The Deceiver: An explosive espionage thriller from the master storyteller

Classic Forsyth and a great read.It is basically four cracking novellas served up in a somewhat contrived wrapper.Sam McCready, for decades an unconventional senior SIS officer and leading Cold War warrior is, at the end of the Cold War, facing being pushed out the door, because he has ruffled too many senior feathers and to make way for a younger, more compliant and controllable generation; his departure is pretty much a done deal but, to be seen to comply with process, he is granted a review hearing, at which four of his cases are examined.The first is a cross border, behind the Iron Curtain operation, which goes pear shaped and is rescued by Sam.The second is about two defectors with contradictory information and the effort to determine which is real and which is fake.The third is about an attempt by the Gaddafi regime in Libya to supply arms to the IRA.The fourth is a bit of a romp, about dodgy doings on a tiny British territory in the Caribbean.And all four are great, fast moving page turners.The standard of scanning / proof reading / copy editing is fairly good for an eBook but the third tale repeatedly, consistently and annoyingly refers to two places in Malta called Sliena and Luga - should be Sliema and Luqa.

If you like "guessing" who the " baddie" might be, this is a must read. For some unknown reason, having read Frederick Forsythe's blockbusters' " Day of the Jackal", "Dogs of War" etc. many years' ago, I have moved on to other writers such as , John Grisham, David Baldachi & Michael Connolly but this book has inspired me to catch up with unread books by Frederick Forsythe & they are making extremely worthwhile reading.

Well really several stories because of the way Forsyth has written the book. I don't usually like to read if I haven't got an hour or so to spare but this book I picked whenever I had a minute. This is an absolutely absorbing book, a must read for any thriller/spy/detective fans.

Four different stories in one book from one of the great story tellers. I look forward to reading Mr Forsyth's books, not just for the exciting stories, but the detail which goes into them. You feel that you could operate as a spy, if you had the courage, due to the tradecraft he describes. From his stories you can tell he loves our country and isn't ashamed or embarrassed to let you know. I have read all his novels and short stories, several times, and not one has disappointed me. I would highly recommend this, and all his other books.

I am appreciative of the credible detail and mentions of places that I have visited and know. I mention that in the late sixties I was a student of the National Cash Register Company that held premises at Century House where part of my training took place as a business systems salesperson. The establishment, or the part that I had access to, was very impressive as it housed NCR's Century computer and featured in my training. I would like to mention that the author Mr Forsythe may have been approached some years ago by a late friend of mine, Mr Don Coolican of Solo Syndications. At the time I possessed specialist knowledge concerning the construction of strategic business simulation technology. And commissioned teams to build models for Cellnet, Nissan Motor GB and then a generic version the the academic sector bought. In addition many International corporates accepted this technology too. As a spin off of this I wrote a story line of a plot that today would include AI and Mr Coolican tentatively presented this idea to Mr Forsythe. Mr Forsythe I understand was perhaps and still is a client of Solo Syndications ?

Glad I went ahead and bought it. Samples usually end with me knowing I want to buy or not buy - this one left me thinking no rather than yes and other reviews persuaded me.Really gripping. Unusual format of 4 stories in one made it more exciting. Really got to know the characters.End of the book was a bit short, sudden and disappointing and I wanted him to have had a phone call 4 weeks later from his old boss .........

Not the best book written by Frederick Forsyth nor the worst.Had to wade through quite a bit of background history before getting to the story which came to an abrupt halt and then went off at a tangent.If anyone enjoys an espionage story with plenty of historic background info then this is for them.personally I much prefer others of his books that I have read.

Frederick Forsyth at his best. Four books in one story. Spans across four different eras of modern history. A fiction book, but also a history book all in one. Using the people of the time that made history, and the events. Reading this will take you back to choose times. The ending of each story, is unable to predict almost down the last sentence. Even the final part, you can not predict what the main character will do. One of the best of modern novels.

First a disclaimer: Frederick Forsyth has always been one of my favourite authors in this genre.The Deceiver is a compilation of 4 different stories with the protagonist Sam McCready who is being asked to retire as post the cold war there is no need for his profile. The 4 stories argue why his profile more needed than before.Forsyth's novels often depict a schism within the British espionage community between those officers who favour a conciliatory, subservient relationship with the better resourced American CIA, and those who favour a more independent approach. Sam McCready falls into the latter camp.All 4 stories have the usual fast pace, thrill and great plotting.

I've never read any Forsyth before. Someone recommended this (or a part of it) recently and I thought I'd give it a go. What I liked was that it's very authentic in the sense I suppose that's how spying goes on nowadays (though the part I've read is set in the eighties). But he does this in a very clever way. I know nothing about the secret services (SIS, CIA etc) and too much jargon would have put me off but this explains everything as it goes along. Perhaps if I read this stuff all the time I would be irritated at all the explanation but for a novice it's perfect. Also the story is very engaging and a real page-turner. I would highly recommend it if, like me, you like a good story but have not gone for this author before because you feel you don't know enough about the background/setting.

A fantastic thriller with three incidents bundled into one gripping story. As with other novels of the author, this one also maintains the action and pace.

A musical enjoyed with absolute loneliness. Another breath taking novel in his treasure house.Get addicted and simply freeze with its Bliss. FF hooks readers with his powerful anglers.

MR Forssyth is a Master of the Pen and most of his books are great reading and entertainment and he moves around in many different environments with his characters.I love this author.His Short stories like the Veteran are a gift to many of my friends and all appreciate his books a lot.He is my view amonst the TOP ten authors in his sphere. Much is probably very close to reality and reads like a REPORT. and not as authors immagination- Outstanding tale...

Von Forsyth ist man gute Thriller gewohnt. Der Aufbau des Buches als Anhörung eines alten Agenten, der über vergangene Einsätze berichtet, dient hier leider nur als Hülle, um vier einigermaßen unterhaltsame Kurzgeschichten als Buch zu verkaufen.

Very interesting fast paced novel about a man who is retiring from secret service and his missions during closing years of the cold war.

Three different thrillers in one. each one with a different flavour that leaved you wanting for more. I would highly recommend to all the spy thriller junkies out there.

Loved the book. It was after a long time that I was reading a FF book. He didn't disappoint.

Suspenseful spy fiction thriller. All the four espionage stories could have easily been made into full-fledged novels.

The narration

Nice book

This book details the work life of a spy at very fine and minute levels! The narration so realistic and interesting that it keeps you engaged...

Thriller All the way.Unputdownable.

Impresionante. Me encantó...realmente es una obra de arte, te enganchará al principio y mantendrá esa tensión hasta el final. 10/10