A Reluctant Spy has two big things going for it.

First, the concept is fresh and interesting: the Legend programme is a unique idea I've not seen done anywhere else in spy-thriller land, and it makes for a fantastic set-up. Normal people who give their identities over to spies for a short time in exchange for a smooth and easy life makes sense in today's digital age; you need that footprint for a believable cover story. We all love a fish-out-of-water moment, and with this set-up we have a perfect reason for Jamie to get sucked into a high-stakes situation with all plausible deniability. Goodman does a fantastic job of making every step of this feel natural and logical; though from the outside it sounds wild, while you're reading it makes perfect sense and you are rooting for Jamie to make it through undiscovered every step of the way.

This leads onto the second highlight: the propulsive, catchy writing that keeps you turning each page, hungry for more. Scenes and settings are described with evocative clarity, action sequences are quick and exciting, and characters are well-drawn and root-for-able (Sally Lime!!). A Reluctant Spy is a joy to read, showcasing both the best qualities of spy thrillers with a unique premise all its own. Highly recommended!

Jamie is in the Legend programme, where he lives a low-profile life in return for help with his finances and career. At some point, he will lend his identity to a spy on a mission so create a true backstory. When he goes to meet the agent in Paris to do the exchange of passports and go their separate ways, Jamie finds his handler has been killed and no sign of Garnet, the agent. In the meantime, there has been a breach of security in London and the Legends programme is compromised. Jeremy and the fabulous Sally Lime are racing against time to protect their agents and find the traitors.
Jamie flies to Zanzibar instead of Garnet and gets mixed up with Russian gangsters and in all sorts of trouble. He gets help from Nicola and the local team, and the Tanzanian secret service, who would rather this wasn't happening there.
I really enjoyed this, Jamie is very understated, but humourous, and thrives on the challenges that he meets. Lots of plot twists and a nail biting finale. Recommended.