I could not get into this book as I do not like the authors style of writing.  Too much padding out and describing of things that you do not need to know.  Why use a sentence when a few pages will do.  Not for me.

I really enjoyed the previous books in the series, but found this one difficult to get into. I hope this is a blip and the rest will be as good as the first 4.

Totally addictive.  For the full review go to https://joebloggshere.tumblr.com/post/186253021636/london-rules-by-mick-herron-this-is-the-fifth

I gave up reading this book about 50 pages in. The characters are terrible, the plot is nonexistent, and the writing is dreadful. It was absolutely boring.

I loved the entire series of Slough House books from Mick Herron, and this doesn't disappoint. More shenanigans from Jackson and his team of misfits. Excellent read.

I hadn’t read the earlier novels in the Jackson Lamb series and perhaps that was a mistake, but it didn’t stop me picking up on and following the characters and references to earlier escapades in this quirky take on a classic spy novel. However, perhaps if I’d been with the dysfunctional Lamb and his set of disturbed, bordering on insane, colleagues from the beginning I would have enjoyed this more, but it felt far too forced. I think London Rules and its predecessors are probably something of an acquired taste, and some will relish this try-hard blend of absurdity and satire, but it just isn’t for me.

Mick Herron can do no wrong in this genre. Slough House tales are the most entertaining spy fiction on the market right now.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this, the further (mis)adventures of Jackson Lamb and his team. The plot is well thought out, and we delve further into the underlying characters and motivations of the various team members and their superiors.

Having finished this book, I am gutted to realise that I have AGES to wait until the next book in the series!  I've been totally gripped by these books, and am looking forward to reading the next in the series.  I really hope that there will be more after that too...come on Mr Herron - back to the typewriter :)

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for my honest review.

This is already the fifth book in the Sloughouse series, and not having read the previous books, I think I might have missed references to events that could make the book a better read for myself.  However the book was still a great read, and recommended!

Really enjoyed this! This series keeps getting better & I found this one a really good, engaging read. I know the characters so much better now, and the story/plot was well done in this one, keeping me guessing on how things would work out. Jackson Lamb, who I haven't much liked, is growing on me, and I like that Herron isn't afraid to kill characters off as & when required.
I hope the series continues in this way, increasingly readable & entertaining to read.

After reading the first book in the series I found the others to be just as good. Highly recommended.

A much quicker pace than the previous books that made it a much easier read.
Lots of threads were pulled together in this latest offering from mick herron, and i, for one, can't wait to find which twists and turns will come in the next outing.

Another offering from Mick Herron that did not fail to delight, entertain and pass several pleasant hours - when I first reviewed the introductory novel in The Slow Horses series I was initially unsure about the style and the dramatic effects employed to tell the story. Now onto my fourth encounter with Jackson Lamb and his assorted crew of losers, misfits and serendipitous geniuses, I am hooked and a true believer. Herron brings a rare quality to his writing - at times, the prose is gentle and powerfully evocative of places, times  and moods; elsewhere he deploys a sharp, even black, humour to remarkable effect. The plot carries the perfectly credible terror/security services story through a series of  twists and turns to a satisfying denouement, whilst - at the same time - the author deploys his perfectly judged humour to excellent effect. It's a rare book that can handle a credible, and even serious, political/espionage/terrorist plot whilst simultaneously provoking such mirth that real tears of laughter were provoked on countless occasions. An excellent read that cannot be missed - highly, highly recommended.

A fantastic read. Thoroughly enjoyed this and it is not something I would usually pick up. Will look for more from this author in future.

This series of books has gripped me from the off and there is a sigh of relief that having finished the 5th (London Rules) there is a 6th in the pipeline. Whilst the format/storyline is maintained throughout the series it edges up a further notch in this one and once more Jackson Lamb decides, dominates,deals and dukes it out in a constant three sided battle of Slow Horse Slough versus the Park versus Terrorbots or whichever entity is currently occupying "Intelligence"  and all the political shenanigans that go with it. 
It is however not "politically correct" and for those of us with a sense of humour am glad the wheels don't come off during verbal repartee with Molly for example. Roll on the next one.

London Rules is no. 5 in the Jackson Lamb Thriller series, which is modern spy fiction differentiated from its usual genre by Mick Herron’s sardonic wit. A far cry from the typically glamourised portrayal of the spy world, yet not quite a spoof, it’s the black humour that gives it a certain realism. There is that sickening feeling of, is this what really goes on in the establishment (?), together with the theme of bumbling British antics, which in spite of we still seem to come out on top. 
Slough House is the place where spooks who mess up big time are sent to carry out mundane tasks.  Dubbed ‘Slow Horses’, these frustrated characters are filled with equal quantities of self loathing and mutual loathing. Overseen by Jackson Lamb, an ex-undercover field operative, who is totally non pc, preoccupied with his bodily functions, uncouth to all and sundry, but with an IQ that is always at least one step ahead of everyone else, including the politicised pc brigade at Regent Park’s First Desk.   Jackson Lamb knows that London Rules No.1 is cover your arse, but he has enough on those in power to know that he can push the perimeters without too much resistance. 
After seemingly interminable, mind-numbing days of boredom the Slow Horses glimpse their opportunity for action and excitement when terrorists begin an offensive designed to destabilise the country, unwittingly aided by one of their own crew, the ultra vain Roddy Ho, an IT genius but delusionally clueless when it comes to women. Running alongside this is a political plot to oust the current PM by one of his former colleagues.   The Slow Horses, like loose canons, ungovernable and badly out of practice in their eagerness to get back out in the field, turn a bad situation into a desperate one, ‘which, as someone pointed out, was their specialist area’.  Situation normal, a home goal, except Slough House now in lockdown doesn’t mean that they’re going to lie down and roll over ...
Clever storytelling, superb characterisation, entertaining humour mingled with tension and all the requisite ingredients for a rip-roaring read!
Many thanks to Netgalley, John Murray Press and to Mick Herron for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of London Rules.

The fifth in the series detailing the exploits of the occupants of Slough House, the depository for MI5 agents, who have at one time or another fouled up. Their chief, a former field agent, Jackson Lamb does not exactly tend his charges with loving care. In fact his direct commentary on their efficiency, aptitude and ability to be “spooks”leaves us in no doubt what he thinks of them. But they are his , and as such, benefit from his experience and advice. That’s really tongue in cheek, because Jackson Lamb is one of the most foul-mouthed, ill-mannered, politically incorrect characters in spy fiction: he is also the wittiest. I’m afraid that I had to open a new box of tissues to mop up the tears of laughter streaming down my face, as he tears into either his “Slow Horses”, or Emma Flyte, Head of the security section, “the dogs” or even Number Two at Spy HQ, Lady Di Taverner. Nobody is spared his acerbic commentary/criticism.
The theme of this book concerns foiling a plot to destabilise the country. The terrorists charged with carrying out this heinous act are neither experienced nor efficient. However, they do have a plan, provided unwittingly by Roddy Ho, “manliest of men” and Slough House’s resident IT genius. Running alongside is a cunning plot to oust the current PM by one of his former colleagues, whose wife manages his PR  in her popular tabloid column. Are the two plots linked? Will the Slow Horses emerge intact or will Lady Di be successful in removing not only her immediate superior but also Jackson Lamb, a constant thorn in her side? Most of the answers are to be found in the hilarious telling of the tale, delivered with pace and consistent characterisation, hallmarks of Herron’s inimitable style. However, there are several loose ends, which will require a further novel to clarify. Who finances, controls and informs the terrorists? How will Miss Standish react to the news she receives in the final chapter? Will  the Rodster return? Will we learn any more about J K Coe? Will River Cartwright ever be reinstated?
I certainly can’t wait for the next novel in the series.

A very good spy story, after a bit of a slow, wordy start. When Herron is on top of his game, the book is exciting and gripping, unputdownable. However, in several cases, Herron allows the dialogue to become repetitive and quite dull. I found myself skimming in several places. I think some of this is on-purpose to build tension, but that doesn’t really work.



One thing I’ve noted is the humour and general pacing improve substantially around the half-way mark. The plot is a bit outrageous and unlikely, and Lamb is a cartoon, but the other slow horses are interesting. Flyte is good, but needs to be expanded more as a character. I suspect in some future book she will end up as a slow horse. Molly-from-Smiley-World is always good. Some other recognisable characters from real life are acceptable plot devices.

I really, really love how Boris "the dangerous clown" Johnson (Gimball) is treated in this book. Brexit fans are trashed, Troy stupidity and greed is spotlighted, and the avarice and cowardice of the rulers of the Regent's Park facility are skewered again and again, as we expect.

One thing: Slow Horses are damaged, but Ho is seriously mentally ill... psychotic, almost.

The central terror plot seems quite absurd. I’ve never heard of anything like this in any western democracy from the [evil country] Herron has chosen.

Herron has not fallen into the megalomania of "Hollywood script writing" in this book, which is very good because he's terrible at it. His best work is in the dialogues and fast-paced action. Here, many of the dialogues are wonderful: Witty and sharp and surprising, deepening his characters and making the book deeper and more complex. However, there are too many places where the dialogue and/or description bog down. I found myself skimming pages at a time. Nothing worse that dialogue that does not inform, that does not drive the pacing, that does not deepen the characters. I suspect Herron was trying to "reach a page count" for his publisher. Far too many authors do this these days.

The climax and ending were terrific (bar some overwritten, overlong passages), and the epilogue and Lady Di interaction with Lamb at the end was very satisfying.

3.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.




Notes and quotes:

It began to rain that morning, about the time London was coming to life; a series of showers that rolled across the city, reminding its inhabitants that summer wasn’t a promise, merely an occasional treat. The skies loomed grey and heavy, and buildings sulked beneath their weight. On the streets traffic played its wet-weather soundtrack, a symphony of hissing and slurring against a whispered backbeat of wipers ... 

when you held a gun in your hands, the people around you lost definition. They became wraiths, and anything they carried of personality dropped away, no longer of consequence. If you wished to retain your human stamp, stay away from the battlefield. 

‘Jackson Lamb,’ [Molly] said. ‘I hardly need to ask, do I? You’re after something.’
‘Would I be here otherwise?’ 
‘Pay the troll.’ He bent and kissed one over-powdered cheek. 
For Welles, it felt like a moment that should have been preserved somehow, though not on a camera, not on a phone. It needed Goya, with a lump of charcoal. 

Molly's lair was a long room lined with upright cabinets, set on tracks allowing them to be pushed together when not in use; like library stacks, and imbued with a similar sense that knowledge, information, words, never really died, but simply burrowed down out of the daylight and waited for curiosity to dig them up again. 

Sooner or later he’d wind up swinging from it –nobody could be Jackson Lamb forever without paying the price –but the certain knowledge that aiding him would give Lady Di the screaming abdabs was good enough for Molly Doran. 

17.0% ... kind of dull. Some very long-winded politics, especially concerning blow-hard clown Boris Johnson, thinly disguised as Dennis Gumball.

48.0% ... I must say I enjoy Herron's repeated trashing of all things Brexit and Tory.

61.0% ... fabulous dialogue in the office scene with Welles !

My thanks to NetGalley and John Murray Press for a copy of this book to review. 
The word is Mick Herron is the new le Carré . Whilst I definitely agree Mick Herron is a very good writer and the ambience of his volumes evokes the days of Smiley I think John le Carré  is still carrying the Olympic Torch. Mick Herron's strength to my mind is his fresh look at the underbelly of the security service. I suspect we have all met or worked with the types of characters who inhabit  Slough House, not of course spooks, but those who carry grudges and fail always to really see who is really looking back in the mirror.
Lack of time is the sole reason why this review will be used for all the currently published Slough House series, from Slow Horses to London Rules. I try never to include spoilers in my reviews and there seem little point in repeating the blurb from a book's cover. So, I have concentrated in the authors style and transport of the books. The prose slides easily along and forms pictures in the mind and the plot turns the pages for you. Occasionally I had to re-read a chapter as I realised the story had evoked such a rich visions I had mentally wondered off. I did not find this an encumbrance for on the re-read I found more to enjoy. Had I had more of that illusive element Time, I would have enjoyed re-reading all the books immediately I turned the last page in London Rules. Put Mick Herron on your wish list, take a trip to your local bookshop and fill you carrier bag.

The Slough House series just keeps getting better and better.  The first chapter of ‘London Rules’ is so cleverly crafted that I had to read it twice to see just how I had been led down the wrong path; Mick Herron is clearly harnessing some spy-like cunning in his writing, taking us down one track only for us to end up somewhere very different - very clever!  
By Chapter 2, back from the countryside, the reader is once more climbing the stairs of grungy Slough House, presided over by the smelly, corpulent, sharp as needles Jackson Lamb who, in this story, even shows his brilliant in-the-field skills briefly before returning to take up residence as the whisky swilling sloth on the top floor of his office building.  Most of the no-hoper detainees that we met in the previous novel ‘Spook Street’ are still around and JK Coe is only marginally more vocal, mostly pondering on whether or not he has psychopathic tendencies – once a profiler, always a profiler, although his action-man moments are on the rise with possibly dreadful consequences.
In this novel, the team have been roused to action because their nerdy computer geek Roderick Ho (or the Rodster as he calls himself online or when he is running through his fantasy conversations about his ‘babe magnet’ qualities) has unwittingly committed a treasonable action, aiding and abetting a North Korean terrorist gang, albeit a shambolic one!  Those who have read Herron’s other Slough Street tales will know that it’s not from a sense of loyalty or any friendship that the group look to rescue Ho first from the Koreans and secondly from MI5 when he’s taken to the Park’s interrogation cells but, rather, that it’s better that staring at spreadsheets all day long.
Whilst this novel has all of the wit, excellent plotting, superb characterisation and pace of the previous Slough House stories, Mick Herron also reminds us of the underbelly of our democratic society in every chapter.  There are terrorist atrocities, corrupt politicians, kidnapping, bribery and blackmail, as well as domestic tragedies.  Sadly, not one of the plotlines seems entirely impossible!
The wait for Slough House 6 will seem interminable after the tenterhooks we are left hanging on at the end of ‘London Rules’’ final chapter.  Surely this series must be a dead-cert for a BBC adaptation.  Here’s hoping, as long as the characters, the dialogue and the plots are true to the originals. 
My thanks to NetGalley and John Murray (Publishers) for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.