Once a Spy by Keith Thomson

Published by Doubleday on March 9, 2010

Charles Clark, a less than successful racetrack gambler, always thought his father, "Hum" Drummond, lived up to his nickname: a dull, plodding, colorless man. Now that Drummond is afflicted with Alzheimer's, however, someone seems intent on killing him. Charles doesn't understand why anyone would want his hapless, harmless father dead. Watching his father avoid assassination, Charles is amazed to discover that Drummond has hidden talents: he is adept at spotting surveillance teams, hotwiring cars, and disarming attackers. Soon Charles learns that Drummond's life as a washing machine salesman (and as a father) was simply a cover for his true vocation: Drummond is a spy. Unfortunately, unless he is having one of his rare lucid moments, Drummond doesn't remember being a spy and can't recall the identity of his employer. It falls to Charles to help his father stay alive long enough to uncover (or remember) the truth.

From this clever premise Keith Thomson weaves a surprisingly funny story. I took it in the spirit in which it is written, as a humorous look at clandestine service. Don't expect a serious spy novel; the reason that Drummond's life is in danger is just short of preposterous, as are many of the events that occur while the fast-moving plot unfolds. Still, this spoof of a spy novel isn't played entirely for laughs. Drummond is set up as an authentic operative, unlike Maxwell Smart or Austin Powers. The story delivers the sort of action that befits a thriller without ever taking itself too seriously.

Keith Thomson's clean prose style is well suited to the subject matter: it isn't flashy and it doesn't get in the way of the action. The story moves quickly to a satisfying conclusion. I wouldn't call Once a Spy memorable (either as a spy story or as comedy) but it's the sort of light, quick, enjoyable read that clears the mind between weightier books.

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