From the former head of MI5 and bestselling author Stella Rimington comes the heart-stopping second novel featuring MI5 Intelligence Officer Liz Carlyle.When Intelligence Officer Liz Carlyle learns from one of her agents that suspicious meetings are taking place at an Islamic bookshop, she trusts her instinct that a terrorist cell is at work. Her boss, Charles Wetherby, immediately puts a surveillance operation into place. An attack seems imminent.So Liz is surprised when Wetherby suddenly takes her off the case. And shes shocked to hear the reason he has received a tip-off that a mole is at work inside British Intelligence. If true, then the potential damage to the Service itself could be immeasurable. Now, as her colleagues scramble to avert a terrorist strike, Liz must find out who the mole is, and what their intentions are, before it is too late.
Dive into a world of espionage and intrigue with "Secret Asset," the thrilling second installment in Stella Rimington's acclaimed Liz Carlyle series. From the master storyteller who once headed MI5, this gripping paperback edition plunges you deep into the shadowy world of British Intelligence, where danger lurks around every corner and trust is a luxury no one can afford. Intelligence Officer Liz Carlyle, a character celebrated for her sharp intuition and unwavering dedication, finds herself on high alert when one of her trusted agents uncovers clandestine meetings at an Islamic bookshop. Carlyle's instincts scream that a terrorist cell is actively plotting, and her initial investigation, supported by her superior Charles Wetherby, seems to confirm her worst fears. A surveillance operation is swiftly put in motion, the air thick with the anticipation of an imminent attack. But just as the pieces seem to be falling into place, a bombshell drops: Liz is abruptly pulled from the case. The reason? A credible tip-off suggests a mole has infiltrated the very heart of British Intelligence. The implications are staggering. If a traitor exists within the Service, the potential damage could be catastrophic, jeopardizing national security and shattering the delicate balance of power. Now, Liz finds herself caught in a desperate race against time, juggling two perilous missions. While her colleagues scramble to prevent a devastating terrorist strike, she must embark on a treacherous hunt to unmask the mole, unravel their motives, and expose their network before it's too late. Her investigation leads her down a rabbit hole of suspicion and deceit, where allies become suspects and enemies hide in plain sight. "Secret Asset" is more than just a thriller; it's an authentic glimpse into the inner workings of British Intelligence, brought to life by Rimington's unparalleled expertise. Drawing on her own experiences as the former Director-General of MI5, Rimington crafts a narrative that is both realistic and relentlessly suspenseful. Readers praise the book's intricate plot, its well-developed characters, and its chilling portrayal of the ever-present threat of terrorism. This "New Ed" paperback edition, published by Vintage in 2007, offers 448 pages of heart-pounding action, making it a must-read for fans of mystery, thriller, and espionage fiction. Whether you're a long-time follower of the Liz Carlyle series or a newcomer to Stella Rimington's work, "Secret Asset" promises to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Prepare to be captivated by a story that is as timely as it is terrifying, a story only Stella Rimington could tell.