The Matter of Mandrake

By Barry Norman

The witty, outrageously entertaining spy novel, hailed by The Observer as A very lively and readable, ultra-sexy spy thriller," written by Barry Norman, the beloved, hugely popular BBC movie critic, TV host and journalist.

It's the 1960s, deep into the chill of the Cold War. Paul Baker is abducted off the streets of London by a mysterious espionage agency and drafted into being a amateur spy for her Majesty. His mission: travel undercover to Madrid to see if an ex-Cabinet Minister is selling military secrets to the Russians. Baker doesn't have a license to kill, or any idea what he's doing... and quickly finds himself targeted for both seduction and death without the training to survive either situation.

Includes a new introduction by author and critic Mike Ripley, author of Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang: The Boom in British Thrillers

"Fast-moving all the way." The Observer

"Polished thrills, energetic action, and some hilarious comedy." The Evening Standard

"An absorbing thriller with a devastating climax." Chelsea News

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1954841965
• ISBN13: 9781954841963
• Release Date: August 2025
• Publisher: Brash Books
• Length: 242 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"