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darnellbrandon's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to like this book, but it was so monotonous with the chapters ending with almost the same cliffhangers every time (around page 300 I just rolled my eyes).
The Alzheimer's aspect seems really too convenient and gimmicky. It's not anywhere close to what my own experience with having family members with Alzheimer's is, but the disease of course affects people differently. But that's where it feels way too convenient.
The Alzheimer's aspect seems really too convenient and gimmicky. It's not anywhere close to what my own experience with having family members with Alzheimer's is, but the disease of course affects people differently. But that's where it feels way too convenient.
adamrshields's review
4.0
Short review: This is a unique take on a traditional spy novel. A super spy has Alzheimer's. Everyone wants to take him out because they don't know what he might tell or do. His estranged son has no idea his father is a spy, but soon is also a target. Lots of good action, some real thoughts on the loss of capacity as Alzheimer's takes hold. If you like spy novels you will like this. If you like family drama's you will probably also like this.
Full review on my blog: http://bookwi.se/once-a-spy-by-keith-thomson/
Full review on my blog: http://bookwi.se/once-a-spy-by-keith-thomson/
sandin954's review
3.0
A pretty good spy yarn with a very interesting premise but I found all the action scenes wearying and thought it was a bit too long. Listened to the audio version which was very well narrated by Danny Campbell.
archerysteve's review
4.0
Very interesting concept. The story picks up the pace half way through the book all the way to the end. A few late evenings, I found myself saying: "Oh just one more chapter, then I'll go to bed." I wanted to find out what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series ("Twice a Spy").
skybalon's review
4.0
A different take on the spy novel. To me, there is a direct line from Bond to Bourne to this. Bond was just a man who was someone consistently able to do extraordinary things. Bourne was an enhanced man who was consistently able to do more extraordinary things. Here we end up with a diminished hero who still can suddenly do extraordinary things. And it is an enjoyable ride.
The story may not wholly hold water, but it fits within the genre nicely. Worth the read.
The story may not wholly hold water, but it fits within the genre nicely. Worth the read.
bethkuban's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sunny76's review
4.0
What happens to a CIA agent with Alzheimer's? Can he still be a spy when needed? Can the son with a bad gambling habit and his estranged father figure out what's going on? A definite read for anyone that likes spy novels.
tanyarobinson's review
3.0
The author of Once a Spy got a lot of mileage out of his doddering old spy's sudden bursts of super-competent lucidity. That aspect of the book was enjoyable. But I would say this novel had almost too many twists and turns; it was just one life-threatening situation after another from which to escape. By half way through I was ready for it to be over, and just pushed through to the end.
tortacular's review against another edition
4.0
A really nice spin on the espionage/thriller genre which is already a favorite of mine when done well. Looking forward to diving into the second book.