The Smuggler's Apprentice of Guatemala

I do like books in new and contemporary locations.

Focused on Central America, The Smuggler's Apprentice of Guatemala jumped out for me. Also being a short book - A Novella, this was also a draw, especially as it introduced me to the Oliver Jardine Series.

Bonus, a new author and a quick introduction to a new character in the world of espionage.

Loved the character of Jardine and that sense of adventure of a young person with a desire to explore, a travelling backpacker on The Gringo Trail.

Of course some of you may already be aware of Lachlan Page and this series; already 2 books in, which I know obviously wish to read for myself.
Certainly, this is a good way to show where it all started, the recruitment into MI6 of Ollie and bring him to the attention of a new audience.

The author brings great wit and extensive detail to his location and characters; some larger than life but never over the top or with disrespect. There is charm and a glorious sense of place. Enhancing Guatemala and bringing it into our awareness like a travel guide might.

What I also like is the rich literary heritage the author builds upon; especially so, Graham Greene a writer who has always interested me and whose books I really enjoy.

I really liked this novella and I am sure you will too.

My thoughts about Lachlan Page’s The Smuggler’s Apprentice Of Guatemala, Once you get immersed into the world of Lachlan Page’s The Smuggler’s Apprentice Of Guatemala, there’s no looking back. The writing is crisp, taut and gripping peppered with ample nail-biting moments which makes it a winning spy thriller short story that keeps the readers hooked throughout. Lachlan Page’s book is a outstanding storytelling, the thrill and suspense. Everything is top notch. Lachlan Page’s books has its own charm and that is reflected in his characterization and storytelling pattern. Lachlan’s craft has an edge to hold the attention through the storyline. The story of Lachlan Page’s The Smuggler’s Apprentice Of Guatemala begins in London, the clandestine digital corridors of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) are thrown open as a list of intelligence officers is leaked online. With the identities of intelligence officers blown, and a secretive smuggling network developing in Guatemala, MI6 decides to recruit a British national already on the ground. Someone young, someone with street smarts, someone who already knows the language, and the lie of the land. Enter: Oliver Jardine, a backpacker currently working for an NGO in the highlands of central Guatemala. What happens next sets in motion a series of events that sees Jardine propelled into the world of international espionage as he is drawn deep into a web of contraband, secrets, and danger in the jungles of Guatemala. Only he has no idea what he’s doing. Overall Lachlan Page’s short story is fast-paced, smartly written spy thriller that never wavers from its subject. I would like to say a big thank you to Lachlan Page for kindly letting me read and review his book on netgalley. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

I've been to Guatemala a number of times and immediately noticed this title. I had to read it. It was an authentic account of the people and land and the actual story was entertaining. I was impressed with the details about the regions and settings. My son's birth family is from Coban and when I started the book I just knew I'd have to buy it for him. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Five stars!

A great read . I enjoyed the setting and the characters .There was a ring of authenticity in the whole book . Lachlan Page is a fluent writer and preserves the readers interest all the way through to the end.
End ? I think there will be many other tales of derring-do for Lachlan Page, I hope they will be set in Central America , The descriptions are so good . . I was happy with the Novella length , it suited the story and left me wanting more .

A quick read with some fun intrigue. The locations were great and the dialogue was top notch. At times it was unrealistic but it’s entertaining!!!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

3.5 stars.
This is my first book by Lachlan Page, and it was well-plotted, tense, and a good introduction to main character Oliver Jardine. He had applied to the British Foreign service after graduation but didn't make the cut, and so decided to take some time to figure out what to do next. He's in Guatemala, working for an NGO, backpacking, and wandering where the whim takes him.

He meets a possible antiquities/drug smuggler one night, and later that same night is recruited by Roland Ambrose of MI6 to gather information on the smuggler. Oliver is quickly over his head, even with some basic training from Ambrose, when the smuggler takes him into a remote area. But, Ollie also shows an ability to think on his feet.

Though only a novella, author Page created a narrative that kept me reading, wondering what it would take for Ollie to accept Ambrose's offer, and how he would get himself out of his current situation.

Thank you to Netgalley and to BooksGoSocial for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Lachlan Page is a new author to me so I wasn't sure what to expect from his novella, "The Smuggler's Apprentice of Guatemala" ,not least due to its rather convoluted title.
I needn't have worried,its very good,excellent in fact.

British backpacker Oliver Jardine is approached in the toilet of a small bar in Guatemala and asked to "keep an eye on" a local acquaintance on behalf of British Intelligence. Eventually convinced he very soon finds himself out of his depth and soon in serious trouble.

Despite its brevity this is a great read and introduction to Mr Page's Oliver Jardine books, which I looked for immediately on finishing it. The book is entertaining and believable, within a few pages I was thinking how much it reminded of Graham Greene's classic spy books when the great man was mentioned on the very next page,and again later in the book so I'd guess very much an influence..

An excellent read ,if you enjoy Graham Green,or even Mick Herron,you'll like this.

Thanks to Netgalley for and the publisher for this eARC.

The Smuggler's Apprentice of Guatemala: A Novella (Oliver Jardine Series) by Lachlan Page is a thrilling addition to the spy genre that manages to pack a punch in its concise form. The novella follows the adventures of Oliver Jardine, a backpacker turned unlikely spy, as he navigates the treacherous and murky waters of international espionage in the heart of Central America.

Lachlan Page's storytelling is compelling and immersive, with a narrative that proceeds at breakneck speed. The author's experience in various countries and his diverse professional background lend an air of authenticity to the setting and the plot, which is both entertaining and believable.

The protagonist, Oliver Jardine, is an everyman who finds himself thrust into a world of danger and deceit. His character is relatable and well-crafted, with a depth that is impressive for a novella. The story is reminiscent of classic spy novels, with nods to the likes of Graham Greene, yet it maintains a fresh and modern feel.

Page's writing is laced with light satire and a phenomenal sense of place, which shines through in his vivid descriptions of Guatemala's highlands and the bustling life within. The novella is not just a spy story; it's a cultural exploration that adds layers to the narrative.

"The Smuggler's Apprentice of Guatemala" is a perfect short read for fans of the genre looking for a quick escape into the world of spies and intrigue. It's a testament to Page's skill as a writer that he can deliver a story that is both intriguing and comical, yet full of suspense and action.