This is a gripping crime thriller. The storyline is well written. I liked the main character. It was full of action. A good book

This book is a heart-pounding thriller that weaves together secrets, danger, and a dash of romance. With compelling characters and relentless suspense, this fast-paced novel keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. A must-read for fans of gripping, unpredictable stories that leave you wanting more.

An enjoyable mystery romp from Alan Johnson. Echoing the helter-skelter pursuits of the 39 steps era.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I liked the main characters of Gary, his flatmates and workmates and his mother who were all credible and interesting. The plot includes Russians and Ukrainians (it was written before the current war) so there are abbreviations for their secret organisations, and many foreign names with the typical derivatives requiring concentration when reading the fast -paced story. I thought the plot was clever and sufficiently convoluted to provide red herrings, alongside Gary's infatuation with Alina - would his adoration be returned? This book was thrilling and I was engaged right to the last page!

With the plethora of Russians, I frankly became confused with all the characters in this story. Well written, it was probably my failing.

This has an interesting cast of characters that carry the story along a nice pace and create depth to the story.
Overall four stars.

A thoroughly entertaining read! So easy to read, I loved Gary's character and funnily enough that of the engimatic dentist Tobias Parnaby! (even though he only played a minor role in the book). I remember when I used to commute on the train in years gone by (in the days before covid and hybrid working!) and I sat in the same spot daily and would you believe it go talking to a woman who did exactly the same. We became friends but certainly didn't share the same exciting rollercoaster that Gary and Arina did!

I can't think of many negatives to the book, the read being a very positive one but my main gripe would be the huge cast of Russian players and found it hard to follow who was who! That's my problem of course not the way it was written. Having spent some time at The Strand hotel I loved that part of the book and I can't wait to see what happens in the follow up book.

I must admit I wasn't sure what to expect with Alan Johnson as he's not know for writing fiction but this was a fantastic first romp writing fictional characters and spy novels! Well done!

I really enjoyed parts of this book,I liked the main character of Gary and found some of the information given via the book re Russia and its relationship with present day London fascinating,the actual story was quite good as well and kept me intrigued, if ever you were tempted to talk to someone on a train journey this will make you think twice 😎,the author uses his work career knowledge to it’s full but I did struggle with so many characters and their Russian names ((my problem not the books) and trying to recall who was who and what their role was,there is a helpful character reference page at the start of the book which helped,a bit!
The author though obviously has a great talent for writing and am looking forward to his next book (already on my TBR pile )

Alan Johnson has made a name for himself with his bestselling series of memoirs and now turns his hand to an espionage thriller.

Although set a few years ago very topical as based around Russian gangsters, their secret service and the then Russian annexe of the Crimea from Ukraine.

Don't go expecting a John Le Carre, however, this is a good, fast paced read and certainly up there with current thriller writers. Fans of Charles Cummings and Mick Herron should enjoy this one.