This author is famous for his Quiller books.

The hero is just known as Quiller, a spy working for a secret british agency known as the bureau.

He is sent on missions to resolve issues around the world which other agencies cannot or will not touch. Quiller moves in a world totally opposite to that of James Bond. He has to rely on his own abilities and wits with usually bare minimal information as to what the mission objective is.

He endeavours to keep a low profile, prefers not to carry a gun so as to not arouse suspicion.

A number of these books were written in the Cold war years but  are still an excellent read.