Fresh Fiction Blog | Anne Cleeland | The Allure of Intrigue: Why We Love Spy Stories

We can count on two things: James Bond will fall into bed with some mysterious beauty, and she will be either doomed or deceitful—which usually means she is doomed in the end, anyway. It's a plot device that never gets old, the only question being whether she'll be blond, brunette, or married to an evil mastermind. Yet despite the predictable outcome, we can't seem to get enough of the romance of the spy.

I think we love spy stories for the same reason we love James Bond; the premise and the personalities are always larger-than-life. Events are dire, stakes are high, and nothing less than the fate of the world is in play. There's also the tried-and-true plot premise of the ordinary man who is secretly not so ordinary. Remember Mr. & Mrs. Smith? One of the reasons the movie was so entertaining was because these two extraordinary people were not very good at seeming ordinary, and in the end they were drawn together because they recognized this "extraordinariness" in each other.

Spy stories abound because the romanticized spy is custom-made for fiction; he (or she) is courageous, resourceful, clever, and the next thing to a super-hero—all the traits that we ordinary people have in our own fantasies. Despite these excellent characteristics, however, the spy never seems to handle his personal life very well, which is something of a paradox, but makes him all the more appealing in a bad-boy-who-needs-only-the-love-of-a-good-woman sort of way. Underneath that smooth and capable façade is a lone wolf in need of taming, and we are all too willing to make the attempt, even as we know he'll leave us in a second for the next Russian mobster's moll who gives him the eye.

Anne Cleeland's debut novel, TAINTED ANGEL, is a Regency version of Mr. & Mrs. Smith. It is now available through Amazon or at a Barnes & Noble near you.

One commenter will win a copy of TAINTED ANGEL, US / Canada only

Comments

I love spy stories and would love to get the opportunity to win your book! I love to read a book then write a review, thank you!
(Nicole Laverdure 2:32am June 6, 2013)

Spy stories are so interesting! Thanks for the contest - your
book sounds great!
(Dianne McVetty 3:28am June 6, 2013)

The spy is ultimately selfish, out to survive and evade capture, finding whatever information or item he has been told to get. So love life is a temporary thing as far as he is concerned - or she!
(Clare O'Beara 7:46am June 6, 2013)

Mr and Mrs Smith meet The Regency Era? Cool! I love it!
(Felicia Ciaudelli 8:18am June 6, 2013)

If the inside of your book is as intriguing as the cover, I'm sure I'll be in for one heck of a good ride!! I'm really looking forward to reading your book. Your posting today was very entertaining, and I, too, love a good spy story!! Congratulations on your latest book!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:15am June 6, 2013)

A spy story is enthralling and gripping. Love this wonderful
post and learning about your book.
(Sharon Berger 9:36am June 6, 2013)

I love spy stories. And I never heard the term "angel" used the way you are using it in your book - a first for me. You book sounds totally intriguing. Thanks for a chance to win. Best of luck with the book - it sounds like a real winner.
(Nancy Reynolds 9:48am June 6, 2013)

Thank you so much for your encouraging comments, I wanted to write Regency adventure stories and this seemed like a good premise. I hope you enjoy the series!
(Anne Cleeland 10:19am June 6, 2013)

Well, you caught me from the mention of James Bond. I'm a huge fan of his and he's the ultimate Alpha. I think we all harbor that little bit of wishing we could be the woman he absolutely can't live without.

Love your premise and the cover!
(Tamara Hunter 10:34am June 6, 2013)

Exactly, Tamara! Although usually the woman he can't live without winds up d-e-a-d. :)
(Anne Cleeland 10:43am June 6, 2013)

Would love to read! I enjoy reading spy stories.
(Lazydrag0n Puff 10:56am June 6, 2013)

Thanks for the contest. I usually don't read spy stories, but this one sounds intriguing.
(Anna Speed 11:59am June 6, 2013)

Give it a try, Anna! There's also a (hopefully)satisfying romance plot.
(Anne Cleeland 12:05pm June 6, 2013)

This sounds amazing - I love spies and the intrigue. I think The Scarlet Pimpernel got me hooked.
(Carla Carlson 2:07pm June 6, 2013)

And for those of you who like the cover, it was the work of Eileen Carey-many thanks to her.
(Anne Cleeland 2:45pm June 6, 2013)

I loved the movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and I'm sure your new book is just as good. Love spy stories and your book cover is great! Can't wait to read it.
(Linda Luinstra 5:06pm June 6, 2013)

I love spy stories and mysteries! The twists are always so interesting. Thanks for
the contest.
(Becca Luman 7:53pm June 6, 2013)

I love spy stories, keeps you wanting to read more. Thank you for the giveaway :)
(Aimee Robison 7:53pm June 6, 2013)

I love the spy romances so many remind me of The Scarlet
Pimpernel, which is a favorite of mine.
(Theresa Norris 9:37pm June 6, 2013)

Enjoyed reading your blog. I'm a hugh fan of spy stories.
(Sheila True 10:00pm June 6, 2013)

I was drawn in by the cover and I am super intrigued by the description. I haven't read many books about that era.
(Jennifer Beyer 10:18pm June 6, 2013)

Love mystery and the intrigue. It's a life so few live so it's interesting.
(Vicki Hancock 11:21pm June 6, 2013)

Yes, I love spy stories and look out James Bond and Sherlock
Holmes because your new book: TAINTED ANGEL is going to blow
their socks off. I love the book cover too. Thank You for the
fantastic book and I would love to win and read it too.
Thanks, Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 11:27pm June 6, 2013)

I have always love a man of mystery. If he is anything like James Bond, I take him any day.
(Kai Wong 12:40pm June 7, 2013)

I'm intrigued by spy stories and like it when they aren't too
predictable.
(Alyson Widen 5:21pm June 8, 2013)

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