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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
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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
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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.
Recommend this book:
The Eagle Scout Picture
A Riveting WWII Spy Novel
Gary Kidney
2025 Gold Medal
372 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Eagle Scout Picture by Gary Kidney is a razor-sharp espionage thriller that plunges readers into the perilous heart of Nazi Germany through the eyes of Frederich ‘Zelly’ Zellner. A young American forced to adopt the identity of a Hitler Youth, Zelly becomes a lone operative on the knife’s edge of survival, betrayal, and discovery. Trained in deception but led by conscience, he carries out daring missions behind enemy lines, risking everything to undermine the Nazi regime. Each choice he makes challenges his morality, resolve, and identity. Based on real wartime intelligence operations, the novel masterfully blends historical fact with the relentless pacing of a thriller, keeping the tension high and the emotional stakes even higher.
Author Gary Kidney has a keen sense of pacing and the art of the reveal to let information slip at just the right moments in this historical espionage adventure, ensuring that every moment is packed with authenticity and suspense. The work is a great balance of plot and character-led action. Zelly is a compelling protagonist whose internal conflicts elevate the novel beyond typical spy fare in an emotive story we’re so personally invested in that you can’t possibly leave without finding out what fate has in store for him. The same descriptive treatment is given to every scene with sharp attention to detail. This makes the action sequences suitably thrilling, but without sacrificing emotional depth or historical accuracy, as these elements are naturally woven into the story. Overall, The Eagle Scout Picture is a highly recommended standout addition to WWII literature that honors the complexity and bravery of wartime intelligence work while being thoroughly entertaining.
The Eagle Scout Picture by Gary Kidney is a razor-sharp espionage thriller that plunges readers into the perilous heart of Nazi Germany through the eyes of Frederich ‘Zelly’ Zellner. A young American forced to adopt the identity of a Hitler Youth, Zelly becomes a lone operative on the knife’s edge of survival, betrayal, and discovery. Trained in deception but led by conscience, he carries out daring missions behind enemy lines, risking everything to undermine the Nazi regime. Each choice he makes challenges his morality, resolve, and identity. Based on real wartime intelligence operations, the novel masterfully blends historical fact with the relentless pacing of a thriller, keeping the tension high and the emotional stakes even higher.
Author Gary Kidney has a keen sense of pacing and the art of the reveal to let information slip at just the right moments in this historical espionage adventure, ensuring that every moment is packed with authenticity and suspense. The work is a great balance of plot and character-led action. Zelly is a compelling protagonist whose internal conflicts elevate the novel beyond typical spy fare in an emotive story we’re so personally invested in that you can’t possibly leave without finding out what fate has in store for him. The same descriptive treatment is given to every scene with sharp attention to detail. This makes the action sequences suitably thrilling, but without sacrificing emotional depth or historical accuracy, as these elements are naturally woven into the story. Overall, The Eagle Scout Picture is a highly recommended standout addition to WWII literature that honors the complexity and bravery of wartime intelligence work while being thoroughly entertaining.
Recommend this book:
Primed
Book 2 of the Outsourced series
Eric J. Gates
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Primed is a work of fiction in the espionage, adventure, thriller, and action genres, and is the second book in the Outsourced series. Penned by author Eric J. Gates, the plot follows Defense Intelligence agent Bridget Mason as she recovers from her injuries and tackles a seemingly simple case that quickly escalates. The story revolves around Nic Stiles and Phil Beasley, who are entangled with a mysterious Tibetan artifact that manipulates destinies and attracts the deadly interest of the Russian Mafia. As they navigate a web of lies and deceit, the artifact's manipulative power continues to influence events unpredictably. Primed is a gripping novel that is just as enjoyable as a standalone adventure.
Author Eric J. Gates has a real sense of descriptive action scenes and great pacing to craft a thrilling and immersive espionage story for readers. The fast-paced narrative is filled with intrigue and suspense, with great moments of lively dialogue against action-packed twists and high-stakes drama, making it hard to put down. The narrative is also suitably varied in mood and tone to keep things interesting. Bridget Mason is highly relatable, thanks to close narration and her emotional journey of recovery, showcasing her resilience and determination so that we support her through every challenge. The interplay between the characters also shows off Gates’ flair for dynamic dialogue exchanges, which move the plot on naturally and instantly characterize newcomers to the scene with wit and style. The twists and turns were plentiful but in keeping with the logic of the story world, and they kept me on edge as the mysteries surrounding the strange artifact grew. Gates' ability to weave together action, mystery, and speculative intrigue makes the book a standout in its genre for the unnerving feeling it gave me. I’d highly recommend it to fans of spy thriller novels everywhere.
Primed is a work of fiction in the espionage, adventure, thriller, and action genres, and is the second book in the Outsourced series. Penned by author Eric J. Gates, the plot follows Defense Intelligence agent Bridget Mason as she recovers from her injuries and tackles a seemingly simple case that quickly escalates. The story revolves around Nic Stiles and Phil Beasley, who are entangled with a mysterious Tibetan artifact that manipulates destinies and attracts the deadly interest of the Russian Mafia. As they navigate a web of lies and deceit, the artifact's manipulative power continues to influence events unpredictably. Primed is a gripping novel that is just as enjoyable as a standalone adventure.
Author Eric J. Gates has a real sense of descriptive action scenes and great pacing to craft a thrilling and immersive espionage story for readers. The fast-paced narrative is filled with intrigue and suspense, with great moments of lively dialogue against action-packed twists and high-stakes drama, making it hard to put down. The narrative is also suitably varied in mood and tone to keep things interesting. Bridget Mason is highly relatable, thanks to close narration and her emotional journey of recovery, showcasing her resilience and determination so that we support her through every challenge. The interplay between the characters also shows off Gates’ flair for dynamic dialogue exchanges, which move the plot on naturally and instantly characterize newcomers to the scene with wit and style. The twists and turns were plentiful but in keeping with the logic of the story world, and they kept me on edge as the mysteries surrounding the strange artifact grew. Gates' ability to weave together action, mystery, and speculative intrigue makes the book a standout in its genre for the unnerving feeling it gave me. I’d highly recommend it to fans of spy thriller novels everywhere.
Recommend this book:
Deep Cover
The Unknowing Agent
Jeffrey Jay Levin
2024 Honorable Mention
181 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In Deep Cover by Jeffrey Jay Levin, Stephan Beck attends a reunion with his girlfriend Lisa Jones, and her friends. Lisa and Jennifer Turner secure funding for their genetic research, but then receive trance-inducing calls with cryptic Russian messages. As the machinations of politics tick away in Washington, the mysterious calls leave Lisa feeling exhausted and seeking isolation. Stephan shares a discovery with Lisa, connecting to the deciphering of mysterious recordings. Lt. Fowler investigates a computer breach involving someone close to Stephan, leading to concerns about his safety when it is discovered. When transferred, Lisa's deep-cover spy status and mission to carry out a scientific assassination are revealed to Stephan by Director Ferguson at Homeland Security, triggering shock that is ultimately overridden by the urgency of saving Lisa and stopping Russian operatives.
What happens when a person is so covertly manipulated that they do not even know they have become a spy? Not in the way someone is blinded by love to the truth, a la Martha Hanson in The Americans, but on a truly biological level. Well, we get the spectacular Lisa Jones effect in Deep Cover by Jeffrey Jay Levin. The star of this story is actually Stephan Beck, and he's the imperfectly perfect hero that every story must have, and Levin gets him right. He comes across as authentic; he experiences emotional turmoil, and we later see guilt, and he feels deeply human. Levin paints Lisa in a light that allows us to freely vacillate between empathy and distrust. Her evolution is thrilling because we are shown a woman who is brilliantly disconnected from her subjective experience of reality and the objective truth of her experiences, which raises questions about the reliability of her perceptions. Between the suspense and thrills, cool prose, and an engrossing storyline, Deep Cover is a win. Very highly recommended.
In Deep Cover by Jeffrey Jay Levin, Stephan Beck attends a reunion with his girlfriend Lisa Jones, and her friends. Lisa and Jennifer Turner secure funding for their genetic research, but then receive trance-inducing calls with cryptic Russian messages. As the machinations of politics tick away in Washington, the mysterious calls leave Lisa feeling exhausted and seeking isolation. Stephan shares a discovery with Lisa, connecting to the deciphering of mysterious recordings. Lt. Fowler investigates a computer breach involving someone close to Stephan, leading to concerns about his safety when it is discovered. When transferred, Lisa's deep-cover spy status and mission to carry out a scientific assassination are revealed to Stephan by Director Ferguson at Homeland Security, triggering shock that is ultimately overridden by the urgency of saving Lisa and stopping Russian operatives.
What happens when a person is so covertly manipulated that they do not even know they have become a spy? Not in the way someone is blinded by love to the truth, a la Martha Hanson in The Americans, but on a truly biological level. Well, we get the spectacular Lisa Jones effect in Deep Cover by Jeffrey Jay Levin. The star of this story is actually Stephan Beck, and he's the imperfectly perfect hero that every story must have, and Levin gets him right. He comes across as authentic; he experiences emotional turmoil, and we later see guilt, and he feels deeply human. Levin paints Lisa in a light that allows us to freely vacillate between empathy and distrust. Her evolution is thrilling because we are shown a woman who is brilliantly disconnected from her subjective experience of reality and the objective truth of her experiences, which raises questions about the reliability of her perceptions. Between the suspense and thrills, cool prose, and an engrossing storyline, Deep Cover is a win. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Havana Hangover
Randy Richardson
2024 Bronze Medal
273 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Giselle Rivera for Readers' Favorite
When Tanner Ford gets asked by his ex-best friend Jackson Swift to take a trip to Cuba, Tanner is hesitant to say yes. He has not talked to Jackson for 5 years because he found out that his girlfriend, Anabel Dubois, was cheating on him with his best friend. Tanner was heartbroken by the betrayal. So why is Jackson reaching out to him after all this time? Tanner ends up saying yes to the invite because of his love for Ernest Hemingway. One of Hemingway’s favorite places was Havana, Cuba. But once they get to their destination, a drunken night turns into something dark and sinister. Did Tanner just make the worst decision by going on this trip with Jackson? Randy Richardson’s Havana Hangover is a story full of plot twists and a web of lies. Hang on to your seat because this novel will have you biting your nails every time you turn the page.
Randy Richardson’s Havana Hangover gave me an emotional response. I cried on two different occasions while reading this novel. The first time was at the beginning when Randy described the setting and history of Cuba, and the second time was when he mentioned the characters were loosely based on friends he had met when he traveled to Cuba. This story is relatable to me because both my parents are Cuban. This novel was full of intense suspense and action around every corner. It also had a little bit of a psychological thriller feel to it. I loved seeing Tanner's character development; how much he had changed from when he was in college till his experience in Cuba. Amazing story! I loved it. Randy touched my heart by talking about the history of Cuba and the people of this country. I would love to read a second installment of this story to find out where Tanner Ford’s life takes him. I can imagine how great the next book will be since I found this one so intriguing and thought-provoking. Thank you so much, Randy, for a spectacular read!
When Tanner Ford gets asked by his ex-best friend Jackson Swift to take a trip to Cuba, Tanner is hesitant to say yes. He has not talked to Jackson for 5 years because he found out that his girlfriend, Anabel Dubois, was cheating on him with his best friend. Tanner was heartbroken by the betrayal. So why is Jackson reaching out to him after all this time? Tanner ends up saying yes to the invite because of his love for Ernest Hemingway. One of Hemingway’s favorite places was Havana, Cuba. But once they get to their destination, a drunken night turns into something dark and sinister. Did Tanner just make the worst decision by going on this trip with Jackson? Randy Richardson’s Havana Hangover is a story full of plot twists and a web of lies. Hang on to your seat because this novel will have you biting your nails every time you turn the page.
Randy Richardson’s Havana Hangover gave me an emotional response. I cried on two different occasions while reading this novel. The first time was at the beginning when Randy described the setting and history of Cuba, and the second time was when he mentioned the characters were loosely based on friends he had met when he traveled to Cuba. This story is relatable to me because both my parents are Cuban. This novel was full of intense suspense and action around every corner. It also had a little bit of a psychological thriller feel to it. I loved seeing Tanner's character development; how much he had changed from when he was in college till his experience in Cuba. Amazing story! I loved it. Randy touched my heart by talking about the history of Cuba and the people of this country. I would love to read a second installment of this story to find out where Tanner Ford’s life takes him. I can imagine how great the next book will be since I found this one so intriguing and thought-provoking. Thank you so much, Randy, for a spectacular read!
Recommend this book:
Stinger
An International Thriller
Gregory D. Lee
2024 Silver Medal
307 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
Stinger by Gregory D. Lee is filled with espionage, conspiracy, and betrayal. June Cohen, a CIA operative, informed Robaire Assaly, a DEA confidential informant located in Los Angeles, that his mother and sister had been abducted from the streets of Beirut three weeks prior. In exchange for Robaire's assistance in obtaining a Stinger missile, June promised to ensure the release of his sister and mother. Robaire agreed to help, but in doing so, he had to lie and betray his close friend and longtime DEA agent handler, Gary Lowery. Robaire discovered that June had deceived him into accepting responsibility for the Stinger missile theft, which she had carried out directly in front of the FBI. Robair is a global fugitive currently at large, and Gary and the FBI are after him for the stolen Stinger.
Gregory D. Lee's Stinger was a captivating story with a convoluted, thrilling plot that was expertly crafted and executed. It was an intense thriller that moved quickly and was full of action and unexpected turns. I could not put it down since it was a page-turner, and I had to find out what would happen next. Robaire was my personal favorite among the intriguing and multifaceted characters. In his effort to rescue his mother and sister from their captors, he was resourceful and well-prepared as he maneuvered from crisis to crisis. The novel immediately drew me in due to its excellent writing and a clear indication of Lee’s many years of law enforcement expertise. From beginning to end, the suspense had me engrossed in a world of espionage, mystery, and dark conspiracies.
Stinger by Gregory D. Lee is filled with espionage, conspiracy, and betrayal. June Cohen, a CIA operative, informed Robaire Assaly, a DEA confidential informant located in Los Angeles, that his mother and sister had been abducted from the streets of Beirut three weeks prior. In exchange for Robaire's assistance in obtaining a Stinger missile, June promised to ensure the release of his sister and mother. Robaire agreed to help, but in doing so, he had to lie and betray his close friend and longtime DEA agent handler, Gary Lowery. Robaire discovered that June had deceived him into accepting responsibility for the Stinger missile theft, which she had carried out directly in front of the FBI. Robair is a global fugitive currently at large, and Gary and the FBI are after him for the stolen Stinger.
Gregory D. Lee's Stinger was a captivating story with a convoluted, thrilling plot that was expertly crafted and executed. It was an intense thriller that moved quickly and was full of action and unexpected turns. I could not put it down since it was a page-turner, and I had to find out what would happen next. Robaire was my personal favorite among the intriguing and multifaceted characters. In his effort to rescue his mother and sister from their captors, he was resourceful and well-prepared as he maneuvered from crisis to crisis. The novel immediately drew me in due to its excellent writing and a clear indication of Lee’s many years of law enforcement expertise. From beginning to end, the suspense had me engrossed in a world of espionage, mystery, and dark conspiracies.
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