The Spy Across the Water

The third instalment in James Naughtie’s spy series, woven around three brothers bound together forever through espionage.

The third instalment in Naughtie's Cold War spy series about three brothers whose lives are all entwined with the intelligence services. Will is now British ambassador to Washington, but soon finds himself on a dangerous journey into his clandestine past, from conflict in Ireland to the long shadows of the Cold War.

From one of our most treasured BBC broadcasters, The Spy Across the Water is the third instalment in James Naughtie’s brilliant spy series, woven around three brothers bound together through espionage.We live with our history, but it can kill us. Faces from the past appear from nowhere at a family funeral, and Will Flemyng, spy-turned-ambassador, is drawn into twin mysteries that threaten everything he holds dear. From Washington, he’s pitched back into the Troubles in Northern Ireland and an explosive secret hidden deep in the most dangerous but fulfilling friendship he has ever known. And while he confronts shadowy adversaries in American streets, and looks for solace at home in the Scottish Highlands, he discovers that his government’s most precious Cold War agent is in mortal danger and needs his help to survive. In an electric story of courage and betrayal, Flemyng learns the truth: that his life has left him a man with many friends, but still alone. 'A thoughtful and detailed novel of statecraft and spycraft, recommended for fans of le Carré' Ian Rankin'Naughtie writes sophisticated, complex spy novels, rich in character and incident. The Spy Across the Water is perhaps his finest yet.' Charles CummingPraise for James Naughtie: ‘As convincing as any of John le Carré’s’ Independent ‘Beautifully written, deftly plotted, skilfully paced, imaginatively conceived’ Robert Littell ‘An involved and beautifully plotted spy story’ Allan Massie 'Hugely gripping and atmospheric' Mail on Sunday 'Complex and psychologically detailed' Charles Cumming 'A tour de force' Kate Mosse