Thank you to Bantam Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC. I read the first Eva Makepeace book, Alias Emma, and this one is just as good. Funnily enough I am not really into spy thrillers but this author is changing my mind. FYI, you don't have to read the first book to read this one. It is completely able to stand on its own. What I really like about this is that the intelligence/government/political part (M16 vs. Russian Oligarchy) isn't too deep for me to understand. Maybe that is why I skip this genre normally? But no fears--it is an easy and thrilling read.

“The Traitor” is not a bad novel. But it’s not the “electrifying thriller” its promotional materials promise. While author Ava Glass gives us a likable protagonist in Emma Makepeace and delivers a plot that includes action and some moments of tension, on the whole, I found it to be a tame and sometimes not very believable offering.

An MI6 analyst investigating Russian oligarchs and their secret multi-million-dollar sales of chemical weapons to rogue nations has just been murdered. Now, MI6 wants to gain evidence concerning that murder and those weapons. They assign top agent Emma Makepeace to pose as a stewardess aboard one oligarch’s yacht and find that evidence without getting caught or killed by the oligarch’s dangerous retainers, or by a traitor within MI6. In a nutshell, “The Traitor” is a murder mystery, a “mole hunt,” and a tale of action and adventure all rolled into one.

I requested it because of author James Patterson’s praise (in the blurb) of protagonist Emma Makepeace as “a worthy heir to the James Bond mantle.” Unfortunately, I found this not to be so. In fact, I had lots of trouble believing Ms. Makepeace could have success as a spy or “world-saver.” While she’s likable, she lacks any of the distinctive qualities, and the edginess, that have made other sleuthing or spying or “adventuring” heroes and heroines so popular. She doesn’t have Bond’s mixture of tenderness and toughness, even cruelty, wrapped inside that gadget-toting package of urbane savoir-faire; or Bourne’s or Reacher’s or Katniss Everdeen’s physical prowess and close-combat proficiency; or Lisbeth Salander’s quirky brilliance and tech genius, or Gabriel Allon’s skills as an assassin/intelligence officer/brilliant painter/art forger. As the old Sondheim song from “Gypsy” goes, “You gotta have a gimmick.” Emma Makepeace doesn’t have one.

Nor does she possess the laser-like focus and commitment, or steadfast belief in herself and her abilities, displayed by other successful protagonists. On the contrary, at certain times—indeed at crucial moments—her self-confidence crumbles, and self-doubt takes over. In other instances, she’s more concerned about the safety of secondary characters she barely knows than accomplishing her supposedly high-stakes mission. While these vulnerabilities may serve to make Emma Makepeace a character that readers can like or relate to, they do not help to create a credible heroine who can be relied on to "save the world."

Other important characters, such as the villains of the piece and Makepeace’s fellow agents, are not all that distinctly drawn. They’re not cartoons or cardboard figures, but their passions and desires—the things they want that drive them to villainy or heroics—are more assumed and implied than they are spelled out. An oligarch is evil because…well…he’s an oligarch and all oligarchs are obsessed with greed.

Finally, I thought the novel lacked specificity and cleverness when it came to the “nuts and bolts” of espionage. For example, at one point Emma is captured and locked in a room. Despite a lengthy description of her lock-picking skills, it’s not those skills that free her. Instead, another character simply opens the door. And while Emma is given a special phone with lots of special apps, I don’t remember any of those apps being specified, much less used.

IMHO, all these deficiencies combine to render “The Traitor” a spy novel of the second tier. It’s readable, the plot hangs together, and the main character is a likable figure that some readers may care about. But it’s not the next Fleming or Silva or Ludlum or Larssen.

All in all, two and a half stars rounded up to three.

My thanks to NetGalley, author Ava Glass, and publisher Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam for providing me with an electronic ARC. The foregoing is my independent opinion.

"The Traitor" by Ava Glass is an electrifying espionage thriller that takes readers on a heart-pounding journey filled with mystery, danger, and high-stakes intrigue. The story begins with a chilling murder of an MI6 operative, setting the stage for an adrenaline-fueled plot that unfolds brilliantly.

Emma Makepeace, the tenacious protagonist, delves into the deceased spy's investigation, leading her to confront two enigmatic Russian oligarchs and an elusive third man. As she unravels the web of espionage, the narrative builds tension and keeps readers guessing until the very end.

Glass's masterful storytelling grips readers with each turn of the page, expertly balancing intricate plot twists with well-developed characters. Emma's daring decision to go undercover on a luxurious yacht adds an extra layer of excitement to the already gripping tale.

Throughout the novel, the stakes continually escalate, and danger lurks around every corner. The fear of discovery and the risk of a lethal outcome keep readers hooked, invested in Emma's fate as she races to uncover the truth.

"The Traitor" excels in its ability to transport readers into the shadowy world of espionage, leaving them captivated by the complexities of the spy game and the profound emotional depth of the characters. With its skillful blend of suspense, action, and a touch of emotional vulnerability, Glass delivers a stellar spy thriller that lingers in readers' minds long after the final page. A definite must-read for anyone seeking an immersive and unforgettable espionage experience.

Another winner from Ava Glass. I
thoroughly enjoyed this second entry in her Emma Makepeace - a young British spy. While this book can be read as a standalone, it definitely builds on the narrative backstory Glass created in the first instalment. Glass ratchets up the tension with a wild ride on a luxury super yacht in the Mediterranean through to one of London’s most iconic buildings. Excited for the next instalment! Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC

I received a free ARC ebook of <i>The Traitor</i> from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

Second in a series, Emma Makepeace is a young British woman working for the Agency, a super secret section of MI-6. As an agent she had already proven her skills in the first novel which I have not read. The author clearly sets up Emma's character and background so the second book is definitely a standalone read.

Emma's ability to speak Russian sets her up as the perfect candidate to become a crew member on a yacht owned by a Russian criminal. She's on her own at sea so she has to think and act quickly to protect her cover and determine who was responsible for the death of another agent. Could there be a mole in British intelligence?

Emma's bravery and intensity made this a fun read.

Excellent Spy thriller, reminding me of Jennifer Garner in the Alias TV serious. Plenty of nail biting action and twists and turns. Emma is the daughter of a betrayed double agent who worked for British M16 by spying on his homeland Russia. He was caught and murdered by the Russians as his wife and unborn daughter fled to England. Fast forward 24 years later Emma is working for a super secret spy program in London. One of their analysts was brutally murder and Emma is taped to discover by who and why. Which leads her to investigate a billionaire Russian businessman. She was infiltrate his world by gaining employment on the yacht from which he does business. The story was so engaging that I finished it in a day! I believe this is the second in a series and anticipate more about Emma’s next case. Thanks to Net galley and Ballantine for an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

The Traitor by Ava Glass

British spy, Emma Makepiece, goes undercover on a Russian yacht, where she is one wrong move from a watery grave, in this electrifying thriller.

I enjoyed this book. Full of adventure, many twists and turns. A full cast of characters. You never knew who actually knew what was going on. I recommend this novel.

Thanks to Net Gall;ey for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for my review.

I loved the first Emma Makepeace novel and snapped #2 up as soon as it became available on Netgalley. Alias Emma introduced the young British spy and had her on a dangerous action filled flight through the back alleys and most hidden parts of London. Traitor has a slower start but when the action gets started it's nonstop. Emma goes undercover working on a Russian oligarch's luxury yacht. I did figure out who the traitor was before Emma did, but that added to the suspense for me as I wondered when she would realize.

Love this book. Action packed and suspenseful. You won't want to put it down!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Random House Publishing-Ballantine allowed me to read an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. I happened to read the author’s first book about the heroine, Emma Makepeace, and absolutely loved it. I was disappointed that there wasn’t a second book out when I finished it. I was ecstatic when I found out a second book was coming out and that the publisher let me read an advanced copy!
The main character is a capable, ingenious spy, who uses her brain to get out of situations. She takes way too many risky chances, which leaves us with our hearts pumping on the edge of our seats. I had an inkling of who the traitor was but was also wrong about other characters. I thought Madison was going to be CIA, I thought maybe Michael would make it back into her life again (alas, no). There were some twists and turns and it was all around an enjoyable escape into Emma’s spy world.
I also think I may have found a mistake where Jason calls her Emma when she’s supposed to be Jess. He says, “Emma pour the cocktails.”, instead of “Jess pour the cocktails.”
I’m looking forward to book 3, and please bring Michael back for Emma, somehow.

The Traitor is an interesting novel depicting spy operations involving MI6 operatives in various locations throughout Europe. However, this reader found the writing to be somewhat disconcerting especially with the constant usage of British slang not understandable to U.S readers — “I’m not going to flannel you,” he’s a to’al barobag,” “the place is a tip,” “I’ve got to babysit some bint” and “a sodding screwdriver “ to mention a few instances. While the actual storyline causes the reader to plod through to the unsurprising conclusion to this reader, the writing is somewhat stilted with ludicrous phrasing such as “a cut-glass accent “ and “the sky was alight with a silvery icing of stars.”

I thank NetGalley and Bantam Books for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.
I liked this book. It's not great but it's a good story. The "heroine' Emma Makepeace is a strong woman and shows us that woman are definitely equal to men in the spy department. When someone dies a horrendous death, the Russians are suspected and Emma is brought in to do undercover work on a Russian yacht. Lots of action with a surprise ending. I think that this is #2 in the Emma series so there may be a #3.

I listened to the audiobook for the first in this series (Alias Emma) and was hooked on the pulse-throbbing thrill ride across London. Of course, I was up for the second outing of Emma Makepeace and curious to see if reading would provide as exciting a journey. It did, and I read the entirety of Emma's latest operation to find who was responsible for the assassination of an MI-6 numbers analyst. The trail takes her from London to a yacht in the Mediterranean and back again. Cut off from traditional backup support Emma must rely on herself to escape from life-threatening situations. A thrilling spy story!

Thanks to Random House Publishing for access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.

Action packed with, lies, subterfuge and mystery this story is a real page turner that make it hard to put down.

It was an enjoyable read but many of the storyline was predictable and the ending was anticlimactic. I had to ignore a lot of the obvious tropes to enjoy the story.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Traitor is the heart pounding non-stop action sequel to Alias Emma, in which Emma Makepeace is sent undercover on a mega-million-dollar yacht belonging to a Russian oligarch, suspected of being a chemical weapons dealer with the assistance of someone inside the British Intelligence circles. Emma is a spy for The Agency, a super-secret underground intelligence group in Great Britain, and if you haven't read Alias Emma yet, this book does stand alone, however I do highly recommend you pick it up and read it as well.

The primary action of this book takes place on the yacht, as it sails from the Nice, France, to Monaco, and Barcelona. Being isolated on the yacht makes for an interesting and atmospheric setting, with tensions high for Emma as she attempts to figure out who the traitor is, assisting the Russians in their sales of illegal chemical weapons to enemies of Great Britain. Emma must rely on her wits and charm to get her through the situation unscathed.

I will admit, from early on, I had a sense of who the traitor was, and I see from numerous other reviews, I was not the only reader to figure it out, so I suspect it will not be a challenge for other readers once this is published. That said, I still very much enjoyed the experience of reading this book. I've always been a fan of British spy capers and this book fits that niche perfectly, with a feminine twist. An easy 4-star rating for this fun thriller.

Thank you to Random House Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.

This is second in the series and I loved the first. This could be read on it’s own, but the first will give great insight into the characters. The spy thriller genre is a fairy new addition to my usual selections and I hope there’ll be more of these intriguing British spy thrillers. Emma Makepeace is a young agent who was valuable in her last assignment, but still proving her abilities. She also struggles with the secrets she must keep from her family. Being undercover with fake names and personas takes a toll. She has no lasting relationships with the demands of spur of the moment travel and lies about what she does. Her growth as an agent shines through on this assignment, even as she makes mistakes.
A senseless, horrific murder, which could involve chemical weapons, catapults MI6 into immediate action. The risky mission to catch the wealthy, cunning criminal network is going to require expert planning and precision. Emma is certain she’s capable and ready to become the newest hostess on a super yacht to find those responsible. There are Russian spies, oligarchs, mistresses, bodyguards, arms dealers and the illegal drug trade. All she has to do is assume an identity, find the evidence to convict them and not get burned. The yacht is traveling to exotic destinations along the Mediterranean such as Saint-Tropez, Monaco and Barcelona. Emma isn’t going to be able to enjoy the touristy attractions or the beautiful scenery. She’s trying to do her job and stay alive.
The plot is fast paced, full of harrowing situations, life or death decisions and a hidden traitor that will surprise you. Can’t wait to see what the author has in store for Emma next!
A digital advance reader copy of “The Traitor” by Ava Glass, published by Bantam Books, was provided by NetGalley. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

Forget casting the next James Bond, someone should cast the first Emma Makepeace! Glass’s follow-up to “Alias Emma” is an exciting thrill ride. Once again, she crafted great characters and paired them with kinetic action. Emma has just the right amount of character development and the bad-ass skillset of a super spy. I loved the luxurious yacht setting and the glamorous locations. This one comes out Sept. 19 and I already can’t wait for the next one!

Spy fiction light. A good choice for a read by the pool or on an airplane.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/116352494

"That's the thing about spies--manipulation is easier than explanation. Deception becomes habit." A secret branch of MI6 is planning to plant an agent undercover on the super-yacht of Andrei Volkov, a diabolical weapons dealer connected to many like-minded Russians, with intentions to gather damaging intel. It was said of Volkov 'His voice was as deep as a grave...' The Traitor is penned by Ava Glass as readers are taken undercover with 20-something British spy, Emma Makepeace. She is deeply honored and eager to be serving her country. Another MI6 operative is found very dead, stuffed dead in his suitcase in his own flat! Emma researches what he had been working on--two Russian oligarchs. Now he's very dead. Emma's handler, Ripley plan to implant Emma on Volkov's super-yacht. Onboard as steward/server, Emma begins her extremely dangerous task by befriending his young paramour. Now, hold on!!! Glass continues to increase her timely tension... Will undercover Emma be discovered? Will she soon be swimming with the fishes? Can she find anyone onboard NOT loyal to the Russian? And then.... Danger increases, Emma is feeling so alone, they're all looking at her! What do they know? Can she find anything or anybody with damning proof? Lookour! Suspense, rapid intense danger, discovery, murders, and much more!
I highly recommend this outstanding spy thriller!!! Kudos to Ava Glass!!!