The Nine Books that inspired me to write (8 of 9) # 8_ London Rules by Mick Herron

London Rules (2018)

London Rules is the 5th novel in Herron's Slow Horses series, and the first book of his I had ever read. After it, I literally bought the whole Jackson Lamb series. It is the penultimate book of the 9 books that inspired me to write. 'Slow Horses' refers to members of MI5 who have for various disciplinary reasons, are moved into Slough House, a dilapidated building in the borough of Finsbury. Its a limbo, far away from the day-to-day operations of the secret service. The hope is that they become so bored and disheartened, they leave the service. If le Carre's characters and stories are symphonies, Herron's crew are The Sex Pistols.

Along with Ingenious Pain, London Rules is only the second book I have read in a single sitting. Herron's strength is the wonderful crew of outcast characters he has assembled under the watchful gaze of the acting station chief, Jackson Lamb. Lamb is demoted but refuses to leave the service after a disastrous operation in post Berlin-wall Germany leading to several deaths. He treats both his charges and his employers with equal disdain and derision, but is far more capable than any of them combined.

'London Rules' is laugh out loud funny, but very tightly plotted, a series of random terrorist events point toward a government agency working without remit using mercenaries to create a security crisis and this genre of espionage is given an adrenalin shot to the heart. Even the most thumbnail charaterisations are cared for, each character given a particular quirk and addiction. Singularly, the team members are walking disaster areas, but when operating as a whole, become a cohesive if somewhat chaotic bunch of heroes. 

Herron's gift lies in an ear for dialogue and the rhythm talking heads, the asides, digs and insults only add to the humanity of the characters. 

It was around this time, I came across an article talking about the 007 franchise following the Marvel Universe and expanding past James Bond. Its always been a dream of mine to write a James Bond. But thought, why not explore the franchise? I settled on creating a story around 009. I drafted a letter of introduction with an outline, a full 500 word synopsis, three complete chapters and sent them in to the Ian Fleming Society.

Within a fortnight I heard back from them. In a polite, brief email, I was informed only established writers are approached to write a Bond (fair enough), but also, I couldn't use 'Q', 'M' or 'Moneypenny' as this would cause copyright issues. 

But I couldn't let go of the manuscript. I reworked it into THE ROAD OF A THOUSAND TIGERS and changed the character's name to Sebastian Holt. I actively avoided Ian Fleming and reread London Rules to try to get a 'vibe' and an energy to the prose.

I pared down the plot to the bare bones and did the same for the dialogue. I wanted a strong female character and have long been a fan of French artist, Margaux Avril. I modeled Marianne Aubuchon on her and she brought the 'Bond girl' feel, but not a wilting violet. she's as tough as nails.

London Rules is a wonderful read, my favourite of the series and it captures Herron's writing at its best. I'd like to think he plays a lot of The Clash, Television and Joy Division when he's writing. It has a supreme edge and keeps the pages turning .

He's le Carre's wild grandson; all safety pins and kilt to the smooth Saville Row of Smiley's People.