Slow Horses by Mick Herron is a gripping espionage novel praised for its engaging plot and intricate character development. Reviewers appreciate the clever dialogue and dry humor, though some find the pacing uneven and the multitude of characters slightly overwhelming. Overall, it's highly recommended for fans of intelligent, character-driven thrillers.

Slow Horses by Mick Herron appeals to readers who enjoy intricate spy thrillers blended with dark humor and flawed, richly developed characters. Comparable to John le Carré’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Len Deighton's The Ipcress File, it suits fans of intelligent espionage tales with grit and twists.

Slow Horses by Mick Herron follows Jackson Lamb and his team of disgraced MI5 agents stationed at Slough House, a department for those who have failed in their careers. When a young man is kidnapped by a terrorist group, these "slow horses" take it upon themselves to investigate, leading to a complex web of conspiracy within MI5. The book includes portrayals of racist and sexist attitudes and language, violence, extremist terrorist activity, threat, kidnapping, violent death, and death by suicide.

Gritty / Suspenseful / Mysterious / Dark / Humorous

Mick Herron

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read Slow Horses | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Slow Horses Full Book Summary | SuperSummary

Background

Slow Horses Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Slough House”

Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 4

Slow Horses Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-8

Slow Horses Part 1, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Sly Whores”

Part 2, Chapters 9-13

Slow Horses Part 2, Chapters 9-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 14-18

Slow Horses Part 2, Chapters 14-18 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Slow Horses Character Analysis

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Themes

Slow Horses Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Slow Horses Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Slow Horses Literary Devices

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Important Quotes

Slow Horses Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Slow Horses Essay Topics

Slow Horses

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

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Reading Age

Book Details