Review of Private Eye, Secret Spy

[Nelmari Marais]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Private Eye, Secret Spy" by Ian D. Withers.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Captivating from the first page, Ian instantly becomes the reader's hero. I have yet to encounter another PI-Spy memoir as pleasurable to read as Ian Withers' PRIVATE EYE, SECRET SPY. He takes the reader into the life and shenanigans of not just the day-to-day encounters, which are anything but mundane, and what it entails to be a private eye in the last century, but also gives us a glimpse of the troubled waters beneath the sometimes calm surface of the political arena.

Emphasising that it doesn't matter how much changes over time, certain aspects of life will stay the same. The present political situation certainly comparable to the past, highlighting the fact that police corruption and bully tactics that are displayed by few individuals, are not new or a modern day worm in the apple. It has always been there.

From the humble beginnings of a builder's son, to a lad in uniform and beyond that the private eye and spy that Ian became, one definitely feels obliged to give him a stamp of approval that is simply remarkable. He has stood in the face of so much adversity: jailed, beaten, robbed, penniless and yet still standing and motivated to make the best of the life he was given. There is a certain inspiration to take away from these memoirs. Inspiration to never give up and to make plenty of lemonade with all the lemons life can throw your way.

Not nail biting, but yes here and there you want to skip a few pages because you just need to know that he got out of the situation at hand and made it out okay. Subconsciously being reminded that it is 2018 and Ian is still facing prosecution for events during his time as a spy.

Reading the last page, one feels disappointed that the rendezvous with Ian has come to an end. Would happily spend another couple of hours reading about his adventures both as a spy and private eye. I would defiantly give this read a 4 out of 4 stars. Enjoyably and written in a relaxed yet captivating style.

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Private Eye, Secret Spy
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