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Bad Actors

Slough House, Book 8

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Bad Actors

By: Mick Herron
Narrated by: Sean Barrett
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About this listen

*Now a major TV series starring Gary Oldman*

The eighth book in the critically acclaimed and bestselling Slough House THRILLER series by Mick Herron, who has been called 'Britain's finest living thriller writer' [Sunday Express]

POLITICS IS A DANGEROUS GAME

In MI5 a scandal is brewing and there are bad actors everywhere.

A key member of a Downing Street think-tank has disappeared without a trace. Claude Whelan, one-time First Desk of MI5's Regent's Park, is tasked with tracking her down. But the trail leads straight back to Regent's Park HQ itself, with its chief, Diana Taverner, as prime suspect. Meanwhile her Russian counterpart has unexpectedly shown up in London but has slipped under MI5's radar.

Over at Slough House, the home for demoted and embittered spies, the slow horses are doing what they do best: adding a little bit of chaos to an already unstable situation.

In a world where lying, cheating and backstabbing is the norm, bad actors are bending the rules for their own gain. If the slow horses want to change the script, they'll need to get their own act together before the final curtain.

©2022 Mick Herron (P)2022 Hodder & Stoughton
Crime Thrillers Espionage Modern Detectives Political Thriller Fiction England
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Critic reviews

"Herron has certainly devised the most completely realised espionage universe since that peopled by George Smiley." (The Times)

"Herron's novels are genuinely thrilling." (Daily Telegraph)

"Britain's finest living thriller writer." (Sunday Express)

What listeners say about Bad Actors

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Perfect but for one thing...

I found this series of books by seeking out other books narrated by Sean Barrett. From Jo Nesbo to Wallander to here.
I have come to adore the characters in these stories and was not let down.
The only person who seems to have been let down is the amazing Sean Barrett. Whoever is responsible for editing the audiobook was either in a rush or was not very good to start with. There are at least 5 or 6 badly edited parts and not enough attention has been paid to recording his voice.
Don't let that put you off. Consider them Jackson Lamb farting or scratching himself and carry on
Great story with loads of laughs directed at politicians and their staff we all know.
Well done Mick Herron and Sean Barrett.

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  • Overall
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Remarkable interpretation of recent events but some dodgy editing

Yet another entertaining slow horses romp by Mick Heron, showing his trademark sly references to current UK politicians. Many old friends are joined by new, possibly short-lived, characters. Cynicism remains sharp and insightful. Only criticism is the presumably unintended inclusion of narration out takes, suggesting the production deadline was too close to be comfortable. Not enough to detract from Sean Barrett’s excellent narration

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A delight

It’s difficult to review this instalment without giving spoilers; suffice to say that in between the lyrical pages, Lamb is in his best form thanks to COVID providing even more chances for him to bully his horses, and the political vignettes are so satisfactory that you don’t know whether to laugh or cry. Gosh have I missed Slough House

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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I love Shirley Dander

given that we're all desperate to learn what happened to River and Sid, the first half hour felt unbearably slow but soon settled into the familiar rhythm. SPAD nerd Anthony Sparrow is a treat, and when Shirley gets going it's wonderful. The narration, as always, is perfect.

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Superb

A great story, well paced and liberally sprinkled with satirical notes that make you laugh whilst on the edge of your seat.

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Not as good as previous titles in the series

I was really looking forward to Bad Actors, there having been quite a long wait since the previous book in the series, and I have to agree with some others who have said that this isn't Mick Herron's best Jackson Lamb or Sean Barrett's best narration. I think both are a little under par here. Also, the production quality is woeful, the editing abysmal. I really think Audible's output quality has dipped dramatically since being taken over by Amazon. Altogether somewhat disappointing.

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One of Kick Herron's best!

The gang has their usual challenges, but the story is one of Herron's best to date. The Shirley Dander character is filled out as is that of Claude Whealon.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Sound engineer wants sacking

As many have said not the finest recording, bass heavy, the only way l could resolve was to reduce the playback speed to 0.9

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Great book but woeful audio

The story is great and Sean B is his usual excellent self, narrating with skill and panache. But the audio quality and production, as mentioned by others, really isn’t up to standard. Do get the book but be warned that sound quality and poor editing will be part of the story. …

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I love these books

Sean Barrett is the perfect person to voice the characters in these stories. I cannot imagine a more perfect Jackson Lamb voice from any other actor.
Mick Herron’s cynicism of government and hierarchy is infectious, and I love the satire that absolutely nails the character of the PM (it’s got to be Boris) the Home Secretary (all of them, but definitely Priti Patel in this book) and the special advisors. So believable.

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