Maggie Flynn is back and better than ever.

"The Spy and the Snake" opens in Spring 1968, some three years after the events of "Mrs Spy". Maggie Flynn been promoted to a desk job in MI5 - she's no longer a Watcher, following suspicious characters through the streets of London. But she's bored. So when her boss, Guy Standing, offers her the opportunity to carry out a simple exfiltration job, she doesn't need much convincing. Her job will be to fly to Budapest and smuggle notorious British defector Fitzroy Carver back to the UK. It's behind the Iron Curtain, but really, how hard can it be?

Quickly both Maggie and the reader are drawn into a fast-moving story which takes her and her less-than-enthusiastic ex-spy across Europe in a race to stay ahead of her enemies, known and unknown. If Maggie showed her natural aptitude as Watcher before, she positively shines here, as from her first day in Hungary, she has to think on her feet, improvising like never before. Lifted from the familiar streets of London, she still has to employ her Watcher skills, while finding new ways to achieve her increasingly difficult mission. Along the way she recruits assets, and collects the resource she needs to get the job done. It's tremendously rewarding to watch her grow into a competent, accomplished spy, while still retaining her "middle-aged woman, questioning herself" demeanour. When she meets, and slightly falls-for, a smooth, aging-gracefully Englishman who seems too good to be true, she really has her work cut out for her.

If 1960s London was the star of the show in "Mrs Spy". this time it's Budapest, and Europe which form the backdrop to the story. The city is painted in all its glory - buildings, people, and cake. There's lots of cake. There's also still that lovely 1960s vibe, with fashion and music nicely acknowledged here and there. And a special mention for the various people Maggie recruits along the way - the citizens of Budapest, who live under a harsh regime, who hope by helping her, to bring about better days. We see some of them fleetingly, but they stay in your head.

This book really is the perfect follow up, and I sincerely hope it's not the last we see of Maggie Flynn. Heartily recommended.

I haven't read the previous book with Maggie in, but now am eager to do so. What an intriguing plot this book has. It's 1968 and Maggie, a woman who has been in the Secret service for a while is suddenly given 'promotion', and talked into doing a job she hadnt expected. Having to bring back an ex spy from Budapest gives her plenty to plan, especially as she's not sure who she can trust. I loved the way her late husband gives her confidence and back up! It's a book you cant put down, running from KGB men, driving an ancient VW through country after country, and trying to keep a boozy ex spy from getting them all into trouble. The characterisation is perfect, from Zoltan through Fitzroy to Tom Bredon.
Thank you fro the chane to read and review this book which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Maggie is back and in better form than ever. It's a spy master 60s mystery and it had me intrigued. I love Maggie and all that she does. I couldn't put it down for fear of missing out!

Another great espionage novel by Mandy Robotham, with the lovely Maggie Flynn and her slightly wicked sense of humour. An assignment for the hardened MI5 ex-watcher takes Maggie to Budapest in search of a double agent and get him out of Hungary. Her task is made harder by finding Fitz Carter’s union with alcohol virtually unbreakable. An amusing, page turning novel, complete with suspense, a smattering of romance and great characters, particularly Zoltan the café owner in Budapest.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

Having read the first book in this series, I had an expectation of how the book would go, however it appears the writing style has evolved some since the first book, not in a bad way, just different. There are vivid descriptions of Hungary, which at times became a bit tiresome as they clogged up the pacing of the story, but the character development of all the new characters was very well done. I grew to love Zoltan and all the other characters who played a supporting role, and was very happy that the author saw fit to give them an ending in the story too. Although this is a spy story, it’s not written in such a way that you constantly feel on edge, rather there are action packed segments interspersed with comedic elements and heart warming moments that can’t help bring a smile to your face whilst you’re egging Maggie on with her latest escapade. If you’ve not read the first book in this series, there isn’t really a need to as it does stand alone quite well, though it would be useful so you can understand who the people are Maggie references, plus it’s an awesome book so definitely worth checking out. I would recommend this book wholeheartedly. 10/10

What a fantastic story! The head of MI5 has been told he needs to send a female to bring home a double agent. Maggie Flynn, currently in a desk job at MI5 after her time as a watcher, is chosen to retrieve a traitor who desires to spend his final years in the UK.

Fritz is in Budapest, and Maggie needs to get him out. The setting in Budapest with the local characters is perfect, so what could go wrong with the escape plan? All is revealed in this superb story as Maggie, along with her subconscious inner voices steer her along, together with some humour. The time setting in the 1960’s works well, and the backstory is well researched.

For those who like spy stories with half-truths, lies and deep suspicion, this book is for you! This is the first book I have read by the MJ Robotham, but as soon as I finished this one, I bought the first one in this series – Mrs Spy, where I may glean some of the background used within this book.

This is my number 1 read for 2026 out of 9 books read so far. My advice – get it asap as its 5 star read.

The second book in the “Mrs Spy” series, this Cold War espionage novel is set mostly in the beautiful city of Budapest which the author most likely knows very well. The plot moves along at a good pace, with excellent character development and just the right amount of humour and love interest. I am already looking forward to Mrs Spy’s next adventure.

The second book about Maggie Flynn and her work in MI5, if you enjoyed the first book, you won’t be disappointed with this follow up. Set in 1968, this time Maggie is tasked with helping a British defector who is currently in Budapest, return to the UK. But is everyone telling her the truth or do they have their own agendas and there are also the KGB and Hungarian secret service to contend with. What’s her plan and will she succeed?
A good read and lots of interesting descriptions of Budapest, I enjoyed this book and recommend it. My thanks to NetGalley and the author for an ARC.

The Spy and the Snake by M.L Robotham due for publication 9 July 2026

Maggie is back and given the job of smuggling an old defector out of Budapest and back to the UK. Not an easy challenge but one Maggie is determined to fulfil.

Despite Maggie's worries she comes into her own and by befriending various people she meets manages with their help to get over the border in an old campervan secreting Fritz inside. Not easy babysitting this rather rude obese alcoholic. It is not of course plain sailing and Maggie encounters numerous obstacles on the way. Her watcher skills and inner voices come in useful trying to keep her and Fritz safe from the KGB as she winds across a number 0f Europe's borders back to the UK. Will she manage this and what double dealings await her.

Despite missing Frank and colourful Gilda this was once again a cracking spy story set in the swinging 60's and at last Maggie gets a bit of romance.

I loved it and am looking forward to more of Maggie's adventures.

Thanks to Netgalley for a preview copy.

Life has changed for ‘Mrs Spy’ and not necessarily in a good way as Maggie returns for her second book outing three years later. Life is quieter. Maggie’s promotion to a desk job lacks the camaraderie and autonomy of her previous life as a ‘watcher’, her extroverted mother Gilda is living a fabulous new life in Tenerife and daughter Libby now an adult has embraced a semi nomadic life in the protest movement. Although terrace gardens and delicious espresso are compensations, Maggie is intrigued when her big boss sends her on secret assignment to Budapest.

The charm of Mrs Spy very much included the warm cast of supporting characters and Maggie finds a new crew in Budapest. Maggie still talks to her dead husband Davy - but less - and there may be a new love interest but he may be a dud. Jury is out for this reader!

I loved the slightly old fashioned quality of M J Robotham’s prose. It definitely helps recreate the late ‘60s world of the book. Maggie’s an engaging protagonist and the story is involving.

The Spy and the Snake is a thrilling, fast-paced follow-up that shows Maggie Flynn stepping fully into her role as a skilled and clever spy. From the streets of Budapest to a tense European chase, Maggie improvises, recruits allies, and navigates danger with wit and grit. The 1960s setting—fashion, music, and plenty of cake, adds charm, while Maggie’s personal growth and budding romance make her journey all the more rewarding. A gripping, stylish spy adventure that fans of espionage tales won’t want to miss.

The Spy and the Snake’ by M.J. Robotham, is the follow up novel to The Spy, which I loved. I didn’t know what to expect when I read the first novel and was surprisingly impressed by how much I enjoyed it. This time I was ready for it, and although I was entertained it didn’t have quite the same affect as the first novel.

Maggie Flynn has achieved what most MI5 officers dream of, a promotion to the upper echelons of the service. But as she quickly learns, “promotion comes with paperwork.”, with her daughter at university and her mother off on her own adventures, London feels a little too silent. So, when the call comes to head to Budapest, she once again felt excitement.

Maggie must fly to Hungary and pose as the wife of a notorious British defector and smuggle him back to the UK. The instructions sound straightforward, but in a city like Budapest, nothing is ever routine.

This is a cosy spy thriller, often humorous and full of action. Maggie Flynn is a woman trying to reclaim her identity by putting her life on the line for her country.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Aria & Aries for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I truly enjoyed reading about Maggie Flynn‘s secret mission to get a British defector over the iron curtain border. I liked the history about the Cold War and the peace movements across Europe and the amazing setting in Budapest. Maggie’s character as well as many interesting and loveable side characters made the book an easy read.

I can highly recommend this 1960ies spy novel with great characters, exciting scenes and also funny moments.

What a pleasure to be reunited with Mrs Spy in this second novel! I loved the characters, humour, suspense and the setting in Budapest. I felt as if I knew Maggie, loved the irrepressible Zoltan and despaired of the slovenly Fitzroy. A real treat - I hope we get to hear more of Mrs Spy’s escapades.

Loved this book! Late 1960sspy novel with great characters and a good paced plot. To quote from the book itself, : "A mixture of fact and fiction". Highly recommended.
My thanks to NetGally and Aria & Aries for this arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

It’s a real treat to be back with Maggie Flynn, aka Mrs Spy.
Set in the late 1960s, this installment takes Maggie to Budapest on a secret mission to bring a British defector home. What sounds simple soon becomes dangerous.
Maggie is brave, smart, and easy to like. I loved the side characters too, especially Zoltan. There are car chases, lies, and moments where you’re not sure who to trust. You don’t have to read the first novel to enjoy this one but I would recommend it!!!
An exciting and enjoyable spy story.