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Recommend this book:
Raven
Robert T Kelley
2026 Finalist
312 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Raven is a gripping crime thriller by Robert T. Kelley. Set at the tail end of the Cold War in 1990, the story follows a diverse cast of characters who unwittingly become ensnared in a dangerous criminal conspiracy that threatens to plunge their lives into chaos. Expelled from Northwest Missouri State University, Mev Hayes unexpectedly finds herself at a high-tech lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at MIT, working on her revolutionary computer research. Meanwhile, a hacker known as the Raven is stealing technologies from local companies and universities. The authorities suspect he is selling them to the Soviet Union. However, Mev realizes something sinister is going on. Can she and her friends uncover the truth?
If crime thrillers featuring espionage, corruption, and betrayal are some of your favorite stories, Raven is the perfect book for you. There is not a single dull moment in the entire book. Author Robert T. Kelley treats each page with meticulous attention to detail. You cannot miss a single interaction or a line of dialogue. The narrative is dense and packed with mystery, intrigue, and action. The cast of characters is large, but Kelley ensures every character has a unique personality and agency. By the halfway point, the setting and characters completely hook you into the narrative, and you can't wait to see how the rest of the story will unfold. You never know what to expect in the very next chapter. Overall, this book is an absolute treat for thriller lovers.
Raven is a gripping crime thriller by Robert T. Kelley. Set at the tail end of the Cold War in 1990, the story follows a diverse cast of characters who unwittingly become ensnared in a dangerous criminal conspiracy that threatens to plunge their lives into chaos. Expelled from Northwest Missouri State University, Mev Hayes unexpectedly finds herself at a high-tech lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at MIT, working on her revolutionary computer research. Meanwhile, a hacker known as the Raven is stealing technologies from local companies and universities. The authorities suspect he is selling them to the Soviet Union. However, Mev realizes something sinister is going on. Can she and her friends uncover the truth?
If crime thrillers featuring espionage, corruption, and betrayal are some of your favorite stories, Raven is the perfect book for you. There is not a single dull moment in the entire book. Author Robert T. Kelley treats each page with meticulous attention to detail. You cannot miss a single interaction or a line of dialogue. The narrative is dense and packed with mystery, intrigue, and action. The cast of characters is large, but Kelley ensures every character has a unique personality and agency. By the halfway point, the setting and characters completely hook you into the narrative, and you can't wait to see how the rest of the story will unfold. You never know what to expect in the very next chapter. Overall, this book is an absolute treat for thriller lovers.
Recommend this book:
The Imperfect Hand of Fate
Wade Monk
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
In The Imperfect Hand of Fate by Wade Monk, Haskell Hand, a high school student, is doing community service at the Desoto Public Library. Under the supervision of Miss Baldwin, Haskell spends his Saturdays at the library. For five months, a man has been showing up at the same time every day, catching Haskell's and Miss Baldwin’s attention. Haskell learned that the enemy had captured and tortured Daryl Timmons during the Korean War. While imprisoned, Daryl fell in love with Zoya, a KGB agent, and later moved to the Soviet Union, where they married and had a child. Daryl could only return to America if he undertakes a deadly mission for the KGB, and this mission could lead to catastrophe for the United States. Haskell is determined to expose the truth, but must first reconcile with his estranged twin brother, who could help him uncover the conspiracy that could change everything.
The Imperfect Hand of Fate by Wade Monk was complex and intriguing. The plot was steadily paced, giving me enough time to comprehend everything. The writing style was engaging, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. With all the twists and turns, I could never predict what would happen next. I couldn't put the book down, and I flipped through the pages as fast as I could. Both Haskell's and Daryl's stories were very interesting, and I was able to get to know them better through this. The characters were authentic and relatable. Haskell's and Daryl’s stories were masterfully woven into the plot. The story was excellently written and had my attention from the start. I enjoyed reading this book, and the conclusion was very satisfying.
In The Imperfect Hand of Fate by Wade Monk, Haskell Hand, a high school student, is doing community service at the Desoto Public Library. Under the supervision of Miss Baldwin, Haskell spends his Saturdays at the library. For five months, a man has been showing up at the same time every day, catching Haskell's and Miss Baldwin’s attention. Haskell learned that the enemy had captured and tortured Daryl Timmons during the Korean War. While imprisoned, Daryl fell in love with Zoya, a KGB agent, and later moved to the Soviet Union, where they married and had a child. Daryl could only return to America if he undertakes a deadly mission for the KGB, and this mission could lead to catastrophe for the United States. Haskell is determined to expose the truth, but must first reconcile with his estranged twin brother, who could help him uncover the conspiracy that could change everything.
The Imperfect Hand of Fate by Wade Monk was complex and intriguing. The plot was steadily paced, giving me enough time to comprehend everything. The writing style was engaging, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. With all the twists and turns, I could never predict what would happen next. I couldn't put the book down, and I flipped through the pages as fast as I could. Both Haskell's and Daryl's stories were very interesting, and I was able to get to know them better through this. The characters were authentic and relatable. Haskell's and Daryl’s stories were masterfully woven into the plot. The story was excellently written and had my attention from the start. I enjoyed reading this book, and the conclusion was very satisfying.
Recommend this book:
The Brewster Protocol
That Was Not in the Job Description
Moran Tomer
2026 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Olga Markova for Readers' Favorite
The Brewster Protocol by Moran Tomer is an exhilarating technothriller that introduces us to Josh Brewster, a retired Mossad spy who now runs his cybersecurity consulting firm in Singapore and looks after his golden retriever. But his cushy, boring life as the Chief Information Security Officer auditing firewalls comes to a sudden halt when Emma Blake, a CIA spy, visits him and asks for his help to trace the assassins of forty-three CIA agents. Josh accepts and finds himself on a world-spanning clandestine mission, exposed to imminent and severe threats to his life, and complaints by his bad knee about all the combat stunts it has to endure. But will Josh and Emma succeed in untangling the murderous web?
What a roller-coaster ride of a read! Moran Tomer’s The Brewster Protocol: That Was Not in the Job Description has everything I could wish for in a technothriller: jaw-dropping technological twists, breathtaking suspense, nail-biting hazards, colorful characters, and even a well-loved, mischievous dog. The witty, ever-present deadpan humor deserves special praise. The atmospheric settings, international span, cyber twists, and combat stunts were of cinematic quality, and the succinct writing style fed my imagination. It was a highly satisfying read from the first page to the last, and I marveled at the stellar quality of this novel, which I hardly ever find in debuts. I could not get enough of the story, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ending that opened the door for a sequel. I highly recommend this brilliant novel to spy thriller fans.
The Brewster Protocol by Moran Tomer is an exhilarating technothriller that introduces us to Josh Brewster, a retired Mossad spy who now runs his cybersecurity consulting firm in Singapore and looks after his golden retriever. But his cushy, boring life as the Chief Information Security Officer auditing firewalls comes to a sudden halt when Emma Blake, a CIA spy, visits him and asks for his help to trace the assassins of forty-three CIA agents. Josh accepts and finds himself on a world-spanning clandestine mission, exposed to imminent and severe threats to his life, and complaints by his bad knee about all the combat stunts it has to endure. But will Josh and Emma succeed in untangling the murderous web?
What a roller-coaster ride of a read! Moran Tomer’s The Brewster Protocol: That Was Not in the Job Description has everything I could wish for in a technothriller: jaw-dropping technological twists, breathtaking suspense, nail-biting hazards, colorful characters, and even a well-loved, mischievous dog. The witty, ever-present deadpan humor deserves special praise. The atmospheric settings, international span, cyber twists, and combat stunts were of cinematic quality, and the succinct writing style fed my imagination. It was a highly satisfying read from the first page to the last, and I marveled at the stellar quality of this novel, which I hardly ever find in debuts. I could not get enough of the story, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ending that opened the door for a sequel. I highly recommend this brilliant novel to spy thriller fans.
Recommend this book:
Mission 37
Jack Monroe Book 1
Michael Berk
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Mission 37 by Michael Berk begins in 1945, when Army flight surgeon Captain Jack Monroe is summoned from a quiet English hospital to observe an autopsy in Germany that is meant to confirm the death of Nazi official Martin Bormann. When procedural gaps and missing witnesses leave him uneasy, Monroe quietly begins asking questions that draw unwanted attention. His search intersects with Dionne, a Canadian operative working within a covert network tracking former Nazis through postwar Europe. As physicians connected to the autopsy come under threat, Monroe and Dionne trace a concealed escape operation that moves men across borders using forged documents, hidden bank accounts, and sympathetic intermediaries. Their pursuit carries them from Paris to Zürich and onward toward the Mediterranean, where powerful interests seek to control the official record. Mission 37 follows Monroe’s attempt to uncover the truth behind a death the world has already accepted.
Michael Berk’s Mission 37 is a fantastic thriller set at the close of World War II. Anchored in unmistakable period detail, it is clear that Berk is well-versed in the time, showing readers things like the formal role of SHAEF, which I knew absolutely nothing about going in. Monroe is a character you really want to root for, composed when he refuses to accept the report placed before him in Berlin, and later taking risks in Paris to get direct answers. I loved Dionne, a strong and independent woman, up to penetrating apartments in Rome and hot on the trail in getting to the bottom of forged Vatican paperwork. Berk makes the principal antagonist an entire clandestine escape apparatus known as the Red Hat network. Berk's world is fully inhabited, from the displaced persons camps in postwar France to a Jewish quarter where safe houses operate behind shuttered windows. Well written and spectacularly imagined, this book is the perfect fit for readers who adore postwar intelligence history, Allied politics, and suspense that keeps the pages flying.
Mission 37 by Michael Berk begins in 1945, when Army flight surgeon Captain Jack Monroe is summoned from a quiet English hospital to observe an autopsy in Germany that is meant to confirm the death of Nazi official Martin Bormann. When procedural gaps and missing witnesses leave him uneasy, Monroe quietly begins asking questions that draw unwanted attention. His search intersects with Dionne, a Canadian operative working within a covert network tracking former Nazis through postwar Europe. As physicians connected to the autopsy come under threat, Monroe and Dionne trace a concealed escape operation that moves men across borders using forged documents, hidden bank accounts, and sympathetic intermediaries. Their pursuit carries them from Paris to Zürich and onward toward the Mediterranean, where powerful interests seek to control the official record. Mission 37 follows Monroe’s attempt to uncover the truth behind a death the world has already accepted.
Michael Berk’s Mission 37 is a fantastic thriller set at the close of World War II. Anchored in unmistakable period detail, it is clear that Berk is well-versed in the time, showing readers things like the formal role of SHAEF, which I knew absolutely nothing about going in. Monroe is a character you really want to root for, composed when he refuses to accept the report placed before him in Berlin, and later taking risks in Paris to get direct answers. I loved Dionne, a strong and independent woman, up to penetrating apartments in Rome and hot on the trail in getting to the bottom of forged Vatican paperwork. Berk makes the principal antagonist an entire clandestine escape apparatus known as the Red Hat network. Berk's world is fully inhabited, from the displaced persons camps in postwar France to a Jewish quarter where safe houses operate behind shuttered windows. Well written and spectacularly imagined, this book is the perfect fit for readers who adore postwar intelligence history, Allied politics, and suspense that keeps the pages flying.
Recommend this book:
God's Eye
A Jake Stone Thriller
Robert Rapoza
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Stephen Christopher for Readers' Favorite
Athena Technologies is creating a computer system called God’s Eye, which allows all the alphabet agencies of the US to have equal access to the same information. Some people in the government believe this is too much information to have access to and want the system closed. The story begins with Vice-President hopeful Gene Romano getting his face blown off at a rally, followed by a terrorist attack at the Department of Justice. Fired FBI agent Jake Stone, now working for an undercover and secret agency, sets out to discover who or what is behind these killings. What he uncovers reaches extremely high up in the US government and is connected to God’s Eye in a way no one suspects. Can Stone stop the release of this technology and prevent any more killings? You’ll need to read Robert Rapoza’s God’s Eye to find out.
I’m a huge fan of Robert Rapoza, and this political thriller had me turning the pages well into the night. He portrayed evil senators with zero morals to perfection, which in today’s political climate appears to be realistic. From the opening scene where the VP hopeful is assassinated to the final moment upon a clifftop, the book is like a freight train with no brakes barreling out of control along the tracks. The heart-racing action kept me glued to the narrative from start to finish. Forget Jack Reacher, Jake Stone is the new ultimate action hero. God's Eye is the first book in the series and sets everything up for the future. Robert Rapoza is like Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, and Lee Child all rolled into one, and is an author to watch out for.
Athena Technologies is creating a computer system called God’s Eye, which allows all the alphabet agencies of the US to have equal access to the same information. Some people in the government believe this is too much information to have access to and want the system closed. The story begins with Vice-President hopeful Gene Romano getting his face blown off at a rally, followed by a terrorist attack at the Department of Justice. Fired FBI agent Jake Stone, now working for an undercover and secret agency, sets out to discover who or what is behind these killings. What he uncovers reaches extremely high up in the US government and is connected to God’s Eye in a way no one suspects. Can Stone stop the release of this technology and prevent any more killings? You’ll need to read Robert Rapoza’s God’s Eye to find out.
I’m a huge fan of Robert Rapoza, and this political thriller had me turning the pages well into the night. He portrayed evil senators with zero morals to perfection, which in today’s political climate appears to be realistic. From the opening scene where the VP hopeful is assassinated to the final moment upon a clifftop, the book is like a freight train with no brakes barreling out of control along the tracks. The heart-racing action kept me glued to the narrative from start to finish. Forget Jack Reacher, Jake Stone is the new ultimate action hero. God's Eye is the first book in the series and sets everything up for the future. Robert Rapoza is like Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, and Lee Child all rolled into one, and is an author to watch out for.
Recommend this book:
Room 23
A Secret Service Agent's Story of Espionage and Intrigue
Sean Quarmby
2025 Finalist
320 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
In Sean Quarmby's Room 23, John Quinlan became a member of the U.S. Secret Service, where he was assigned to the Counterfeit Currency unit. Quinlan’s objective was to dismantle a covert scheme designed to perfect the APEX counterfeit $100 bill that was circulating in the Bronx, particularly in establishments catering to the Dominican community. After successfully dismantling the APEX counterfeiting operation, Quinlan was promoted to the prestigious Presidential Protection Division’s Room 23. Intelligence from the Secret Service in Washington, D.C. revealed numerous threatening calls to the White House, specifically aimed at the President of the United States. Quinlan found himself navigating a dangerous conspiracy that threatened not only the U.S. President but also the Supreme Leader of North Korea. Quinlan embraced the challenging dual responsibility of safeguarding these prominent figures.
Room 23 was inspired by the authentic experiences of a former special agent with the United States Secret Service. Sean Quarmby crafted a thrilling plot filled with intrigue and espionage. The story was overflowing with action, and the tension kept me riveted throughout. The writing style was captivating, and I found myself engrossed from the beginning to the end. With numerous twists and turns, I could never predict what would happen next. I was unable to set the book aside and flipped through the pages as quickly as possible. The characters were well-crafted and compelling. Each character fulfilled a specific role in the plot, contributing to this distinctive story. I appreciated the additional insights into the Secret Service and its operational methods. The story was superbly written, and there was never a moment of boredom.
In Sean Quarmby's Room 23, John Quinlan became a member of the U.S. Secret Service, where he was assigned to the Counterfeit Currency unit. Quinlan’s objective was to dismantle a covert scheme designed to perfect the APEX counterfeit $100 bill that was circulating in the Bronx, particularly in establishments catering to the Dominican community. After successfully dismantling the APEX counterfeiting operation, Quinlan was promoted to the prestigious Presidential Protection Division’s Room 23. Intelligence from the Secret Service in Washington, D.C. revealed numerous threatening calls to the White House, specifically aimed at the President of the United States. Quinlan found himself navigating a dangerous conspiracy that threatened not only the U.S. President but also the Supreme Leader of North Korea. Quinlan embraced the challenging dual responsibility of safeguarding these prominent figures.
Room 23 was inspired by the authentic experiences of a former special agent with the United States Secret Service. Sean Quarmby crafted a thrilling plot filled with intrigue and espionage. The story was overflowing with action, and the tension kept me riveted throughout. The writing style was captivating, and I found myself engrossed from the beginning to the end. With numerous twists and turns, I could never predict what would happen next. I was unable to set the book aside and flipped through the pages as quickly as possible. The characters were well-crafted and compelling. Each character fulfilled a specific role in the plot, contributing to this distinctive story. I appreciated the additional insights into the Secret Service and its operational methods. The story was superbly written, and there was never a moment of boredom.
Recommend this book:
The Secretary
Deborah Lawrenson
2025 Honorable Mention
320 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Ibrahim Aslan for Readers' Favorite
The Secretary by Deborah Lawrenson is a hypnotizing tale that unfolds at the height of the Cold War. Lois Vale, the protagonist, is dispatched to Russia as a secretary for the British Embassy in Moscow. In reality, Lois is not a typical secretary but an MI6 operative tasked with uncovering a traitor in the British Embassy. She is cautioned to avoid blowing her cover since doing so could cost her life! While commuting to Moscow by train, Lois is confronted by a peculiar Russian man claiming to know her identity. This altercation is a brief demonstration of the perils she will later experience. As her mission proves dangerous, Lois realizes the only person she can trust is Johann, a German journalist also enlisted by MI6. They share an undeniable mutual attraction while working together. Can a genuine romance form between them amidst the nonstop dangers they encounter?
The Secretary by Deborah Lawrenson is a captivating espionage thriller that depicts historical facts documented in a diary penned by the author’s mother, a former employee of the British Embassy in Moscow. Lawrenson brings this engaging story to life while exploring key themes of social injustice, love, trust, betrayal, power, control, and survival. She sets a new standard for exposing the clandestine world of Cold War intelligence procedures while deftly exploring how women were presented in this highly demanding, male-dominated field. Filled with political intrigue, espionage, constant surveillance, and ceaseless tension, Lawrenson paints an immersive world where trust is a rare commodity, and even close allies could become potential enemies in the blink of an eye. Lois's ability to function under highly stressful conditions pairs beautifully with Johann's intelligent, sharp-witted persona. The secondary characters contribute nuance and mystery to this exciting narrative. Altogether, this novel is a must-read for fans of masterfully crafted thrillers.
The Secretary by Deborah Lawrenson is a hypnotizing tale that unfolds at the height of the Cold War. Lois Vale, the protagonist, is dispatched to Russia as a secretary for the British Embassy in Moscow. In reality, Lois is not a typical secretary but an MI6 operative tasked with uncovering a traitor in the British Embassy. She is cautioned to avoid blowing her cover since doing so could cost her life! While commuting to Moscow by train, Lois is confronted by a peculiar Russian man claiming to know her identity. This altercation is a brief demonstration of the perils she will later experience. As her mission proves dangerous, Lois realizes the only person she can trust is Johann, a German journalist also enlisted by MI6. They share an undeniable mutual attraction while working together. Can a genuine romance form between them amidst the nonstop dangers they encounter?
The Secretary by Deborah Lawrenson is a captivating espionage thriller that depicts historical facts documented in a diary penned by the author’s mother, a former employee of the British Embassy in Moscow. Lawrenson brings this engaging story to life while exploring key themes of social injustice, love, trust, betrayal, power, control, and survival. She sets a new standard for exposing the clandestine world of Cold War intelligence procedures while deftly exploring how women were presented in this highly demanding, male-dominated field. Filled with political intrigue, espionage, constant surveillance, and ceaseless tension, Lawrenson paints an immersive world where trust is a rare commodity, and even close allies could become potential enemies in the blink of an eye. Lois's ability to function under highly stressful conditions pairs beautifully with Johann's intelligent, sharp-witted persona. The secondary characters contribute nuance and mystery to this exciting narrative. Altogether, this novel is a must-read for fans of masterfully crafted thrillers.
Recommend this book:
, Simon Green delivers a remarkably confident narrative, with intricate details and emotional depth, leaving readers both captivated and deeply moved. When a tragic accident abroad shatters Madyson Lutz’s world, she and her husband, Jeff, a CIA analyst, make a swift and controversial return home to Vi...){kind=link}
Hit & Split
Toby Miller Adventures Book 1
Simon Green
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite
In Hit & Split (Toby Miller Adventures Book 1), Simon Green delivers a remarkably confident narrative, with intricate details and emotional depth, leaving readers both captivated and deeply moved. When a tragic accident abroad shatters Madyson Lutz’s world, she and her husband, Jeff, a CIA analyst, make a swift and controversial return home to Virginia. Meanwhile, Toby Miller, serving in the British Army, returns home from a field operation to devastating family news, entangled in diplomacy and politics, and then silence. While trying to support his sister and manage his grief, Toby is haunted by a growing sense of injustice. As Maddy struggles to rebuild her life, feeling isolated and unraveling, Toby, on the other hand, refuses to sit still, leading him down a path that could cost him everything. Backed by allies near and far, will Toby be able to follow through with his plan when he finally faces the moment he’s been preparing for?
In Hit & Split, Simon Green introduces a cast of characters whose lives are intricately intertwined by a tragedy. Maddy’s initial portrayal presents her as shallow, selfish, and unapologetic, making her easy to despise. Yet, as the story progresses, the reader is prompted to ask, have we misjudged her, or are we simply making excuses? Sheltered, naive, or complicit in the silence and inaction that follows, whatever the truth may be, we begin to see a different Maddy. Toby, by contrast, emerges as an admirable figure, steadfast in his loyalty and unwillingness to look away, even when it would be easier to do so. His character is revealed through his relationship with fellow servicemen, his interactions with those around him, and the inner strength he displays during moments of conflict and grief. Yet, we also glimpse his human side in the quiet, unspoken ways he supports his family and the small acts of care he offers when no one is watching. Ultimately, this story is about true character, how it is revealed, tested, and shaped in times of crisis. I highly recommend this story to readers who enjoy narratives that explore raw, authentic portrayals of grief and justice, layered with tension, covert operations, and the complexities of geopolitics.
In Hit & Split (Toby Miller Adventures Book 1), Simon Green delivers a remarkably confident narrative, with intricate details and emotional depth, leaving readers both captivated and deeply moved. When a tragic accident abroad shatters Madyson Lutz’s world, she and her husband, Jeff, a CIA analyst, make a swift and controversial return home to Virginia. Meanwhile, Toby Miller, serving in the British Army, returns home from a field operation to devastating family news, entangled in diplomacy and politics, and then silence. While trying to support his sister and manage his grief, Toby is haunted by a growing sense of injustice. As Maddy struggles to rebuild her life, feeling isolated and unraveling, Toby, on the other hand, refuses to sit still, leading him down a path that could cost him everything. Backed by allies near and far, will Toby be able to follow through with his plan when he finally faces the moment he’s been preparing for?
In Hit & Split, Simon Green introduces a cast of characters whose lives are intricately intertwined by a tragedy. Maddy’s initial portrayal presents her as shallow, selfish, and unapologetic, making her easy to despise. Yet, as the story progresses, the reader is prompted to ask, have we misjudged her, or are we simply making excuses? Sheltered, naive, or complicit in the silence and inaction that follows, whatever the truth may be, we begin to see a different Maddy. Toby, by contrast, emerges as an admirable figure, steadfast in his loyalty and unwillingness to look away, even when it would be easier to do so. His character is revealed through his relationship with fellow servicemen, his interactions with those around him, and the inner strength he displays during moments of conflict and grief. Yet, we also glimpse his human side in the quiet, unspoken ways he supports his family and the small acts of care he offers when no one is watching. Ultimately, this story is about true character, how it is revealed, tested, and shaped in times of crisis. I highly recommend this story to readers who enjoy narratives that explore raw, authentic portrayals of grief and justice, layered with tension, covert operations, and the complexities of geopolitics.
Recommend this book:
Ascend From The Ashes
Rick & Katja #4
Ian Griffin
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
In Ian Griffin's Ascend From the Ashes, Katja tried to rebuild her life after the tragedy of her husband, Rick. Katja arranged a meeting with her children to learn their wishes for the future. All of them expressed a desire to follow in their mother's footsteps and become spies. They were sent to a secret school where they would be trained in the art of espionage. Katja had previously killed Victor's brother, and Victor was determined to make the person responsible pay. When Katja is tasked with retrieving critical intelligence from Justin Time, who has essential information regarding Victor, her cover is compromised. Labeled a rogue agent, Katja finds herself as Victor’s main target, pursued by numerous organizations. At the secret school, Katja’s daughter Emma is studying the subtle art of poisoning and drugging drinks, while her sons are investigating which areas of espionage align best with their unique abilities.
Ascend From the Ashes by Ian Griffin was a thrilling read filled with nonstop action. The suspense began immediately and continued until the end. I was fully engaged in this story, and the enthralling writing style kept me focused from start to finish. With numerous twists and turns, I was constantly kept guessing. There was always an unexpected development just around the corner. The suspense had me gripping the edge of my seat, rapidly flipping through the pages. I found it hard to set the book aside, eagerly turning the pages as fast as possible. The characters were well-developed. Katja was my favorite character due to her strength and determination. The storyline was superbly constructed and executed. This book exceeded my expectations, and I truly enjoyed reading it.
In Ian Griffin's Ascend From the Ashes, Katja tried to rebuild her life after the tragedy of her husband, Rick. Katja arranged a meeting with her children to learn their wishes for the future. All of them expressed a desire to follow in their mother's footsteps and become spies. They were sent to a secret school where they would be trained in the art of espionage. Katja had previously killed Victor's brother, and Victor was determined to make the person responsible pay. When Katja is tasked with retrieving critical intelligence from Justin Time, who has essential information regarding Victor, her cover is compromised. Labeled a rogue agent, Katja finds herself as Victor’s main target, pursued by numerous organizations. At the secret school, Katja’s daughter Emma is studying the subtle art of poisoning and drugging drinks, while her sons are investigating which areas of espionage align best with their unique abilities.
Ascend From the Ashes by Ian Griffin was a thrilling read filled with nonstop action. The suspense began immediately and continued until the end. I was fully engaged in this story, and the enthralling writing style kept me focused from start to finish. With numerous twists and turns, I was constantly kept guessing. There was always an unexpected development just around the corner. The suspense had me gripping the edge of my seat, rapidly flipping through the pages. I found it hard to set the book aside, eagerly turning the pages as fast as possible. The characters were well-developed. Katja was my favorite character due to her strength and determination. The storyline was superbly constructed and executed. This book exceeded my expectations, and I truly enjoyed reading it.
Recommend this book:
Walking the Cat
A Louise Moscow Novel
Lorraine Evanoff
2025 Silver Medal
294 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite
Lorraine Evanoff presents a different ilk of retired spy character in Walking the Cat. Louise Moscow is single, post menopause, and still able to fight her way out of a dangerous situation. She’s also the daughter of a disgraced Russian sleeper operative, but has successfully reinvented herself beneath the guise of a pen name and a renowned mystery writing career. The novel takes place within the vibrancy and color of Paris Fashion Week, when a sudden death threatens to derail the main events. Now outed as a retired member of the CIA, Louise is seconded to the investigation by the gruff and unyielding Paris Police Inspector and tasked with finding the murderer before they kill again. Louise embarks on a thrilling investigative ride with an unexpected ally, which takes her full circle and forces her to face the demons of her past.
“The combined sounds and visuals created a metaphysical sensation, like living poetry.” This is my favorite line, which encapsulates all the wonder and pizzazz of a week of champagne and fashion in Paris. Walking the Cat is a stunningly descriptive novel, intelligently written and underpinned by delicious historical facts and snippets of information, which I loved. The characters are refreshingly engaging and relatable, especially Louise and her inner circle. I appreciated Lorraine Evanoff’s crafting of a gutsy middle-aged woman loving life and seizing every moment. One of the characters says, ‘Nothing is what it seems,’ and that’s a recurrent theme throughout. Hidden within the narrative are secret relationships, hidden agendas, and scurrilous individuals wearing angelic smiles. Only the last page reveals the truth. I enjoyed this novel very much. It’s a lighthearted female sleuth mystery that moves very fast and packs a literary punch.
Lorraine Evanoff presents a different ilk of retired spy character in Walking the Cat. Louise Moscow is single, post menopause, and still able to fight her way out of a dangerous situation. She’s also the daughter of a disgraced Russian sleeper operative, but has successfully reinvented herself beneath the guise of a pen name and a renowned mystery writing career. The novel takes place within the vibrancy and color of Paris Fashion Week, when a sudden death threatens to derail the main events. Now outed as a retired member of the CIA, Louise is seconded to the investigation by the gruff and unyielding Paris Police Inspector and tasked with finding the murderer before they kill again. Louise embarks on a thrilling investigative ride with an unexpected ally, which takes her full circle and forces her to face the demons of her past.
“The combined sounds and visuals created a metaphysical sensation, like living poetry.” This is my favorite line, which encapsulates all the wonder and pizzazz of a week of champagne and fashion in Paris. Walking the Cat is a stunningly descriptive novel, intelligently written and underpinned by delicious historical facts and snippets of information, which I loved. The characters are refreshingly engaging and relatable, especially Louise and her inner circle. I appreciated Lorraine Evanoff’s crafting of a gutsy middle-aged woman loving life and seizing every moment. One of the characters says, ‘Nothing is what it seems,’ and that’s a recurrent theme throughout. Hidden within the narrative are secret relationships, hidden agendas, and scurrilous individuals wearing angelic smiles. Only the last page reveals the truth. I enjoyed this novel very much. It’s a lighthearted female sleuth mystery that moves very fast and packs a literary punch.
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