Tom Meredith

"Of course you didn't mean to kill him, if you'd meant to kill him he'd still be alive"

It’s not often that I stumble upon an author whose works resonate so deeply with my taste for intrigue, complexity, and, most importantly, humour. Mick Herron is one of those exceptional writers for me. From the moment I opened the first pages of his books, I was ensnared by his unique blend of suspenseful storytelling and sharp wit. 

Herron is perhaps best known for his Slough House series, featuring a band of misfit spies who are more often than not tasked with mundane jobs at a dilapidated office. But don’t let the seemingly unremarkable setting fool you; each book is a maze of clever twists and darkly comedic moments that keep you turning the pages well into the night.

What I admire most about Herron’s writing is his ability to weave humour into complex plots without it feeling forced. He delves deep into the murky waters of espionage, betrayal, and bureaucracy, yet somehow, amidst the tension, he injects doses of levity that remind us not to take everything too seriously. There is little dwelling in the traditionally glamorised world of spies with Herron. He manages to combine the natural intrigue we have for this world with the mundane, making it relatable to our own lives. His characters, with all their flaws and foibles, often find themselves in ridiculous situations that highlight the absurdity of their world. Just when you think the tension is about to peak, a witty one-liner or a hilarious mishap pulls you back, reminding you that even in the bleakest scenarios, laughter can be the best response.

The deeply flawed yet utterly relatable characters are another reason why I can’t get enough of Herron’s writing. I think there has been shift away from traditional black and white characters, where certainly the heroes were nights in shining white armour and very few negative characteristics. For me, this is all the better. We all have light and dark in us, at least the capacity for light and dark. This should be reflected in the characters we seek to create. That is my view at least.

It is a view shared by Herron. His characters aren’t heroes in the traditional sense but rather individuals whose quirks and vulnerabilities make them all the more intriguing. I find myself rooting for them, not because they always make the right choices, but because they’re just as human as we are, trying to navigate a world filled with chaos and confusion.

There’s something reassuring about a group of spies who can’t seem to find their way out of a paper bag, let alone foil a grand terrorist plot. Whether it’s the tech genius who can’t stop botching up the most basic tasks or the former star agent who is more focused on their sandwich than the looming threat of international crisis, Herron has crafted a motley crew that makes you feel like maybe, just maybe, you wouldn’t do much better in their shoes.

Mick Herron has a remarkable ability to paint a picture of our times through the lens of espionage, reflecting societal concerns while also providing an escape into the realm of fiction, where humour can flourish even amidst the shadows. His work is a reminder that, even in the world of spies and secrets, there’s always room for a laugh and a well-timed quip.

Of course, Herron's fame has soared in recent years due to the success of the Slow Horses tv show. I was already sold having read the books, but when Gary Oldman was signed on to play Jackson Lamb, I instantly knew it would be a winner. It's clear that Oldman is having the time of his life, belching his way through scenes with a childish delight! Oldman's character is the epitome of Herron's genius for me. Here is a gruff, curmudgeonly, pretty disgusting "leader" who spends the whole time insulting his team. One of my particular favourites - "Only screw-ups get sent to Slough House, and I got to be honest working with you has been the lowest point in a disappointing career."

On the surface Lamb hates every member of his team. But that couldn't be further from the truth. He is fiercely loyal to his team and protective of every one of his "Joe's". He fights their corner, even when they aren't aware of it. His fatherly affection for Cartwright is masked by constant jibes about how useless he is. We all use humour as a shield sometimes which makes this hugely relatable. It isn't dissimilar to how my friends and I interact!!

I have just finished re-reading The Secret Hours and the complex interweaving of timelines has been really helpful as I think ahead to future books in the Wolfhound series! So, if you’re looking for a thrilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat while also making you chuckle, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into Herron’s world. His books serve up a delightful mix of suspense and humour, and I assure you, once you start, you’ll find it hard to stop. So, grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading nook, and prepare to be entertained by the masterful storytelling of Mick Herron!