Whenever I read a novel by this author it cements in me the feeling that I spend too much time with storytellers who aren’t as gifted, who paint less vibrant pictures, and who demonstrate a more limited vocabulary. Boyd always seems able, often within just a few pages, to grab me and pull me into a tale. Once he’s got me, he never lets me go. This is the second book featuring writer and reluctant MI6 puppet Gabriel Dax. His writing career is going surprisingly well, and his latest project – a book on rivers of the world – is nearing completion. New ideas are already germinating in his head. But Dax is tormented by his attraction to his intelligence service handler, and when she comes calling, he finds it impossible to say no. This episode has some echoes of the first book, in that there’s an interview with a political figure, followed by a death. The setting for this action is Guatemala. The United Fruit Company of America is a shadowy presence in the background. History tells us that the company once owned a substantial portion of the country’s arable land and was known to exert economic and political influence in the early to mid-20th century. There’s also a sub-story concerning JFK here, though in truth it’s really the main story. As always, Boyd entertains, informs, and shows his brilliance with the written word. He’s adept at using historical events and characters (often, as here, with licence to add elements of his own invention). I really enjoy this and it often stirs me to investigate and widen my knowledge of the times, people and events covered.This is another fine novel and, I hope, sets up the prospect of further adventures with Mr Dax.

As an avid fan of William Boyd's writing, the latest adventures of the reluctant spy, Gabriel Dax, don't disappoint. Twists and turns abound and the reader is appropriately left expecting more. Who IS Faith Green?

I absolutely loved Gabriel’s Moon, the first book in this trilogy, so I was really looking forward to The Predicament. While I don’t think it’s quite as strong as the first book, it still gets a full five stars from me for the pure enjoyment I had while reading it. Like all of William Boyd’s books I’ve read, it’s well written, engaging and realistic. I would have liked to see more of Gabriel’s past explored in this one — those details were one of the things that made the first book so special. A few of the side characters also felt a little less developed. That said, I really enjoyed the story and I can’t wait for the final part of the trilogy..

A second outing for Gabriel Dax, travel writer and reluctant spy. This was a very enjoyable read. The writing flows and although the story isn't packed with action, it was a quick and interesting and engaging read. Gabriel appears to have some unfinished business, so I'm looking forward to more books in this series.