‘A Spy At War’ by Charles Beaumont

Published by Canelo,
27 March 2025.
ISBN: 978-1-80436480-2 (PB)

I’ve always enjoyed a well-written contemporary spy novel as they so often give an interesting perspective on modern politics as well as plausibly raising the stakes for protagonists. I used to love Evelyn Anthony’s novels when I was a girl; now I enjoy the wonderful Mick Herron. With Charles Beaumont, I’ve discovered a new spymaster, as it were, whose work is characterised by realism and a strong sense of authenticity; if the cover didn’t sub-title the author ‘Former MI6 Operative’, the reader would soon guess.

There’s something especially engrossing about a novel that deals with a war that’s still very much in the news; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent conflict. Our protagonist, Simon Sharman, a former British Intelligence officer has, we learn, vanished from the UK and is alone in Kyiv. Whether he’s still a spy after the debacle hinted at as taking place in the previous novel in the series, we’re not sure, and nor is he, but we soon find out. I loved the way the novel was constructed so we discover sufficient information about earlier goings-on but in a way that felt natural. There were illuminating flashbacks, but mainly characters in the now discussing and referring to earlier events back in London. We meet some fantastic, strong females at the Foreign Office; Kemi Williams, Sarah du Cane and Olivia Mitchell, who run rings around the extremely dislikeable Kamran Patel. Who might be a Russian spy.

The action starts to heat up in Kyiv as we learn Simon is on a private vengeance mission, and the current needs of the British government seem to be coinciding with his aims. Simon is persuaded by force of nature Sarah to sign up for a mission beyond the front line, into Russian-held territory, and the thrills really begin.

I enjoyed the thoughtful yet accessible style of the novel. Beaumont has already drawn positive comparison with Charles Cummings and especially John le Carre with his intricate portrayals of personalities and politics, and it’s easy to see why. I liked the depth of the novel and took pleasure in the insider knowledge, its various layers and of course the twists and revelations. Eminently readable, A Spy at War is a contemporary spy novel to savour.
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Reviewer: Dea Parkin

Charles Beaumont worked undercover as an MI6 operative in war zones, on diplomatic missions and in international business. His work spanned two decades and four continents. A Spy At War is his second novel. 

Dea Parkin is an editor with her consultancy Fiction Feedback and is also Coordinator of the Crime Writers’ Association. She writes poetry and occasionally re-engages with The Novel. When she isn't engaged in literary pursuits, she is usually to be found on the tennis court – or following the international tour on TV. Usually with several books on the go, she entertains a penchant for crime fiction, history, and novels with a mystical edge. She is engaged in a continual struggle to find more space for bookshelves and more time to have fun with her friends.