Synopsis
Gabriel Dax, travel writer and accidental spy, has found himself back in the shadows. Unable to resist the allure of his MI6 handler, Faith Green, he has returned to the that life of secrets and subterfuge, to that life of espionage. Under the guise of covering a knife edge presential election, Dax is sent to Guatemala, where he quickly finds himself tangled a web of intrigue involving a planned coup, the CIA, and the Mafia.
As political turmoil erupts, Gabriel's reluctant involvement deepens, leading him to West Berlin, where he faces a chilling realization: there is a plot to assassinate magnetic young President John F. Kennedy. In a race against time, Gabriel must navigate deceit and danger, knowing that the stakes have never been higher.
The Predicament, the sequel to the Sunday Times bestselling Gabriel’s Moon, shows William Boyd at the top of his game, weaving a masterful tale of suspense, loyalty, love and the dark allure of spy craft.
Publisher information
- Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
- ISBN: 9781405978415
- Number of pages: 304
- Dimensions: 196 x 128 x 21 mm
- Weight: 210g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
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A masterclass in writing
An engaging read that simmers as it moves along. A reluctant spy gets thrown into events he cannot fully understand, at the same time as he is trying to pl... READ MORE
A great read.
This is the second book in a trilogy featuring Gabriel Dax, an accidental spy and now a double agent. At the end of the first in the series (Gabriel’s Moon... READ MORE
An Accidental Spy
I found this book (set in June 1963) rather like a fin de siecle piece crossed with Mr Bean. Our protagonist Gabriel Dix appears to be an accidental spy, a... READ MORE
Gabriel's back and he's still not sure about this spying business
In The Predicament, William Boyd follows on directly from last year’s Gabriel’s Moon, now out in paperback. Gabriel Dax is still MI6’s somewhat reluctant u... READ MORE
Beautifully written, cleverly paced
What a treat it was to rejoin the world of the reluctant spy and travel writer Gabriel Dax. The Predicament is a sequel to the first book in this trilogy, ... READ MORE
Reluctant spy Gabriel Dax is back with a vengeance.
"The Predicament" is the second story about reluctant spy, Gabriel Dax. It opens in March 1963, some months after the events of "Gabriel's Moon". Gabriel... READ MORE
A worthy and entertaining espionage novel from an accomplished author
As an enthusiastic reader of William Boyd and following a hugely enjoyable read of Gabriel’s Moon, this next espionage adventure is a gripping read. Using ... READ MORE
Spy thriller set in the 1960s
It is 1963 and Gabriel Dax is an eminent writer of enigmatic and idiosyncratic Travel books. He also works for MI6 as a double agent and a field agent. He... READ MORE
A nice spy action adventure
A very effectively written spy thriller, combining, once again, elements of Le Carre with a Ripley-esque vibe. In this second book, our accidental spy gets... READ MORE
Hypnotic writing
William Boyd’s mellifluous writing is all but hypnotic. The daily life of a reluctant spy is gently and genteely woven with the threats and duplicity of ev... READ MORE
Fantastic!
The second outing for Gabriel Dax, William Boyd's endearing but somewhat reluctant double spy……” his other unsought-for, parallel existence, his life in th... READ MORE
Loved it -Can’t wait for final instalment!
I absolutely loved Gabriel’s Moon, the first book in this trilogy, so I was really looking forward to The Predicament. While I don’t think it’s quite as st... READ MORE
Brilliant return for Gabriel Drax
5* The Predicament - William Boyd. Utterly brilliant slow burn 1960s spy romp with a glorious return for reluctant MI6 'agent' Gabriel Dax.
Travel write... READ MORE
Great to meet Gabriel again
I really like William Boyd's writing, but, for me, the first Gabriel Dax book although enjoyable, had some frustrating elements – such as the competing st... READ MORE
Masterful handling for the genre
Gabriel Dax has once more been lured into a trip abroad for MI6. His mission to interview a priest turned union activist in Guatelmala but his trip is cut... READ MORE
Twisty, suspenseful spy thriller. Great read!
Gabriel Dax is back in the clutches of MI6 as he gets drawn into another spy role. The Cold War is at its height and the CIA and MI6 are heavily involved i... READ MORE
Fantastic!
The second outing for Gabriel Dax, William Boyd's endearing but somewhat reluctant double spy……” his other unsought-for, parallel existence, his life in th... READ MORE
A slow-burning espionage thriller
The Predicament by William Boyd is a compelling political thriller and the second instalment in Boyd’s Espionage series. From early on, I found myself capt... READ MORE
No Predicament - Read Soon
The only thing wrong with this book, for me, is that it's the second in a planned trilogy and I enjoyed it so much I now have to procure a copy of the firs... READ MORE
Another great story from a brilliant writer
Whenever I read a novel by this author it cements in me the feeling that I spend too much time with storytellers who aren’t as gifted, who paint less vibra... READ MORE
A quick and engaging read
A second outing for Gabriel Dax, travel writer and reluctant spy. This was a very enjoyable read. The writing flows and although the story isn't packed w... READ MORE
More formulaic than expected from Boyd. Gabriel outstays his welcome? 3.5 rating
Now, I am a huge admirer of Boyd, and also intensely fascinated by books, including novels, about espionage. Not the James Bond type, but the smaller, more... READ MORE
Another masterclass in Cold War espionage
Unlikely spy, Gabriel Dax, is back again, now firmly embroiled in the world of espionage; his job as a travel writer, ideal as cover. Gabriel travels betwe... READ MORE
A Thriller that is more than just Action
Having really enjoyed Gabriel’s Moon, I was keen to read The Predicament and see how Gabriel’s story carried on. This one definitely amps things up — it’s ... READ MORE
A wonderful, well written and witty novel, I loved it!
The plot begins in March through to November 1963. Gabriel Dax is a travel writer and ‘accidental spy’ for MI6 and we follow his travels from Claverleigh E... READ MORE
I ike Gabriel Dax and this is a good episode in what I hope becomes a longer series
Another great story from one of my very favourite living authors. Gabriel Dax gets embroiled in espionage in Guatamala and Germany in 1963. A good sense of... READ MORE
Great book, interesting characters
This is the second outing for Gabriel Dax, the travel writer and unwilling spy, who works for the UK security services, and is a double agent for Russia.
... READ MORE
Sequel to Gabriel’s Moon
In this sequel to Gabriel’s Moon, Gabriel Dax has moved out of Chelsea to a cottage in the countryside seeking a calmer less complicated life after his bro... READ MORE
Gabriel reluctant spy
Gabriel, reluctant spy.
This novel begins in 1963 with Gabriel being contacted by MI6 to help out with a situation in Guatemala, he is also contacted by t... READ MORE
An excellent historical spy thriller
After finishing last year’s Gabriel’s Moon, I was pleased to learn that William Boyd was writing a second book about Gabriel Dax. I’ve now read it and enjo... READ MORE
Gabriel Dax's next missions and heartaches! Book 2 of 3
This is the 2nd instalment of the Gabriel Dax spy trilogy. I haven’t read the first and although it works as a stand-alone, I can’t help but feel I’ve mis... READ MORE
Well-written spy drama
I really love William Boyd's writing. His style has wit, elegance and charm. Although I had not read the first book in this series, I found The Predicame... READ MORE
Page turner
A solid spy thriller and an easy read. Guaranteed to be popular and a good seller. Fans of his earlier, more challenging fiction might be a little disapp... READ MORE
Disappointing.
THE PREDICAMENT - I had a hard time getting into this story. I didn't care for the writing style or most of the characters. Source: Netgalley. 3*
2nd instalment of Gabriel Dax - reluctant spy
This is the 2nd instalment of the Gabriel Dax spy trilogy. I haven’t read the first and although it works as a stand-alone, I can’t help but feel I’ve mis... READ MORE
Boyd keeps delivering!
I love William Boyd’s books but find the Gabriel Dax stories a little less intense, a bit like taking a holiday from the emotionally charged stories. The D... READ MORE
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The Predicament
This is the second book in the Gabriel Dax trilogy so you really need to read book one - Gabriel's Moon - to have a better time with it. He is a very compl... READ MORE
Gabriel Dax Is Back!
William Boyd is an autobuy writer for me. He understands masterfully to transport you back in time with his descriptive writing, interesting characters and... READ MORE
The Predicament develops Gabriel Dax's career superbly
As an avid fan of William Boyd's writing, the latest adventures of the reluctant spy, Gabriel Dax, don't disappoint. Twists and turns abound and the reader... READ MORE
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Excellent
A great sequel to ‘Gabriel’s Moon’ seamless and a delight to read. Can’t wait for the next book.
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