A Sting in Her Tale

Felicity Jardine, a retired secret agent, is on the point of drowning herself in the river when a baby floats by in a car seat. Rescuing the baby, Felicity finds herself drawn into a web of conspiracy and murder which forces her out of retirement. With the help of two old colleagues she must put herself and those she loves at risk in order to confront the demons of her past.

Shortlisted for the CWA Steel Dagger Award for Best Thriller

A Love Reading Book of the Month

'Mark Ezra's impressive debut creatively mixes biblical themes with echoes of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club... but is very much its own work' Financial Times

'It's a well-written book. Punchy throughout' Spectator

'Compelling and engaging' Julian Fellowes

'...distinct echoes of the classy Agatha Christie espionage novels' Peter James

'Anyone who enjoys Richard Osman and Mick Herron will love this taut, atmospheric spy thriller.' Charles Cumming

When retired former spy Felicity Jardine’s mission to drown herself is interrupted by a baby drifting down river, her training kicks in at once. She manages to save the baby, and conceals them both from the shady-looking man who is searching for it.

Then an elderly neighbour to whom she bears a resemblance is found dead, and Felicity knows she’s been rumbled. She has to dust off the highly trained and resourceful secret service officer she used to be, ensure the safety of the baby, and re-enter the fray.

She can count on the help of two former MI6 colleagues to identify the murderer and find out exactly what’s going on. But Felicity will soon realise that her work in 1970s Germany and her present are entangled – and she will have to face some hard truths before she can confront the demons of her past.

'Quirky and inventive. Splendid stuff!' Luke Jennings, author of Killing Eve

'A hugely entertaining spy thriller. Pacey and laced with dark humour' Emma Curtis