Acting Bad Novels & Stories

Mick Herron's 'Bad Actors' is a riveting addition to the Slough House series, and it brings back some of the most delightfully dysfunctional spies in modern fiction. The story revolves around a core group of characters who are part of Slough House, a dumping ground for MI5 agents who've messed up but aren't quite fired. Jackson Lamb, the abrasive, unkempt, and brilliantly sharp head of Slough House, steals every scene he’s in. His sarcasm and sheer unpredictability make him a standout, even among this eclectic cast. Then there’s River Cartwright, a talented but perpetually unlucky agent who’s always caught in the crossfire of Lamb’s schemes and the broader political machinations of the intelligence world.

Another key player is Shirley Dander, a volatile yet oddly endearing operative with a knack for getting into trouble. Her dynamic with the rest of the team, especially the more composed but equally flawed Louisa Guy, adds layers of tension and humor. Roddy Ho, the socially inept tech whiz, provides some of the book’s most cringe-worthy yet hilarious moments, while Catherine Standish, the recovering alcoholic and voice of quiet reason, balances out the chaos. The novel also introduces new faces and antagonists, like the enigmatic and dangerous figures pulling strings from the shadows, but it’s the Slough House regulars who truly drive the narrative. Herron’s genius lies in how he makes these flawed, often unlikable characters feel so real and compelling. By the end, you’re rooting for them despite—or maybe because of—their many failures. It’s a messy, thrilling ride that leaves you hungry for more.