The second novel in English author James Wolfe’s Traitor trilogy examines a man’s mid-life crisis. August Drummond lost his mind somewhat after the death of his wife, and his career in the British secret service went up in smoke shortly afterwards. Adrift in the Middle East, Drummond ignores his responsibilities to his new employer to recklessly involve himself in an IS operation. Wolfe draws on his own background to present a convincing depiction of spy craft, but the considerable emotional wallop of the novel is thanks to his superlative writing skills. Read our full review here.