The aim of this collection of essays is to explore “negative characters” in the espionage narratives of some of the most esteemed English writers, such as Conrad, Maugham, Ambler, Greene, Fleming, McEwan among others. The role of women is analysed, in particular with the figure of Mata Hari, so as to provide a gender perspective on women as villains and/or double agents. The relationship between literature and film studies is also considered in a comparative approach.