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zosiablue's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Fun little Russian spy thriller! It takes place in a world where the Ukraine war has just ended and Putin has been mysteriously ousted in favor of, somehow, an even scarier guy. This is the second in a series and I'd complain that the main spy has no personality but...she kind of needs to be formless to be a good spy. It works. I'd read a third!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Gaslighting
Minor: Confinement and Deportation
xcelsior616's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I'll lump in a mention of the previous book, Red Widow, in here too. While its not necessary to read the first novel, jumping right into London will give pretty heavy spoilers of what happened in Widow as Katsu catches the reader up on certain things.
Overall, both novels are fun dives into the world of espionage and spycraft - although completely modern and up-to-date. The protagonist, Lindsay Duncan, is likable and capable, although there are definite moments where the reader has information that they're begging the characters to become aware of in order to prevent the inevitable trainwreck. Some of the plot beats are a bit predictable, but the major twists and turns are well earned.
While Red Widow took place primarily in America and Red London takes place in the titular city, both novels revolve around "The Russian Target" in their own way. The sequel, in particular, dives a bit into speculative fiction as the novel takes place post-Ukranian invasion with the premise that Putin was ousted from power, only for an unknown but probably equally despicable person takes his place.
Neither of these novels go on a list of "everyone must read this!" but if you're looking for a solid, modern, spy novel written by a woman of color who worked in the field then they deliver exactly as promised. Any Katsu novel is absolutely worth a read.
Overall, both novels are fun dives into the world of espionage and spycraft - although completely modern and up-to-date. The protagonist, Lindsay Duncan, is likable and capable, although there are definite moments where the reader has information that they're begging the characters to become aware of in order to prevent the inevitable trainwreck. Some of the plot beats are a bit predictable, but the major twists and turns are well earned.
While Red Widow took place primarily in America and Red London takes place in the titular city, both novels revolve around "The Russian Target" in their own way. The sequel, in particular, dives a bit into speculative fiction as the novel takes place post-Ukranian invasion with the premise that Putin was ousted from power, only for an unknown but probably equally despicable person takes his place.
Neither of these novels go on a list of "everyone must read this!" but if you're looking for a solid, modern, spy novel written by a woman of color who worked in the field then they deliver exactly as promised. Any Katsu novel is absolutely worth a read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, and Gaslighting
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