Great story of underdogs having their day

The flow and ebb, looking for reasons in an otherwise unhealthy business of snake handlers. Every dog has its day.

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Fan of the show, came to listen to the book

As a huge fan of the show I figured I’d see what the books are like. Knowing how the story plays out removed a lot of the mystery and intrigue, but nevertheless I found myself thoroughly enjoying the book as I was able to get a deeper understanding of the characters and their backgrounds. I was surprised by the very ending which is somewhat different than the show, since everything leading to that point was fairly similar to how it played out on screen.

Having finished the book, I was thinking about what to listen to next, and ultimately I decided to buy Dead Lions and give the second book a go as I love this world and characters, and they aren’t huge novels to get through.

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Great genre performance

A beautifully plotted thriller in the genre of John le Carre. So many pieces come together with precision, and the narration makes each character individual. Most memorable is Jackson Lamb, who is Falstaff reincarnated as a spy. May the slow horses run through many more tales.

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A wonderful change from the usual

It finished far too soon. I could have enjoyed several more chapters of this intriguing story. we'll defined characters with just enough missing to make me want more. I'll definitely listen to the series.

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4 people found this helpful

Well-written spy story with excellent narration

I generally read in bed before going to sleep, and began by reading this book in electronic form, then downloaded the audio version to be able to keep listening when I wanted to shut my eyes. I didn’t want a little fatigue get in the way of finding out what happened next! It’s an excellent story and switching to the audible version didn’t diminish and may have even increased my enjoyment of it. The narrator is perfect for this book. I look forward to moving on to the next book in the series! I’m hooked!

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5 people found this helpful

good modern spy story

this book took a while to put all the pieces together but once it did, it was pretty good. harshly realistic similar to LeCarre. although I think the Jackson Lamb character didn't need to be so unlikable.

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1 person found this helpful

Classic British Spy Story set in Modern Times

Mick Heron's novel is brilliant in setting a classic British spy story in modern London. There is lots of spy trade-craft plied by flawed heroes set in a London so realistically described by its contrast between the excitement of power and the frustration of drab, grey congestion. If you like the spy thriller genre, or if you have ever had the exhilarating vexation of working in London, you will love this book.

On the performance side, Gerard Doyle is a fantastic reader. However, Heron uses many rapid cuts between parallel scenes in his story. He also uses multiple narrated first-person perspectives. The reader looking at a page can see these cuts and changes by an extra line, or even a separating symbol inserted between the switches. The listener does not get this visual signal, so we need a at least a longer pause between the cuts. This is particularly true at the end of the story when Heron has us flashing between four locations in rapid succession. Without those breaks, I found myself constantly hitting rewind to pick up the lead-in to the switched scenes. Then again maybe I am a slow horse too.

Overall its a great start to a series for me and as I have several long drives coming up I am looking forward to the sequels.

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18 people found this helpful

Interesting story

Interesting story, narration that fits the characters - overall, certainly worth a listen or two. A great choice for driving.

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Clever Premise - More Than Decent Execution

What would happen if Ian Fleming's James Bond screwed a mission up? Mick Herron explores the scenario fascinatingly.. populating his desk-riding MI-5 department ("Slough House") with alcoholics, the inept, those too young for ret-conning, politically troublesome pariahs, and an honest broker framed into irrelevance. Herron then involves these characters in uncovering a sinuous Anti-Islamic kidnapping plot by White Nationalists in London.
The writing is creditable - descriptive, realistic, genuinely humorous at times - and the plot is well-conceived, interesting, and twisty.. but Herron could use an aggressive Editor: there are occasional sentences and interjections that make little sense, the pacing is inferior, and more action would improve the book considerably.
Furthermore, the author admirably recognizes that spy-thrillers are intended to be fun (and provides a rollercoaster-ride romp), but his touch is a smidgeon too light - some scenes teeter on the verge of parody. Altogether, the book is imperfect.. but entertaining.

Gerard Doyle reads professionally - clear diction; tone appropriate to the lighthearted approach; adequate voice-acting - but his performance has some flaws: his emotiveness is a bit lacking, he has an odd lilting timbre, and his rate of reading is a little slow (setting playback speed at 1.15X corrected for the deficiencies somewhat). Still, I would rate the narration as above-average.. Blackstone Audio cast the project nicely.

I got this audiobook as part of the 'Plus' catalogue, but it merits a solid 7.5 stars out of 10 (it's actually worth a Credit). Despite some drawbacks, 'Slow Horses' is absolutely worth a download for distraction-seeking fans of Spy Fiction.

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8 people found this helpful

A bit interminable

Was recommended this title because I am a Le Carre fan. but it does not live up to that literary tradition. Character development is very uneven and the plot wanders endlessly. Technical details are laughably incorrect. Not a fan.

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