If you were to meet Anthony Bryan you would be surprised that a man who appears so quiet and dignified had lived the life he has lived, as told in his three books, Getting Out, South of the River and his most recent about to be published, book, The Kill. Bryan has met with more adversity and challenges in his life than most of us can even imagine. The pages of his book give us a stunning insight into the world of the Secret Service. The first thing that you would probably notice is that it bears very little resemblance to the glamorised portrayal of Her Majesties Secret Service in the James Bond films. This is a no holds barred look at the reality of working in the Secret Service, at the risks and the way that things have to be done to ensure a successful mission. Bryan still suffers the effects of the torture meted out to him in Saudi Arabia during the early days of his career and at various times during his subsequent service.
His writing style, while bare-bones gritty at times, also has a ‘gallows humour’ that tells it like it is. His lively mind is reflected through his work and the intricate drawing of the characters, Dick Frame and Charley Panarti who are constants in all three books. His writing really makes us feel as though we know them personally. All three books show incredibly privileged insight into the world and the work of the Secret Service, and Bryan keeps us turning the pages, our hearts in our mouths as the heroes Dick and Charley risk life and limb for Queen and country. The love interests are often as raunchy as they come, perhaps not surprising in such a high octane working environment. Always good value, good entertainment and also shocking and heart-breaking at times, these are books that will remain favourites for years to come.