In fact, Sibley is so flabbergasted that he hides from the police inspectors that come around to question him the fact that he spent the previous evening with Prosset. Of course, as with any lie of any import, this one takes on a life of its own and leads to an ever-increasing string of falsehoods.
Who is Michael Sibley?
The murder happens just before the novel begins and the entire tale is told by Michael Sibley. As he gets deeper into the story, he reveals the truth about the not-always-idyllic friendship between the two boyhood pals. It also becomes less and less clear with whom the reader should side or even believe--especially since he is only able to learn one view of the situation.
"My Name is Michael Sibley" is a unique, murder noir in the classic style of 1930s Britain. It evokes the best work of Agatha Christie and Ngaio Marsh, and keeps one riveted to the story as this tale of deception unfolds.
About John Bingham
Unlike his protege, John Le Carre, relatively little is written about John Bingham. A Google search will tell you about a runner and an Ohio politician of that name, but not this author. Presumably, that speaks well of a successful MI5 agent. According to the Simon & Schuster biography, Mr. Bingham (AKA Lord Clanmorris, AKA Michael Ward) was a British intelligence officer for over 30 years. In addition, he published more than 15 crime and mystery novels. Mr. Bingham died in 1988.
John Le Carre on Bingham
In his introduction to this novel, John Le Carre tells readers that it was Bingham, his boss during the early part of Le Carre's own MI5 career, that inspired the notable Le Carre character, George Smiley. For anyone that has read the extraordinary spy novels featuring that character, you will know that Smiley has a complex character, known for being unknowable and non-discript, yet able to match wits with the world's best and most deceptive minds.
Le Carre also shares that it was his writing about the service that caused an unrepairable rift between the two men, a rift that was never mended. According to Le Carre, Bingham disapproved strongly of Le Carre's even appearing to expose secrets of the agency. Even if you never read an introduction, read this one.
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