I really got into this international espionage book. The author did a great job with character development. I found it very realistic because the main character, Milo Weaver, was flawed but still relatable and likable. A “tourist” is a CIA assassin and although there were some close calls, Milo perseveres.

I believe Olen Steinhauer has been compared to John Le Carre -- and for good reason. In The Tourist, Milo Weaver is a burned-out, super-secret CIA spy who literally comes in from the cold. Married and settled as an analyst at the department's Manhattan headquarters, Weaver takes off to track an assassin who's surfaced in the Southern U.S. (Yes, the novel mentions that the CIA can't do business on U.S. soil.) From there, he's drawn into a dangerous game that could cost him his life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this first in the Milo Weaver trilogy and prompted picked up Book 2 (and then 3) to see what happens next.

*Will post this review to Amazon -- and probably to Goodreads as well.

ARC from NET GALLEY

Welcome to the world of Milo and "tourism". This is not a James Bond espionage book; it is for adults and it strives for realism. You have to READ to find the clues. This series only gets better, try it.

I've had this one on my TBR list for a while now, and when NetGalley offered the first three Milo Weaver books as an immediate download (in preparation for the fourth title, forthcoming in March of 2020), I jumped at the chance to own them all AND the forced excuse to bump them to the top of the list. I've read other Steinhauer books and enjoyed them, plus I am a longtime fan of spy books, so The Tourist seemed like a sure bet.

I wasn't wrong. (Don't you love when that happens?)

Steinhauer has done a marvelous job creating a world of spies and secrets that was sufficiently familiar to make me nervous yet sufficiently original to keep me engaged. The concept of the Tourists/Tourism Office is chilling in its simultaneous believability AND novelty, and that's what made this book so resonant I think. Add in a hero-turned-Everyman-turned-hero-again in Milo Weaver, enough twisty-turny deception and red herrings to make Dashiell Hammett proud, and a plot that winds around on itself like an ouroboros and the result is a fabulous read that captured my attention and imagination and held on to both with both hands.

There's a dark underbelly (even more so than you think) here, and that turn toward the end almost lost me - until I realized its potential and necessity for setting up the future series. I can't wait to see what the world holds in store for Milo from this point forward - and to me, that's the surest hallmark of Steinhauer's success here.

I am truly sorry. I didn't realize that this was a spy novel which I usually do not enjoy reading. I tried to read it but bogged down on the names and intricate plot. So I really don't feel that I can give it an adequate review. And based on this novel, I am not going to try and review the other two (that are sequential to this one) that I requested, as the same information applies

Mercy me! The Tourist has a gazillion people, each with multiple names, all trusting no one. Spies/Tourists … Who’s the good guy? Who’s the bad guy? Half the time I didn’t know what was going on.

Paranoia is rampant. Every character is looking back over his/her shoulder at all times, again, trusting no one. “I’m being followed” is the mantra.

There are a lot of details — a lot! — but, unfortunately, overkill. I learned way too much about radicals, terrorists, and assassins in too many countries on too many continents.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I apologize for this dismal review. I’m afraid this was not my favorite book.

It's been quite a while since I've curled up with a spy novel, so maybe I'm out of the loop on the genre, but The Tourist left me somewhere in the fair to midland range. There's a lot of dialogue and the story is repetitive at times, plus there are several things that seem to rely on everyone, including Milo, being either oblivious or not very bright, both of which seem out of sorts with a spy novel. In the end, The Tourist left me wanting more - more action, more intrigue, more tension, just more. It isn't a bad story, but it isn't a particularly great one either.

I received a free copy of The Tourist from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Olen Steinhauer is a new author for me. The Milo Weaver spy trilogy is a freebie from NetGalley so I gave it a try, and I was not disappointed. This first book in the series features a middle aged CIA man who had worked as a tourist, aka assassin-fixer for the Company. He meets his wife, eighth months pregnant with another man's child, while in the middle of an operation that is going horribly wrong. Somehow this instant link in a terrifying moment of need is enough to make a life together. Milo, now middle-aged and a little frumpy, has gone from Company tourist to more of a detective analyst. His reputation, however, means that there is a substantial community of spies that want a piece of him.

This novel is multi-layered with appealing characters, side stories and dead ends. I'm not sure readers have the full story at the conclusion of this novel. I will definitely read #2 in the series.

Steinhauer created an tense spy thriller that kept me reading all the way through with few stops for food, sleep, etc. I'm very much looking forward to book 2, "The Nearest Exit" which I hope to start soon.

Some writers have an innate understanding. They feel the pulse of the story, holding on tight enough to maintain control without crushing the life out of creation. This is how characters like Milo Weaver are created, how incredible stories like “The Tourist” make their way into our hands.

“The Tourist” reminds me of books written by some of the masters of this genre, people who can develop a spy story that centers more around the people involved rather than trying to fill pages with gun fights and car chases. Olen Steinhauer has crafted a great story filled with realistic characters that stay with you long after you close the book. Highly recommended. Five stars.

Spies, intrigue and plenty of twists and turns! What's not to like? I thought the book was fascinating. At a time where big brother theories are abound the story is as timely today as the year it was published. Well worth the time to read this one!

This was my 1st time reading anything by Olen Steinhauer. I definitely enjoyed The Tourist, it's a real page turner after you get past the first couple of chapters. I recently found out this is book 1 of a 3 part series, which I'm definitely going to go look for and read. Was really impressed.

Rating 3

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the eARC.
This was my first book by Olen Steinhauer and I found it a thought provoking read. Although I generally don't read espionage, I was curious as I had heard a lot of good things about the author and the book.
The thought of being a 'tourist' for the CIA, travelling through strange countries, having no home, no identity and roots, with no one to go to when things go wrong, creeped me out.
Milo is working in admin now, has a wife and kids, finally has a normal life, but normal isn't possible and he's pulled back in.
I really felt for him, he can't trust anyone, all he wants is to be with his family and then he ends up on the run! It's a good read and I will be reading the series for sure!

never read this author--takes a bit to get into but stick withit and it picks up. looking forward to the others in the series

Very good series! I started the first book in the series, and finished all three books in one week. Characters are well developed, and the plot is action packed!

The author provides a strong foundation and plenty of detail to support the characters and the story line. The book moves at a good pace. I f you like this genre then you should like this book.

Reading The Tourist is like trying to put together a thousand piece puzzle without the final picture as reference. I often thought that Olen Steinhauer must have a remarkable mind to work through all the machinations necessary to produce a story that makes sense beginning to end. Take nothing at face value when you read this exciting espionage thriller.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the author and Minotaur Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
#TheTourist #NetGalley

Thanks to NetGalley for this ReadNow opportunity of a book I usually wouldn't pick up on my own. I found this book to be quite interesting and it piqued my curiosity.

This is a great start to a spy novel, I really enjoyed the plot and characters. This one was my favorite of the three that I read.

Spycraft, often intriguing, gripping and like taking a peek into another world. Is it possible there are so many dark, dark-ops going on worldwide? Are these operatives really out there, alone, and in constant danger of being outed, their “employers” leaving hanging in the wind?

THE TOURIST by Olen Steinhauer should be an action-packed tale of life in the shadows, but it was more like a slow trip watching the fall of one man who had dedicated his life to his craft as he is drawn into his own demise.

Lies, deceit, murders and information leaks abound and still, the action was missing for me. Heavy on dialogue, often repeated information, I found it difficult to feel invested in this “secret” world.

I received a complimentary copy from Minotaur Books. This is my honest and voluntary review.