The Hidden Hand

The Hidden Hand is a fast paced spy thriller by the former head of MI5, Stella Rimington. It is the second book in the Manon Tyler series.

Li Min is a Chinese student studying at Harvard University in America. Before she completes the course she is instructed to transfer to Oxford University in England. Li Min is reluctant to relocate but it is made clear that she has no choice. While at Harvard she had been collecting and passing on information to a Chinese official. In England the Chinese want Li Min to use her experience in AI to make a film they can use for blackmail.

In Oxford Li Min befriends a fellow student, Sally, who agrees to be part of her academic project. CIA agent, Manon Tyler, who is working under a different name, works to gain Li Min's trust with the assistance of Charles Abbott. Assistance is also readily available from London as every effort is made to protect the women and also avoid a diplomatic disaster.

The Devil's Bargain

Harry Bristow made a mistake when as a young policeman he inadvertently accepted a bribe. He later discovered that the man that he knew as Igor entered the country illegally and changed his identity. Harry knew that if he reported what he knew he would he would not only lose his position in the police force but might also end up in prison. He therefore decided to do nothing about this information.

Some years later he recognised the man in Liverpool and set out to discover more about him. The man now called himself Peter Robinson and had just become a member of parliament. Harry is sure that Peter is a Russian spy but he is still unsure what he should do with this knowledge. Then Robinson recognised Harry and threatened him.

The Devil's Bargain by Stella Rimington is a fast moving spy thriller involving American and British intelligence services as well as members of the Russian Embassy. Manon Bradley, an analyst with the CIA, finds herself undertaking fieldwork during the investigation. Manon is just one of an interesting collection of characters who find themselves involved as Peter Robinson's story is investigated.