Synopsis "Gabriel's Moon"
A compelling, deeply rich Cold War mystery from one of Britain's greatest ever storytellers, William Boyd Gabriel Drax is a young man haunted by the memories of his youth- every night, when sleep finally comes, he dreams about his childhood home in flames.
His days are spent on the move as a travel writer, capturing the changing, intriguing landscapes of a world in the grip of the Cold War, and very occasionally couriering packages and obscure messages for his brother, whom he quietly suspects of being a spy. A tap on the shoulder, though, pulls Gabriel further into the shadows of his life, and into the orbit of Faith Green, a beguiling and persuasive MI6 handler.
She soon makes Gabriel a seemingly irresistible offer- he must simply make a trip to Cadiz, Spain, and buy a painting, and in turn will receive a life-changing sum. But in that sun-drenched, suspicious sea town he will find more than just a paycheck and spy craft- in the rolling waves of Mediterranean, life-changing choices and consequences beckon.
A wonderfully intricate novel of espionage and elegant skulduggery, richly imagined, meticulously researched and unflaggingly readable - John Banville
I enjoyed it hugely. Boyd is one of my favourite authors – he never disappoints - Kate Atkinson
Engaging, intelligent and deeply satisfying. I rate him one of our greatest living novelists - Peter James
William Boyd once again brings to the spy novel his particular storytelling genius. The result is brilliant fun - Mick Herron
One of our best contemporary storytellers - Spectator
Simply the best realistic storyteller of his generation - Sebastian Faulks
The finest storyteller of his generation - Daily Telegraph
What could be more reassuring in troubling times than a new William Boyd novel? - Sunday Telegraph
A master storyteller - Observer
Beautifully crafted and pleasingly unpredictable, the work of a man who knows what he is doingand makes it look effortless - James Runcie
Gabriel's Moon reads like a classic British spy novel, resonating with echoes of Buchan and Greene. Boyd writes with a limber sensuality, drawing the reader, word by word, into his web. A delight from start to finish. - Parker Bilal
Clever plotting, wry wit and evocative storytelling combine in this hugely enjoyable read from a master of the spy thriller working here at the top of his game. - Brian McGilloway
I was utterly captivated by Gabriel’s Moon. A spy novel with heart, William Boyd takes the reader on a thrilling journey of espionage, secrets and obsession. An absolute must-read this autumn. - Lisa Hall
Boyd's signature investigation of human connections is always compelling. It’s one of those books that’s kept me thinking. - S J Bennett
