Member Reviews
"The Last Tourist" was a book I wanted to like more than I actually did. This story had a too predictable plot and twists that I saw coming from a mile away. It could have been a better read with some tweaking to the plot but it was overall just an okay read.
“The Last Tourist” was my first dive into the “Milo” series. I enjoyed this thriller…until I just didn’t. I don’t know why the political intrigue in the story didn’t launch myself into Olen Steinhauer’s fictional world. “ Upon further review” I suspect that all the tides and Eddie’s of the past few years in the real world on television each night here in America has made me less interested in the intrigue found between the pages of “The Last Tourist.”
So I find Oleg Steinhauer an excellent writer. I am going to give him another read after the holidays and see if if the book is better with an improved attitude on my part. So 3 stars for “The Last Tourist” and 2 stars for me. However, a big “thanks “ to NetGalley for the chance to read this book.
Excellent. Great plot, well written with strong characters. This book is a must read for all who like fast paced action. Highly recommended.
Sorry. Never got to read this. Wish i did! I'll get it on my list for the library. I think he has other books I's like to read as well. Thank you!
This is book 4 of the Milo Weaver Series. Reluctant CIA Analyst, Milo is trying to end the "Tourist", otherwise known as trained assassins. Can he and those around him stay alive and clear his name?
Olen Steinhauer is a master of the action/mystery/spy story.. He's on a par with Ludlum, but not quite John LeCarre. His books at all times are gripping, convoluted with excessive detail (as is life itself), and take place over a period of time in which the plot develops in many venues, all tied together.
The Last Tourist follows the pattern set by Steinhauer's masterpiece, The Tourist (a book almost as long as War and Peace). It successfully detailed the life and mindset of a spy, plus the tough decisions to be made. Ones made on the spot, although the implications and repercussions last far longer.
Milo Weaver is the character readers know very well in these Tourist books, His smarts and physical skills are always a delight, plus his mastery of the spy game.
This book, again well written as one comes to expect from Steinhauer, is gripping and filled with action. It has mostly well-developed characters and scenes set all over the globe, But the plot itself and its twists and turns, unlike all other Steinhauer books, are hackneyed. You've heard this before. You anticipate the outcome. The surprises come as no surprise. The super-human actions are just too much to believe.
Despite the depth of experience, past ops, etc.,Milo Weaver just couldn't have had all those relationships and knowledge, much less the insight into as vast a scope of worldwide governmental and military activities..
And it's just too long. So much so that the story gets less interesting, less gripping, less appealing. End already, I found myself thinking for much of the final third of the book.
And yet it remains a fun read! Steinhauer never disappoints in that department. The Last Tourist may not be up to his usual par, but it is still far better than most books in the genre. .
I really enjoyed this fast paced thriller. The book drew me in and it was hard not to read it in one sitting. The writing and pacing kept me on the edge of my seat!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Last Tourist is book #4 of the Milo Weaver series. Milo, a CIA agent is off the radar when a young and impressionable CIA analyst finds him and questions him about deaths and chatter that may or may not involve him. Unbeknownst to them, this would lead them into more danger. The Last Tourist was the first book I have read by Olen Steinhauer. It was fast paced, and outside the realm of my usual genre. If you like spy thrillers, you will enjoy this book. Well written, and I would recommend giving it a try.
While I love almost everything St. Martins publishes, sadly, this one wasn't quite my cup of tea. I couldn't make my way through it.
Buckle up your seatbelts for this read, folks! As this was my first venture into this series I was not expecting so much travel, so many characters, or multiple issues. The story is far reaching and sometimes confusing but if you like espionage thrillers, this one's for you. I think to fully appreciate the depth of Steinbauer's writing, one should begin with "The Tourist' the first in the Milo Weaver series and that's just what I may do.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me the advanced ebook version of this novel in exchange for my review.
Such a good read. Great description- felt like I was there with the author. Hard to put down. More from this author please
A story of espionage and not knowing who to trust. This is the fourth novel in the series and I think I would have benefited from reading the others first. None of the characters know who to trust or what to believe. Every country is telling everyone something different. All the operatives believe they are working for the greater good. I read few espionage novels so it was a confusing read. However, it was very fast passed and I was curious about who to trust and believe.
Thank you Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Full Disclosure: I read this as a standalone novel without reading the other three books.
I found this book to be a fast, entertaining read with great character development. Some of the story was implausible, which is a factor in a lot of espionage thrillers, but that did not distract from the story. I enjoyed this book quite a bit.
Author Olen Steinhauer (https://www.olensteinhauer.com) published the novel “The Last Tourist” in 2020. Mr. Steinhauer has published a dozen novels. This is the fourth of his "Milo Weaver" novels.
I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of violence and mature language. The story is set in contemporary times. Most of the action takes place in Africa and Europe. The primary characters are Milo Weaver, CIA analyst Abdul Ghali, and operative Leticia Jones.
Weaver is head of 'the Library'. That is a secret, independent intelligence organization operating out of the UN. He thought that the CIA-trained assassins, 'The Tourists', had been closed down for years. Now he is being pursued by what appears to be new 'Tourist' agents.
He must avoid them while investigating. He arranges for Ghali to meet him so that he can disclose all that he knows. Long time friend Jones is one who comes to his aid. The three must dodge the agents while they find out who is controlling the Tourists.
I enjoyed the 11.5 hours I spent reading this 384-page spy thriller. It was a little slow at times, but I did feel compelled to keep reading to see how it ended. While this novel is part of a series, it reads well on its own. The part of the novel from Abdul Ghali's perspective is told in the first person. That sets that portion apart from the rest of the novel. I am not a fan of the cover art. It does not seem to have much to do with the story. I give this novel a 3.9 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).
I didn't realize until after I finished The Last Tourist that this is actually the fourth book in the Milo Weaver series. Which in retrospect the book makes a lot more sense having this information - there are a lot of characters coming in and out of the plot, and I'm guessing readers of the first three books are much more familiar with all of these different players. (Sometimes I was a little lost.) This is a fast-paced spy novel with a lot going on. I liked how Mr. Steinhauer brought real world events into the story as well, making it feel like it could be more than just a fictional tale. Not having read the previous books, I kept wondering if Milo was a trustworthy narrator or not, and there were quite a few twists in his journey. Definitely a fun read.
Nothing beats a good spy thriller...and this is definitely no disappointment. Lots of plot twists and turns. Just when you think you have some things figured out, the author throws in another twist that takes you in another direction. The character and plot twists are mind boggling, but all in all, this is a fantastic read!
A follow up of the much loved character Milo Weaver, first introduced in 'The Tourist.' I was so happy when I learned that Weaver would be back, and he was well worth the wait. Olen Steinhauer is one of the finest spy novelists working today, and his newest outing doesn't disappoint. Milo, who is hiding out in Western Sahara, is joined by an analyst from the CIA who is there to question him on some suspicious ties being linked to him. They are soon interrupted by assassin's and are forced to run. What comes next is a classic Steinhauer novel full of suspense as a chess match unfolds before your eyes. This is a complex story that makes you work, and is anything but a breezy beach read. The work, in the end, is worth it, and the novel succeeds in its premise. You'll have to remind yourself to stop and eat because this one was hard to put down.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. When I requested this book I had not realized that it was in a series and wanted to read the previous books before I dove into this one. Theres quite a few plot twists, maybe a little too many, but overall an enjoyable read. I really liked most of the characters in the previous books and was glad many of them were included in this story. While most of the book is more action packed and fast paced, one part did make me actually laugh out loud.
E- "You prefer red, I suppose. For the heart. Healthy drinking is an oxymoron. Come. Sit."
M-"How is your health?"
E-"My doctor won't let me eat Snickers anymore. The fascist."
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of the book!
Minotaur Books and NetGalley provided me with an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Last Tourist. The choice to review this book is my own.
Milo Weaver is back once again, with silver screen worthy action fueled moments coupled with a sluggish plot. With a target painted permanently on his forehead, Milo is hiding out in Western Sahara. Sent by the CIA to question Milo about a series of suspicious deaths and terrorist chatter, Abdul is a young analyst with no experience in the field. When the bullets start flying, who will be left standing?
The Last Tourist is the writer's way of being able to tell the story without showing, by having Milo give Abdul the play-by-play. The reason for Abdul's inclusion in the book becomes apparent early on, with transparent hints given by the author. The story definitely lags in the middle, as the plot becomes redundant. With the pacing off, the usual thrilling up-and-down motion is mainly absent. I did not enjoy The Last Tourist in the way I was expecting and it was an overall disappointing read. For these reasons, I would be hesitant to recommend The Last Tourist to other readers.
I'm sorry, I didn't finish this book. I got about halfway through but it just didn't hold my interest.