Review - Mission Critical

I had not heard of the Gray Man thrillers before, but the blurb sounded good and I was in the mood for a thriller.  Although this was the eighth in the series, I had no problem jumping in and understanding the backstory and interpersonal relationships.  I have to wonder why I hadn't heard of this series before now that I have gotten into the Court Gentry main character.  

#MissionCritical #NetGalley

Author: Mark Greaney

Copyright: Feb 2019 (Berkley) 527 pgs

Series: 8th in The Gray Man Thriller series

Sensuality: Some language and violence, off-page intimacy

Mystery Sub-genre: Spy/Action Thriller

Main Characters: Court Gentry is CIA operative Violator-nicknamed Gray Man

Setting: Modern Day- USA, London, and Scotland

Obtained Through: Netgalley for honest review

From the cover: "Court Gentry's flight on a CIA transport plane is interrupted when a security team brings a hooded man aboard. They want to kick Gentry off the flight but are overruled by CIA headquarters. The mystery man is being transported to England where a joint CIA/MI6 team will interrogate him about a mole in Langley.

When they land in an isolated airbase in the U.K., they are attacked by a hostile force who kidnaps the prisoner. Only Gentry escapes. His handlers send him after the attackers, but what can one operative do against a trained team of assassins? A lot, when that operative is the Gray Man."

Court Gentry is the experienced and "graying" legendary CIA operative who finds himself in the middle of a plot to infect the intelligence agencies of UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand during a conference.  In the middle of it all is his love interest, Russian operative turned US asset, Zoya Zakharova.  This makes much of his mission a tad personal.  Zoya Zakharova (raised by two Russian Agents) is in the process of becoming a US operative and asset when the compound she was lodged at was attacked.  She goes on the offensive and flees which results in CIA officials feeling skeptical as to her loyalties.  Agent Zack Hightower is another CIA agent who doesn't flinch if asked to torture or do whatever is needed.  His interactions with Court are very telling about both men.  

General Feodor Zakharova, Zoya's father and former GRU Chief was supposed to be dead.  But, he has been living in England under a new identity and devising his own revenge on those he deems responsible for his wife's suspicious death.  Dr. Won Jang Ji, a North Korean virologist researcher has teamed with General Zakharova to deliver a blow for her beloved North Korea.  Russian mercenaries, sleeper cell members, and at least two moles/double agents add to the action.

The setting ranges from a Virginia safe house compound, London locations, and the showdown in a castle on the banks of Loch Ness.  That was a great location with enough description to feel you are there.  The plot has the high stakes and danger at every turn to keep readers interested. The climax was well done with nail biting suspense and a surprising twist. The wrap-up adds a complication to Court's happiness with only a glimmer of hope that was in line with tenor of the overall story line. 

Besides the spy thriller plot with high stakes echoing current international tensions, the political maneuvers and layered characters of Court and Zoya gave a more personal aspect.  Without that touch, I wouldn't have continued reading.  Court and Zoya have a loyalty and trust in one another that goes deep and made the book memorable in my humble opinion.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Society by C.G. Abbot

When Elizabeth Grant sees her childhood friend, she is

thrown into a world of secret societies laced with conspiracies.
     Elizabeth has been plagued with visions since the disappearance of Loralie. When she returns to the small town of her childhood, she’s unaware that she’s walking into the middle of what killed her friend.
     Unknown to the rest of the world, The Society for a Restored America has been preparing to seize control of the government through manipulation of a national crisis. The Society's membership has already infiltrated the government and military at the highest levels. The only thing between them and success is Elizabeth Grant.
     Elizabeth must accept her special gift and stay alive long enough to uncover the Society's dark plot to seize control from a nation that blindly supports them.

Reviews of The Society
"The Society was a well written book that made what could have been a crazy conspiracy theory into a thrilling plot that did not fail to grab my attention for a single moment. This book was an amazing thriller with a great cast of characters that all had their own unique backgrounds that clearly showed off the author's talent of bringing together plots and characters into one amazing story!" Sefina Hawk's Books 

"Such a strong read! I love diving into the world of secret societies and conspiracies but often find myself lost with the intricate details. C.G. Abbot kept me intrigued without getting me lost in the details. It was so real-feeling that I had goosebumps! Every page turn led to another piece of the puzzle that left me wanting more. I'm so glad I was able to start this series - definitely a keeper!" Lynchburg Mama 

"The Society was filled with plots to take over the government and the one person that could stand in their way being there at just the right time to just maybe make a difference. Elizabeth Grant was a strong female character who had no idea what she was walking into, yet with so much on the line she had to persevere. It was her perseverance that really made her such an amazing character that kept my interest for the whole book." Books for Books
 #TheSociety #SuspenseThriller

Amazon || Barnes & Noble ||  Kobo || Apple Books  

Review - This Side of Murder

From the author of the fantastic Lardy Darby Mysteries comes this new historical mystery series set just after WWI.  I admit I was drawn to the book because I love the Lady Darby books and wanted to find out if this new series was as engrossing.

Author: Anna Lee Huber

Copyright: Sept 2017 (Kensington) 304 pgs

Series: 1st in Verity Kent Mystery series

Sensuality: N/A

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Cozy / Amateur Sleuth

Main Character: Verity Kent, widow of WWI Officer 

Setting: 1919, Umbersea Island England

Obtained Through: Personal purchase

"England, 1919. Verity Kent’s grief over the loss of her husband pierces  anew when she receives a cryptic letter, suggesting her beloved Sidney may have committed treason before his untimely death. Determined to dull  her pain with revelry, Verity’s first impulse is to dismiss the derogatory claim. But the mystery sender knows too much—including the fact that during the war, Verity worked for the Secret Service, something not even Sidney knew.  

Lured to Umbersea Island to attend the engagement party of one of Sidney’s fellow officers, Verity mingles among the men her husband once fought beside, and discovers dark secrets—along with a murder clearly meant to conceal them. Relying on little more than a coded letter, the help of a dashing stranger, and her own sharp instincts, Verity is forced down a path she never imagined—and comes face to face with the shattering possibility that her husband may not have been the man she thought he was. It’s a truth that could set her free—or draw her ever deeper into his deception . . ."  It appears the surviving members of the suspiciously disastrous Thirtieth are being killed off during the weekend.

Verity starts out rather reserved and too timid but finally finds her spunk and voice amid the social pariahs of the engagement party.   Max Westfield, Earl of Ryde, was briefly Sidney's commanding officer and takes a shine to Verity.  But can she trust him to help her with the growing questions surrounding Sidney's death and the growing question of the unit having a traitor?  Sidney or his memory, ever present as Verity mingles with his fellow officers and her grieving is just below the  surface, seems rather bland and lacked much fire in their relationship before he shipped off to war.  Walter Ponsonby and Beatrice are the engaged couple throwing the party.  Walter wants to please Beatrice and is absent-minded and put out by the murders while Beatrice seems to want to throw a successful society party to show she can.  The rest of the guests range between prickly and blatantly hostile.  Thus the suspects are plentiful.

The island setting and time period are faithfully recreated and provide a delicious backdrop for a weekend of murder and mayhem.  The plot grows more twisted as the story progresses and there are only a few slow moments (the beginning seems slow, but warms up after a little while).  The climax was a mixture of daring action and tense moments.  The wrap-up answered all the questions and left a new beginning for Verity so readers want to read the next book.  

There is a significant twist towards the end that I honestly wasn't happy with.  It was a whooper, but changed the story in a way I didn't appreciate.  I can't say more without spoilers.  I have to say that there were a few instances that Verity as the main character lost my interest, but was regained after a few pages.  I hope the romantic direction will be corrected in the next book (Treacherous is the Night due Sept 25th).  .  

Rating: Between Good and Excellent - a solid mystery with suspense and a few minor flaws in my way of seeing things :-)

Here is a short video with 10 Remarkable Facts about WWI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2CgUIrBHoo

Review - The Heist

I have reviewed a few previous books in the series,The English Girl (click here) and also The Fallen Angel (click here).  I also did a special Soundtrack Saturday for the book (click here).  

Lead character Gabriel Allon has been praised as having joined the pantheon of great fictional secret agents, including George Smiley (le Carré), Jack Ryan (Clancy), Jason Bourne (Ludlum), and Simon Templar (Charteris).  Since I am a fan of all these superstars of the espionage genre (I read the Simon Templar books long before Val Kilmer starred in the movie!) I think Gabriel Allon reightly deserves the kudos.   

Now, let's take a peak at the newest in paperback from Daniel Silva with the superstar spy, Gabriel Allon.

Author: Daniel Silva

Copyright: February 2015 (Harper) 512 pgs

Series: 14th in Gabriel Allon Spy series

Sensuality: some violence referenced, occasional cursing

Mystery Sub-genre: Thriller

Main Characters: Gabriel Allon, art restorer, assassin, and Israeli spy legend

Setting: Modern day: Corsica, Germany, London, Geneva

Obtained Through: Personal purchase

We join Gabriel in Venice restoring/repairing an altarpiece in a church when he is visited be the Italian police.  His art dealer friend, Julian Isherwood, who has assisted Gabriel on several espionage operations, bumbled onto a murder scene and is a suspect. The Italian policeman sees this as leverage to secure Gabriel's legendary talents to recover a famous Caravaggio painting stolen in 1969 since the murdered man, Jack Bradshaw, had ties to the black market world of trafficking stolen masterpieces and was rumored to have sold the infamous Caravaggio. Gabriel devises a sting operation that requires stealing a famous painting to lure the Caravaggio's owner out.  But in following the trail of who murdered Bradshaw, he discovers that not only was Bradshaw a fallen spy trafficking stolen artwork but he had discovered one of the world’s most brutal dictators' private banker hiding billions in assets on behalf of the vicious ruler.

Ultimately the Heist Gabriel orchestrates will blow up into a full operation to strip a dictator of his ill-gotten fortune to prevent untold further violence being funded with the money. It is a dangerous gambit that pulls even the current Israeli Secret Service Director's wife into the operation.  Subplots revolve around 1) Gabriel and Chiara expecting twins and 2) Gabriel shortly becoming the next head of Israeli Intelligence and the internal politics / hurt egos that has created.

This fact was presented in the book and I wanted to share it with you because it is under reported, but true.
"Each year thousands of paintings and other objets d'art went missing from museums, galleries, public institutions, and private homes.  Estimates of their value ranged as high as $6 billion, making art crime the fourth most lucrative illicit activity in the world, behind only drug trafficking, money laundering, and arms dealing."

Gabriel (who I think of as the assassin with an artist's soul) is facing being a father again and finally resolving his emotions over the bomb that killed his son and left his first wife Leah in a mental hospital. He isn't happy about his upcoming job promotion, as he would rather retire from the "Office" and devote himself to art.  Chiara, the refreshing second wife, only has a few scenes because she is focusing on a safe pregnancy and helping Gabriel emotionally. I love her character and she deserves the rest :-)  Ari Shamron, the first Israeli Intelligence Director, who also recruited and shaped Gabriel, has a few cameo appearances, bringing to the forefront how he views Gabriel as the son he never had. This may be the last book he is alive in. Uzi Navot, the outgoing Israeli Intelligence Director that Gabriel will be replacing in about a year, steps from behind the desk and becomes more involved with this epic operation. 

Eli Lavon and the old team (Bella Navot, Mikhail Abramov,  Dina Sarid, Rimona Stern, Yossi Gavish, Yaakov Rossman, Mordecai, and Oded) are reunited.  Dina stands out in this story as she takes the lead to recruit a key person in the field.  Christopher Keller, former British Special Air Service agent who is now an assassin for a Corsican mobster joins forces with Gabriel again. He gains a touch of humanity the more Gabriel works with him.  Viktor Orlov, a prior Russian Oligarch from past books (The Defector, and The English Girl) is even enlisted for the elaborate operation. His character is just slightly over-the-top but adds a great touch. Jihan Nawaz, the account manager at the dictator's private bank, is recruited by Dina. Jihan is a haunting character deftly crafted that sticks in the mind. Gabriel risks much to keep her alive as she caries out dangerous intelligence gathering.

The setting is in several international locations throughout the book, but the opening scenes at Lake Como of Jack Bradford's estate and scene of his torture and murder to the town of Linz Austria and the lakeside Villa on Attersee, and all points between are woven into the story completely. The descriptions effective evoke each place and become inseparable from the plot.

The plot grabbed my interest and seemed plausible, perhaps a bit too believable if possible.  There are essentially two plots that are tied together: the art heist to get the long lost Caravaggio painting that leads to the elaborate operation to strip an extremely brutal dictator's safely guarded fortune that is hidden to protect against retaliation from his own nation or the world community. I know that many think of a thriller as non-stop action, and some are like that. Silva's thrillers aren't just action, they contain insightful characters and moving scenes as well, providing a full package deal.  Thus the pacing balances the tense clandestine scenes with more introspective moments that work well and are Mr. Silva's signature style.

The climax was perhaps the only story element that I wasn't completely happy about. Although it did accomplish showing the man Gabriel is and the kind of Israeli Intelligence Director he will be, and it was likely more true-to-life than most endings, I still wanted the more expected resolution. It was tense and nail biting, just not the end I was routing for.  I'm trying to avoid spoilers, so that is vague by necessity. The wrap-up delivered a quite touching scene that I wasn't expecting. Another hallmark of Silva's work, delivering understated but emotionally powerful moments.

Mr. Silva has honed his craft and this work contains a few layers to the plot and more so to the characters.  Perhaps without the intention, he has set the bar for a tightly woven espionage plot balanced with nuanced characters and thought-provoking themes.  Kudos and hats off.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

Here is a short interview with the author discussing the book https://www.youtube.com/embed/HWeOedJhbRw

Here is a short piece on Caravaggio as the painter. The first couple of minutes are the crux of who he was (the scandalous painter.)  https://www.youtube.com/embed/6d8-fXWoL7k

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Review Slow Horses

In one of the many end-of-year round ups of books, I read one writeup presenting several authors recommendations for their favorite books read in the last year.  I don't remember which author, but this book was highly recommended.  I was intrigued by the comments and grabbed it from the library.  Here is a completely new-to-me author and intrigue series.

Author: Mick Herron

Copyright: June 2010 (Soho Constable) 320 pgs

Series: 1st in Slough House series

Sensuality: Some violence, a couple scenes with brief graphic death, some swearing and crude remarks

Mystery Sub-genre: British Intrigue

Main Characters: River Cartwright, disgraced and demoted spy

Setting: Present day, London

Obtained Through: Library

River Cartwright has been banished to the British Intelligence home for misfits, Slough House.  All the rejects at Slough House screwed up in some way and are barely still in the service.  They are now called Slow Horses and get the absolute lowest jobs of all, if they get any jobs at all.  The book begins with the assignment that got River sent to Slough House, which leaves the reader to wonder if River had been a fall guy for another's screw-up.  Regardless, River is stuck going through trash and pulling long surveillance in the rain after being demoted to the Slow Horses unit.  

Everything changes when a young man of Pakistani descent is kidnapped off the street and the kidnappers have an internet site showing a short video of him with the message they will broadcast his beheading in 48 hours.  River seems to think that he may have a piece to the puzzle from his surveillance of a radical reporter.  Suddenly Slough House and its ragtag group of misfits could become embroiled in a bigger scheme.  They must start acting like a real team and not screw up this "op" to stop the beheading or they could all take the blame for this young man's death.  Oh, and the young man is the nephew of a Pakistani military official...so no pressure.

River Cartwright was raised by his grand parents and his grand father had the greatest influence on the young River.
Jackson Lamb is the boss at Slough House, fat and sloppy but don't let that fool you, he still has "game" in spy-craft.  The down-graded spooks (who don't all live) include:  Min Harper, who once left a top secret file on the public transportation;  Sidonie Baker, River's office mate; Catherine Standish, a recovering alcoholic; Roderick Ho, a computer wiz with absolutely no people skills; Jed Moody, over-anxious agent specializing in intimidation and muscle; and Louisa Guy.  James "Spider" Webb is River's former friend who River believes gave him wrong information and sank his career.  The Pakistani youth is the breakout character, as you see such an emotional transformation in him and you are routing for him every step of his journey.  The characterization is excellent and stands out for an espionage book.

The setting is modern London, with its varying faces and Slough House's building that reeks of despair and isolation to Regent's Park where the reputable active spies work are all cast in rough shades that make you feel the paranoia and grime of the city.

The plot is very well done and developed beautifully. There are many, many British terms throughout that slowed up the pace for me as the meaning wasn't always obvious.  That was annoying as it happened a lot throughout the book.   There were some good tense moments and a cheer worthy climax.  The resolution is pretty believable as events begin to unravel without the typical "villain confrontation."  Wrap-up leaves plenty of room for the continuation of the series.

Slow Horses is a memorable espionage novel with a unique voice and great concept that delivers spies who aren't slick nor sauve, but rather flawed in their humanity.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 

Review - The Target

My introduction to this series was with book two, The Hit (click here) and I was very happy that the series continues.  This book delves into North Korea and its prison camps as well as the volatile political atmosphere which provide plenty of fuel for the story.

Author: David Baldacci

Copyright: April 2014 (Grand Central Publishing) 432 pgs

Series: 3rd in Will Robbie - Assassin Thriller series

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Thriller

Main Characters: Wiliam Robie and Jessica Reel, U.S. sanctioned elite assassins

Setting: Modern day, Washington DC and North Korea

Obtained Through: Personal purchase

This book had a lot going on.  The main plot line involves North Korea and a possible opportunity to stop a cruel dictator...but if the plan goes wrong there could be many repercussions.  Agent Jessica Reel has made an enemy in Evan Tucker, the head of the CIA.  Jessica had stopped his close friends, who were ultimately traitors, by  killing them.  Tucker is out for revenge against Reel, so under the guise of preparing her and agent Robie for the North Korean  mission he puts them into the burner box (extreme training environment) with the intent they never leave alive. If they live they are on this sketchy mission that may kill them and potentially start world war III, or see the president impeached.  Additionally, Reel's father, a neo-nazi on death row, is plotting to find her and have her killed.  To add yet more danger to the mix, a North Korean assassin woman, Chung Cha, is on Robie and Reel's trail.  She may be deadlier than both of them combined.

This book was more about Reel than the last one.  She has to face a demon from her past, her father.  Robie takes more of a support role for Reel.  Chung - Cha (Comrade Yie) is a break-out character with complexity and depths that slowly come to the surface. She was raised as a child in Yodok, a prison work camp where families turn on each other to survive. Evan Tucker, director of CIA has made it his mission to make Reel pay for taking his friends down...but how far will he go is the question.  Earl Fontaine, Reel's father, demonstrates the depths of depravity that some sink to as he manipulates and sets his own daughter up. 

The Burner Box training facility is effectively portrayed as an ultimate training exercise, and potentially deadly. N.Korean prison camps of Yodok and Bukchang are so well detailed that you feel the oppression and despair.  The plot is of an elaborate design which I enjoyed, but some might find the story beyond just suspension of disbelief status.  The pacing, for me, was a good mix of action and character development. The climax was a rush and had a stunning twist.  The wrap-up sealed the deal and has me waiting for the next Robie and Reel adventure.

For me, this was another great thriller from Baldacci and character insights resonated with me.   



Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.  


Here is an interview with Mr. Baldacci about this book.
 

Review - The English Girl

I have reviewed the previous book in the series, The Fallen Angel (click here).  Now I am reviewing the newest in paperback from Daniel Silva.

Author: Daniel Silva

Copyright: May 2014 (Harper) 498 pg

Series: 13th in Gabriel Allon Spy series

Sensuality: some sexual references, occasional cursing

Mystery Sub-genre: Thriller

Main Characters: Gabriel Allon, art restorer, assassin, and Israeli spy legend

Setting: Modern day: Corsica, France, London, Russia

Obtained Through: Personal purchase

Madeline Hart is young and on the fast-track in the British government.  But she is kidnapped during her vacation on the island of Corsica. There is more to the kidnapping than just money, Madeline was the mistress to the Prime Minister of Britain.   Jonathan Lancaster, the PM, recieves a tape of Madeline being forced to admit to the affair in detail.  The kidnappers demands:  In 7 days she will die and the public will receive the confession if you don't pay up.  Who do you turn to when you and your government must not be connected to her disappearance or any payment for her?  Britain turns to the U.S. who in subesquently asks for Israel's master spy Gabriel Allon.  Gabriel takes the assignment rather personal in his quest to save Madeline from her indescretions that could take her life.  What he finds is a tangled web and Madeline is just a pawn in a much bigger game.

Gabriel Allon must deal with remaining feelings about the car bomb that left his first wife in an institution and killed his child in the  midst of searching for Madeline Hart. His future looks to be taking a different direction as well.  Chiara, doesn't get as much of a role in the plot this adventure, but has a few moments -- particularly the end which is touching.  Christopher Keller, former British Special Air Service agent who is now an assassin for a Corsican mobster joins forces with Gabriel.  He is frightening in his devotion to his job and might, just maybe, becoming a recurring character.  Eli Lavon, the head of Israeli intelligence, is in the field for parts of this tale, which was a pleasure. Mikhail Abramov, fellow Israeli operative, goes undercover in one part of the story and displays nerves of steel necessary to be a spy. 

The Corsica setting is particularly rich and vibrant, while the London and France settings are covered quickly.  Russia's glitzy dangerous side is exposed this time as the oil executives play.

The plot of using a mistress to manipulate a national leader is plausible, and even the kidnapping hiding a far more sinister plan (false flag operations) is conceivable.  But would a disgruntled former Russian oligarch and oil executive jump to help Gabriel?  Pacing was fairly consistant with barely a slow spot. 

The climax was not clear cut, the story unfolds and daring operations are executed to get to the truth.  However the wrap-up is touching and bittersweet.  Without having read the prior twelve books in the series, this is an exciting thriller with intricate twists and fascinating characters in a world of intrigue.

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 


Here is a short interview with Daniel Silva about this book.

Review - The Fallen Angel

I  have read only a few in this series, but I always enjoy this author and the main character.  I am in good company because President Bill Clinton says that Gabriel Allon is his favorite fictional character.  This is the 2012 release, so I am one behind...besides the books I haven't read yet sprinkled throughout the series.  If you enjoy thrillers or intrigue, check this series out.

Author: Daniel Silva

Copyright: July 2012 (Harper) 432 pgs

Series: 12th in Gabriel Allon Spy Adventures

Sensuality: some adult references

Mystery Sub-genre: Intrigue, Thriller

Main Characters: Gabriel Allon, art restorer, assassin, and Israeli spy legend

Setting: Modern day, Vatican, Jerusalem, St. Moritz in Switzerland, Berlin and Vienna.

Obtained Through: Public Library

Gabriel is restoring one of Caravaggio's greatest masterpieces at the Vatican. He is summoned one morning to St. Peter's Basilica by Monsignor Luigi Donati, the private secretary to Pope Paul VII. Apparently, a beautiful woman had fallen to her death from Michelangelo's painted ceiling dome of the Basilica. The Vatican police are quick to conclude suicide, but Donati would not have asked Gabriel to view the scene if he agreed. Gabriel's trained eye sees murder, not suicide. Dr. Claudia Andreatti was a curator in the Vatican's antiquities division and was conducting a discreet investigation into the provenance of the Vatican's holdings.  This is more a prudent precaution with all the artwork that has been "liberated" during wars over the centuries so the Vatican isn't surprised by an art piece's checkered past. 

Dr. Claudia Andreatti had stumbled upon a global criminal enterprise that is looting timeless treasures of antiquity and selling them to the highest bidder. The money is being laundered through the Vatican's bank and ends up with Middle Eastern extremists.  Gabriel is once again whisked out of retirement to prevent the next world war.  When you read a Gabriel Allon novel, you expect he will be saving the world once again and this book is another gripping roller-coaster ride, but even Gabriel could not have foreseen where this would take him.

Gabriel is a fascinating character whose artist's soul wants to focus on beauty and art.  But he is also a highly skilled and legendary Israeli Intelligence operative who heeds the call when his homeland of Israel needs him.  He is tragic in that his car was bombed resulting in the death of his son and serious injury to his first wife, Leah in the fictional 1991. His wife survived and lives in a psychiatric hospital. Gabriel seems humane and compassionate, while being a convincing spy and assassin. His art keeps him sane after all the destruction he has seen and done.

Chiara is second wife who I would like featured more of her intelligence work.  I feel there is much more for this character to give that we haven't begun to see yet.  But I admit that I haven't read all the novels.  I should probably go back to "The Confessor" and catch up on Chiara before she retired from the spy trade.  Leah, Gabriel's ex-wife in the asylum makes an appearance in this novel - almost as a specter of what loving Gabriel can do to a woman. Ari Shamron, archeologist Eli Lavon (a favorite character), and the new Mossad leader Uzi Navot are all part of the supporting case and have their strong points.  But Dina Sarid is the background character that I found fascinating.  I hope she gets more page time in upcoming novels.  You feel like you have actually spent time with these characters as they are each so well written.  Monsignor Luigi Donati is given a past in this story that makes him more layered.  His old flame, Veronica Marchese, is married to one of the organized crime bosses that Gabriel will tackle.

Gabriel travels a lot in this book as in the rest of the series.  I did feel that the Vatican and Jerusalem locations seemed particularly vivid and evoked a definite atmosphere.

The plot develops as the story unfolds since there is a strong aspect of misdirection and distraction through most of the book.  The intricate ins and outs are realistic and don't bog down the action.  There is a good balance of Gabriel's introspection, narrative on fine points of illegal antiquities sales and money laundering to fund extremists, and the action of finely timed kidnappings and shoot outs etc.

The climax was built up to a nail biting scene that delivered blood pounding tension.  The wrap-up was cheer worthy and oh-so satisfying.

A classic Gabriel Allon novel with international intrigue and several suspenseful operations to stop an imminent terrorist attack that could spark a world war.  If you like well written intrigue, you will enjoy this one.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Here is an interview with Daniel Silva about this book and his inspiration for Gabriel Allon.

Review - A Lesson in Secrets

This book is nominated for an Agatha this year which prompted my reading it for our Agatha coverage.  The first book in the series won several awards and it is clear Jacqueline Winspear is a worthy author.

Author: Jacqueline Winspear

Copyright: March 2011 (Berkley) 336 pgs

Series: 8th in Maisie Dobbs Mysteries

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: PI / Intrigue

Main Characters: Maisie Dobbs, psychologist, private investigator, and former WW1 nurse

Setting: 1932, London and Cambridge

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

This is my first Maisie Dobbs novel and I picked up the storyline easily.  In this addition to the series, Maisie gets an assignment from the British Secret Service.  Her mission is to go undercover at a Cambridge University, founded by pacifist author of children's books, to see if there is a threat from the growing Nazi party in England - lurking among the students.  Maisie has just settled into teaching Philosophy when the founder, Greville Liddicote, is murdered.  Maisie is told by Scotland Yard to stick to her undercover assignment and leave the murder to them.  But Maisie can't help putting together the clues in front of her.  A sideline story is Maisie helping a young widow, Sandra, get on her feet after her husband's death.

Maisie is a great character with depth, intelligence, and finely honed deductive skills.  She has her emotional issues from the first war, not to mention some relationship baggage. She is also a compassionate and generous character. Her strength is being able to understand people and their motivations.  A stellar supporting character is Billy Beale, her right-hand-man for her investigative business.  Even Maisie's romantic interest, wealthy businessman James Compton, seems a good match for Maisie.  He is complete in himself so he can accept her independence.

Cambridge and London are all brought effortlessly to life.  The climate of England between wars, with a growing fascist influence, is portrayed with a deft hand.  The historical details envelop the reader for a trip to the past.  I was fascinated by the information of women as spies in WWI.

The plot has some interesting twists between fascist influences at the college, the secret that Greville Liddicote had hidden for decades, and the story of Sandra and her husband's death, all keep the reader interested.  I understand that this book may not be as suspenseful as past books in the series, but that is probably the only area for improvement I can see.  The theme is around secrets and how they eventually spring out.

There is no real harrowing confrontation with the killer, just an arrest, which was realistic.  The wrap-up was satisfying and left the possibility of Maisie working with the Secret Service wide open.  Overall, I must say I have found a new series to devour!

Are there any Maisie fans out there who want to share if this book was less suspenseful as prior books in the series?

Review - India Black and the Widow of Windsor

Today we review the second in a new historical mystery series.  I wanted to read this as soon as I saw it, for it has a uniques premise for a heroine.  We will be in 1870s Scotland with Queen Victoria for the holidays, pack for cold weather and treason.

Author:  Carol K. Carr

Copyright:  October 2011 (Berkley Trade) 320 pgs

Series:  2nd in  Madam of Espionage Mystery

Sensuality:  Some adult conversation and innuendo (period euphemisms)

Mystery Sub-genre:  Historical Amateur Sleuth

Main Character:  India Black, madam of the London brothel, Lotus House, catering to gentlemen

Setting:  1876, London and Scottland

Obtained Through:  from publisher for an honest review

The story opens with a rigged seance for Queen Victoria in which the spirit of her departed husband, Prince Albert, literally insists that she spend christmas in their Scottish castle Balmoral. Balmoral was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852 (twenty four years before this story) and they would regularly spend the holidays there.  But there is growing discontent among Scottish loyalists who resent the British rule.  Prime Minister Disraeli is suspicious that Scottish nationalists are planning to assassinate the Queen while she is at the castle.  Disraeli decides to enlist the British spy named French (yeah, that gets a little confusing) and his protegee India Black who was utulized as a spy in the previous book.  India is a spy in training but normally is an owner and director of a whore house.

French is looking for the Scottish nationalist agent among the guests passing himself off as a womanizer while India is disguised as a servant to investigate the castle staff. India ends up being a lady's maid to the cantankerous Marchioness of Tullibardine with cateracts who mistakes most anything (pepper, salt, sugar etc) for her snuff and sprays everyone in the vicinity with her explosive sneezes.  India must dodge the Prince of Wales who will drag any maid into a closet to have his way, while she divides her time attending the Marchioness (including reading to her at all hours of the night) and her investigating.  Ultimately India and French are to prevent any assasination attempt and discover who the leader of the Scottish nationalists is. Two accidents appear to French and India as failed attempts and they must work faster before it is too late for the Queen.

The story is told from India's viewpoint and she has snarky humor and is a touch self absorbed.  She is unashamed of her business as a madam which she often references - nothing explicit but be forewarned. She finds the spy business exhilarating. She feels that her profession has allowed her to be more liberated and have more freedom and control over her life.  Although French acts as though her place is his to command, such as who will join them for a meal.  In that situation I really expected India to throw him out, but she lets him get away with such high-handed behavior. 

French, is supposed to be a romantic swashbuckling type, but doesn't really come across that way until later in the book.  He doesn't recognize that India is working herself to the bone with hardly a few hours sleep while he plays pool and drinks scotch with the guests.  That did rather irk me.  India shows loyalty to the Marchioness even though it is just a temporary role and shows how she has a heart even though she works hard to keep it hidden.  I liked India but French needs an attitude adjustment in my mind.

It is hard to portray historical figures since history can be unkind. Queen Victoria (current Queen Elizabeth's great grandmother I think) was the longest reigning British monarch up to that time and she had nine children with Prince Albert.  It is true that when Albert died she was reported as plunging into deep mourning (she wore black for the rest of her life) and avoided public appearances which earned her the nickname "The Widow of Windsor" which accounts for the book's title.  The book emphasizes her ongoing mourning for Albert.  This book also highlights the reported close relationship Queen Victoria developed with a Scottish manservant named John Brown and the real controversy that surrounded them as to the manner of their relationship. As the Empress of India, she had several Indian servants who are present but only in the background. Also, there is no getting around it, Queen Victoria was a big woman and the book makes reference to it in the rather blunt somewhat unflattering manner of the day. It was an interesting peek at Queen Victoria to be sure. 

The Marchioness of Tullibardine is more than she appears and is an interesting character that I enjoyed in-spite her snuff-and-violent-sneeze habit and blunt manners.  The plot is not so much a mystery to discover who had done something, but who is involved with the Scottish nationalists and may try to assassinate the Queen.  The tartan drenched castle Balmoral is a great location for an espionage novel since it is remote, the castle cold and foreboding, and the land is harsh.  The suspects that line up as the book progresses are interesting even though I suspected the main Scottish nationalist agent by thinking "wouldn't it be interesting if it were ____" but did not guess the leader of the group at all.  That was a nice twist.  I found the wrap up well done and left me with a mystery regarding The Marchioness.

Overall it is a good historical amateur sleuth with a truly unique heroine thrown into political intrigue that brings history alive and holds a promise of romantic tension to come.  It may not be for everyone, but is mild compared to many contemporary novels.

Here is a video featuring the castle Balmoral and Victoria.