The first I have read by this author, it will not be the last Apparently there is a previous book about Gabriel Dax, although I did wonder about his involvement with espionage, not having read the book did not affect my enjoyment of this one. The book is set in the early 60s and the way of life (and prices) are well portrayed. Good descriptions of people and places which give a good picture of life then and Gabriel's double life. I liked the plot and the build up of suspense towards the end of the book. Plenty of secrets and wondering about who has informed about who. The timeperiod means that more modern detection techniques are not relevant, but I loved the notes, the cryptic phonecalls and the closet followings. which feel very nostalgic and old-fashioned (in a good way)
The is a romantic element which adds an extra dimension to the book . I cannot wait to read more
Thanks to Net Galley for a great read

Gabriel Dax is back in the clutches of MI6 as he gets drawn into another spy role. The Cold War is at its height and the CIA and MI6 are heavily involved in political manoeuvres abroad. This is another great read from William Boyd- full of suspense and intrigued, as we follow the story to Guatemala and the Berlin. I really enjoyed the characterisation and the plot. I felt the author made very good use of historical research in telling this story, which I found completely enthralling: particularly the facts on assassinations and the Mafia. This is a five star read!

I was really looking forward to reading this as I enjoyed Gabriel's Moon so much. A brilliant sequel, with some very awkward and suspensful situations for this very 'accidental' spy!

I absolutely loved Gabriel’s Moon, the first book in this trilogy, so I was really looking forward to The Predicament. While I don’t think it’s quite as strong as the first book, it still gets a full five stars from me for the pure enjoyment I had while reading it.
Like all of William Boyd’s books I’ve read, it’s well written, engaging and realistic. I would have liked to see more of Gabriel’s past explored in this one — those details were one of the things that made the first book so special. A few of the side characters also felt a little less developed.
That said, I really enjoyed the story and I can’t wait for the final part of the trilogy..

I read and loved Gabriel’s Moon by William Boyd last month and so was delighted to read a copy of the sequel, The Predicament, this week.

We’re back with Gabriel Dax as he continues to work, albeit reluctantly, for M16 and now the Russians are taking an interest in him too. The book once again travels around the world from Guatemala to Berlin as Dax carries out errands for both countries. It was brilliantly written and Dax is such a likeable character - you can’t help wondering how he manages to escape from so many baffling situations.

Definitely a great read if you love a good historical spy fiction book - once again proving what a good writer William Boyd is.

Gabriel Dax has once more been lured into a trip abroad for MI6. His mission to interview a priest turned union activist in Guatelmala but his trip is cut short as the man is assassinated and then an attempt is made on Gabriel's life. Gabriel determines to escape from his life of subterfuge as the KGB presses him for more but he keeps being drawn in by his obsession for his handler, Faith Green. Now he is in Berlin tasked to try to uncover a plot against JFK but what he finds is corruption at the highest levels.
The first Gabriel Dax novel was a masterpiece in melding high literature with the period thriller and this is also just as wonderful. Boyd has always been a writer who explores psyches with spare prose and, in his diffident and reluctant hero, there is plenty of opportunity to explore motives. The action is almost forgotten about, it is so subtle, and the period detail excellent.

William Boyd’s mellifluous writing is all but hypnotic. The daily life of a reluctant spy is gently and genteely woven with the threats and duplicity of events involving MI6, the CIA and the Russian secret service. Tap dancing around the demands of each of his handlers in the agencies, he navigates through Guatemala and then Berlin under the guise of travel writing. A sequel to ‘Gabriel’s Moon’, which I so enjoyed, ‘The Predicament’ is slightly less intriguing, slightly more predictable, but a thoroughly enjoyable read. Given the open-ended threads, I assume there will be another volume and very much look forward to it.

I really like William Boyd's writing, but, for me, the first Gabriel Dax book although enjoyable, had some frustrating elements – such as the competing strands of storyline, thin characters and relationships. So I was a little unsure about reading this second outing for Gabriel. However I enjoyed this much more; the characters - perhaps because we know them better – feel more rounded and Gabriel, despite his flaws, is a more pleasant companion. The story moves along quickly and the background of real events adds a certain authenticity to aid the reader’s involvement. I am certainly looking forward to the next instalment
Thank you to netgalley and Penguin Books for an advance copy of this book

The second in the Gabriel Dax trilogy sees the travel writer/reluctant spy visit Guatemala then Berlin under instruction from the CIA and his enigmatic MI6 handler Faith Green. Fast paced, the historical elements and period detail are well researched. An enjoyable political thriller and I look forward to the final novel in the trilogy.

William Boyd introduced travel writer and accidental spy Gabriel Dax in his 2023 novel Gabriel’s Moon. That book, set in the early 1960s, told of Gabriel’s involvement in events in the Congo but also of his recruitment into MI6 to help root out double agents by a woman called Faith Green, a woman who he also becomes hopelessly infatuated with.
The Predicament opens not long after the events of Gabriel’s Moon, only now Dax is living on Russian money as he has been employed by the Russians particularly following a high profile defection (all of which is an MI6 ruse). Despite his better judgement, Dax agrees to do another job for MI6. This involves going to Guatemala to interview the head of the opposition party that is set to win an upcoming democratic election but is in hiding until then. This is the Guatemala of the 1960s, which was run by the military at the behest of the American Fruit Company whose power was propped up by the CIA. So suffice to say Gabriel’s visit was not going to end well. It also puts him in the cross hairs of some other dangerous forces.
Gabriel Dax is a fascinating creation and Boyd makes sure that he has a full and complicated life. When the book opens Dax is trying to finish his next travel book called Rivers, he is still obsessed with Faith Green who is keeping him at arms length, but also reconnects with his ex-girlfriend Lorrain, he is being sued for plagiarism by another travel writer and continues to work with his therapist who had helped in his previous book to make a breakthrough in his understanding of his past. But Dax is also keen to become a better spy and in this book receives some self defence training and training on how to lose a tail, both of which come in handy.
Boyd has written for James Bond and he does bring some of that Bondian vibe to Dax’s more amateur efforts. He travels to interesting locations – Guatemala, New York and Berlin in this book – doesn’t mind a drink and seems to do fairly well with women. This story in particular builds to a sequence to allows Dax to put his espionage skills into action in a satisfying (if somewhat predictable given the subject) way. Boyd also gives a great feel not only to the character but to the time and place in which he lives. As with the previous book, Boyd draws on some very real world history and just puts Dax in the middle of it.
The Predicament is the second book of a planned trilogy involving Dax. And moreso than in the last book, Boyd leaves some very obvious and intriguing threads dangling to be picked up in the next book in this series.

Thrilled to see that Gabriel Dax is back and boy did this not disappoint! While it possibly would stand alone I think it is more enjoyable to those who have read about the early part of Gabriel's journey. Wonderfully written full of plot twists and well drawn characters - my only regret is that there is only one more book to go - this charachter deserves much more than 3 outings!

Gabriel Dax is back! I enjoy William Boyd's writing immensely and I was delighted to be approved to review the second installment of Dax's adventures. The Predicament is a sophisticated Cold War spy novel that balances thrilling espionage without taking away from the introspective journey of its protagonist.

Gabriel, who is living a quiet life as a travel writer after his reluctant entry into the world of espionage. He's also secretly a double agent for MI6 and the KGB, a situation that provides both financial comfort and an (immense!) amount of stress. His MI6 handler, Faith Green, sends him on a mission to Guatemala under the guise of researching a book on rivers. There, he gets entangled in a politically charged environment involving the CIA, the Mafia, and a looming presidential election.

The situation escalates, forcing Gabriel to escape to West Berlin, where he uncovers a plot to assassinate President John F. Kennedy. The book's central tension comes from Gabriel's struggle between his desire for a normal life and his unwilling involvement in high-stakes global affairs. Dax is a relatable, self-aware, and often bumbling protagonist who is constantly out of his depth, truly endearing. This makes his successes feel earned and his predicament (see what I did there?) more poignant. The narrative is as much about his internal turmoil as it is about the external threats he faces.

Boyd masterfully recreates the atmosphere of the 1960s, no big surprise here. The settings, from the political turmoil of Guatemala to the tense atmosphere of Cold War Berlin, are vividly described. This strong sense of place gives the novel an old-fashioned John le Carré vibes, but with a unique modern sensibility. The plot is well-paced and full of twists. It's an intelligent thriller that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Fans of Boyd's work will recognize his signature blend of suspense, elegant prose, and a touch of dark humor.

For the fans of the genre, William Boyd and Gabriel Dax, you will not be disappointed! Thank you to William Boyd, Viking and NetGalley for my review copy, all opinions are my own.

Many thanks to Penguin Uk, William Boyd and NetGalley for this advance copy.
Having really enjoyed Gabriel’s Moon, I was keen to read The Predicament and see how Gabriel’s story carried on. This one definitely amps things up — it’s darker and more intense, which kept me engaged throughout. Gabriel’s personal struggles and relationships felt more layered and believable this time, which I liked.

The pacing drags a bit in places, but it didn’t spoil things for me; it actually gave the story a bit more weight and made the twists hit harder. You could probably jump straight in here, but it’s best to read Gabriel’s Moon first to get the full picture. All in all, it’s a solid sequel that offers a good mix of suspense and character depth. Worth a read if you’re after a thriller that’s more than just action.

In 'The Predicament' by William Boyd, Gabriel Dax, writer and occasional British spy, gets involved in more suspect shenanigans, this time involving the CIA and the Americans. This book takes up his story in 1963, two years after the end of the first Dax book, 'Gabriel’s Moon.'
In Guatemala, an election is looming. After a brief lesson in how to kill using the contents of his pockets [a notebook, wallet and keys], Gabriel is sent to South America by his MI6-handler and occasional lover Faith Green. An interview is arranged with Padre Tiago the secretive, charismatic left-wing leader who is predicted to win the forthcoming election. Tiago’s views are not universally popular. When his meeting is disappointing, Gabriel fears the trip is a waste of time. Then Padre Tiago is assassinated and Gabriel flees the ensuing riots. With his journalist’s sixth sense for the dodgy, Gabriel knows the real story is being hidden. The people he meets in Guatemala City and what happens there are important to the developing plot which later leads him to Berlin and the visit of President John F Kennedy.
Gabriel’s spy adventures are alternated with sessions with his psychoanalyst Dr Haas, meetings with his Russian handler Varvara [Dax is still posing as the secretive London contact of an English traitor now in Moscow], and scenes as he settles into his new life in a country cottage in Sussex. These storylines are continued from 'Gabriel’s Moon' so it is helpful to read that book first. Boyd wastes nothing, all of these slower sub-plots add to the narrative. They bring new perspective on Gabriel’s personality, his past spy missions, his longing to return full-time to travel writing, and his feelings for Faith.
When Faith sends him to Berlin to shadow a suspect, Gabriel wants to refuse but knows he can’t. Dean Furlan is one of the men he met in Guatemala, who he instinctively knew was up to no good. The second half of the book is a page-turning race through the Berlin streets, working with the CIA and Berlin police to prepare for Kennedy’s arrival, identify a possible assassin and stop an attack. Gabriel is growing in confidence, his spycraft is improving and he has an instinct for trouble. He is at the centre of the action.
Boyd writes an addictive spy novel set at a time of global insecurity. Gabriel is a likeable character with his complicated love life. He attempts to live a normal life as a writer, planning and researching chapters for his next book, but is unwittingly pulled into more spying by the women who has bewitched him. All told in Boyd’s masterful style, combining simple details with lush descriptions and gentle humour.
Excellent.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-reviews-a-z/

This is the second book in the Gabriel Dax trilogy so you really need to read book one - Gabriel's Moon - to have a better time with it. He is a very complex character with a complicated backstory and relationships so, although there are memory joggers in this book, they are just that and not an alternative to playing catch up.
So... we catch up with Gabriel as he is near completing his book on Rivers. He has also just been contacted by Faith Green as he, in his position as reluctant spy, is needed to go to Guatemala to interview a prospective, and very influential, presidential candidate. For various reasons this interview is cut short and then there's a death which leads to riots. Gabriel flees to Europe to try and get away from the fall out and continue to finish his book.
But in Berlin, some familiar faces turn up and he is also approached by MI6 as there is chatter surrounding President Kenedy's visit...
And that's all I can say as it all gets a bit convoluted (did I mention reading book one first) and interconnected and to try and say much more would possibly inject spoilers. That said though, it's easy to follow and flows very nicely with quite a few cracking "aha" moments along the way.
I love the fact that even though he is reluctant spy, having fallen into the craft via his brother, he does do it rather well and gives it his all. I guess the "books" he gets from his Russian handlers helps!
I have found, on occasion, middle books in trilogies to be the weakest, The first is the opener and set the scene, the last being the final wrap, and the middle can tend to just meander as a bridge to the two others. This is NOT the case here. This book is a cracking read in its own right and has it's own stories and threads. I especially loved his forays into the school of spying where he learns some pretty useful stuff. I wonder how reluctant he will continue to be in the final book of the trilogy, and I really can't wait to find out.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Unlikely spy, Gabriel Dax, is back again, now firmly embroiled in the world of espionage; his job as a travel writer, ideal as cover. Gabriel travels between Guatemala, the US and Germany to prevent another political, worldwide disaster. Alongside him, in the cast of characters, is Gabriel’s handler, the enigmatic MI6 agent, Faith Green, and his psychologist, Dr Haas.

I think I may have enjoyed this book more than the first. I feel like Boyd has really settled into the style. I found the book had a good mix of slower, context-building home scenes, and faster-paced action scenes abroad. I enjoyed seeing the continuation of Gabriel’s character and the development of his relationships with Faith and Dr Haas. I particularly enjoyed the addition of Parker Baumgartner. I really recommend for lovers of espionage and action based thrillers, and loosely historical fiction.

Gabriel Dax is back. The intrepid travel writer and accidental spy is sent to Guatemala to interview a Presidential hopeful. Of course, all is not what it seems and he realises there are dark forces at work that include the CIA. He finds himself in West Berlin ahead of a planned visit by President Kennedy and an assassination plot is revealed. Set in the early 1960s, Boyd captures the mood and political tensions of the times. Well paced and informative. Dax will no doubt be back for more adventures.

We are once again in the company of Gabriel Dax, William Boyd's travel writer turned reluctant spy. As the novel opens he is dealing with issues on various fronts just as he wants to settle into his lovely new cottage.
Gabriel Dax is such a brilliant creation, the last thing he wants to do is be a spy but somehow he is rather good at it and seems to manage to fit it in while he travels around the world as a writer. It's easy to picture this charming, rather debonair man as he deals with foes, home and abroad.
I gather this is a trilogy and I can wait to read the last instalment, there are certainly many lose ends to tie up.

William Boyd is an autobuy writer for me. He understands masterfully to transport you back in time with his descriptive writing, interesting characters and intense storylines. In 'Predicament' we meet Gabriel Dax again, the writer and accidental spy. This is the second part of a planned trilogy which is set in 1963 and takes Gabriel from London to Guatemala and eventually Berlin, right in the middle of the Cold War. Gabriel has his hands full juggling the MI6, CIA, KGB and his love life which all makes for compulsive reading.
This is a very entertaining and beautifully written spy thriller, perfect for all fans of diction set during the Cold War.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Viking Books UK for the ARC.

This is the second book in a trilogy featuring Gabriel Dax, an accidental spy and now a double agent. At the end of the first in the series (Gabriel’s Moon) I was left wondering what would be happening next in Gabriel’s life, and at last I know. If anything, I enjoyed the second book even more than I enjoyed the first which for me was a 5* read. Gabriel is now not so much of an accidental spy, he seems more willing to take on assignments, not least for the money and other benefits, such as the international travel which conveniently ties in with his career as a travel writer.

I have my suspicions about who is betraying Gabriel, and I hope that I shall not have to wait too long for the final book in order to find how how wrong I am.