Damascus Station

Author David McCloskey draws upon his own experiences as a CIA analyst in Syria, bringing authenticity to this spy thriller. He paints a vivid picture of the chaos and danger of international espionage and the chaos of the Syrian uprising—his understanding of tradecraft shines through every page. The plot centers on CIA operative Sam Joseph, who’s left reeling after a botched exfiltration in Syria. He’s shipped off to Paris to recruit Mariam Haddad, a Syrian Palace official, as a double agent. Cue the forbidden romance. The two go to Damascus to hunt down a brutal pair of brothers who kidnapped and killed an American spy. The chase brings the pair […]

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The Bucharest Dossier

As a book reviewer, one of the best parts of my job is discovering new authors. William Maz was an unknown name to me until The Bucharest Dossier landed in my hands, and I can now say I am a fan. This international espionage thriller follows Bill Hefflin, a Romanian expat who’s parents brought him to America as a child during the Cold War. After graduating from Harvard, he’s recruited by the CIA as an analyst. His skills are put to the test when he’s asked to return to Bucharest. It’s the start of the bloody 1989 uprising against Nicolae Ceaușescu, the Communist leader of the country. What unfolds is […]

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Enemy at the Gates

I’ve been a fan of the Mitch Rapp series ever since the first book hit the shelves in 1999. When Vince Flynn passed on after churning out thirteen fantastic books, I thought, “That’s it, the end of an era.” But then Kyle Mills stepped up to the plate, and while his first couple didn’t quite hit the mark for me, he’s found his groove with Enemy at the Gates. After two decades of covert ops and assassinations, Mitch is contemplating hanging up his spy hat. He’s feeling the wear and tear, has settled down with a family, and is not exactly fond of the new president. And this president, Anthony […]

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The Tehran Initiative

The Tehran Initiative by Joel C. Rosenberg is a gripping, action-packed thriller that picks up where The Twelfth Imam left off. In this book, things are even more intense as Iran conducts its first atomic weapons test, setting off a chain of events that could change the world as we know it. Millions of Muslims believe their long-awaited messiah, the “Twelfth Imam,” has arrived, sending shockwaves across the globe. Israeli leaders fear that Iran, under the influence of the Twelfth Imam, might launch a devastating nuclear attack. The president orders CIA agent David Shirazi to sabotage Iran’s nuclear warheads before Iran or Israel can launch a devastating first strike. The […]

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The Order

Israeli Spy Chief Gabriel Allon is on vacation in Venice with his wife and two young children when his friend, the reform-minded Pope Paul VII, dies suddenly. The Holy Father’s private secretary, Archbishop Luigi Donati, suspects foul play and summons Allon to the Vatican. What follows is a hunt for truth and justice. The Swiss Guard who was standing watch outside the papal apartments the night of the pope’s death is missing. So, too, is the letter the Holy Father was writing during the final hours of his life. A letter addressed to Gabriel. As the cardinals gather for the papal conclave, Allon investigates the murder and uncovers a vast […]

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Head Shot

Head Shot takes place in Washington, D.C. and follows detective Marko Zorn as he struggles to balance his moral code with breaking the rules. The story kicks off as Zorn, with his junior partner, Lucy, investigates the murder of a former flame. But just when things seem complicated enough, he is assigned an off-the-books mission: safeguarding Nina Voychek, the prime minister of Montenegro, during her official visit. Political enemies are planning her assassination, and he soon learns that he is also a target. After a few attempts on his life, he enlists some shady resources to hunt down whoever is after him and prevent an international tragedy on American soil. […]

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The New Girl

At an exclusive private school in Switzerland, mystery surrounds the identity of the girl who arrives each morning in a motorcade. She is believed to be the daughter of a wealthy international businessman. Her father is actually Khalid bin Mohammed, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia. Once celebrated for his daring social and religious reforms, Khalid is now reviled for his role in the murder of a dissident journalist. When his 12-year-old daughter is kidnapped, he turns to Gabriel Allon, an art restorer, and the director of Israeli intelligence for help. As always, Silva weaves a complex and multi-layered plot, filled with twists and turns. Fans of his novels will […]

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Amy’s May 2022 Reads

Only one 5-star review this month, but once again, Ruta Sepetys takes the top spot. I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys Please remember that when adversity is drawn out of the shadows and recognized, we ensure that human beings living under oppression—past and present—know they are not forgotten. Together, we can shine a light in dark corners of the past. Together, we can give history a voice.—Ruta Sepetys, I Must Betray You. Ruta Sepetys’s latest novel is set in Romania in 1989. Communist regimes are crumbling across Europe, but tyrannical dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, who has been in power for twenty-four years, still governs by isolation and fear. Seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu dreams […]

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