As I was reading the book, it was apparently clear that the author knows the intelligence world extremely well, especially in the processes, backstories, and information. The book is a bit slow to get started – there are many characters to keep track of, different locations to take in, and a lot of setting up of the story. I found myself trudging through and putting the book down to pick up others. Once it picks up, however, it goes at a better pace.
The female characters are outstanding (in fact, in situations where most would shrink, they persevere and excel). I really don’t like it when characters are ‘perfect’ and this was not it – most straddle the line between good and bad and are more interesting for it.
Artemis Proctor – and apparently, this is a second book featuring her character – puts together an intricate plan for Moscow X, a covert department within the CIA. She wants to get revenge for a previous snafu, and also gain intelligence assets. Mia, a London lawyer, and Max, a racehorse owner with a ranch in Mexico, are enlisted to help. Sigh. I wish horses were treated better than mere products throughout the book. Moving on. Anna – as part of a business deal – is married to Vadim, who is close to Putin, and she herself is the daughter of a high-ranking Russian businessman. Her father and her husband give her no freedom, and she develops her own angles in all this. It is she who Mia and Max target. Then it reaches the point where covers are blown and it all goes sideways, with the reader not knowing who to trust.
If you love the spy genre, this is a good book to add to your reading list, and in the process, possibly follow the characters take on other missions. Enjoy.
