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Introduction

“A Spy at War” is a contemporary espionage thriller written by Charles Beaumont, the pseudonym of a former operative for the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6). Published in 2025, this novel serves as a sequel to Beaumont’s debut, “A Spy Alone,” and continues the story of Simon Sharman. Set against the backdrop of the early months of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the book combines a gritty, on-the-ground war narrative with a high-stakes mole hunt within the British establishment. The author utilizes his professional background to infuse the narrative with authentic tradecraft, moving the genre away from Cold War nostalgia toward the realities of modern hybrid warfare and geopolitical influence operations [1].

Overview of the story

The narrative takes place in August 2022, a volatile period following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The protagonist, Simon Sharman, is a disgraced former MI6 officer operating outside the boundaries of official sanction. Driven by a personal vendetta, Sharman travels to the frontlines of the conflict—from Kyiv to the devastated city of Bakhmut—to hunt down Chovka Buchayev, a sadistic Chechen mercenary commander responsible for the murder of Sharman’s former partner, Evie [2].

As Sharman navigates the physical dangers of the war zone, a parallel and equally dangerous conflict unfolds in London. The “Oxford Spy Ring,” a network of Russian moles embedded deep within the British political class, is actively working to undermine Western support for Ukraine. Sharman discovers that the enemy is not just on the battlefield but also in the corridors of Whitehall, where compromised officials and advisors manipulate policy to favor Moscow. The plot interweaves these two theaters of war, forcing Sharman to dismantle the domestic threat while surviving the kinetic violence of the Donbas [1] [2].

Overview of the characters

Simon Sharman: The novel’s protagonist, also known as “Stoly.” A former intelligence officer who has been burned by his agency, he is cynical, resourceful, and motivated by guilt and revenge. Unlike traditional spy heroes with state backing, Sharman operates as a “gray” actor, relying on his wits and unofficial networks.

Chovka Buchayev: The primary antagonist in the Ukraine timeline. A brutal Chechen warlord and assassin working for Russia, he represents the visceral violence of the invasion and serves as the target of Sharman’s hunt.

Sarah du Cane: An Oxford professor of Slavonic Studies and a government advisor. She is Sharman’s key ally and former love interest, using her intellect and access to help expose the treachery within the British government.

Kamran Patel: The UK National Security Advisor. As a member of the treacherous Oxford Spy Ring, he acts as a high-level antagonist, using his influence to pedal Russian disinformation and sabotage aid efforts from within the heart of the British establishment.

Overview of the themes

The Reality of Modern Warfare: The book contrasts the sterile environments of Western decision-making with the visceral reality of the war in Ukraine. It depicts the brutality of artillery barrages, drone warfare, and the destruction of cities like Bakhmut, grounding the spy thriller genre in current geopolitical tragedy [2].

Russian Influence and “Londonongrad”: A central theme is the insidious nature of Russian soft power. The novel critiques how financial corruption and political lobbying allow hostile states to buy influence in London. It moves beyond the idea of spies stealing secrets to show them manipulating policy and public opinion through “useful idiots” in the establishment [1].

Institutional Betrayal and Hypocrisy: Beaumont explores the moral failures of Western institutions. The antagonist is not just a foreign enemy but the corruption within the British system itself—officials who prioritize career advancement or financial gain over national security.

Revenge versus Duty: Sharman is torn between his personal desire to avenge his partner and the strategic necessity of neutralizing the spy ring. The novel examines the cost of intelligence work on the individual soul and the difficulty of finding justice in a world of gray moralities.

Conclusion

“A Spy at War” is a taut and timely addition to the spy fiction genre, praised for its “premier cru” tradecraft and authenticity [1]. By merging a revenge thriller plot with a sophisticated critique of British political corruption, Charles Beaumont offers a story that is both an action-packed war novel and a cautionary tale about the vulnerability of democratic institutions. It stands out for its insider perspective on how modern espionage intersects with open warfare, making it a significant read for fans of Le Carré-style intrigue updated for the 21st century.

Sources

[1] Spybrary Podcast Interview: https://spybrary.com/charles-beaumont-spy-author/
[2] Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/235699063-a-spy-at-war