Source: DRC via NetGalley (Penguin Group Putnam, G.M. Putnam’s Sons) in exchange for an honest review
Publication Date: March 14, 2023
Synopsis: Goodreads
Purchase Link: Amazon

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Why did I choose to read this book?

I loved The Fervor by Alma Katsu and so I wanted to explore other books that she has written. I snagged Red London on NetGalley as a DRC in advance of its publication, so after reading Red Widow this was the next book by Katsu on my list.

What is this book about?

Lyndsey has reluctantly agreed to handle a newly turned Russian officer who promises to get them a major general in the KGB in return for not having to go to jail in the USA. She’s been reassigned to a small outpost in London where she works and waits for meetups with her asset. She’s called into MI6 where she finds her ex-lover from Beirut that got her into so much trouble in Red Widow is in charge of a task force that is trying to turn the wife of a famous oligarch who lives on Billionaire’s Row in London (this is an actual place!). He begs her to go undercover and befriend the oligarch’s wife, Emily, to see if they can turn her into an intelligence asset. So this story is about Lyndsey juggling these two assignments, hoping that she’s back in Langley’s (CIA) good graces and her career is back on track.

What is notable about this story?]

I want to speak to Lyndsey for just a second here. GIRL DO NOT TRUST MEN OMG. For a very smart woman, Lyndsey has the worst judgment when it comes to men, particularly men who are in charge. But still this accurately portrays the situations that women find themselves in when they are in careers that are male-dominated. Sometimes you just have to play the part to get by. But good lord I was screaming at Lyndsey in some parts of this book about her decisions. And the good news about this is that I am invested in her character now and I care about what happens to her. I felt this was lacking in Red Widow, but Katsu has more than made up for this in Red London.

This book moved so much faster than Red Widow, probably because I had reached the point where I cared about Lyndsey’s character. Sweating over her undercover mission, her attempts to get what both MI6 and the CIA wanted while sacrificing her own comfort and safety, I almost started biting my nails again and I quit that habit a LONG time ago. The pacing and tension in the second half of the book was so much better than in Red Widow too. Once the action started moving and the walls started closing in I could not put the book down until I knew where all the pieces fell. I even got a satisfying ending for Lyndsey. You go girl.

Red London is everything I wished Red Widow had been. Dry spy action but with thrilling “holding a breath you didn’t know you were holding” action. And it’s all done without a lot of gunplay; I really appreciate the psychological thrill that Katsu brings. This is not your James Bond spy novel and that’s a very good thing!

Was anything not so great?

I’m not sure if I’m going through a phase in my reading or whatever but any forced physical interaction (breathing, touching, kissing, grabbing, pinning down, etc) including sexual assault or rape has me just violently recoiling right now. Luckily there wasn’t a lot of it, and when there was it was just surface level stuff, but there are some icky moments in here. If you’re sensitive about physical “moments” or abusive domestic situations, just know there are a few spots you might find yourself skipping over. They aren’t very long, and you can make it through the book without them, so this isn’t something that should make you skip the book entirely – but you know yourself and it’s a trigger worth mentioning.

What’s the verdict?

Red London surpasses its predecessor with 4 stars on Goodreads. Alma Katsu is turning up the heat with this entry in the series and I am not lying when I say I’m excited for book 3! Get Red Widow, then get Red London. I have a feeling it’s only going to get more exciting from here!

Red London is a high octane, hyper realistic spy thriller that doesn’t require a high body count to ratchet up the action and intensity. Alma Katsu masterfully utilizes every word uttered, every “accidental” encounter, and every calculated move to propel readers through to the surprising finale.

CIA Agent Lynsey Duncan, fresh off of exposing a mole at the Agency, is sent to London to develop a new highly placed Russian asset. That is until a blast from the past, MI6 agent Davis Ranford, specifically requests her assistance in a time sensitive operation in London.

The home of Mikhail Rotenberg, Russian oligarch and the main man in “Londongrad”, is assaulted in a brazen attempted invasion and abduction. While his personal security force thwarted the attack, the event occurring in one of the richest neighborhoods in the UK forces MI6’s hand. Information regarding Rotenberg’s ties to the new Russian president and his looted fortune is coveted by the intelligence community and Lyndsey is asked to befriend Emily Rotenberg, the aristocratic British wife, to see if she can recruit her. When a former CIA appears on the scene, working on behalf of a private intelligence organization, Lyndsey finds herself caught between a variety of competing forces. Any wrong step could get her killed.

Katsu’s wealth of knowledge and ability to absolutely pack this story full of authenticity elevates it to another level. If you thought Red Widow was good, get ready for this one, because you haven’t seen anything yet.

DNFed at 50%. To be fair, I was sent a copy of Red London having not read the first book. While I typically like CIA type books, I wasn't as invested in this story not having known Lyndsey's backstory. Yes, the author does do a brief recap of book one, but I still I was a bit limited in not having read book 1.

Book #2 in the Red Widow series. CIA agent, Lyndsey Duncan is back. Last seen in Red Widow, she has arrived in London to handle a new Russian asset. She is on shaky ground with her bosses, having crossed a line in her last overseas mission, but is determined to use her considerable skills on this new assignment to regain their trust. She is soon asked to do MI6 a favor (by the former lover who figured in her overseas debacle).….get to know Emily Rotenberg, the British born wife of a Russian oligarch, to ascertain whether she can be persuaded to provide information on her husband’s dealings. As Lyndsey develops a friendship with Emily, concern mounts over the monies handled by Emily’s husband Mikhail, his relationship with the new Russian leader (who ousted Putin from power after the failure in Ukraine), and the looming presence of China looking to make new political partners.

*Special thanks to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for this e-arc.*

Red London is a novel of espionage, well plotted and very tense. If you're a fan of spy books this is definitely the book for you! It's the 2nd book in the (Red Widow series) but can easily be read as a stand alone novel. Publication date is 3/14/2023.

Synopsis: CIA agent Lyndsey Duncan's newest asset might just be her long-needed confidante...or her greatest betrayal.

After her role in taking down a well-placed mole inside the CIA, Agent Lyndsey Duncan arrives in London fully focused on her newest Russian asset, deadly war criminal Dmitri Tarasenko. That is until her MI6 counterpart, Davis Ranford, personally calls for her help.

Following a suspicious attack on Russian oligarch Mikhail Rotenberg's property in a tony part of London, Davis needs Lyndsey to cozy up to the billionaire's aristocratic British wife, Emily Rotenberg. Fortunately for Lyndsey, there's little to dissuade Emily from taking in a much-needed confidante. Even being one of the richest women in the world is no guarantee of happiness. But before Lyndsey can cover much ground with her newfound friend, the CIA unveils a perturbing connection between Mikhail and Russia's geoplitical past, one that could upend the world order and jeopardize Lyndsey's longtime allegiance to the Agency.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #RedLondon for the opportunity to read this E-ARC. All opinions are strictly my own.

Wow! I always know I'm going to enjoy a book when Alma Katsu writes it. I loved Red Widow so I was so excited for Red London. In Red London we are back with Lyndsey Duncan and this time she is in London (as the title implies). There a re a few familiar names from Red Widow, but you don't need to have read Widow to enjoy London. Katsu does a superb job taking the reader undercover. She really knows her stuff (she was CIA after all). I loved this book. I'm a bit sad that I've finished it, but I'm hoping for more Lyndsey Duncan I the future. If you've never read an Alma Katsu book before start anywhere...they are all fantastic!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the advanced digital copy. I've got my hardcover on order.

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.

Can you go wrong picking up a book from Alma Katsu? I don't think so...

This is book two of the Red Widow series but can also be read as a standalone.

Lindsey is asked to befriend a Russian Oligarch's wife in hopes that she will turn, and the story begins.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group, G P Putnam & Sons for this advanced readers copy. This book is scheduled to release March 14, 2023.

The Last Orphan
Gregg Hurwitz
reviewed by Lou Jacobs


readersremains.com | Goodreads
Thank God he’s back! Evan Smoak, aka Orphan X, returns for a highly anticipated 8th high octane, break-neck paced thriller.

Reading an Evan Smoak tale is truly a guilty pleasure, like eating dessert before dinner. Evan isn’t a superhero, but rather a cross between Jason Bourne and Batman, He’s a highly skilled assassin, but with a moral compass and highly honed desire to retain his humanity.

Evan was a twelve-year-old boy, rescued out of the projects of East Baltimore, only then to undergo a seven-year grueling training course under the tutelage of his handler Jack Jones. Jack was the closest thing to a father and family he had ever known. This was part of a clandestine black ops, “Orphan Program” created by the Department of Defense, creating a cadre of assassins of unparalleled abilities that were both deniable and expendable. Each sent out on a mission to destroy a high-value target without backup.

As his trainer, and a man of principle, Jack knew it was easy to train Evan to kill, but hard to have him retain his sense of humanity. (Which is a basic tenet throughout all the Orphan X novels.) Eventually Evan wanted out after a decade of covert killing, no longer wishing to be a lethal weapon of the government. He was one of only a few Orphans with an actual conscience. He embarked on his own program as a pro bono freelancer, helping those innocents who found themselves in an impossible situation. He became known by his enemies as The Nowhere Man. Evan remained on call 24/7 for the unfortunates, awaiting a 1-855-2-NOWHERE call on his high tech, untraceable, and indestructible RoamZone phone. Evan always answers his phone: “Do you need my help? Several years ago, he was issued an informal pardon by President Victoria Donahue-Carr (installed and not elected) if he refrains from pursuing his career as the Nowhere Man. Evan has found this impossible and continued to answer both his RoamZone and the pleas of the helpless and innocents caught in ruthless situations. Evan is uncharacteristically captured at the hospital by Special Agent Naomi Templeton and a massive cadre of agents and police, as he attempts to reconnect with MIa, as she has just emerged from a lengthy coma. Rather than interrogate or execute him, Evan is surprised when the POTUS makes another offer to reinstate his pardon if he accepts a new assignment. He is to assassinate a man named Luke Devine. A billionaire who has attained an unprecedented degree of power and influence, and has proved to be a master-manipulator, even extending to several Senators. Apparently he is a direct obstacle in the POTUS’s ongoing agenda to implement a trillion-dollar environmental bill. He is told that this a direct threat to national security and the nation’s health and survival. (Not to mention her re-election). He insists that he must thoroughly investigate the man before he agrees to once again become an operative of the government. Does this target align with his core beliefs? Will he abandon his beliefs to regain his pardon? The government is hesitant of accepting his conditions. While the situation is in limbo, Evan is rescued and escapes this maximum detention situation by none other than his ally, and beloved character from previous books, the gorgeous Orphan V, aka “Candy.” Evan is under 24/7 surveillance, while being shackled at the wrist, zip-tied behind his back, and wearing an explosive-type ankle bracelet. The shenanigans and ensuing cinematic exploits of his rescue is alone worth the price of admission. Now, on his own with the help of a few of his friends, he is able to fully investigate Devine, and decide if he deserves elimination.

As the investigation unfolds, Hurwitz is able to reprise the roles of many of his beloved multi-layered characters. He is aided not only by Candy, but by Joey, her dog, “Dog”, and Tommy.

Joey is a welcome reprise and a fan favorite. Now, seventeen-years old, this feisty, smart aleck, is the smartest hacker Evan has ever known. A wash-out from the Orphan program, Evan has befriended and guided her, assuming an Uncle-like role. “Dog” is her tag-along pet that frequently provides comedy relief. Tommy, the somewhat loquacious armorer, can supply and outfit Evan with anything and everything in the manner of vehicles and weapons necessary for the “job.” In the course of his investigation into the life of Devine he uncovers details of a brutal murder of two young innocents, tangentially connected to Devine. This allows Evan to step back into the role of The Nowhere Man, and provides a second storyline. Eventually the two storylines will merge and intertwine into unexpected consequences.

Hurwitz proves to be a master storyteller as he uncouples this riveting barnburner of a thriller. This tale is exquisitely plotted with unexpected twists and deceptions, laced with cinematic fight scenes, brimming with violence and suspense. Each sequential episode of Orphan X reveals the emotional growth in this complicated and flawed man. This eighth installment can certainly be enjoyed and devoured as a standalone, but will force the reader to quench their thirst with the previous novels. Personally , I switched back and forth between reading the book and listening to the audio… but the last half I couldn’t tear myself away from the audio, narrated by the amazing Scott Brick. Scott is a multi-award winning narrator of over 800 books, with a background as an actor, and writer. His wonderful voice inflections brought the multiple characters to life in the “theatre of my mind” …. he is a natural storyteller with a mesmerizing quality that reflects the ongoing emotion and passion of the tale.

Thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for supplying an Uncorrected Proof and an Advance Audio version in exchange for an honest review.

This all-too-believable tale of exotic intrigue in the world of international spies will have readers on the edges of their seats. Set in London, a female career espionage agent must turn the wife of a foreign tycoon into an intelligence asset, and their cat-and-mouse relationship, fraught from moment to moment, keeps readers guessing until the final chapters.

This book (and series) is SO GOOD. It’s utterly compelling and captivating. It’s quietly twisty, parceling out information and motivations. I was completely sucked in and Katsu did a great job of reminding readers about what happened in the previous book. She also struck a nice balance between wrapping up the primary arc and threading more information that’ll be crucial to future stories. I adored book one and can’t wait for book three.

The stories of Lyndsey Duncan continue. What a great heroine. A light spy novel that will keep the reader engaged and guessing . A recommended read

Amazing! I loved Red Widow and loved this even more. Details are spot on, as can be expected from an author who served on the National Intelligence Council! Very good series, not enough strong women characters in spy novels. Here’s hoping for more in this series!

So glad I chose to read this despite it being the second in a series I had never read the first in! This reads just as well as a stand-alone thriller, and clearly is in a series, but I had absolutely no issue picking right up at the beginning and being able to follow the story and enjoying it as well. The story follows Lyndsay, who works as an intelligence officer and is in London with the purpose of finding information on a Russian oligarch. Whereas I had not really known much about the subject matter aside from very rudimentary understanding of Russian intelligence, Russian government and the clear issues that their international relations have caused regarding Ukraine and Crimea, this book made it interesting and easy to follow and probably gave me a better understanding of how the whole situation works in some ways, despite this book being fiction. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good spy thriller or who just wants something different and entertaining. This book seems to be very well researched and even better in the writing area, so I would suggest snagging it as soon as it comes out!

This ebook was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

For some reason, I thought Alma Katsu only wrote horror. And I admit, I requested Red London from NetGalley awhile ago and didn’t really remember the plot summary. I really thought London would be painted red with blood during a zombie apocalypse or something. So imagine my surprise when I started reading the book and it turned out to be a spy thriller. And it’s a very good one at that!

CIA agent Lyndsey Duncan is on an undercover assignment in London. She’s the handler for a turned Russian asset. But her original mission gets put on the back burner when MI6 pulls her into a mission to get close to the wife of a Russian billionaire banking oligarch. Russia’s war in Ukraine has brought a regime change and it’s anyone’s guess what the new leader will do.

Lyndsey befriends Emily, the English born wife of oligarch Mikhail Rotenberg. Lyndsey and Emily become fast friends, giving Lyndsey unprecedented access to the oligarch’s household. As Russia’s new leader puts pressure on Rotenberg, can Lyndsey count on Emily’s help before it’s too late?

This was a fast and fun read for me. Lyndsey isn’t a James Bond type spy with bag full of high tech weapons. She’s armed with smarts, common sense, and her tradecraft. The story was fast paced and moved along briskly. This is the second book in the series. (Another thing I didn’t realize when I requested it.) I had no trouble jumping into the series without reading the first book. And looks like there’s going to be a third book in this series. Cleaver, fast paced, and intricate, Red London has something that will appeal to every reader.

Thank you to GP Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for the digital review copy.

Anyone who was a fan of Red Widow will be happy to see Lyndsey Duncan in action again. Unfortunately, unlike the spectacular narrative balance she shared with Theresa Warner in "Red Widow" - her counterpart in this book, Emily, isn't nearly as interesting. The wife of a Russian Oligarch who at times seems like she knew exactly what she was marrying into and what would be expected of her, and then other times is completely aghast at being guarded and used as a trophy wife. It's hard to feel any sympathy for her character's loneliness, loss of family, unhappiness, when even the flashbacks to the rehearsal dinner show she knew what was coming in marrying Mikhail.
Additionally, as much as I loved Lyndsey's chapters and storyline - there was simply SO MUCH going on and so many characters around her to keep track. (Don't worry though, most of them don't matter). Poor Lyndsey jumps almost from mission to mission: befriending Emily, being a handler for a ex-war criminal Tarasenko, working last minute with a former ex-spy Dani now turned security, all the while managing her feelings for her old flame, Davis, (from Beirut just before the events of Red Widow), who is also working the case.
The only times my heart-raced were two times Lyndsey received a call from Theresa that her husband Richard (who was a Russian prisoner for years) isn't acting like himself. By the end however you realize Katsu is just setting up for the next book. THAT book however, I am looking forward to reading.

Lyndsey Duncan arrives in London to handle a Russian asset. After an attack on a Russian oligarch she is sent undercover to find out what what she can. This book starts slow but will draw you in. It leaves you guessing what will happen when the story ends on a cliffhanger. That is the main reason for my 3* review. I don’t like cliff hangers at the end of a story. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Lyndsey Duncan is back from Red Widow which was one of my favorite books last year. This book is no exception and starts where the last book left off. Nail biting suspense, a fast paced story, edge of your seat reading is just some of the ways that I can describe this book. I really enjoyed the detail of recruiting Russian assets which felt like you were right in the middle of the action. Alma is a fantastic thriller writer and readers will be happy they read this one when all is said and done. One of my favorite books I have read so far in 2023.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

I've read only one other book by Alma Katsu, The Hunger, and I think I enjoy the more dark and horror-like stories Katsu brings us. Red London was a good story, it just isn't what I have come to expect from a Katsu story.

This book is definitely a slow burn, it'll take some time to draw you in. Overall, just an average story of espionage with some thrilling scenes.

Thank you #NetGalley for sending me an ebook of #RedLondon

Another fantastic Lyndsey Duncan novel! This character just keeps getting better and better.

Red London is the continuation of Lyndsey’s story after Red Widow. She is now in London under cover working a Russian oligarch, Mikhail Rotenberg. She finds herself growing close with his wife Emily and struggling to keep her cover as she navigates trying to gather information to use again Rotenberg and to possible flip Emily to help them.

This will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat the you won’t be able to stop turning the pages.

I really love how strong willed Lyndsey is and doesn’t take any crap from anyone. But she also has so much heart and will do anything for anyone. She is such a great character and so well written by Alma Katsu.

I’m so looking forward to hopefully getting another book in this series.

I will be posting this on Amazon, instagram and twitter as well closer to the publication date.