8 June 2026

Review: THE PREDICAMENT, William Boyd

  • This edition made available as an e-book through my local library on Libby
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin (General UK), Publication date ‏ : ‎ 14 July 2026
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1405978414
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1405978415 
  • Gabriel Dax #2 (in trilogy)

Synopsis (publisher)

Gabriel Dax returns in this elegant, twisting mystery of espionage and obsession and takes the reader deep into one of history's most infamous assassinations.

Gabriel Dax, travel writer and accidental spy, is back in the shadows. Unable to resist the allure of his MI6 handler, Faith Green, he has returned to a life of secrets and subterfuge. Dax is sent to Guatemala under the guise of covering a tinderbox presidential election, where the ruthless decisions of the Mafia provoke pitch-black warfare in collusion with the CIA.

As political turmoil erupts, Gabriel's reluctant involvement deepens. His escape plan leads him to West Berlin, where he uncovers a chilling realisation - there is a plot to assassinate magnetic young President John F. Kennedy. In a race against time, Gabriel must navigate deceit and danger, knowing that the stakes have never been higher.

The Predicament, the second novel in the bestselling espionage trilogy starring Gabriel Dax, William Boyd weaves a masterful tale of suspense, loyalty, love and the dark temptations of spy craft.

My Take

Espionage is not really my "thing" but experience has shown me that William Boyd tells a good tale and this one deals with an era I have lived through and refers to events that I have known about.

A good tale, with excellent characterisation. 

My rating: 4.5

I've also read

  • 4.7, GABRIEL'S MOON - #1
  • 4.6, RESTLESS 
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