51 pages 1 hour read

Flynn Berry

Northern Spy

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In post-Good Friday Agreement Northern Ireland, BBC news editor Tessa Daly uncovers her sister Marian's involvement in the IRA, thrusting her into a perilous world of espionage and familial tension. Tessa is forced to navigate complex moral dilemmas while becoming an informer to protect her son and seek an end to the conflict. The novel features extensive depictions of civil warfare, terrorism, and the aftermath of the Northern Ireland conflict.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Northern Spy by Flynn Berry is praised for its evocative Irish setting and tense, gripping narrative centered around political intrigue and familial loyalty. Critics commend the complex characters and the taut plotting. However, some find the pacing uneven and the resolution somewhat predictable. Overall, it’s a compelling read with atmospheric writing.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Northern Spy?

Readers who would enjoy Flynn Berry's Northern Spy typically appreciate suspenseful, character-driven thrillers with political intrigue. Fans of Tana French's In the Woods or Kate Atkinson's Case Histories will be captivated by its mix of mystery, complex characters, and richly atmospheric settings.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Historical Fiction

Themes

Relationships: Family

Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal

Society: Politics & Government