*A Slough House Christmas short story from the Sunday Times number one bestseller of BAD ACTORS.* Here in Slough House, the intelligence service's home for inept spies, it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Roddy Ho is used to being the one the slow horses turn to when they need miracles performed, and he's always been Jackson Lamb's Number Two. So when Lamb has a photograph that needs doctoring, it's Ho he entrusts with the task. Christmas is a time for memories, but Lamb doesn't do memories - or so he says. But what is it about the photo that makes him want to alter it? How would the slow horses cope if Roddy Ho didn't exist? And most importantly of all, are the team having Christmas drinks, and if so, where? Standing by the Wall offers a glimpse into the kind of seasonal merriment you might expect at Slough House, where the boss generally marks the festive season with an increase in hostilities. But then, this is the secret service, not Secret Santa. And the slow horses aren't here to enjoy themselves. Roddy Roddy Roddy? Ho Ho Ho!

Average Rating
Informations
About the author
Mick Herron
Author
Mick Herron is a British mystery and thriller novelist. He is the author of the Slough House series, early novels of which have been adapted into the Slow Horses television series. He won the Crime Writers' Association 2013 Gold Dagger for Dead Lions and the Diamond Dagger in 2025 for lifetime achievement.
Standing by the Wall
by Mick Herron
Books Like Standing by the Wall
If you're looking for books similar to Standing by the Wall, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Slow Horses
Mick Herron
The first book in the Slough House series introduces a group of MI5 agents who have been exiled to a dumping ground for spies who've made career-ending mistakes. Led by the acerbic Jackson Lamb, these 'slow horses' are desperate for a chance to prove themselves. When a young Muslim is kidnapped and threatened with execution, the team sees an opportunity to redeem their careers.
Dead Lions
Mick Herron
The second book in the Slough House series continues the misadventures of the disgraced MI5 agents. When a Cold War-era Russian sleeper agent is discovered dead, the slow horses are drawn into a complex investigation. Herron masterfully blends dark humor with intricate spy craft, showcasing the team's unlikely heroism.
Bad Actors
Mick Herron
The latest installment in the Slough House series continues the misadventures of the disgraced MI5 agents. The novel further explores the dark, satirical world of British intelligence, with the slow horses facing increasingly complex and dangerous challenges. Herron's sharp wit and intricate plotting are on full display.
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold
John le Carré
A classic espionage novel that revolutionized the spy genre with its gritty, realistic portrayal of intelligence work. The story follows Alec Leamas, a British agent on a complex mission behind the Iron Curtain. Le Carré presents a morally ambiguous world where loyalty and idealism are constantly challenged by bureaucratic manipulation.
Real Tigers
Mick Herron
Another installment in the Slough House series that continues the misadventures of the disgraced MI5 agents. When one of their own is kidnapped, the slow horses must navigate a complex rescue mission that reveals deeper institutional corruption. Herron's trademark dark humor and sharp characterizations shine throughout the narrative.
The Night Manager
John le Carré
A sophisticated spy novel about Jonathan Pine, a hotel night manager who becomes an undercover agent to infiltrate an international arms dealer's network. Pine is recruited by intelligence operatives to penetrate the inner circle of Richard Roper, a charismatic and dangerous businessman. The novel blends intense psychological drama with intricate espionage tactics.
Agent Running in the Field
John le Carré
A late-career novel by le Carré that examines contemporary geopolitical tensions through the lens of a veteran spy. The protagonist, Nat, is a middle-aged intelligence officer facing potential retirement who becomes involved in a complex operation. The novel explores themes of loyalty, disillusionment, and the changing landscape of international espionage.
A Delicate Truth
John le Carré
A contemporary espionage novel that examines the moral complexities of modern intelligence operations. The story follows a British civil servant who becomes entangled in a covert counter-terrorist mission that goes terribly wrong. Le Carré explores themes of institutional corruption, personal integrity, and the human cost of secret government operations.
The Company
Robert Littell
An epic novel that traces the history of the CIA from its post-World War II origins through the Cold War. The book follows multiple generations of intelligence operatives, exploring the moral ambiguities and personal sacrifices of espionage. Littell provides a comprehensive and nuanced view of American intelligence operations.
Red Sparrow
Jason Matthews
A contemporary spy thriller about Dominika Egorova, a Russian intelligence officer trained in the art of seduction and manipulation. After a brutal training program, she becomes a 'Sparrow' - a secret agent used to extract information through sexual manipulation. The novel explores the psychological and physical challenges of espionage in the modern world.
The Americans
Jack Hunters
A contemporary spy thriller about deep-cover Russian agents living in suburban America. The novel explores the psychological tension of maintaining false identities while navigating complex personal and professional relationships. It offers a nuanced look at espionage in the modern era, blending personal drama with international intrigue.
The Increment
David Ignatius
A sophisticated spy thriller about Iranian nuclear scientists and international intelligence operations. The novel follows a CIA officer's attempts to gather critical intelligence about Iran's nuclear program. Ignatius combines technical detail with human drama, exploring the complex world of modern international espionage.
The Quantum Spy
David Ignatius
A high-tech espionage thriller centered on the race to develop quantum computing technology. The novel follows CIA officer Harris Chang as he investigates potential Chinese infiltration of a cutting-edge research program. Ignatius blends technical detail with traditional spy craft, creating a modern take on international intelligence competition.
The Spy
Paulo Coelho
A historical novel based on the true story of Mata Hari, the famous exotic dancer and alleged spy. The book explores her life, trials, and execution during World War I, offering a nuanced portrayal of a woman caught between multiple worlds. Coelho examines themes of identity, manipulation, and survival in a complex historical context.
No account connected — sign in to comment.
