Everyone enjoys an underdog story of course, but on top of that, the novels are about friendships forged from the common bond of disappointment but tested in life-and-death situations. Part of the popularity of the series lies in the fact these books simply make you feel good. One of the first things to appreciate is that each novel is an underdog story – a group of individuals, under-qualified and under-resourced, who have to beat their better-off cousins at The Park to save the day. In the dilapidated offices of Slough House, these files spooks spend their time on various pointless tasks, designed to break their will and bring about their resignations, avoiding the hassle, expense and bad publicity of employment tribunals. They’re not allowed anywhere near MI5 HQ, which is referred to as Regent’s Park although the organisation is no longer based there.

The central conceit of the books is that MI5, like any large organisation, needs somewhere to place its most hopeless employees, and this place is Slough House, a building just around the corner from the Barbican Centre. The London setting, cast of memorable characters and espionage storylines have made the series ripe for adaptation, and it’s no surprise Apple pulled all the stops, casting such famous names as Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jonathan Pryce and Sophie Okonedo with the production of Slow Horses, which you can now watch on Apple TV+. Some good plots lurk behind the satire, not least the search for a Russian super-spy who may or may not exist.English crime author Mick Herron didn’t begin his writing career with the Slough House series, but there’s no doubt these novels represent his most successful work. 'This clever and funny send-up of the spy thriller won this year's CWA Gold Dagger for the best work of crime fiction. Some good plots lurk behind the satire, not least the search for a Russian super-spy who may or may not exist.' -Best crime fiction of the year in The Times

'A deserving winner of this year s prestigious CWA Gold Dagger and a book we awarded five stars, Dead Lions is a thriller with a comic touch.' - Crime Fiction Lover Gold winner, Mick Herron's Dead Lions.' -Sarah Broadhurt in The Bookseller Dead Lions was the winner of the Gold Dagger Award at the CWA ceremony (24 October) The judges commented that novel is a 'Well written, wickedly clever send-up of the classic British spy novel.' - CWA ceremony

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