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A Spy Like Me by Kim Sherwood is the second book in the Double O series expanding the world of James Bond. Ms. Sherwood is a published author and creative writing lecturer in Edinburgh.

A team of MI6 agents attempt to undercover a smuggling ring of antiquities, diamonds, humans, and more which funds terrorism. Johanna Harwood, 003, tries to find clues to a black site where James Bond is being held captive.

Joseph Dryden, 004, and Conrad Harthrop-Vane, 000, follow the items from Sotheby’s to Crete, to Venice, to Afghanistan attempting to uncover who is the person that can launder the items and currency. That person knows the players involve and can be the key to take down the Rattenfänger network.

I am currently re-reading the James Bond novels, in order, in between my other readings. I was intrigued by this new series and was glad to get my hands on the second book.

A Spy Like Me by Kim Sherwood follows a Fleming-esque to a glob trotting adventure. Like Fleming himself, most of the locations are places one would like to visit. Ms. Sherwood sets up her own world but has many callbacks and references to Fleming books and movies. Some of them are, of course, just fan service but I enjoyed them, nonetheless.

The plot might be overstuffed, but I really enjoyed the new characters who are fleshed out. The fact that Ms. Moneypenny is COO of the 00 division is one of the aspects of the book that I liked the most.

Unlike the Fleming books, however, this one is not a male spy fantasy. It takes place in the modern world, with modern issues, and modern sensibilities. James Bond is hardly in the book since he’s missing but he’s always in the background.

The new characters are very intriguing and likeable, but especially the female ones. Johanna Harwood is certainly the most intriguing of the bunch. The story is packed and moves fast. Frankly, if I found myself skimming pages I went back and re-read them because there was a good chance I missed something.

I did, however, feel that I missed a lot by not reading Double or Nothing, the first book in the series. I already ordered it though and am looking forward to reading it working my way backwards. ( )

I received an advance copy of this book. Thank you

In all fairness to the author and the series, I have not read the first book in this series. Perhaps if I had, I'd have found it easier to follow. I had a hard time keeping track of all the characters, what action was taking place where and with whom and how they all came together. That said, it was a clever story, fewer cool toys than in a Bond movie, but that's ok. Bond definitely seemed like a minor character, more always in the background, and I never quite felt his presence, which was fine because there were a lot of other Double OO's who deserved the lime light. I liked Moneypenny's role. ( )

Book 2 in a series. Did not read book #1. We start out learning of a bomb in London’s BBC buildings putting Moneypenny and Agents 004 and 000 are trying to figure out what happened and who was behind the blast, which left one of their own seriously injured. They also discover that there is a leak in MI6 and James Bond is missing.
Johanna Harwood, 003, has her own agenda while she is not working due to the loss of a loved one – she is looking for 007, James Bond, who left a clue behind at the black site where he was being held captive.
As the investigation progresses, we are thrust into the world of trafficking, specifically art, antiquities, diamonds and people.
Overall, a pretty fast-paced read. I received this book from the publisher and Book Club Girl for an honest review. ( )