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Lachlan Page
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Magical Disinformation: A Novel (Oliver Jardine Series) Kindle Edition

by Lachlan Page (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 79 ratings

In the era of ‘fake news’, in the land of magical realism, fiction can be just as dangerous as the truth...

Welcome to the thrilling world of 'Magical Disinformation', a spy novel with a satirical edge which will take you on a heart-pumping journey through the streets, mountains, jungles, and beaches of Colombia.

Described by one reviewer as “Our Man in Havana meets A Clear and Present Danger.”

Oliver Jardine is a spy in Colombia, enamoured with local woman Veronica Velasco.

But as the Colombian government signs a peace agreement with the FARC guerrillas, Her Majesty’s Government decides a transfer is in order to focus on more pertinent theatres of operation.

In a desperate attempt to remain in Colombia, Jardine begins to ‘spice up’ his intelligence reports, trickling in fictitious sources and events. At first it seems to do the trick, but the consequences soon take on a life of their own.

Filled with action, intrigue, and a touch of the fantastical, 'Magical Disinformation' is a must-read for fans of the spy genre. Don't miss out on this pulse-pounding tale of deception and survival.

A spy caper for the 21st Century — for fans of Graham Greene, Mick Herron, and Ross Thomas.

Praise for MAGICAL DISINFORMATION

“Magical Disinformation is a terrific novel that stretches the boundaries of the spy genre with wit, satire, and characters that come to life beyond the confines of the “operation,” while the suspense develops not only from the cascade of events but the hearts of its characters in a Colombia that comes to life.” — Michael Frost Beckner, Acclaimed Hollywood screenwriter and award-winning novelist, (SPY GAME & The Spy Game novels)

"Our Man in Havana meets A Clear and Present Danger" —ARC Book Reviewer

"Essence of Carl Hiassen mixed with a pinch of Le Carré"—GoodReads Review

"Imagine a work of fiction set in Colombia where the line between real and unreal, fact and fiction no longer exists...Think Waugh, think Greene and then a smattering of de Bernieres and you know what you're in for, a romp of a read which brings a smile to your lips as you enjoy this fast moving tragicomedy." —Richard McColl, Colombia Calling Podcast

“Forced to choose between a career transfer and love, a spy attempts both by adding imagination to his intelligence reports. With satire and Marquez-esque imagery, Page evokes the colourful experiences of expats in Colombia, bureaucratic hypocrisy and the ease of deception in the age of fake news.” —Lance Karlson, Author of THE NORIEGA TAPES

"As someone with an interest in Colombia and Graham Greene, this was a very satisfying read. And although the title references Garcia Márquez's magical realism style, I'm glad the writing was more Greene than Márquez." —F.E. Beyer, Author of BUENOS AIRES TRIAD

"A slyly comedic thriller with a good amount of action, suspense and fantastical story on events in Colombia." —ARC Book Reviewer

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  1. Part of series
    Oliver Jardine Series
  2. Print length
    302 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    October 27, 2020
  5. File size
    3.2 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

Praise for MAGICAL DISINFORMATION

Spy novel, Colombia, Our Man in Havana, Espionage, Spies

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Magical Disinformation is a terrific novel that stretches the boundaries of the spy genre with wit, satire, and characters that come to life beyond the confines of the "operation," while the suspense develops not only from the cascade of events but the hearts of its characters in a Colombia that comes to life." — Michael Frost Beckner, Acclaimed Hollywood screenwriter and award-winning novelist, (Spy Game & The Spy Game novels)
"Our Man in Havana meets A Clear and Present Danger" —ARC Book Reviewer

"Essence of Carl Hiassen mixed with a pinch of Le Carré"—ARC Book Reviewer

"Imagine a work of fiction set in Colombia where the line between real and unreal, fact and fiction no longer exists...Think Waugh, think Greene and then a smattering of de Bernieres and you know what you're in for, a romp of a read which brings a smile to your lips as you enjoy this fast moving tragicomedy." —Richard McColl, Colombia Calling Podcast

"Forced to choose between a career transfer and love, a spy attempts both by adding imagination to his intelligence reports. With satire and Marquez-esque imagery, Page evokes the colourful experiences of expats in Colombia, bureaucratic hypocrisy and the ease of deception in the age of fake news." —Lance Karlson, Author of THE NORIEGA TAPES

"As someone with an interest in Colombia and Graham Greene, this was a very satisfying read. And although the title references Garcia Márquez's magical realism style, I'm glad the writing was more Greene than Márquez." —F.E. Beyer, Author of BUENOS AIRES TRIAD

"A slyly comedic thriller with a good amount of action, suspense and fantastical story on events in Colombia." —ARC Book Reviewer

About the Author

Lachlan Page has lived in Colombia, South Korea, Europe and Nicaragua. He has worked as: a volcano hiking guide, a red cross volunteer, a marketing analyst, a language teacher, a university lecturer, and an extra in a Russian TV series (in Panama). THE GENERAL OF CARACAS is his second novel. MAGICAL DISINFORMATION was his first.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08M5DZCG1
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ WJ Press (October 27, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 27, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 302 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 79 ratings

About the author

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Lachlan Page

Lachlan Page

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Lachlan Page has lived in Colombia, South Korea, Europe and Nicaragua. He has worked as: a volcano hiking guide, a red cross volunteer, a marketing analyst, a language teacher, a university lecturer, and an extra in a Russian TV series (in Panama). THE GENERAL OF CARACAS is his second novel. MAGICAL DISINFORMATION was his first.

Sign up for news and updates at www.LachlanPageAuthor.com

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
79 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers appreciate the book's Colombian history, with one noting it's based on true and historical events in the country. The pacing receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as a fantastic blend between a travel novel.

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3 customers mention "Colombian history"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of Colombia, with one review noting its references to Colombian places and another mentioning its use of true and historical events.

"...read more of, the crowning achievement of this novel is the superb portrayal of Colombia...." Read more

"...between a travel novel with references to Colombian places, cultural landmarks, and of course Spanish words and phrases popping up on almost every..." Read more

"...Based on true and historical events in Colombia, Page takes you on a wild ride that will help you understand why someone might lie for love in this..." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, with one describing it as a fantastic blend between a travel novel and a multi-layered delight.

"I really enjoyed reading this book. It felt like a fantastic blend between a travel novel with references to Colombian places, cultural landmarks,..." Read more

"...Unlike anything I've read recently, it's a mix of all my favorite topics...." Read more

"A Multi-Layered Delight. A Stand-Out!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Clandestine Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Multi-Layered Delight. A Stand-Out!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Expertly straddling Graham Greene & Garcia Marquez to create a wholly unique, original spy novel, Don Lachlan is an exciting new voice in spy fiction who makes a big idea—that intelligence operations create national security reality by the purest form of “fake news.” His writing is clear and subtle, and this makes his satire sing. The humor sneaks up on you, catches you by surprise and is laugh out loud funny—at the same time skewering the intelligence game and the bureaucracy that drives it. While Oliver Jardine is the perfect combination of earnestness and befuddlement, motivation that is pure of heart but self-deceiving in his ethics; a classic Picaresque character you will want to read more of, the crowning achievement of this novel is the superb portrayal of Colombia. So many authors writing a foreign setting bring it to life by describing contrasting the world with the familiar—exotic places coming to life through the physical and locale contrast; Lachlan’s Colombia comes to life through his characters deep attachment to their familiarity with their place and purpose. In the end it is the difference between coming away from a novel feeling you’ve visited a foreign land, but feeling you have lived there. Highly Recommended.
    One person found this helpful
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  • JMac
    4.0 out of 5 stars Wanderlust Spy Thriller
    Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed reading this book. It felt like a fantastic blend between a travel novel with references to Colombian places, cultural landmarks, and of course Spanish words and phrases popping up on almost every page, and spy thriller. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next...and I also really want to visit Colombia too!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Dane
    5.0 out of 5 stars James Bond meets Our Man in Havana
    Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    MD is a great novel. Unlike anything I've read recently, it's a mix of all my favorite topics. James Bond, Latin America, and the threat of Secret Organizations operating deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta?

    Sign me up!

    The development of the characters makes you feel like you've known Jardine and Paco your whole life. Based on true and historical events in Colombia, Page takes you on a wild ride that will help you understand why someone might lie for love in this amazing country.

    Ready for book two in this amazing series!
    Helpful
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  • SF One Zero
    5.0 out of 5 stars "Magical Disinformation" - A cross between "Our Man in Havana" and "The General in His Labyrinth."
    Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2025
    “A man with almost no heroic qualities,” is how Oliver Jardine, the protagonist of Lachlan Page’s novel "Magical Disinformation" could be described. Except that he tries to be one, if only to stay with his beloved girlfriend Veronica Velasco.

    The scene is Columbia and, as the guerrilla war is winding down, so is Oliver’s job. He is needed elsewhere to service the requirements of the all-consuming intelligence service for which he works. Yemen is where he is to be sent — not a death sentence for his career but certainly a death knell for his romance. What woman would want to follow him into a war-zone?

    There is only one solution and Jardine becomes inventive, when there is no compelling intelligence one needs only invent it. Surely that will be enough to keep him in Bogata?

    But the fates have other ideas. With satire, fantastical imagery, and tongue in cheek humor, Page takes the reader on an adventure in Gabriel José García Márquez’s land of mystical realism that he knows so well. “A man with almost no heroic qualities,” is how Oliver Jardine, the protagonist of Lachlan Page’s novel Magical Disinformation could be described. Except that he tries to be one, if only to stay with his beloved girlfriend Veronica Velasco.

    The scene is Columbia and, as the guerrilla war is winding down, so is Oliver’s job. He is needed elsewhere to service the requirements of the all-consuming intelligence service for which he works. Yemen is where he is to be sent — not a death sentence for his career but certainly a death knell for his romance. What woman would want to follow him into a war-zone?

    There is only one solution and Jardine becomes inventive, when there is no compelling intelligence one needs only invent it. Surely that will be enough to keep him in Bogata?

    But the fates have other ideas. With satire, fantastical imagery, and tongue in cheek humor, Page takes the reader on an adventure in Gabriel José García Márquez’s land of mystical realism that he knows so well.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Vikenty
    5.0 out of 5 stars good yarn
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 27, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    It’s not a serious book, but a good and catchy novel to read at work while pretending to do your job 😏
    Report
  • Lance Karlson
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Intelligent, witty exploration of Colombia
    Reviewed in Australia on June 30, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Forced to choose between a career transfer and love, a spy attempts both by adding imagination to his intelligence reports. With satire and Marquez-esque imagery, Page evokes the colourful experiences of expats in Colombia, bureaucratic hypocrisy and the ease of deception in the age of fake news.
    This is an ambitious novel in its combination of humour, spy action, social commentary and references to magical realism. It could have easily descended into Colombian stereotypes (cocaine and Escobar-inspired clichés), but Page achieves the combination authentically through his obvious familiarity with the Spanish language, Colombian customs, places, guerrilla factions and relatively-unknown indigenous groups.
    Anyone familiar with Colombia would recognise the landmarks from Bogota’s Monserrate to Cartagena’s walled perimeter, Café del Mar and the home of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I particularly enjoyed the transition of environments from the misty mountains of the Andes to jungles, rainforests, humid coasts and the deserts of La Guajira.
    While I enjoyed this book thoroughly, I do suggest that the readers who enjoy it most would be those familiar with Colombian or Latin American culture. Some of the satire, such as passing references to the Odebrecht corporation, nepotism and the vast array of Colombian public holidays would bring a chuckle to many; for others it may be lost in translation.
    I found the characters of Jardine and Veronica realistic and relatable, and the colourful mix of expats and travellers were straight from the bustling bars of Colombia’s north. The only characters I found difficult to relate to were Juan and Paco; with Paco, there was complexity in his dual role as a professional spy and swaggering ‘parcero’, but I was intrigued about his objectives and his somewhat mild reactions to events.
    On another personal note, I found the action in the second half of this novel particularly reminiscent of the structure of The Noriega Tapes; an adventure through exotic locations towards a climax amongst the whitewashed, bougainvillea-draped walls of a Spanish colonial outpost. In the case of Magical Disinformation, I feel there was an appropriate number of locations and scenes, and that these didn’t detract too much from the plot.
    The descriptive imagery and explanations of different cultural groups were also surprisingly familiar – and evoked Rusty Young’s descriptions in Colombiano. I can only put this down to what must be uniquely Australian observations of Latin America!
    Customer image
    Lance Karlson
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    An Intelligent, witty exploration of Colombia

    Reviewed in Australia on June 30, 2021
    Forced to choose between a career transfer and love, a spy attempts both by adding imagination to his intelligence reports. With satire and Marquez-esque imagery, Page evokes the colourful experiences of expats in Colombia, bureaucratic hypocrisy and the ease of deception in the age of fake news.
    This is an ambitious novel in its combination of humour, spy action, social commentary and references to magical realism. It could have easily descended into Colombian stereotypes (cocaine and Escobar-inspired clichés), but Page achieves the combination authentically through his obvious familiarity with the Spanish language, Colombian customs, places, guerrilla factions and relatively-unknown indigenous groups.
    Anyone familiar with Colombia would recognise the landmarks from Bogota’s Monserrate to Cartagena’s walled perimeter, Café del Mar and the home of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I particularly enjoyed the transition of environments from the misty mountains of the Andes to jungles, rainforests, humid coasts and the deserts of La Guajira.
    While I enjoyed this book thoroughly, I do suggest that the readers who enjoy it most would be those familiar with Colombian or Latin American culture. Some of the satire, such as passing references to the Odebrecht corporation, nepotism and the vast array of Colombian public holidays would bring a chuckle to many; for others it may be lost in translation.
    I found the characters of Jardine and Veronica realistic and relatable, and the colourful mix of expats and travellers were straight from the bustling bars of Colombia’s north. The only characters I found difficult to relate to were Juan and Paco; with Paco, there was complexity in his dual role as a professional spy and swaggering ‘parcero’, but I was intrigued about his objectives and his somewhat mild reactions to events.
    On another personal note, I found the action in the second half of this novel particularly reminiscent of the structure of The Noriega Tapes; an adventure through exotic locations towards a climax amongst the whitewashed, bougainvillea-draped walls of a Spanish colonial outpost. In the case of Magical Disinformation, I feel there was an appropriate number of locations and scenes, and that these didn’t detract too much from the plot.
    The descriptive imagery and explanations of different cultural groups were also surprisingly familiar – and evoked Rusty Young’s descriptions in Colombiano. I can only put this down to what must be uniquely Australian observations of Latin America!
    Images in this review
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  • Iain C.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Spy Thriller Set in The Land of Magic Realism
    Reviewed in Canada on August 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This was a great novel set in my favourite country, Colombia! This well researched thriller takes the reader from the capital to the Caribbean and is action packed with suspense, drama, violence and romance. The author has obviously spent a lot of time in Colombia and knows the country very well as the story goes into great detail about the geography, history and culture of the country, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good spy novel and those with an interest in one of the most fascinating countries in the world, Colombia!
    Report
  • RobLund
    5.0 out of 5 stars Different
    Reviewed in Canada on July 10, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is a very different kind of spy story. I found it quite engaging.
    Report
  • andrew
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Most Scenic Route
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Lachlan Page’s Magical Disinformation first wowed me and the rest the world due to its unique cover’s reveal in the Spybrary FB group couple of years ago. I got 50% through it, then slightly perplexed, I put it down…
    The completion of this book then took an unusual route, a little like its protagonist Oliver Jardine’s Colombian odyssey, minus the Ayahuasca trip!
    I followed the blurb to one of the book’s inspirations, Graham Greene’s Our Man in Havana, which I could-not-put-down, but now ‘got’ where Page was coming from.
    This author has something in common with John le Carré here (stop rolling your eyes, he’s the original Lachlan Page not the new JLC) in that both have paid homage to ‘Havana, in le Carré’s case with the Tailor of Panama, a classic in it’s self, I’m told. The other driving inspiration is the diverse beauty, cultures and landscapes of Colombia. The author’s experience of which infuses the novel, much in the same way as Simon Conway fills our senses with the war zones of Middle East, but in this case we’re left with a yearning to see these natural wonders for ourself.
    So what we have in Magical Disinformation is a light hearted homage to a top-five all time classic by one of the greatest novelists ever (Graham Greene). It doesn’t take itself too seriously or beg comparison, whilst also entwining a captivating travelogue. The magical realism- inspired by the genre’s Colombian doyen, Gabriel García Márquez (now also on my bucket list-thanks LP!) seems to take a back seat to the natural landscape itself, which has a magic all of its own-probably Page’s case in point.
    The odyssey was worth it. There’s some growing room allowed for in my four star rating- already taken with Page’s hotly tipped follow up The General of Caracas. All-in-all Magical Disinformation is something a bit different, which is always welcome in Casa Onyx.
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