Review - Journey to Munich

Working with the British Secret Service on an undercover mission, Maisie Dobbs is sent to Hitler’s Germany in this thrilling tale of danger and intrigue—the twelfth novel in Jacqueline Winspear’s New York Times bestselling “series that seems to get better with each entry” (Wall Street Journal).

I have only read one prior novel in this series, Book 8 -- A Lesson In Secrets (click here).

Author: Jacqueline Winspear 

Copyright: March 2016 (Harper) 309 pgs

Series: 12th in Masisie Dobbs Mystery series

Sensuality: one murder witnessed, no gore

Mystery Sub-genre: historical amateur Sleuth, intrigue

Main Characters: Masie Dobbs,  Private Investigator, former psychologist, & war nurse

Setting: 1938 London and Munich on the brink of WWII

Obtained Through: library

Book Blurb: "Working with the British Secret Service on an undercover mission, Maisie Dobbs is sent to Hitler’s Germany in this thrilling tale of danger and intrigue—the twelfth novel in Jacqueline Winspear’s New York Times bestselling “series that seems to get better with each entry” (Wall Street Journal).

It’s early 1938, and Maisie Dobbs is back in England. On a fine yet chilly morning, as she walks towards Fitzroy Square—a place of many memories—she is intercepted by Brian Huntley and Robert MacFarlane of the Secret Service. The German government has agreed to release a British subject from prison, but only if he is handed over to a family member. Because the man’s wife is bedridden and his daughter has been killed in an accident, the Secret Service wants Maisie—who bears a striking resemblance to the daughter—to retrieve the man from Dachau, on the outskirts of Munich.

The British government is not alone in its interest in Maisie’s travel plans. Her nemesis—the man she holds responsible for her husband’s death—has learned of her journey, and is also desperate for her help.

Traveling into the heart of Nazi Germany, Maisie encounters unexpected dangers—and finds herself questioning whether it’s time to return to the work she loved. But the Secret Service may have other ideas. . . ."

Maisie is a responsible woman who has faced much in life. In this book she is still grieving the untimely death of her husband and trying to pick up her life again.  Everybody needs a close friend like Priscilla who provides a home for Maisie in London while she pieces her life together.  Brian Huntley and Robert MacFarlane of the Secret Service are more concerned about the coming confrontation with fascist Germany and only slightly worried about Maisie's lethal mission.  As if it weren't dangerous enough, John Otterburn pushes Maisie into finding his errant socialite party-girl daughter, Elaine Otterburn, while in Germany and getting her home.  Maisie has to face her anger at Elaine for not flying and Maisie's husband flying in her place which is when he died.  Mark Scott, an American agent who always seems around is somebody Maisie doesn't fully trust but who could come in handy.

The setting is only a little in London, but mostly in Munich. The author is great at conveying the mood of the setting.  The plot is going undercover to impersonate a man's daughter to get him out of Dachau, the only concentration camp in Germany, and then in her spare time find Elaine and convince her to return to England.  But things don't go as planned with either assignment.  The man who is in Dachau as Mr. Leon Donat isn't who he says he is so Maisie must find the man to rescue him. Elaine has been setup for murder of a soldier and Maisie is trying to keep her from being arrested.  With the complications it keeps the tension up and I was glued to the story.  

This isn't a whodunit, so there isn't a killer reveal.  Just when I thought we were at the conclusion, Maisie has still more to accomplish before she can get the @$#* out of there.  This ratchets up the final chapter's suspense.  Very well done.

The wrap-up shows Maisie taking steps for her future and showing healing from her grief.  I appreciated ending on an upside for Maisie.

The Maisie Dobbs series has won several awards and this book displays why the accolades.  This has everything: great historical detail, just complicated enough plot, complex characters, the setting used optimally, and plenty of high stakes tension.  I can't recommend highly enough.

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

Here is the author at a bookstore for the novel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpkGh4RelYE

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 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 King's Deception

I have reviewed a couple of the prior Cotton Malone books including #7 The Jefferson Key (click here)  and #5 The Paris Vendetta (click here).  This particular book grabbed my interest and really got me looking up historical details on my own.  Check out what captured my attention in this book.

Author: Steve Berry

Copyright: June 2013 (Ballantine Books) 432 pgs

Series: 8th in Cotton Malone series

Sensuality: Suspense violence

Mystery Sub-genre: Suspense/Thriller

Main Character: Cotton Malone, former Dept. of Justice (Magellan Billet)

Setting: Modern day, London Britain

Obtained Through: Personal purchase

Cotton is doing a favor for his former boss at the the Justice Department by taking Ian, a petty thief, from Atlanta to London and turn him over to police custody.  But that was never the full plan, a secret society named Daedulus wants Ian dead because he witnessed a murder.  On the drive from the London airport, events take a menacing turn and Gary, Malone’s 15-year-old son who was returning to his Copenhagen bookshop, is briefly kidnapped.  Cotton realizes he is in the middle of a much bigger plan and has to figure out what the agenda really is and who is involved to save his son, Ian, and himself.  He never expected an international operation code named King’s Deception engineered to leverage secrets about Tudor Queen Elizabeth I to prevent the release of a terrorist. Meanwhile the Daedulus Society is hell bent to prevent those secrets from being proven or used.  The story makes a case for history being important, so that even events nearly 500 years ago can seriously impact a nation today by utilizing the true historical characters of Elizabeth I and her most trusted advisers William Cecil and son Robert Cecil and the mystery of Henry VIII's rumored lost treasure. 

Cotton Malone is dealing with family drama with his ex-wife Pam and his son Gary (which precipitates Gary coming to Copenhagen to stay with Cotton for a while).  How he deals with this stress in addition to being thrown in the middle of a dangerous plot says a lot about him.  Gary Malone is a fifteen year-old pawn being manipulated who struggles to understand the forces at work around him.  Kathleen Richards of the Serious Organized Crime Agency (SOCA) is much like Cotton, and thus in trouble with her superiors, when the British MI5 and Daedulus Society bring her into the mix mistakenly thinking she can be herded and used.   Blake Antrim, the CIA operative in charge of King’s Deception, is a master manipulator who doesn't blink at killing and specially requested Cotton bring young Ian to London and thus both into his cross-hairs.  Thomas Matthews is Britain's chief spy who is working to keep England's interests safe and secrets still secret.  Ian Dunne is a young pickpocket who picked the wrong pocket and ends up with a memory stick seconds before the man is killed.  Ian is streetwise and has a highly developed self preservation instinct that kicks in to keep both himself and Gary alive.  Adult twins Tanya and Miss Mary and the breakout stars of this tale, bringing history to life with enthusiasm and shrewd insight.  I have to give kudos on the well portrayed women characters of Kathleen Richards, Tanya, and Miss Mary who were smart and capable in their own rights.  Suspense and thriller novels can falter in this area, but not in this fine example.

London and its historical sights are utilized for not only their historical significance, which is part of the plot, but also for their atmosphere and connections to centuries of intrigue.  London's underground rivers with old bridges and long forgotten rooms was an ideal location for the climax. The underground rivers of London are the tributaries of the River Thames and were built over during the city's growth. The River Fleet, which in one place is now 40 feet below street level, is the largest of London's subterranean rivers and the section near Blackfriars station is featured in this novel.  This added an extra sense of danger to those scenes.

The logic in the plot has some holes, but that was in hind-sight as I thought back, so it didn't distract at the time. I have taken that into account, but it still makes for a solid novel with the other elements making up for those logic problems.  Without giving away much, the idea of using a politically explosive revelation, albeit nearly 500 years old, that would have actual dire consequences today was fascinating, and I thought was presented and argued well- making it quite possible.  The author's notes at the end of the book and the copies of paintings throughout helped bring the past and the suspicions vibrantly to life. 

The climax was set up well and brought four different aspects together for a tense showdown where the many deceptions are unveiled.  Tough decisions must be made and the truth of each character's true self is revealed.  I have to admit it was well done.

In the span of roughly forty hours, the reader races along with assassins, traitors, spies, and deadly members of a secret society with explosives, kidnapping, and a blend of history with international intrigue for a riveting ride. 

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and if you haven't read any of this series before, put this author on your watch list.

Steve Berry and his wife started History Matters (click here) to assist communities around the world with historic restoration and preservation because they believe history matters.  

Here is a book trailer for this book - enjoy!

Review - Games Traitors Play

The cover got my attention with "the perfect post-Bond spy...move over, Jason Bourne" along with some reviews comparing this to John le Carré's style.  Find out if I felt this novel and its spy live up to the hype.

Author: Jon Stock

Copyright: March 2012 (Thomas Dunne Books) 384 pgs

Series: 2nd in Daniel Marchant Thriller

Sensuality: mild, some adult references and innuendo

Mystery Sub-genre: Thriller

Main Characters: Daniel Marchant, British MI6 Agent

Setting: Modern day, London and Marrakesh

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Daniel Marchant is undercover in Marrakesh to get a lead on Salim Dhar, who is the world's most wanted terrorist since he narrowly missed killing the U.S. president.   the CIA is under pressure to hunt Salim  down and they don't like Marchant on the case.  Daniel Marchant, is a half brother of Salim and has the best chance of connecting with him, and maybe recruiting him to work for British intelligence.

It seems that Salim has partnering with Soviet intelligence to strike a blow against the West.  In order to discover the truth, Marchant must allow himself to be recruited by Moscow with a promise of getting time with Salim. It's a role that will require him to play up his late father as traitor, an allegation that he fought long and hard to contradict. But now he must revive those old rumors and play a game of double or even triple crosses.

Daniel Marchant is an anti-hero who is conflicted with his family legacy.  Although his father was Chief of MI6, he was widely suspected of being a KGB spy, and Daniel's recently discovered muslim half-brother from his father's affair is a terrorist.  As a main character I had a hard time relating to him on even a basic level.  For a spy he seemed to be stumbling through the entire story and I just didn't like him much.  Daniel's boss is MI6 chief Marcus Fielding, a cold and calculating puppet-master trying to put Britain on top of the spy game at any cost.  James Spiro, CIA Head of Clandestine Operations in Europe is a grade "A" donkey's behind and at times the U.S. has a less than pristine reputation because of Spiro.  Apparently, Spiro was behind a kidnapping and water-boarding of Daniel in the previous book.  One of Spiro's agents, Lakshmi Meena, is sent to Marrakesh to follow Daniel.  Lakshmi could have been a great character but ended up just being a pawn of the men in charge.  Her sole existence in the story is to be said pawn and doesn't seem to really have any meaning of her own.

The best setting descriptions are in Marrakesh and the surrounding Atlas Mountains.  The low tech method of communication Salim Dhar uses is the Berber storytellers, and this really helped in also bringing the location to life.  Even the Atlas Mountains seemed rich, but the British locales seemed flat in comparison.

The plot is not too far of a reach, but I would not classify it as a thriller (intrigue and suspense maybe).  It relies heavily on the unknown.  Was Daniel's father really a KGB spy rather than a strategic conduit for low level intel in exchange for a fat-cat KGB spy feeding Britain intel?  Can Daniel turn Salim Dhar, or will Salim turn Daniel in the end?  It was slow in several spots and it wasn't until the last third of the book that things started to keep my attention.  

The climax had some tense moments making it suspenseful.  The wrap-up was a bit abrupt but paves the way for more spy games with Daniel and his half brother still in the game.  And as I have stated, Lakshmi is a convenient pawn, even in the wrap-up.

It is a good suspenseful espionage novel that utilizes the rivalry between British and American intelligence agencies well, but I don't agree with the comparisons to Jason Bourne or John le Carré's style.  

Ratings:  Good - A fun read with some flaws. Maybe read an excerpt before buying.

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 - The Last Spymaster

I am returning to my current yen for spy novels with this book.  The author, Gayle Lynds, is a member of the U.S. Association for Intelligence Officers, and is a bestseller in a male dominated genre.  She wrote three of the books in the Covert-One series with Robert Ludlum.  She also co-founded the International Thriller Writers, Inc.  This particular novel was awarded the 2006 Novel of the Year prize from the Military Writers Society of America.

Author:  Gayle Lynds

Copyright:  2007 (St. Martin's Press) 304 pgs

Series:  Stand alone novel

Sensuality:  mild

Mystery Sub-genre:  Thriller, intrigue

Main Character:  CIA Agent Elaine Cunningham

Setting:  Modern Day,Washington DC

Obtained Through:  Library

The story opens with a young skier in Switzerland being shot, then two days later the spymaster, Jay Tice, breaks out of a U.S. prison where he was held for treason.  How are the two incidents related is quite the story.

From the book:

"Charles Jay Tice was a spy's spy--a legendary figure in the CIA, and the intelligence world in general, towards the end of the Cold War. But he was also a traitor, having sold secrets that seriously compromised the U.S. for years to come. Since his conviction, he's been kept in the tightest maximum security prison under the tightest security. Until one morning, his cell is discovered empty--Tice has disappeared without even the hint of trace.

Agent Elaine Cunningham is a 'hunter', assigned to find Tice quickly, before the rest of the world knows he's gone. But she soon finds out that something is very wrong. This is more than just an impossible escape by a master spy--lurking in the shadows is a much bigger, deeper, and more dangerous conspiracy than an old spy's last run for freedom."

The viewpoint shifts between Jay on the run or Elaine chasing him.  Sometimes that can be annoying or confusing, but in this case I think it works well for creating more suspense. 

Jay remains a bit of a mystery, although the reader knows there is more to him and his story than what is initially revealed.  Elaine was an unlikely choice for hunting Jay, she is considered emotionally damaged and had been left on desk duty, seemingly forgotten, until Jay escapes.  Elaine is a solid character, not perfect in the spy world, but she has great instincts and is able to quickly assess a situation and understand the implications.  I really liked Elaine.  As the story develops a few key supporting characters are introduced who all bring something to the story.  It is hard to discuss without giving too much away.  There are a few villains, some that are visible, and one that remains a mystery until the end, which is particularly well done.

The setting is mostly in D.C. or the surrounding Virginia countryside, with a few European scenes.  The setting is used effectively, one minute serene and the next ominous. 

The overall plot is believable and builds as the story unfolds.  It utilizes many of our fears regarding terrorism and cutting edge technology to push the stakes higher and higher.  It felt realistic, not a lot of flash.  I kept thinking, it could really be like this.

The climax is a nail bitter and gets the adrenaline pumping.  The wrap up was perfect and sold me on this author.  If you like a good spy novel or a plot that takes you by surprise a time or two, give this book a try.  I am getting another of hers from the library!

Here is a teaser about the book from the author herself.

 

Review - The Silent Oligarch

Monday M&MM is hosting the book blog tour for Chris Morgan Jones who has his debut novel out this month.  Please be sure to stop by on Monday and find out more about the author.  His first book takes us inside Russia and corporate money laundering networks.  Below is the review and it is surprising this is Mr. Jones' first novel.  Don't forget Monday's blog tour! 

Author: Chris Morgan Jones

Copyright: January 2012 (Penguin Press) 336 pgs

Series: Debut novel, stand alone?

Sensuality: some violence, not graphic

Mystery Sub-genre: Suspense, Intrigue

Main Characters:  Richard Lock, money launderer and Benjamin Webster, Corporate Intelligence Investigator

Setting: Modern day, England & Russia

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

The book opens with Richard Lock in Monte Carlo enjoying his wealth with the beautiful and easily bored Oksana.  The reader is introduced to his easy and pampered life just before it starts to fall apart.  Lock is a lawyer who has created a complex web of fake businesses to shuffle money around for the Russian Minister of Natural Resources, Konstantin Malin. Lock had even married Malin's daughter although they are divorced now and Marina lives in London raising their only child. Lock's world begins to fall apart piece by piece because another wealthy and vindictive operator feels he was cheated in a deal with Malin and hires Benjamin Webster to ruin Malin.  Lock's position has always been that he would be the front man and be the face to take any blame if the web of money laundering oil companies came under suspicion.  Lock has been paid well to maintain the shifting web of shell companies and the risk with it. 

But what happens in Russia when you really are under scrutiny by world courts?  Lock begins to experience real fear when a good friend dies under very suspicious circumstances and he has goons restricting his every move.  Webster instinctively feels that Lock is the linchpin and if they can get him to cooperate with their side and expose Konstantin Malin for the business crook he is the world would be better off.  Webster manipulates press and FBI contacts to raise the heat on Lock.  Webster becomes personally involved when the decade old murder of his dear journalist friend Inessa may have been at Malin's hand.  The line between doing his job and getting a personal payback for Inessa blur at times for Webster.  Is Webster too personally involved to be effective?

This book is for the patient reader who enjoys letting the story unfold and the tension slowly rise without car chases or explosions.  If you want a glimpse of the shadowy world of wealthy chess players using humans as pieces to be maneuvered in a bigger strategy, this book is your armchair vantage point.  The focus is on Lock and Webster and how these two will exit on the other side of this crucible.  The viewpoint shifts between the two characters and the reader becomes invested in both men.  Lock is reduced to the man he once was before taking the easy big payout and Webster is dealing with the dangerous people who slaughtered Inessa and who haunt his dreams and now threaten his wife and peaceful home life.

I had many distractions as I was reading this book and that didn't help.  This book simmers on low while setting the stage.  This book should be read when you have blocks of time to devote to its reading. Despite my scattered attention, the book is clearly a fine story.  The premise is sound and couldn't be more "ripped from the headlines" as wealthy corporate interests manipulate everything around them with impunity.  The plot is solid and realistic.  The character development is golden in this book, they are both flawed and make mistakes.  The pacing reminds me of Hitchcock's 1946 movie Notorious with layers of danger built up slowly as the story progresses.  The climax is as real world as I have read in a book but left one thread unanswered.  In real life we rarely get every question neatly answered, and perhaps this leaves the possibility of another Benjamin Webster novel to follow that thread.

  Remember Chris Morgan Jones' Book Blog Tour.   Don't miss it.