Spy Sinker

To really enjoy any of the nine books in the three triologies,Berlin Game, Mexico Set, and London Match- Spy Hook, Spy Line, and Spy Sinker - Faith, Hope, and Charity one should begin with Deighton's Winter. This books traces the story of the German family named Winter from New Years, 1900 through the close of the Second World War and in the process introduces most of the principal characters that appear in the subsequent trilogies. I have recently reread the ten books, starting with Winter and my enjoyment was multiplied many times over the first readings.

Sinker is the sixth book in Deighton's series starring the middle aged and "past it" British spy Bernard Samson. However, this book is different from the other five in that it is written in the third person rather than the first. This allows the reader a greater insight into the doings of other members of the cast, particularly Brett, and makes us realise how Bernard has been used as a pawn in the bigger picture. Previously we were encouraged to believe that Bernard knew everything, that he was the professional in this game played out by amateurs behind their desks in London. Sinker lets us into the world of Fiona, Bernard's estranged wife who defected to the other side and works for the Stasi in East Berlin. Deighton examines Fiona's life and her fears thoughtfully and realistically, but once again showing how she too is little more than a pawn in what is and also has been a man's game based on old promises, betrayal and the old school tie system.Unlike many other spy mystery authors, Deighton ensures that the characters are the most important and well developed part of the book. We know their loves and their innermost thoughts, but we are also left with the feeling that we do not quite know everything. It is this air of mystery which keeps the reader hooked until the dramatic conclusion of this book.Overall, Sinker is essential reading but for absolute enjoyment should be read in conjunction with the preceding five books and the following trilogy.

This tells the story of Fiona Sampson from the third person point of view and not Bernard's. After reading this story I hated every character in the series except Bernard, Gloria, and the Children. It will make you want to see Silas Gaunt and Bret Resseler get the ax. If you have read winter then four pages of this book will iterest you because they tell the final fates of the central characters in that novel and make it even more heartbreaking.

This, unlike the others in the series is written in the third person. Many of the mysteries left unsolved from the previous books are finally solved and you are left with a better impression of all the characters. This is a wonderful conclusion to the fantastic series so far.

Sampson's wife Fiona now upwardly mobile in the East German intelligence apparatus, is beginning to feel the strain of her years as a triple agent. With increasing KGB surveillence, the longing for her children, and isolation from people she knows and trusts, the decision is made to bring her home. When Fiona arrives at the rendezvous accompanied by her two KGB watchers, Bernard quickly dispatches them. However, Fiona's sister Tessa, who has for some unexplained reason come with Bernard, is killed in the crossfire.