{"product_id":"the-private-life-of-spies-and-the-exquisite-art-of-getting-even-stories-of-espionage-and-revenge-9780593700693","title":"The Private Life of Spies and the Exquisite Art of Getting Even: Stories of Espionage and Revenge","description":"\u003cb\u003eFrom the beloved author of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series comes a new short story collection: half spy stories, half tales of revenge, all highlight the kinder, funnier, and gentler side of espionage and retribution.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn this dual collection of short stories, Alexander McCall Smith brings his trademark humor and warmth to inventive tales of spying and vengeance. In one story, a spy dropped deep into enemy territory manages to disguise himself--quite convincingly--as a nun. In another, an invitation to join the Vatican Secret Service sends a prospective operative down a rabbit hole of controversy and confusion. A third story finds an author, on the brink of public ruin, seeing the error of his ways after an act of kindness saves the day. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eA keen observer of humanity imbued with a sparkling imagination, Alexander McCall Smith illustrates throughout that transparency is paramount and forgiveness is restorative. With surprising insight and a healthy helping of humor, these stories remind us that, in the end, the high road is often the better one for all involved.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Pantheon Books\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 05\/09\/2023\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780593700693\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 304\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 1.25lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview Citations: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ci\u003eLibrary Journal Prepub Alert\u003c\/i\u003e 12\/01\/2022 pg. 13\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Alexander McCall Smith","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42769670242485,"sku":"9780593700693","price":24.65,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0473\/0804\/6492\/products\/img_4c1f6dee-ed53-4f05-b9d2-49b99026c2ca.jpg?v=1678834455","url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/the-private-life-of-spies-and-the-exquisite-art-of-getting-even-stories-of-espionage-and-revenge-9780593700693","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}