The Peacock and the Sparrow

A Novel

By: I.S. Berry

Narrated by: Pete Simonelli

THRILLER OF THE YEAR: The Times (London) • The Telegraph
BEST FIRST NOVEL WINNER: Edgar Awards • International Thriller Writers Awards • Barry Awards • Macavity Awards
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New Yorker • NPR • The Times (London) • The Financial Times • The Guardian • The Telegraph • The Diplomatic Courier

During the Arab Spring, an American spy’s final mission goes dangerously awry in this “crackling debut thriller” (The New Yorker) from a former CIA officer heralded as one of the “top spy novelists of the 21st century” (The Sunday Times, London).

Shane Collins, a world-weary CIA spy, is ready to come in from the cold. Stationed in Bahrain off the coast of Saudi Arabia for his final tour, he has little use for his mission—uncovering Iranian support for the insurgency against the monarchy. Then Collins meets Almaisa, a beautiful and enigmatic artist, and his eyes are opened to a side of Bahrain most expats never experience, to questions he never thought to ask.

When his trusted informant inside the opposition becomes embroiled in a murder, Collins finds himself drawn deep into the conflict. His budding romance with Almaisa—and his loyalties—are upended; in an instant, he’s caught in the crosswinds of a revolution. Drawing on all his skills as a spymaster, he sets out to learn the truth behind the Arab Spring, win Almaisa’s love, and uncover the murky border where Bahrain’s secrets end and America’s begin.

Critic reviews

"Simonelli's portrayal of Collins is steady and relaxed, pleasing to the ears. As narrator, he maintains the same pacing for detailed descriptions of locations, secondary characters, and tense scenes of violence."

Better and better as the story evolves

Detailed and poignant nuanced description of life as a spy. Reads like LeCarre in modern backdrop of Middle Eastern conflicts.

Overly descriptive

Interesting setting and I enjoyed the visual details he was able to bring to the story. I feel like I understand the context and disparities of the countries he writes about. He really does like describing the settings though and it gets in the way of the story itself. I’m not sure I would listen to another of his books if this is typical of his style.

Nice writing slow start , long finish

The Writing is good but the organizatio of the story,fine in detail of place and character flows sometimes too slowly and sometimes like a to quick wrap up. I think still better work from the author. The beginning is not bad but slow. The middle flows well. But the ending coda contains too much of the plot that should have been woven into the story. The narrator is good but very downbeat rather than evocative or sorrowful. Do recommend it.

Excellent, clever, and well performed.

One needs to pay close attention. No good guys or gals in here. Antiheroes abound. Could have happened just as the story suggests. The CIA and USN take the biggest hits

Rehash of ideas

Rehash of ideas from other authors of espionage fiction. Commentary about tradecraft was annoying. Particularly because most of it was so inane.