A Reluctant Spy: the award-winning spy thriller 'perfect for fans of Mick Herron' (THE SUN)

A Reluctant Spy by David Goodman is a breathtaking debut espionage thriller that redefines the genre with a brilliant twist: a tech executive whose fabricated backstory becomes his only chance of survival. This award-winning novel launches a gripping spy series centered on Jamie Tulloch, a man raised from tough beginnings and unwittingly groomed by a covert intelligence programme known as the Legend Programme. When he is called to give up his identity for a real agent, the handover goes catastrophically wrong, hurling Jamie into a world of mercenaries, elite hackers, rogue generals, and simmering global conflict. With echoes of classic spy fiction and a ripped-from-the-headlines plot, this book is a masterclass in pacing and tension.

Hailed as “in the very top tier of espionage fiction” by M. W. Craven and compared to the work of Mick Herron and David McCloskey, A Reluctant Spy delivers a relentless, twisting narrative that keeps readers up all night. Goodman’s storytelling is both intelligent and propulsive, capturing the vulnerability of an untrained civilian forced to adopt the mannerisms of a field agent while grappling with his own past. The novel balances high-stakes action with a clever examination of identity, deception, and the cost of living a double life. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a sophisticated, modern thriller that honours the traditions of John le Carré and Ian Fleming while breaking new ground.

Perfect for fans of Slow Horses and Damascus Station, A Reluctant Spy establishes Jamie Tulloch as a compelling new hero for espionage fiction. The series promises more high-octane missions as Jamie navigates the shadowy intersection between technology, intelligence, and global power politics. With two major debut awards and widespread critical acclaim, this is a spy series that demands attention from serious thriller readers.