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 Bernard Trubshaw experienced a sudden illness. An air ambulance went to his rescue, but the aircraft was found empty and abandoned a short while later. Trubshaw had been kidnapped, or so it seemed. SIS contacted Charlie Allsop Consulting Services, prompting its l...){kind=link}
Leaving Shadows
The Shadows Series Book 1
Eric J. Gates
2023 Gold Medal
363 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
It had all happened so fast. The Chief of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) Bernard Trubshaw experienced a sudden illness. An air ambulance went to his rescue, but the aircraft was found empty and abandoned a short while later. Trubshaw had been kidnapped, or so it seemed. SIS contacted Charlie Allsop Consulting Services, prompting its leader Roger Bannister to send his Delta team on a recovery mission to find Trubshaw. Things became complicated when the Delta team realized that it had been the Alpha team, their top-ranked elite unit, which had originally handled the kidnapping. Were they being played? It only became worse when the Alpha team lost Trubshaw. While hot on Trubshaw’s trail, the Alpha and Delta teams found themselves involved with the Spanish CNI and a wanted Ukrainian arms dealer. Treading a dangerous path that put their lives on the line, they raced to save the world from a deadly weapon. Get yourself Eric J. Gate’s Leaving Shadows, the first installment in The Shadows Series, to discover what transpired.
It is always a pleasure to read some of an author’s best work. Those moments always make me feel grateful. Eric J. Gates is an exceptionally gifted author and clearly in a league of his own. If you are looking for a fast-paced, action-packed, gripping, espionage novel laced with a compelling tale of betrayal, blackmail, deceit, vengeance, crime, money, murder, sleuths, spies, moles, and crime bosses, Leaving Shadows is a must-read. Weaving a complex plot, the author incorporates ingenious twists, jaw-dropping cliffhangers, and humor, adding edge-of-the-seat suspense. This kept me flipping through page after page. The evocative descriptions brought Europe to life colorfully. It felt as if I was in the middle of all the action from London to Valencia. Fans of Dwayne Johnson’s and Ryan Reynolds’ Red Notice will love this magnificent piece of work from my new favorite author.
It had all happened so fast. The Chief of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) Bernard Trubshaw experienced a sudden illness. An air ambulance went to his rescue, but the aircraft was found empty and abandoned a short while later. Trubshaw had been kidnapped, or so it seemed. SIS contacted Charlie Allsop Consulting Services, prompting its leader Roger Bannister to send his Delta team on a recovery mission to find Trubshaw. Things became complicated when the Delta team realized that it had been the Alpha team, their top-ranked elite unit, which had originally handled the kidnapping. Were they being played? It only became worse when the Alpha team lost Trubshaw. While hot on Trubshaw’s trail, the Alpha and Delta teams found themselves involved with the Spanish CNI and a wanted Ukrainian arms dealer. Treading a dangerous path that put their lives on the line, they raced to save the world from a deadly weapon. Get yourself Eric J. Gate’s Leaving Shadows, the first installment in The Shadows Series, to discover what transpired.
It is always a pleasure to read some of an author’s best work. Those moments always make me feel grateful. Eric J. Gates is an exceptionally gifted author and clearly in a league of his own. If you are looking for a fast-paced, action-packed, gripping, espionage novel laced with a compelling tale of betrayal, blackmail, deceit, vengeance, crime, money, murder, sleuths, spies, moles, and crime bosses, Leaving Shadows is a must-read. Weaving a complex plot, the author incorporates ingenious twists, jaw-dropping cliffhangers, and humor, adding edge-of-the-seat suspense. This kept me flipping through page after page. The evocative descriptions brought Europe to life colorfully. It felt as if I was in the middle of all the action from London to Valencia. Fans of Dwayne Johnson’s and Ryan Reynolds’ Red Notice will love this magnificent piece of work from my new favorite author.
Recommend this book:
Dragon's Eye
Gregor Pratt
2023 Silver Medal
339 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
Dragon’s Eye by Gregor Pratt is an excellent thriller. Jack and Maddy Gamble have a seemingly perfect life. The Ebola Island matter had left them well off and they are international heroes. Maddy teaches English classes at Nelson English Center and gives private lessons to a student named Li Wei at his residence. When Maddy does not come home, Jack contacts the police to report her missing. An eyewitness who saw Maddy's abduction from Li Wei’s residence comes forward. Jack has no idea why Maddy was targeted for kidnapping. Special Agents of the New Zealand government discovered that the Chinese government is involved in the kidnapping. Jack joins the Special Agents in their mission to save Maddy. Will Jack and the team be able to rescue Maddy before she and the kidnappers reach China?
Dragon’s Eye was captivating and complicated. It kept me in suspense, and I could not put it down. It was fast-paced and full of action. The tension built up at every turn in events. There were so many twists and turns that I never knew what to expect next. Each chapter set the scene for the following one and the storyline flowed. It is a high-tension thriller with an exciting storyline. I was transferred to a world of power and greed, where life is worth nothing. The characters were fascinating and authentic. They were well-developed and relatable. Having just met, they have to learn to trust each other if they want to survive and save Maddy. This story by Gregor Pratt was wonderfully written and well-researched, with a perfect ending to an exciting tale.
Dragon’s Eye by Gregor Pratt is an excellent thriller. Jack and Maddy Gamble have a seemingly perfect life. The Ebola Island matter had left them well off and they are international heroes. Maddy teaches English classes at Nelson English Center and gives private lessons to a student named Li Wei at his residence. When Maddy does not come home, Jack contacts the police to report her missing. An eyewitness who saw Maddy's abduction from Li Wei’s residence comes forward. Jack has no idea why Maddy was targeted for kidnapping. Special Agents of the New Zealand government discovered that the Chinese government is involved in the kidnapping. Jack joins the Special Agents in their mission to save Maddy. Will Jack and the team be able to rescue Maddy before she and the kidnappers reach China?
Dragon’s Eye was captivating and complicated. It kept me in suspense, and I could not put it down. It was fast-paced and full of action. The tension built up at every turn in events. There were so many twists and turns that I never knew what to expect next. Each chapter set the scene for the following one and the storyline flowed. It is a high-tension thriller with an exciting storyline. I was transferred to a world of power and greed, where life is worth nothing. The characters were fascinating and authentic. They were well-developed and relatable. Having just met, they have to learn to trust each other if they want to survive and save Maddy. This story by Gregor Pratt was wonderfully written and well-researched, with a perfect ending to an exciting tale.
Recommend this book:
The Amsterdam Deception
Book One in The David Knight Series
Tony Ollivier
2023 Bronze Medal
276 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Steven Robson for Readers' Favorite
The Amsterdam Deception: The David Knight Series Book 1 by Tony Ollivier places us in the shoes of David Knight, a professional ballerino touring Europe with the Canadian ballet troupe; his first foray into this continent of incredible history and abundant differences. One night after rehearsals, David and his good friend Razor venture out into Amsterdam, seeking an education in this foreign culture. Little did David know that the experience would dump him into a washing machine ride through incredibly complex and dangerous waters, where his very survival would become his absolute objective. Governmental control, greed, and religious dogma all converge on a mysterious target. This cynosure paradoxically becomes both David’s greatest hope and his most dire peril. This is something only David can unlock. The ultimate question to be answered is will David survive the shocking revelation?
Tony Ollivier’s The Amsterdam Deception is a rich, fast-paced adventure through some truly incredible backdrops within Europe. The way these locales are written into the reader’s imagination is palpable, and you can almost feel the chill air of Amsterdam or the smooth transit of the TGV as it races through this exciting journey. The characters are all quite believable, diverse, and imbued with accurate blends of humanity, both good and evil. It was particularly clever how David’s understanding of his circumstances was developed, starting with stark confusion and evolving at a slow burn to the point where he understood what had happened to him and who the players were. The amount of empathy this built for his character was impressive. I would recommend The Amsterdam Deception to all those readers who love quality mystery adventures on a global stage.
The Amsterdam Deception: The David Knight Series Book 1 by Tony Ollivier places us in the shoes of David Knight, a professional ballerino touring Europe with the Canadian ballet troupe; his first foray into this continent of incredible history and abundant differences. One night after rehearsals, David and his good friend Razor venture out into Amsterdam, seeking an education in this foreign culture. Little did David know that the experience would dump him into a washing machine ride through incredibly complex and dangerous waters, where his very survival would become his absolute objective. Governmental control, greed, and religious dogma all converge on a mysterious target. This cynosure paradoxically becomes both David’s greatest hope and his most dire peril. This is something only David can unlock. The ultimate question to be answered is will David survive the shocking revelation?
Tony Ollivier’s The Amsterdam Deception is a rich, fast-paced adventure through some truly incredible backdrops within Europe. The way these locales are written into the reader’s imagination is palpable, and you can almost feel the chill air of Amsterdam or the smooth transit of the TGV as it races through this exciting journey. The characters are all quite believable, diverse, and imbued with accurate blends of humanity, both good and evil. It was particularly clever how David’s understanding of his circumstances was developed, starting with stark confusion and evolving at a slow burn to the point where he understood what had happened to him and who the players were. The amount of empathy this built for his character was impressive. I would recommend The Amsterdam Deception to all those readers who love quality mystery adventures on a global stage.
Recommend this book:
Twisted Threads
Kaylin McFarren
2023 Honorable Mention
379 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
Twisted Threads is a psychological thriller written by Kaylin McFarren. Akira used to be a geisha, but is forced to be an assassin working for the Yakuza boss. She hates herself for what she is doing. She is ordered to board a cruise ship to determine who killed her boss’s sister. A couple named Paul and Sara Lyons is under suspicion. One of them is the murderer and Akira must investigate to determine which one. If she succeeds, she can start a new life, but if she fails her mother will be killed. The Lyons couple is accompanied by their nephew, Devon Lyons. Akira befriends Devon to get information about his aunt and uncle. She realized she was starting to trust Devon. They work together to solve the murder and find themselves fighting for their lives.
I was captivated and intrigued by Twisted Threads by Kaylin McFarren. There is a lot of action in the story, and it is fast-paced. There are unexpected twists and turns in the plot I did not see coming. It is suspenseful and nail-biting from the beginning. I just kept reading until the finish because I had to know how it ended. The violence was descriptive and left nothing to the imagination. The characters were complicated and complex. They were authentic and I loved them. My favorite character is Akira. She is strong and well-trained and sometimes needs protection. Twisted Threads is well-written and developed. This mystery brings the themes of murder, revenge, and loyalty together. I guarantee that the ending will be a big surprise.
Twisted Threads is a psychological thriller written by Kaylin McFarren. Akira used to be a geisha, but is forced to be an assassin working for the Yakuza boss. She hates herself for what she is doing. She is ordered to board a cruise ship to determine who killed her boss’s sister. A couple named Paul and Sara Lyons is under suspicion. One of them is the murderer and Akira must investigate to determine which one. If she succeeds, she can start a new life, but if she fails her mother will be killed. The Lyons couple is accompanied by their nephew, Devon Lyons. Akira befriends Devon to get information about his aunt and uncle. She realized she was starting to trust Devon. They work together to solve the murder and find themselves fighting for their lives.
I was captivated and intrigued by Twisted Threads by Kaylin McFarren. There is a lot of action in the story, and it is fast-paced. There are unexpected twists and turns in the plot I did not see coming. It is suspenseful and nail-biting from the beginning. I just kept reading until the finish because I had to know how it ended. The violence was descriptive and left nothing to the imagination. The characters were complicated and complex. They were authentic and I loved them. My favorite character is Akira. She is strong and well-trained and sometimes needs protection. Twisted Threads is well-written and developed. This mystery brings the themes of murder, revenge, and loyalty together. I guarantee that the ending will be a big surprise.
Recommend this book:
The Child Riddler
Angela Greenman
2023 Finalist
320 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
The Child Riddler is a thriller by Angela Greenman. Zoe Lorel’s life was perfect. She had a dream job and was planning to marry the love of her life. Everything changed when Zoe was sent to abduct and interrogate a nine-year-old girl. The girl knew the code to the most lethal weapon on earth, and Zoe must get the code from her before someone else obtains it. When the existence of the weapon was revealed, the girl’s life was in danger. Anyone who could benefit from possessing the weapon was after it. Zoe had become attached to the child and must protect her at all costs. Would Zoe be able to use her skills to keep the girl safe from attack, and what would happen to her when everything was over?
The Child Riddler is an outstanding and brilliant tale of espionage. There was never a dull moment on this roller coaster ride. Angela Greenman had my attention from the first page, and I was hooked until the end. It was fast-paced and a brilliant read. The descriptions of the events were detailed and vivid, and I was drawn into them. It was easy to lose myself in this story and become part of it. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. It was a real page-turner full of twists and turns. The characters were excellently developed and were both authentic and intriguing. My favorite was Zoe. She was tough, intelligent, and had all the skills she needed to be an international spy. This thriller was well-planned and executed. It was a fantastic story, and I loved the ending.
The Child Riddler is a thriller by Angela Greenman. Zoe Lorel’s life was perfect. She had a dream job and was planning to marry the love of her life. Everything changed when Zoe was sent to abduct and interrogate a nine-year-old girl. The girl knew the code to the most lethal weapon on earth, and Zoe must get the code from her before someone else obtains it. When the existence of the weapon was revealed, the girl’s life was in danger. Anyone who could benefit from possessing the weapon was after it. Zoe had become attached to the child and must protect her at all costs. Would Zoe be able to use her skills to keep the girl safe from attack, and what would happen to her when everything was over?
The Child Riddler is an outstanding and brilliant tale of espionage. There was never a dull moment on this roller coaster ride. Angela Greenman had my attention from the first page, and I was hooked until the end. It was fast-paced and a brilliant read. The descriptions of the events were detailed and vivid, and I was drawn into them. It was easy to lose myself in this story and become part of it. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. It was a real page-turner full of twists and turns. The characters were excellently developed and were both authentic and intriguing. My favorite was Zoe. She was tough, intelligent, and had all the skills she needed to be an international spy. This thriller was well-planned and executed. It was a fantastic story, and I loved the ending.
Recommend this book:
The Sleeper List
A Spy Novel
Patrick Oster
2022 Gold Medal
490 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Sleeper List: A Spy Novel by Patrick Oster is a work of fiction in the thriller, suspense, and espionage subgenres. It is intended for the general adult reading audience owing to some moderate sexual references and the occasional use of explicit language. In this truly thrilling novel full of exciting twists and turns, we find ourselves following two sleeper agents hiding out in the USA who decide that they don’t want to return to Mother Russia after having had a taste of what life could be like for them in America. As tensions rise and their quest for freedom burns ever brighter, these two formidable agents will have to use all the skills at their disposal to get what they want out of life.
Fans of slow-burning suspense reads are sure to enjoy this episodic and highly intriguing novel by author Patrick Oster, which offers a huge amount of emotional realism alongside the more exotic aspects of the espionage plot. The central characters become more and more relatable as we discover their current and previous lifestyles, and it’s in the clash of these influences that we truly begin to understand their choices, both then and now. Oster achieves this both through some very telling and emotive dialogue and the exposition of the plot in the narrative, which explores the concept of freedom on a wider level that everyone can find common ground in. The Sleeper List is a compelling novel that’s got plenty of in-depth intrigue and excitement to offer fans of the thriller and spy categories.
The Sleeper List: A Spy Novel by Patrick Oster is a work of fiction in the thriller, suspense, and espionage subgenres. It is intended for the general adult reading audience owing to some moderate sexual references and the occasional use of explicit language. In this truly thrilling novel full of exciting twists and turns, we find ourselves following two sleeper agents hiding out in the USA who decide that they don’t want to return to Mother Russia after having had a taste of what life could be like for them in America. As tensions rise and their quest for freedom burns ever brighter, these two formidable agents will have to use all the skills at their disposal to get what they want out of life.
Fans of slow-burning suspense reads are sure to enjoy this episodic and highly intriguing novel by author Patrick Oster, which offers a huge amount of emotional realism alongside the more exotic aspects of the espionage plot. The central characters become more and more relatable as we discover their current and previous lifestyles, and it’s in the clash of these influences that we truly begin to understand their choices, both then and now. Oster achieves this both through some very telling and emotive dialogue and the exposition of the plot in the narrative, which explores the concept of freedom on a wider level that everyone can find common ground in. The Sleeper List is a compelling novel that’s got plenty of in-depth intrigue and excitement to offer fans of the thriller and spy categories.
Recommend this book:
The Russian Woman
Michael Thorne Book 1
Alex Lukeman
2022 Silver Medal
414 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
The Russian Woman by Alex Lukeman is a spy thriller and the first book in the new Michael Thorne series, headed by its titular protagonist and CIA operative, Michael Thorne. Thorne has a history of being in tight spots but even his extensive experience is put to the test when the undercover agent is assigned to handle a Russian patriot named Anya, a woman with her own deeply honed skillset. Her ties to Russian defense go back generations but the success of lineage does not transfer to the success of her relationships, which is perhaps the only thing Anya and Thorne initially seem to have in common: National honor and crappy personal lives. A deep personal loss turns Anya into an asset, and assets are at risk and risky, especially when there's a mole. Secrets, sizzle, cat and mouse spycraft, nuclear war, and death by brass lamp are just a sampling of the world Lukeman creates in this fast-moving suspense novel.
I love a good spy series and Alex Lukeman delivers in The Russian Woman. Both Thorne and Anya are compelling, thoroughly developed characters who do not require much suspension of disbelief when it comes to the lengths they are willing to go to in a profession most of us know nothing about. Perhaps this is why, as readers, we are always so intrigued by Russian agents turned American counterparts and the men in intelligence work who are paired with them to save us all from nuclear extermination. I love how Lukeman gives us multiple points of view characters, including the President of the United States, and this works well to flesh out the mechanisms of politicking and the chess game of military might. The writing is sublime, the dialogue is pitch perfect and, as a whole, this Jack Ryan meets Red Sparrow novel is a worthy new addition to the genre of espionage and intrigue. Very highly recommended.
The Russian Woman by Alex Lukeman is a spy thriller and the first book in the new Michael Thorne series, headed by its titular protagonist and CIA operative, Michael Thorne. Thorne has a history of being in tight spots but even his extensive experience is put to the test when the undercover agent is assigned to handle a Russian patriot named Anya, a woman with her own deeply honed skillset. Her ties to Russian defense go back generations but the success of lineage does not transfer to the success of her relationships, which is perhaps the only thing Anya and Thorne initially seem to have in common: National honor and crappy personal lives. A deep personal loss turns Anya into an asset, and assets are at risk and risky, especially when there's a mole. Secrets, sizzle, cat and mouse spycraft, nuclear war, and death by brass lamp are just a sampling of the world Lukeman creates in this fast-moving suspense novel.
I love a good spy series and Alex Lukeman delivers in The Russian Woman. Both Thorne and Anya are compelling, thoroughly developed characters who do not require much suspension of disbelief when it comes to the lengths they are willing to go to in a profession most of us know nothing about. Perhaps this is why, as readers, we are always so intrigued by Russian agents turned American counterparts and the men in intelligence work who are paired with them to save us all from nuclear extermination. I love how Lukeman gives us multiple points of view characters, including the President of the United States, and this works well to flesh out the mechanisms of politicking and the chess game of military might. The writing is sublime, the dialogue is pitch perfect and, as a whole, this Jack Ryan meets Red Sparrow novel is a worthy new addition to the genre of espionage and intrigue. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
 by Glenn Dyer is a riveting espionage thriller that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who enjoyed the previous books in the Conor Thorn series and do not mind a few swear words. It's 1942 and the Nazis are determined to get the key to...){kind=link}
The Unquiet Genius
A Conor Thorn Novel Book 3
Glenn Dyer
2022 Bronze Medal
378 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite
The Unquiet Genius: A Classic World War II Spy Thriller (A Conor Thorn Novel Book 3) by Glenn Dyer is a riveting espionage thriller that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who enjoyed the previous books in the Conor Thorn series and do not mind a few swear words. It's 1942 and the Nazis are determined to get the key to an atomic weapon, but Conor Thorn, a man who will stop at nothing to end Hitler’s reign, is just as determined to thwart them. Does Conor Thorn have what it takes to deliver this win to the Allies or will he perish in the attempt to take down Hitler?
The Unquiet Genius by Glenn Dyer is a very well-written book with an intriguing plot and a captivating cover. This is the first book in the Conor Thorn series that I have read, yet I was able to get pulled into the story with little to no confusion over the storyline. I liked that I was not left in a pit of confusion for not having read the previous books, but was instead quickly enthralled by Conor Thorn and his desire to end Hitler’s terror. The addition of the Vatican and the Italian monsignor brought some suspense-filled twists and turns to the story that had me trying to read faster and faster to find out what Conor Thorn would do next and how the book would end. Overall, I loved this book and plan to check out the previous books in the series too as I really liked Conor Thorn as a character.
The Unquiet Genius: A Classic World War II Spy Thriller (A Conor Thorn Novel Book 3) by Glenn Dyer is a riveting espionage thriller that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who enjoyed the previous books in the Conor Thorn series and do not mind a few swear words. It's 1942 and the Nazis are determined to get the key to an atomic weapon, but Conor Thorn, a man who will stop at nothing to end Hitler’s reign, is just as determined to thwart them. Does Conor Thorn have what it takes to deliver this win to the Allies or will he perish in the attempt to take down Hitler?
The Unquiet Genius by Glenn Dyer is a very well-written book with an intriguing plot and a captivating cover. This is the first book in the Conor Thorn series that I have read, yet I was able to get pulled into the story with little to no confusion over the storyline. I liked that I was not left in a pit of confusion for not having read the previous books, but was instead quickly enthralled by Conor Thorn and his desire to end Hitler’s terror. The addition of the Vatican and the Italian monsignor brought some suspense-filled twists and turns to the story that had me trying to read faster and faster to find out what Conor Thorn would do next and how the book would end. Overall, I loved this book and plan to check out the previous books in the series too as I really liked Conor Thorn as a character.
Recommend this book:
Devil's Ledger
An International Banking Spy Thriller (A Louise Moscow Novel Book 3)
Lorraine Evanoff
2022 Honorable Mention
347 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Devil's Ledger: An International Banking Spy Thriller is a work of fiction in the thriller, action, suspense, and mystery subgenres. It is intended for the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Lorraine Evanoff. Part of the Louise Moscow series of novels, this particular tale is set ten years after one of her previously solved murder cases, and it sees Louise working for financial crimes and dying to get back out there into the espionage world. All clues point back to fraud and corruption, but what Louise doesn’t bank on finding along the way is an enigmatic and terrifying adversary who has mastered the Russian Dark Arts.
Author Lorraine Evanoff delivers everything a sophisticated reader of mystery and spy fiction could possibly want in a novel. Think Bond, without the misogyny or needless bloodshed, or le Carré without the endless droning prose, and you’re halfway to the genius of Evanoff’s decisive, intelligent and well-balanced style of spy writing. The rest comes from a sense of urgency and relevance in all the right places, keeping readers on track with essential details and tense plot twists at just the right moment. Layered on top of this we have the cinematically described scenery of exotic vistas and dangerous situations, as well as the in-depth portrayal of the character that sees you really feeling for Louise. I had a lump in my throat every time she was in trouble, the danger felt so real. Overall, I would highly recommend Devil's Ledger for mystery and thriller fans seeking their next high-quality read.
Devil's Ledger: An International Banking Spy Thriller is a work of fiction in the thriller, action, suspense, and mystery subgenres. It is intended for the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Lorraine Evanoff. Part of the Louise Moscow series of novels, this particular tale is set ten years after one of her previously solved murder cases, and it sees Louise working for financial crimes and dying to get back out there into the espionage world. All clues point back to fraud and corruption, but what Louise doesn’t bank on finding along the way is an enigmatic and terrifying adversary who has mastered the Russian Dark Arts.
Author Lorraine Evanoff delivers everything a sophisticated reader of mystery and spy fiction could possibly want in a novel. Think Bond, without the misogyny or needless bloodshed, or le Carré without the endless droning prose, and you’re halfway to the genius of Evanoff’s decisive, intelligent and well-balanced style of spy writing. The rest comes from a sense of urgency and relevance in all the right places, keeping readers on track with essential details and tense plot twists at just the right moment. Layered on top of this we have the cinematically described scenery of exotic vistas and dangerous situations, as well as the in-depth portrayal of the character that sees you really feeling for Louise. I had a lump in my throat every time she was in trouble, the danger felt so real. Overall, I would highly recommend Devil's Ledger for mystery and thriller fans seeking their next high-quality read.
Recommend this book:
Nerve Attack
A Kolya Petrov thriller
S. Lee Manning
2022 Finalist
368 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Nerve Attack: A Kolya Petrov thriller by S. Lee Manning is a suspenseful thriller featuring Russian-Jewish immigrant and former American intelligence operative Kolya Petrov on a mission to stop a unique and dangerous terrorist attack. The only person who has the key to stopping the attack is a childhood friend, Dmitri, a man whom Kolya helped put behind bars. He is willing to help stop the deadly attack, but on one condition: he wants a Cherry Garcia pint, ten million dollars, and his freedom, and he only wants to work with Kolya. Is he seeking an opportunity for revenge for what Kolya did to him ten years ago or can he really be trusted? Things seem normal until Kolya’s fiancée’s life, together with the lives of hundreds of people, is endangered.
Every day you discover a new terrific writer and S. Lee Manning has been a delightful discovery for me this year. In Nerve Attack, she gives what every reader expects from a gifted crime and terrorist thriller writer, creating characters that are multidimensional, emotionally rich, and a conflict that captures the attention of the reader. The story has strong psychological underpinnings and while this is a terrorist thriller with a conflict that escalates and involves world governments, the author does an impeccable job in creating two characters that shine through the story. The backgrounds of Kolya and Dmitri are so beautifully written that readers find it easier to understand both the internal and external conflicts and what drives these characters. The characters are deftly written, robust, and unforgettable, and apart from the key characters in the novel, readers will adore the way characters like Alex, Kolya’s fiancée, President Yuri, and Rzaev, amongst others, are written. You’ll love the intrigue, the strong and elaborately written conflict, the intricate plot, and the expertly accomplished dialogues in this thriller. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Nerve Attack: A Kolya Petrov thriller by S. Lee Manning is a suspenseful thriller featuring Russian-Jewish immigrant and former American intelligence operative Kolya Petrov on a mission to stop a unique and dangerous terrorist attack. The only person who has the key to stopping the attack is a childhood friend, Dmitri, a man whom Kolya helped put behind bars. He is willing to help stop the deadly attack, but on one condition: he wants a Cherry Garcia pint, ten million dollars, and his freedom, and he only wants to work with Kolya. Is he seeking an opportunity for revenge for what Kolya did to him ten years ago or can he really be trusted? Things seem normal until Kolya’s fiancée’s life, together with the lives of hundreds of people, is endangered.
Every day you discover a new terrific writer and S. Lee Manning has been a delightful discovery for me this year. In Nerve Attack, she gives what every reader expects from a gifted crime and terrorist thriller writer, creating characters that are multidimensional, emotionally rich, and a conflict that captures the attention of the reader. The story has strong psychological underpinnings and while this is a terrorist thriller with a conflict that escalates and involves world governments, the author does an impeccable job in creating two characters that shine through the story. The backgrounds of Kolya and Dmitri are so beautifully written that readers find it easier to understand both the internal and external conflicts and what drives these characters. The characters are deftly written, robust, and unforgettable, and apart from the key characters in the novel, readers will adore the way characters like Alex, Kolya’s fiancée, President Yuri, and Rzaev, amongst others, are written. You’ll love the intrigue, the strong and elaborately written conflict, the intricate plot, and the expertly accomplished dialogues in this thriller. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
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