How Not to Kill a Spy

by John Fullerton

Losing one spy might be a mistake;

Losing two seems negligent;

Losing three is a disaster.

When investigator Septimus Brass delves into the strange death of an intelligence officer and the vanishing of two others, he encounters a web of official deceit.

The stakes are high. Some government ministers are eager to dismantle the Secret Intelligence Service, or MI6.

The world's largest private security firm is ready to buy up the remnants of the Ziggurat, the SIS headquarters on London's Albert Embankment.

Without the SIS, the UK will be left vulnerable in a dangerous world.

Can Septimus stop it happening, even if it means losing his life?

How Not to Kill a Spy is an intriguing blend of murder mystery and spy thriller.

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2024

Reviews

[Peter Fleming · Rating 4 out of 5]

Septimus Brass the former spook is still a senior investigator with the National Crime Agency (NCA). Still because as he might describe it, how are they going to get someone young, dynamic and experienced to do it for such poor pay and conditions. Well, the answer might be in his newly assigned partner the mixed-race Serena ‘Skeeter’ Wenzhou, a young woman who is sharp as a tack, willing to learn and rather eye catching. The perfect pairing to bring the jaded curmudgeon Septimus into the modern ‘woke’ world. They quickly strike up a working rapport and develop a great chemistry on the page which ensures that the story never goes flat. She is quick to learn from Septimus, does a great job in smoothing his rougher edges and is not afraid to deliver a cutting put down.

The storyline is one of those investigations, driven by undisclosed motivations, that become uncomfortable when they come close to uncovering the truth. Septimus follows the path that the experienced officer would do and when the chips are down continues even when his job is in jeopardy. He cautions Skeeter to take a step back, but even she wants to get to the truth. Being an espionage story there is of course scheming in the background, the pleasure is in the journey as Septimus and Skeeter negotiate the ‘smoke and mirrors.’ Expect plenty of deception in what appears to be a complex story, one where only the most tenacious (Septimus) will discover the truth.

Beneath this story is an examination of the role of the intelligence services within the modern world. The original Cold War may be over (though Russia remains a threat) but the western world still faces existential threats from hostile states as well as cyber-attacks. The need for security services remains, it is how they are delivered with an influx from the private sector and other shady contractors providing plausible deniability to governments under intense scrutiny. That the author has first hand experience in the field is evident as the detail is certainly convincing.

There is bloodshed and murder, but it is decidedly less visceral than the damage of the assassin’s bullets of Armistice Day. This is more of a traditional style espionage novel with action interspersed between the intrigue and suspense, managing to find a happy medium between the two. Prepare for an engrossing read.

In this story the reader manages to peek behind the façade of Septimus Brass, though he remains largely inscrutable which adds a bit of mystique. We discover that he is twice divorced and widowed, with adult children who he is not in contact with, now spending time with his well-trained dog Trooper. The reader also gets an idea of his politics and moral standpoint, with the inkling they have been formed as much by experience as any ideology.

The supporting characters are great too, Bridie and Bernie of SIS are back and going through change, Lord Sacristan provides a wonderfully entertaining interlude, but it is Skeeter who stands out most of all. She is a welcome addition to a world of white anodyne men operating in the shadows.

How not to Kill a Spy is a gripping espionage story of the modern world, packed with deceit, conflicted morals and totally convincing.

[Jeremy Clift · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spies, Lies, and Five Eyes: A Brassy Cauldron of Intrigue

John Fullerton delivers a virtuoso fusion of classic murder mystery and an intricately woven espionage story in How Not to Kill a Spy, the second installment in the Septimus Brass series. From the first page, the stakes are clear: the UK’s survival as a global intelligence power hangs in the balance, and only the sharp, unrelenting Septimus Brass can hope to uncover the truth.

The novel is tightly wound, with Brass investigating the death of one intelligence officer and the disappearance of two others. As he peels back layers of corruption and deceit, Fullerton immerses readers in a world of shadowy alliances, ruthless ambition, and deadly consequences. The backdrop of political intrigue—complete with high-ranking officials eager to dismantle MI6 and private corporations circling like vultures—adds urgency and realism to the narrative.

Brass himself is a compelling protagonist, combining sharp intellect, dry wit, and a fierce determination that makes him impossible not to root for. Fullerton’s writing is richly detailed, bringing to life both the grand stage of international espionage and the grimy corners of investigation work. The pacing is impeccable, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the last page.

For fans of spy thrillers and murder mysteries alike, How Not to Kill a Spy is definitely a must-read. Fullerton has not only raised the bar for the series but also delivered a thought-provoking and entertaining commentary on the fragile intersection between public service and private profit. A true page-turner that will leave you eagerly awaiting Septimus Brass’s next case!

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

"How Not To Kill a Spy," the author's second Septimus Brass novel, builds on the first, "Armistice Day," to paint a more complex portrait of the cranky, creaky sleuth himself as well as the key figures in his world, especially a talented but seemingly troubled MI6 officer, Bridie. The twists and turns of the second half of the novel are particularly compelling as John Fullerton plays with the meaning of his title in an entertaining and ultimately surprising way. The author's starting point is a well-known "ripped from the headlines" case of a few years ago involving a spy found dead in a locked holdall. But he takes the tale into (presumably) fictitious new areas of intrigue as the venerable machinery of Britain's secret state vies with the dark ambitions of private enterprise and "friends" who may not be friends at all. Septimus Brass is an enjoyable curmudgeon with a decent heart, a character type the author has excelled at depicting in several of his works. Some readers might wish for slightly fewer Brassian jeremiads or updates on the Brassian bladder in the course of the tale; yet overall the effect is an entertaining one. Bring on volume 3 of the adventures of Brass and his lady frenemy - or is that love interest? - Bridie Connor.

(The author kindly provided an advance reading copy of "How Not To Kill a Spy" for review. Reviewer and author are both former Reuters journalists but have never worked together.)

[Margo Trogadis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Britain’s intelligence service is in a crisis. One spy is murdered, another has vanished and some members of its government are maneuvering to sell off its security services to private contractors that are not accountable to Parliament and ultimately the public.
The second installment of the Septimus Brass series, Fullerton’s How Not to Kill A Spy is a cross between murder mystery and spy thriller that sizzles with intrigue.
David Jones, an elite mathematician working at MI6 on a highly sensitive project, is discovered dead in his London flat, stuffed in a large sports bag in his bathtub. As an officer of the National Crime Agency, Brass looks into the matter, thwarting the MET’s attempt to close the case as a “self-inflicted auto-erotic game gone wrong”. After asking too many uncomfortable questions, Brass is ordered by his superiors to stop investigating. Undaunted, he delves into Jone’s murder and the mysterious disappearance of another MI6 operative with the “unofficial” help of his colleagues and steps into the shadowy world of private security contractors with wide-ranging surveillance powers.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found it difficult to put down in order to deal with mundane daily chores. It is well-written with great pacing and just the right blend of sober and humorous observations on human foibles, the spy industry and the prevailing political climate. Looking forward to the next Septimus Brass installment.

[Sallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How Not to Kill a Spy” by John Fullerton is a gripping addition to the espionage genre, blending elements of a murder mystery with the high-stakes world of intelligence. The story follows investigator Septimus Brass as he delves into the mysterious death of an MI6 officer and the disappearance of two others. Brass, an aging hero with relatable vulnerabilities, navigates a web of official deceit and political intrigue.
Septimus Brass: The main protagonist, an investigator tasked with uncovering the truth behind the mysterious death of an MI6 officer and the disappearance of two others. Brass is portrayed as an aging hero with vulnerabilities that some may recognize and, in my opinion, adds depth to the character.
John's background as a journalist and former intelligence officer lends authenticity to the narrative, making the plot both realistic and compelling. The characters are well-developed, with Brass's personal struggles adding depth to his role as a determined investigator. It has been good to watch his character develop. The book also touches on contemporary issues, such as the potential privatisation of the SIS which adds a layer of relevance.
Overall, “How Not to Kill a Spy” is a must-read for fans of spy thrillers and murder mysteries alike. Its intricate plot, believable characters, and timely themes make it a standout in the genre. If you’re looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read, this book won’t disappoint.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the Septimus Brass series but is a tad lighter in tone to Armistice Day. We also learn how he got that name.

Septimus Brass is an old school investigator &, when he is called in to look at a suspicious death, his antennae are twitching. All is definitely not what it seems & MI6 is under threat. Smokescreens & aliases abound as a well as the occasional rant at the futility of it all but will our man succeed?

This was a great read albeit a totally different feel to the author’s previous Spy series of novels. Septimus & Scooter are a brilliant team, add in Trooper & you have the makings of a triumvirate made in heaven. There is plenty of humour & pathos particularly in the trouser area for Brass but that made him all the more endearing. An enjoyable fast paced read although the voice took some getting used to. I can’t wait to see where we go next.

[Francois Raitberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

How Not To Kill A Spy, an original, well-written thriller, takes us into an unusual world of state intelligence services and shadowy private contractors well away from OO7 glamour. In John Fullerton’s real world, spies face budget constraints, threats of privatisation, office rivalries and bureaucracy.
The key character Septimus Brass, investigates the killing of a MI6 scientist against the will of his superiors. A likeable ageing hero, he has to deal with unglamorous prostatic urges incompatible with the profession.
But however ordinary, spies are spies, facing danger and death in a world of treacherous secret services, big powers dirty tricks and betrayal that Fullerton, a well-travelled former foreign correspondent, knows and depicts well for the readers' enjoyment.

[Martin Dawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigue swirls in a mix of global complexities as Septimus Brass throws his prostate troubled body into an investigation of a spy who has apparently committed suicide by clambering into a tight fitting sports bag. It’s a great book, pebble dashed with authentic sounding jargon and trade craft. A page turner for those who like their spies to be all too human, and enjoy side swipes at Brexit, modern cant and social media while wondering about what Trump Two and the “Elon Era’ might bring. Fullerton’s well drawn spies have alliances, enmities and betrayals going back decades, but who now face an uncertain future as their own backyard becomes an arena for forces spawned by the way we live now. Get it for Christmas!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining while thought provoking. Was drawn straight in with short opening chapters. Laughed out loud at some of the epigraphs and was hard to put down. I particularly enjoyed the subtly developed interaction of the characters, especially between Skeeter with the honestly afflicted, main protagonist, Septimus Brass.
Altogether, rather disturbingly, entirely plausible. As erudite yet more readable than Smiley’s creator.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

With red herrings galore, dead bodies and subterfuge, Septimus and Skeeter, as well as Trooper (Septimus's dog) playing a part, they get to the bottom of who is responsible. An enjoyable read. It's not action-packed but flows along well and kept my interest.

[Sinclair Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm, authentic, slow burn UK spy/ crime thriller. Very satisfying read.