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Northern Spy

Review

Northern Spy

The literal translation of a Northern Spy is an apple, typically found in upstate New York, that is primarily green-skinned but also features streaks of red.

As far as author Flynn Berry is concerned, the Northern Spy is not only one of the apple varieties that protagonist Tessa uses in her apple pie recipe. It also represents the double-agent role that both she and her sister, Marian, attempt to hold as residents of Northern Ireland. They work with the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and share information with Great Britain’s MI5 in an effort to achieve peace between the often-confrontational groups. Frequently labeled as a terrorist organization, the less militant members of the IRA would like a peaceful break from Great Britain --- in much the same way that the American colonies split from British rule to become the United States of America. The more militant members seek this secession by any means necessary, often by way of bombings and assassinations.

"...a fast and furious read that literally is tough to put down and demands to be finished in a single sitting. Your heart will be in your throat much of the time as the bonds of sisterhood and loyalty to the cause will be stretched to the breaking point."

The sisters are directly in the middle of this century-long skirmish. Tessa understands that the IRA has the memory of an elephant and is not to be trifled with. While working as a BBC producer, she sees video footage of a recent robbery where one of the perpetrators was caught removing her black ski mask. That person looked exactly like Marian. She cannot fathom how her own sister who works as a paramedic could get caught up in the violent side of the IRA.

Tessa is immediately called to the police station for questioning by a detective assigned to the robbery who wants to know how Marian got involved with the IRA, but she denies having any knowledge of this. At home, she confronts her mother as she does not want to believe that her sister, who often babysat for her son, Finn, could possibly have been putting him in harm’s way.

The first part of NORTHERN SPY ends with the anticipated confrontation between Tessa and Marian. It takes a different twist as Marian, now bearing a new hairstyle, insists that she got involved only to help the peace effort and is working as an informer behind the IRA’s back. Tessa meets with a “handler” allegedly from MI5 to pass on information from Marian about upcoming IRA plans and targets. Eventually, she is introduced to Marian’s team; they think so highly of her that they approach her about joining their efforts. To continue their job as informers, Tessa has no choice but to accept, now placing herself in the precarious role of double-agent against some highly dangerous, fanatical individuals.

The final part of the book takes place after a supposed ceasefire has been announced between the IRA and their British adversaries. This does not slow down the efforts and plans of Marian and Tessa’s team, which will lead to a white-knuckle showdown as they cannot maintain their cover for much longer.

Flynn Berry, who won the coveted Edgar Award for her first novel, UNDER THE HARROW, shows off her crisp writing style and deft plotting throughout NORTHERN SPY. It is a fast and furious read that literally is tough to put down and demands to be finished in a single sitting. Your heart will be in your throat much of the time as the bonds of sisterhood and loyalty to the cause will be stretched to the breaking point.

Reviewed by Ray Palen on April 9, 2021

Northern Spy
by Flynn Berry

  • Publication Date: April 5, 2022
  • Genres: Fiction, Suspense, Thriller
  • Paperback: 288 pages
  • Publisher: Penguin Books
  • ISBN-10: 073522501X
  • ISBN-13: 9780735225015