Mexico Set and London Match: Len Deighton

These books are the 2^nd and 3^rd in a trilogy. The first of the trilogy was Berlin Game (my review here). They tell the story of a middle-class member of the intelligence service in London in the early 1980’s.  They were first published in 1984 and 1985.

Description of the trilogy at Goodreads: “all exemplify the author's typical themes of corruption, espionage, and double agents.”

It is hard to say much more about these books without spoiling the impact of the first book. Thus I will keep my comments to generalities.

The books in this series subtly examine family and relationships without rubbing your face in it. There is Bernard Samson's immediate family and memories of his childhood relationship with his father. Also relationships with co-workers and superiors, exploring differences in class and upbringing. 

One of the things I enjoy about reading this series is that Bernard's office doesn't seem that much different from any workplace. When he ends up going out in the field, there is more danger, of course, but it makes spy work seem as mundane as most jobs.

I have read 3 books of the nine book series, and I enjoyed them all. The books are part of a series of nine books and I will be reading the rest of them.

I recommend reading the series in order. Each book takes up where the last one left off and the enjoyment would be less without the background of the previous books.