This week, Jeff Popple reviews three books about lies, spies and false heroes. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

The Secret Hours by Mick Herron

Baskerville, $32.99

Mick Herron is the maestro of the contemporary spy novel. His ‘Slow Horses’ novels and TV series are at the pinnacle of modern espionage writing, and have rightly garnered world-wide acclaim. His latest, The Secret Hours, is not a Slow Horses book, but it does exist in the same fictional world and contains several of the same characters. It opens in dramatic fashion, before skilfully moving into a complex plot that ricochets between present day London and 1990s Berlin. As usual, the twists and the suspense quicken in the last quarter and the ending is terrific and fitting. Another outstanding novel by Herron.

The Eagle in The Mirror by Jesse Fink

Penguin, $34.99

‘Dick’ Ellis is an elusive historical figure. Born in Australia, Ellis went on to become a career spy for the British Secret Intelligence Service. His work took him from the trenches of World War I, to clandestine roles between the Wars, to setting up the precursor to the CIA and establishing Australia’s own Secret Intelligence Service after World War II. Credited with many Intelligence successes, Ellis was also publicly accused after his death of being a spy for the Soviet Union. In The Eagle in The Mirror, Jesse Fink plays detective and uncovers the fascinating real story about Ellis. Highly readable.

Fake Heroes by Otto English

Welbeck, $34.95

Otto English also seeks out the truth behind some of history’s most iconic figures in his illuminative Fake Heroes. From John Wayne to Che Guevara to John F. Kennedy and even Coco Chanel, English turns the spotlight on some of history’s most loved heroes. In lucid prose, he examines the darker truths behind their fame and puts it in a broader context. The chapters on Mother Teresa and war hero Douglas Bader are particularly interesting, and raise some very good points about the pursuit of fame. An engrossing read that will make you see your childhood heroes in a new light.