovering truths within the political landscape.

A retired intelligence asset living under an assumed identity, whose peaceful life is disrupted, compelling him to confront his past as he navigates espionage threats.

The Service’s archivist and a vital witness with a personal history tied to a past operation, driven to reveal truths buried within the organization’s secrets.

A young, ambitious civil servant whose experiences with the inquiry lead him to question his career motives and ultimately seek truth over ambition.

A spymaster from past operations in Berlin, known for his cynical and manipulative approach, illustrating the complexities of Cold War espionage.

The antagonist who has reinvented himself from a Stasi officer to a businessman, his actions bridging past operations and present conflicts.

A legendary spymaster who remains influential through flashbacks, known for orchestrating complex plots and maneuvering within the intelligence community.

Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Mystery & Crime Fiction

Historical Fiction

Psychological Fiction
Period
Cold War
Setting

London, England • Contemporary

Theme
Truth & Lies

Loyalty & Betrayal

Memory
Topic
European History
Publication Year

2023

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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