Clown Town by Mick Herron: Dive into the Thrilling Chaos with the Slow Horses!

Overview

Trigger warning: the latest Slough House novel, *Clown Town*, shares its title, perhaps coincidentally, with a rather dismal soft-play center along London’s North Circular Road. Here, toddlers flail through chaotic structures, creating an atmosphere thick with ennui and mild chaos, while adults sip terrible coffee and wait for the day to end. This setting offers a fitting parallel to Mick Herron’s fictional world, where it’s all fun and games—until someone gets hurt.

<h2>Plot Highlights</h2>
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    Herron opens this installment with a striking and attention-grabbing scene: a character named Pitchfork, whose brutal methods during the Troubles involved running over victims with a Land Rover Defender. This storyline is inspired by real-world events, particularly the controversial Stakeknife scandal, where MI5 was found to have protected a violent IRA enforcer.
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    As the narrative unfolds, old secrets resurface, and River Cartwright, our protagonist, begins to unravel them. Facing off against the cunning Diana Taverner and her elaborate schemes, Cartwright’s quest leads him to confront the darker aspects of espionage while dealing with the eccentric team at Slough House.
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<h2>Character Dynamics</h2>
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    Over the last decade, Herron’s series has evolved from a niche favorite to a household name, thanks in part to the Apple TV+ adaptation, *Slow Horses*. Readers have adjusted their perceptions of Jackson Lamb, the series’ gruff leader, from a Timothy Spall figure to one resembling Gary Oldman. However, it’s the sharp, rich prose and character development that truly defines these books.
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    <p>
        What you see when you see a blank page is much what you hear when you hear white noise; it’s the early shifting into gear of something not ready to happen.
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    Herron’s writing oscillates between exploring classic espionage themes—hidden agendas, buried secrets, and fisticuffs—while maintaining a lighter, more comedic tone reminiscent of sitcoms. The characters of Slough House, such as the recovering River and the effortlessly chaotic Shirley Dander, navigate their unfortunate circumstances with humor and dysfunction.
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<h2>Series Structure and Development</h2>
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    While the books contain sitcom-like elements, they also provide overarching story arcs and character growth, differing from traditional episodic narratives. New readers may find it beneficial to start with *Slow Horses* to fully appreciate the development of characters and plot across the series.
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<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>
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    Is the formula showing any wear? Not to this reviewer. Herron continues to balance humor with gripping tension masterfully, albeit sometimes the humor can overshadow more serious moments. Yet, it’s this unique blend of wit and wisdom that captivates readers, ensuring they remain engaged until the story’s explosive conclusion.
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    <span data-dcr-style="bullet"/> *Clown Town* by Mick Herron is published by Baskerville (£22). To support the Guardian, order your copy at <a href="https://guardianbookshop.com/clown-town-9781399800433/?utm_source=editoriallink&amp;utm_medium=merch&amp;utm_campaign=article" data-link-name="in body link">guardianbookshop.com</a>. Delivery charges may apply.
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    <p class="dcr-130mj7b">
        <span data-dcr-style="bullet"/> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-live-events/2025/jul/02/mick-herron-and-richard-osman-comedy-and-the-art-of-the-plot" data-link-name="in body link">Mick Herron and Richard Osman: Crime, Comedy, and the Art of the Plot</a>. Join us on Tuesday, September 23, for a discussion about their new books at Cadogan Hall, London.
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