Spymasters Book Prize 2025
We are pleased and proud to announce the shortlist for the first Spymasters Book Prize.
Our judges have thoroughly enjoyed reading and debating the entries. We would recommend you all to read the shortlist – and longlist – and choose your own favourite.
The winner will be announced at a special prize-giving event on the evening of 3rd September.
The Peacock and The Sparrow, by I.S. Berry
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).
Gabriel’s Moon, by William Boyd
In his most exhilarating novel yet, William Boyd transports you from the vibrant streets of sixties London to the sun-soaked cobbles of Cadiz and the frosty squares of Warsaw, as an accidental spy is drawn into the shadows of espionage and obsession in this thrilling adventure.
Spy Hunter, by HB Lyle
1914. Sherlock Holmes has been murdered. Nobody knows who did it, but Wiggins, former Baker Street Irregular and Holmes’ protégée, suspects a German spy.
“A great new series. Wiggins is a captivating hero, and Lyle draws his Edwardian backstreets in convincing colour” Mick Herron.
Honour Among Spies, by Merle Nygate
At the heart of London’s spy operations, Mossad head of station Eli carries the scars of a past disaster while grappling with the turbulent political landscape back home. His resolve to uphold his duty and keep his job is tested like never before.
“Perfect for fans of early le Carré and Len Deighton” Gavin Collinson – author of An Accident in Paris.
Midnight in Vienna, by Jane Thynne
As war looms over Britain and there is talk of gas masks and blackout, people are understandably jumpy and anxious.
Historical espionage at its very best. Set in 1938 in London and Vienna, a tense and atmospheric thriller told against a backdrop of uncertainty and fear as World War Two threatens.
Shadow of Poison, by Peter Tonkin
September 1586. Fresh from unmasking Anthony Babington’s plot to murder Queen Elizabeth, replace her with the Queen of Scots and open England to a Catholic invasion, Queen’s Intelligencer Robert Poley goes undercover disguised as a notorious poisoner.
“A fast-paced, intrigue-laden romp through Elizabeth’s twilight years. Written with wit, pathos and style” Steven Veerapen, author of The Queen’s Spies.
