Hemming Henry Books

Maxwell Knight was a paradox: a jazz lover and nature enthusiast, he authored a definitive guide on gorilla care while becoming one of MI5's most renowned spymasters. He played a crucial role in dismantling British fascism during World War II, despite his past affiliation with the British Fascisti. Known simply as M, he was rumored to inspire the character in the James Bond series. Knight's legendary status arose from his unique talent for transforming ordinary individuals into fearless secret agents, and he was the first in MI5 to recognize the potential of female operatives. However, this narrative extends beyond Knight himself. The book unveils for the first time the identities and stories of seven men and women he recruited to infiltrate dangerous political organizations in Britain—individuals whose contributions have remained largely unknown outside MI5. Coming from diverse backgrounds, these agents led double lives, often at significant personal risk, to safeguard their country. Through declassified documents, family archives, and interviews with retired MI5 officers and agents' families, the book not only illuminates the shadowy world of espionage but also celebrates the lives of these courageous individuals and the enigmatic man at its center.

The riveting story of how the death of a spy in the IRA led to the biggest murder investigation in British history.