In Secret Service: A Novel

Written by Mitch Silver

Narrated by Simon Jones and Dagmara Dominczyk

In 1964, James Bond's creator sealed a package containing a manuscript he thought no one would read until fifty years after his death. As an officer in Britain's Naval Intelligence during World War II, Ian Fleming had his own adventures to recount, and a conscience to unburden. His family ties and his career had taken him to the upper echelons of British and American society and espionage, the world of danger, betrayal, and deceit that he replicated in his famous James Bond novels. But this hidden manuscript contained a real spy story...with secrets that could explode history if revealed.

In 2005, Amy Greenberg -- a young American academic with a glittering future -- is summoned to Ireland to claim the contents of her grandfather's safe deposit box, in which she finds a manuscript by Ian Fleming. The pages contain confidential information so potentially explosive that Amy soon discovers that people on both sides of the Atlantic are willing to kill to maintain its secrecy. In a race against time, Amy must unlock the manuscript's secrets and outwit unknown assailants who will do anything to bury the truth. In Secret Service is a historical mystery inside a contemporary thriller, a brand-new take on espionage suspense.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: May 22, 2007
• ISBN: 9780743562249

Mitch Silver

Mitch Silver is an advertising agency creative director who lives in Rye, New York. In Secret Service is his first novel.

Reviews for In Secret Service

[jfe16 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When contacted to retrieve the contents of her late grandfather’s safety deposit box, history professor Amy Greenberg finds that her inheritance is an unpublished, long-hidden account of spying during the Second World War. And, to her astonishment, she discovers the author is none other than James Bond creator Ian Fleming.Although Fleming had believed no one would read the manuscript before everyone included in the story was dead, the early closing of Ireland’s Ansbacher Bank brought the manuscript to light some ten years earlier than Fleming had planned. And, as soon as the manuscript was in her possession, Amy became a target for killers determined to keep the contents of the manuscript from seeing the light of day. A captivating premise, weaving both fact and fiction into a mesmerizing tale, this quick read unfolds in chapters alternating between present and past. Although some events are more plausible than others, the story carefully weaves together politics, elite society, and the shadowy world of spies with the author’s meticulous research being a highlight of the narrative. However, character development is minimal and readers may find it hard to connect with the heroine.Despite a few plot points that seem to drift away without resolution, intrigue remains in the telling of the tale. Readers will find a tenuous connection late in the story comes off as a transparent, unnecessary ploy; nevertheless, this spy-filled tale is a delightful romp guaranteed to keep the pages turning.Recommended.

[machaniff · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

First ever review here. The book sets you off in the shoes of an American university Art teacher, Dr Amy Greenburg, when she received a letter to head to Ireland to collect an unknown item, to be inherited by her late grandpa. When she got hold of the item, she thought it was just some pieces of paper only to realize that it was an invaluable manuscript with hidden secrets dating the World War. That's where the adventure starts when mysterious people started to go after Greenburg for the manuscript. What's next ? It's all about hidden mysteries and the chases which will keep you awake. However, I just find the action pretty short. Plus, the ending just does not make sense. Still, I'll consider this a 3.5/5 rating for Mitch Silver's debut historical fiction novel.

[mswallack_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I really wanted to like In Secret Service (I suppose due to my affinity for James Bond's creator Ian Fleming who is a major character in the story). However, the story just didn't work. Silver tells his tale in two parts: The "wrapper" follows a Yale professor as she reads a manuscript bequeathed to her by Ian Fleming while she tries to escape those who want the manuscript. The meat of the story is Fleming's story about bad deeds among the British royal family prior to and during World War II. There is even a tease that gives the reader the impression that the death of Princess Diana is somehow involved. Unfortunately, Fleming's narrative is simply not interesting (nor does Silver's writing style do much to emulate Fleming) and the modern portion of the "thriller" is simply not ... well ... thrilling.

[minfo_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A fast and ADULT-themed read, it was quite choppy at points but with some interesting plot twists. The central character at times seems dumber than a stump but in the space of barely a couple of days is world-wise and amazingly savvy. You'll need to suspend a LOT of beliefs to get through this one but it was a fun read nevertheless.

[mgaulding_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book was interesting because of its rather inspired plotline, which capitalizes on conspiracy theories (thanks to Dan Brown) and history. The book essentially links the traitorous (and not necessarily true) Nazi dealings of the Duke of Windsor to his neice's husband. It then provides an explanation for why Princess Diana was murdered (the latter of which I think could be probable).

[phalaborwa_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Captures the OO7 style quite well, but a bit choppy. Movie in the near future?