
What's it all about?
Arms dealing. Murder. Corruption.
In Africa, Taylor Hudson reaches the stark realisation that she is in imminent danger. Time is nearly up when, out of nowhere, she is thrown a lifeline. Left with little option, she places her trust in a complete stranger. But who is this stranger and why the interest in saving her?
The answers lie 6,000 miles away, deep inside the British Secret Intelligence Service, where a former, disgraced, senior officer is attempting to work his way back into the heart of the organisation. But what are his real intentions?
What ensues is a deadly game of bluff, double-bluff and triple-bluff. Can The China Teacup survive this time?
Who wrote it?
Angie Smith, having recently survived locally advanced breast cancer, discovered that her lifelong desire to write had been rekindled. Consequently, her love for international crime thrillers became the springboard to the creation of the highly acclaimed CXVI Trilogy.
Her passion for travelling to exotic places greatly inspires her work. A recent trip to Southern Africa inspired her fourth novel, The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup.
Angie, born in 1961, was educated at Huddersfield University where she graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Education and Training. She was nominated for an award on her knowledge transfer partnerships work, during which she co-produced and presented a journal article at the International Social Work Conference in Durban.

That is an excellent question Kath. I would be lying if I said I never used Google Earth, sometimes even for places I have visited. However, in my view, travel broadens the mind and enriches the soul - particularly exotic places!
So, yes, I have visited many of the locations in my books. I do believe it helps to get a true feel for a place. I need to see the colours for myself, to experience the smells, the sounds be they nature or human. I have to feel I can get into the heads of my characters (they are real you know), so I know how exhilarating it is to fly over the Bazaruto Archipelago in a helicopter, to see Mozambique locals in their coulorful attire balancing goodness knows what on their heads. I’ve stood on the derelict balcony (on Paradise Island) where Bob Dylan composed the song Mozambique. I’ve witnessed a kill in the bush in South Africa, and seen the unbelievable vivid sunsets while watching two crocodiles mate (really!).
All these experiences are what aids articulation - to bring everything to life - and I love it! Life is short - live it!

Taylor Hudson’s husband wants her dead. He’s paid someone to make sure she is. However, another someone offers to keep her safe. Why should she trust him? Her husband is swimming in very murky waters and she gradually finds out what he’s capable of. The Secret Intelligence Service are involved and there are good and bad within that organisation. We are pulled from side to side, not knowing who is trustworthy and who’s a villain.
I’ll admit that at the beginning I kept mixing Taylor up with another woman who has important scenes – Stephany Pascal. Once I’d got my brain in gear, the action flowed inexorably. Angie Smith can weave a multitude of threads into a single story and take you by surprise as you round each corner. She writes a really mean baddie! The book takes us to various parts of the world and the added detail makes the story come alive. A treat for espionage lovers and an exhilarating read.
You can buy it here and in the US, here.