ktxx22's review
3.0
This book should/could be an action film. I enjoyed all the goings on behind the diplomatic scenes of the international spy world. That it’s extremely relevant and plausible in The here and now is also a bonus. However this book missed a mark with me. I think that a man who is looking for a fiction novel that could be nonfiction in its subject matter would ADORE this book. But for me it’s only a 3/5 .
rob_sosnowski's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Average spy thriller. Pleasant enough to read
eldiente's review
4.0
I've enjoyed most of Olen Steinhauer's novels and this is one of my favorites. Several characters and storylines that mix and mingle amongst each other serve to keep the reader guessing until the end. There aren't really any surprises, but the timely use of the Arab Spring uprisings as the plot line makes the story seem current
eldobo's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyable
Good book, not as good as the Tourist series though. Good and light read for the holidays.
I wish I could just star reviews.
Good book, not as good as the Tourist series though. Good and light read for the holidays.
I wish I could just star reviews.
ricparks's review
3.0
3 and 1/2. Very well written book with overlapping and intersecting perspectives that create and ultimately solve a puzzle of multiple assassinations. A little repetitious and slow moving for my taste but it was very well executed and I will likely read Steinhauer again.
ashleyneubaum's review
2.0
I've always been fascinated by espionage, and love exotic settings. I thought that this thriller/mystery/drama would be everything I need in a book... but I was disappointed. Overall, I spent much of the book confused or bored, but stuck it out just to find out how the novel ended. (Surprise, I did not enjoy the ending.) But, I'm happy to pass along my copy of the book to whomever might want to read it.
lisagray68's review
5.0
I've got to read more Steinhauer. Just really, really good. One reviewer complained because it was a lot of work to read. Yes, spy novels about complicated politics aren't exactly a beach read. But I learned a ton about Libya and Egypt reading this book, even though it's fiction.
kerrynicole72's review
4.0
Cerebral, intriguing, and spellbinding are how I'd describe this novel set between Egypt, Hungary, and the former Yugoslavia. I didn't love the ending, and found a few pieces to be left unaddressed, but I hope there will be a sequel.