In the shadow of a deadly Novichok poisoning, Diana Taverner, First Desk of MI5, is on a relentless quest for retribution. Meanwhile, the disgraced agents of Slough House find themselves in even direr straits: their very existence erased from official records, and a series of suspiciously 'accidental' deaths plaguing the Service. Jackson Lamb's 'slow horses'—the misfits and failures of British intelligence—are gripped by a profound paranoia, realizing they are not just surplus to requirements, but actively targeted. As a dangerous populist movement seizes London's streets and the corridors of power become a marketplace for the highest bidder, the world grows increasingly hostile for those deemed expendable. While the sensible course would be to lie low, the occupants of Slough House are notorious for their poor judgment, setting the stage for a desperate fight for survival against forces both visible and unseen.
Critical Reception
"Mick Herron's 'Slough House' solidifies the series' reputation as a masterclass in espionage fiction, blending sharp wit, intricate plotting, and cynical social commentary."