Reviews

Red London by Alma Katsu

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twilliamson's review against another edition

5.0

Disclosure Statement: I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher for review. The impressions and opinions in this review are entirely my own and have not been influenced in any way by either the author or the publisher.

In Red London, Alma Katsu proves again that she's not just adept at writing horror; this sequel to her fabulous Red Widow proves that she knows how to write a taught spy thriller as well as the greatest the genre has to offer. Here, she revisits the life and exploits of Lindsey Duncan, a CIA agent balancing the delicate affairs of her soul with the powder box of political intrigue surrounding a Russian billionaire.

Katsu's character work is as strong as ever here, and both of her female protagonists are fleshed out with complex, multifaceted wants and needs that come into conflict with their exterior circumstances. Katsu's plot is just as brilliantly paced as in the first novel, and even more timely than the last, dealing with international tensions and world economic fractures. She packs in plenty of action and intrigue in this one, though never manages to lose sight of the greater implications the book's plot has on her characters' well-being.

It's really the human element that makes Katsu's book so engrossing. Because the plot's stakes feel so personal to her characters, the novel is able to drive forward on the strength of its emotional arc as much as it keeps the tension surrounding her immaculate depictions of espionage. When we see Lindsey meet with Emily, this novels equivalent of Red Widow's Theresa, we're able to see the emotional underpinnings of their interactions, the separate motivations that complicate their relationship. It is thus that the novel manages to underpin the story with a broader exploration of the weight of espionage on human emotion and compassion--the same exploration that made Red Widow such a wonderful book.

But Katsu isn't content to just rehash the same themes as she did in her first book, and this new one explores many other wrinkles in the realm of espionage; she discusses the moral rightness and political rightness of espionage, the ethical questions arising from private espionage firms, and the vice of excessive wealth. She explores the implications of spycraft on state affairs, international affairs, the stakes of when a job goes right or when a job goes wrong--and the human lives made and ruined by this form of statecraft.

Red London is just another in a long line of incredible hits from Alma Katsu, further cementing my opinion that she is one of the finest writers in genre fiction today. Red London is destined to be held up as another classic spy novel, hanging in with masters of the craft. Lindsey Duncan has earned her place in the halls of some of fiction's best spies, and Katsu as a master of her craft.

85tarheel's review

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4.0

“Rumors—especially in the absence of information—are pernicious in the intelligence business” and rumors drive much of the plot in this second Lyndsey Duncan thriller from Alma Katsu. The story is interesting and timely, revolving around Russian oligarchs and fallout from the criminal invasion of Ukraine, and the action moves along fast enough for my tastes. This is a spy thriller that lives very near the complete realism of Le Carre. As Lyndsey thinks late in the book, “but if she must choose between two children and the equipment, well . . . This isn’t an action hero movie.” I really appreciated that. She mostly handles the problem of a main character who is feeling sorry for herself when she is the one who chose to be where she is, the self awareness was welcome but it didn’t completely get me on board with Emily. In the end though, I am completely onboard with Lyndsey who sees that the fight is against the “consolidation of power and wealth by the audacious or simply greedy at the expense of those who believe in good for all and peaceful coexistence.” I look forward to her next book as she continues the good fight.

sci_mom's review

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4.0

I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. This is a superb follow up to Red Window! I actually think I liked this one more. There was definitely more tradecraft and suspense set in the current geopolitical climate. I was fascinated by the storytelling and weaving of interpersonal relationships into the overall espionage plot. I do hate a cliffhanger, though, and this book ends on one. I just hope that the author is writing feverishly so I don't have to hang on too long!