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Industrial Espionage
The Repurposed Spy follows a retired linguistics professor as he accepts a translation assignment and is suddenly thrust into the world of espionage. What inspired you to write this novel?
Somewhat surprised by the success of my first book, which was a travelogue (There’s No Business Like International Business), I decided to write a novel. I love travel, and often when I visit somewhere different my mind wanders and wonders what interesting things might be going on under the surface. I know something about industrial espionage, love languages and food, and this was a great opportunity to let my imagination rip and combine all these elements.
Mr. Jones is such an interesting character. What were some driving ideals behind his development?
I grew up in a family of school teachers and met many others as a result. I dreamed up Ronald Jones as an amalgam of several real examples that I met years ago – some of whom taught me as a teenager. The linguistic side is personal – being able to speak Spanish and Portuguese, I am fascinated by the myriad variants of the same language in different countries and regions, especially when I travel around Latin America.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
I’m guessing every author puts things from their own life in their novels! But there’s nothing autobiographical about The Repurposed Spy. What I did build in was my first-hand knowledge of all the places that Ronald Jones goes to and meetings similar to the ones he eavesdrops on. Oh, and the character Chameleon is inspired by a real life character – you’ll have to read my first book to guess which one.
Can fans expect to see more of Mr. Jones? What are you working on now?
I’ve had some reviews that have assumed that, after the end of The Repurposed Spy, there could be no sequel – but how wrong they are! The sequel – and what I hope will be the second in a series – titled Spies on Safari, comes out in November 2023. Not only does it explain what really happened to Mr. Jones, it reunites the other characters and introduces new cast members. Staying as true to life as an imaginary scenario can be, Spies on Safari is set in Africa, again all places that I have visited myself.
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After years spent teaching, Ronald Jones is ready to escape his chronic anxiety and distrust of others and resolves to explore the world. His first destination? Brazil – a place he once visited as a young man.
But just as he’s ready to embark on his adventure, the enigmatic Mr. Smith appears on his doorstep, turning his world upside down. Suddenly, Jones finds himself in a new and dangerous existence, surrounded by moody men in suits, shape-shifting female agents, spooks, and robotic controllers. With no apparent experience of this new world, Jones is in mortal danger and way out of his depth.
As you turn the pages of this gripping novel, you’ll be catapulted into a thrilling world filled with unexpected twists and turns. Will Jones cooperate with the mysterious figures surrounding him? And if he does, will they ever bring him back from the edge? Find out in this must-read book that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the – unpredictable – very end.
Ronald Jones, The Repurposed Spy, is a spy like no other you’ve ever read about.
So what are you waiting for? Book your one-way ticket to adventure and join Ronald Jones on an unforgettable journey around Latin America and beyond that will leave you breathless.
The Repurposed Spy
In Oliver Dowson’s riveting novel, The Repurposed Spy, readers are invited to embark on an extraordinary journey alongside Mr. Jones, a retired linguistics professor with an undeniable thirst for adventure. With his sights set on South America, Mr. Jones is unwittingly thrust into a maze of intrigue when he accepts a seemingly benign translation assignment from the mysterious Mr. Smith. This assignment not only pulls him into the exhilarating world of espionage but also reveals depths and capabilities in Mr. Jones that neither he nor the reader anticipated.
Dowson’s masterstroke lies in his choice to present the narrative as Mr. Jones’ memoir, lending both authenticity and depth to the unfolding drama. Dowson’s vivid descriptions, particularly those detailing the myriad of cuisines encountered, add layers of richness to the tale, making it all the more immersive. While The Repurposed Spy might not be classified as a comedy, its moments of situational humor are both unexpected and thoroughly enjoyable. It artfully balances suspense with levity, ensuring readers remain riveted throughout.
The Repurposed Spy is a testament to Dowson’s storytelling prowess, plunging readers into a realm of subterfuge, disguise, and unexpected turns. For those with an affinity for espionage or simply a love for gripping narratives, this book is an unmissable treat.
Pages: 274 | ASIN : B0BVWPFFSK
LITERARY TITAN 