Smiert spionam "Death to spies" is referred to as SMERSH in the James Bond novels. Mick Herron has more characters with interesting backgrounds and 100% more humour than Ian Fleming.
Jackson Lamb is a nightmare boss or a nightmare teacher for that matter but his character is portrayed with humour.
The Rodster, Roddy Ho is everybody's least favourite nerd.
River Cartwright has an interesting family background and ended up in the Slough of Despond because a friend stabbed him metaphorically in the back.
There is a thoroughly corrupt politician and any resemblance to Boris Johnson is purely for satirical purposes.
