{"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\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eALEXANDER McCALL SMITH\u003c\/b\u003e is the author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency novels and of a number of other series and stand-alone books. His works have been translated into more than forty languages and have been best sellers throughout the world. He lives in Scotland.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Pantheon Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50707884310802,"sku":"9780593700693","price":20.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_fe632d98-70da-4207-9ab3-b3401914b553.jpg?v=1764072638","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-private-life-of-spies-and-the-exquisite-art-of-getting-even-stories-of-espionage-and-revenge-9780593700693","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}