The Traitor is a bit of a wild ride, that's part Bond, part not-quite-Bourne, part-Smiley, and part-almost-Ripley!

The story is of Emma Makepeace (!), a British MI6 operative. Seriously, the last time I heard the name Makepeace was - probably same as many others outside Great Britain - was William Makepeace Thackeray, an English language novelist and illustrator from the 19th century. So, that took some getting used to, knowing that most of Thackeray's works were satires, while this book at times takes itself so seriously you begin to suspect if the author actually means it, or is earnestly trying to pull a fast one on you!

Those rather funny misgivings aside, the plot is not really innovative and overtly clever, but Emma makes the story more believable and is someone you can easily choose to root for. She is sincere, even if not quite on top of her game at critical moments, while being equal parts naive and experienced.

The Russian oligarch storyline is full of the usual Insta-ready but addicted girlfriend, ugly hulk of a bodyguard, and some more shadowy characters whose loyalties are questionable, but none too deeply explored. There are chase sequences, collateral damage, assassinations, and a prescription-plotline of a mole inside the agency.

Overall, not a bad read, but rather a bit of a middling attempt at a thriller.

Thanks to NetGalley, Random House and the author for a complimentary eARC in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

This is a Cold War spy novel with a twist-a young female agent is the protagonist. After another agent is killed and left in his suitcase (!) Emma is sent onto a Russian oligarch’s yacht to see what she can find out. There is danger around every corner, stereotypical bad guys and possibly a traitor in the midst of this “Man from Uncle” feeling thriller. Beautiful European scenery and the opulence of the yacht are described in vivid detail. A quick, fun read which can be read as a standalone.
I received this ARC at no charge from NetGalley and the author, but all opinions are my own. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for providing me with an eARC of The Traitor in exchange for my honest review!

I'm always up for some espionage thrills, and this does a solid job at delivering such entertainment. Sure, it does that formulaically and wraps things up with a predictable "twist" ending. And look, the conclusion truly does annoy me because of how blatantly foreseeable it is. However, I still enjoy spending time with MI6 operative Emma Makepeace (even though her surname is so damn cheesy) as she wrestles with gray morals and endures the obstacles of her secret mission onboard a suspicious Russian oligarch's yacht. And when I'm done reading the book, it leaves me feeling positive enough that I'd like to check out the preceding novel, Alias Emma, which is where the protagonist makes her debut.

Overall, I'm officially rating The Traitor 3.25 out of 5 stars, which I'll round down to 3 stars on Goodreads. I'll keep an eye out for more of Ava Glass's work.

Undercover, Sun, Sand, and Secrets (Oh, and Murder)

Forget paradise, the French Riviera just got deadly for investigator Emma Makepeace. When a "dead by drowning" screams murder, Emma dives in, only to find the victim linked to some shady oligarchs and illegal weapon deals. Gross, right?

To smoke out the culprit, Emma goes undercover on a mega-yacht fit for a Bond villain (minus the fluffy white cat). Sounds glamorous, but trust me, the champagne loses its fizz when you're constantly looking over your shoulder. Every guest, every crew member, could be the traitor hiding within the British government. Where is James Bond when you need him?

The turquoise waters turn treacherous as Emma navigates a world of hidden agendas and deadly secrets. Can she expose the traitor before they take her down? Buckle up, this sun-soaked thriller will keep you guessing until the very last page
I tried to give it a 3.5
You will enjoy this if:
* You like heroines who don't need rescuing, as a female I like James Bond on these assignments.
* Twists and turns that are too James Bond, umm that name pop up a lot here, or is it just me?
This was fun to write!
Thank you #Netgalley

Emma Makepeace is an intelligence agent in Britain. She is following in the footsteps of her father that was killed in Russian for his spy activity, years ago.

Emma takes a mission where she is employed on a yacht owned by a Russian
oligarch. Her assignment is to gather intelligence information on wealthy Russians selling weapons of mass destruction (nerve gas) to rogue nations.

This is a well-crafted spy novel. The characters are likable and the plot is detailed and makes sense. If you are a reader of thrillers and mysteries, you may be able to figure out ahead of time, who the traitor is. This really won’t take away from your enjoyment of reading this novel.

The author Ava Glass has another Emma Makepeace novel in this series, as The Traitor, is number two. I am interested enough in seeing the development of this character to go back and read number one in this series.

Thank you NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this book.

The Traitor by Ava Glass is the second book in the Alias Emma series. Emma is an investigator/undercover spy for the British government. She is undercover on a yacht with a Russian oligarch, and there is a traitor that is making the operation even more dangerous for her. This story was fast-paced and fun to read. Emma is a very likable character. I had read the previous book in this series, which was also a lot of fun, but I think this second book could be read without knowledge of the first. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

Emma Makepeace #2!
Emma is assigned to go undercover to investigate a Russian oligarch. She is shocked to find that their is a third man they should be investigating, and that it could be someone inside MI6. Emma gets close, but is pulled from the operation. She refuses to give up, and is shocked to discover the traitor.
I love Emma, and her gutsy response to danger. She also shows emotion, compassion, and grit as she does her job. I like the fast pace of these thrillers and am looking forward to book #3. Emma is the heroine we all love to support!
Would have been 5 stars, except it was obvious to me who the traitor was throughout the book - though I still loved it!

3.5-4 stars
Fun spy novel. Female MI6 agent goes undercover on a Russian oligarch's yacht. There was plenty of action and suspense. I didn't think Emma was a very good spy, however: making dumb decisions and missing obvious signs. Still, it was enjoyable and worked fine as a standalone.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

I love the idea of a female 'James Bond' and Ava Glass has created that with this series.

The characters are lovable, flawed, and real. The story is perfect for a summer beach or a cruise. There is just enough love story, espionage, and suspense to keep the pages turning while building to a satisfying climax.

"The Traitor" by Ava Glass is a gripping tale filled with unexpected twists and a well-crafted narrative. The characters are intricately developed, and the author's writing style is engaging. The story's intensity keeps you hooked from start to finish, although a slightly more conclusive ending would have made it even more satisfying. Overall, a compelling read that delivers suspense and intrigue.

*I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, and Bantam books for my honest review.*

I loved the first in this series so much and I was very excited to get the second to read! It did not disappoint at all!

Taking the energy of Alias Emma running through London in one evening and add to it "Below Deck" on a super yacht and you have a super thriller mystery! Emma is investigating a dead MI6 operative and has to train to be a replacement steward on the yacht to investigate. And still trying to solve who the mole is within her MI6 department.

I cannot say enough good things about this book and this series. It is smart and sassy and fresh and well written and fast paced. I don't think you have to have watched all 15+ seasons of all the Below Decks, but it definitely helped me understand what obstacles Emma was facing by going undercover. Five stars! I think this is a standalone novel, but it is so good that I don't know why you wouldn't read Alias Emma first! Seriously.... do it!!

I am definitely recommending this book and this series to friends!

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam for allowing me to read and review The Traitor on NetGalley.

Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers

Published: 09/19/23

Stars: 4.5

This is why I read and I keep trudging through the same genres. I know there are writers that tell good stories and Glass has done that with The Traitor. The synopsis is clear and I'm not repeating it.

The main character is smart, which I expect in police procedurals. Glass does not dumb down the character. Emma is an MI6 Agent. At no point in the book did I cringe and think real life MI6 Agents wish the author didn't know about them. I liked that Emma wasn't perfect nor did she have super powers. The character was respectful and human in her responses.

The ending was the ending. I didn't hate it, I didn't want to throw my Kindle, and I didn't want it -- it made sense.

There are a couple F--- words: the first I shook my head; the second didn't feel contrived.

I am going to read the author's other books in this series. This is potentially book #2, my first, and there is another coming in September.

Of note: at one point, my eyes were blurred and my brain said oh no keep going. I found the audio on Libby and bravo to Sophie Colquhoun -- she took Emma to the next level.

A fast paced romantic suspense that tended to be a little on the predictable side but still good. It was also a fairly quick read. I kept turning pages because I had to know what happened.

Loved the first book in the series and loved this one as well. The atmosphere was superb and this also felt even more "spy novel" than the first in the sense that we are immersed and under cover with Emma for an action packed ride. Perhaps my favorite part though is that in addition to an action packed plot, we also have great character development! The combo of the two kept me wanting to read more and I truly think almost anybody could enjoy this!

What a phenomenal follow-up to the already great start to this new series, Alias Emma. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was so excited when I found out that the Emma Makepeace books were a series. I absolutely loved Alias Emma and did not hesitate to drop all other books to jump into The Traitor by Ava Glass. Emma is on to a new assignment after she is called to a murder scene where an analyst for their agency has been brutally murdered. Emma has the background that makes her a perfect fit to be inserted onto the yacht of the Russian Oligarch who appears to be involved. The murdered agent appears to have been investigating the sale of illegal weapons, but Emma is kitted out to fit into her role and heads to France to begin her new assignment.

Ava Glass has done a wonderful job setting the scene and giving the reader a bit of armchair travel in the Riviera, which was phenomenal since I have wanted to visit this region and plan to in the next couple of years. We meet some of the other agents for the "agency" that Emma works for, along with some of the partners they have recruited along the way. The Traitor continues to show Emma's tenacity and grit even when she is outmanned, outgunned, and outmaneuvered. She plays by the rules but, manages to still find a way to stand up against impossible odds. I always wonder how police organizations in the UK manage to equally go against villains with firearms and other deadly weapons with no deadly weapons of their own. How does an agent who doesn't carry a firearm stand against ruthless mobsters who not only carry but are quite violent? When thinking about Emma Makepeace, ingenuity, cunning, and a bit of her own ruthlessness. I really look forward to the next installment in this series! This review can also be read along with other reviews at Lady Techie's Book Musings. http://LadyTechiesbookmusings.blogspot.com

Thank you to the author Ava Glass, Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC. In return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

Our protagonist Emma Makepeace, a British spy volunteers to obtain information on an elusive Russian oligarch who is suspected of extremely shady dealings. Assuming an identity of a naiive young girl on her first yacht away-from-home, Emma, calling herself Jessica aims to find out all she can and report back to base. Will she find what she needs in time?

Overall, I found this an easy read. The premise and plot were well thought out and executed and kept me sufficiently interested to keep reading even though I had started to suspect what the outcome might be.

Bravo!

I love Emma Makepeace! I adored the first book in this series by Ava Glass, and this one was even more enjoyable. Taking place mainly on a luxury yacht (the Below Deck fan in me was thrilled by this), Emma is now firmly entrenched in an MI6 investigation of a Russian oligarch who is dealing in chemical weapons, and she is the only one who can take him down.

Cleverly written and absolutely perfect for a TV/movie adaptation if someone chooses to do so, this is a series I will read for as long as Glass writes it.

The Traitor is a gripping historical fiction novel by Ava Glass that plunges readers into the tumultuous world of espionage, betrayal, and courage during World War II. The story follows the journey of a young resistance fighter who must navigate treacherous moral dilemmas and heart-wrenching sacrifices in the face of overwhelming adversity.
In this novel, Glass masterfully weaves together intricate plotlines and vivid characters to create a narrative that captivates and challenges readers in equal measure. Through the protagonist's harrowing experiences, the novel delves into the complexities of loyalty, honor, and the human capacity for both good and evil.
As readers delve into the pages of The Traitor, they are confronted with profound themes that resonate across time and space, prompting deep introspection and critical analysis. From the moral ambiguities of wartime espionage to the enduring power of hope in the darkest of hours, this novel offers a rich tapestry of thought-provoking material for contemplation and discussion.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙨𝙥𝙮 𝙀𝙢𝙢𝙖 𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙍𝙪𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝’𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙩, 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚.

I’m honestly not the biggest fan of anything that involves espionage so I should’ve known this book wouldn’t be for me.

While I do think this book can be read as a standalone, I feel like I missed some key points by not having read the first book in the series, especially more on Emma Makepeace.

I did enjoy Emma’s character, she was like a female James Bond, which was so interesting. However, she didn’t make some of the smart decisions and I was annoyed with her at times. Also, the side characters were interesting in their own way.

Overall, I didn’t love the whole spy element, but I should’ve read what this book was about before picking it up. There were some action scenes that had me intrigued, but the story as a whole wasn’t for me.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the review copy in exchange for my honest review!

Being a part of a small British intelligence unit has a certain mystique, its members have a certain, let’s just say, something close to a death wish, as their lives are in constant danger. Never knowing who can be trusted, their grey matter is always on high alert turning over the possibilities and potential for disaster. What a way to live. Emma Makepeace is the youngest intelligence officer in this cadre and she is tasked with sorting out a very delicate situation. This wasn’t my first encounter with Ms. Makepeace as she made quite an impression when I read “Alias Emma”. This installment of the “Alias Emma” series is equally fraught with just about everything that is dangerous, sinister, and slightly unfathomable. She is bright enough to recognize fear in herself, and an overpowering need to understand and successfully complete her missions and therein lies the problem. She does not know how to stand down, not for anyone or anything. She does know how to lie, pretend to be someone else, con her target to take what she needs to accomplish her goals and protect her adopted country. It appears that she loves the action as if this is what she was born to do.

There are many characters to sort out in this story, some with difficult Russian names, others with the names you would ascribe to any British citizen, and all need to be referenced and remembered because they keep showing up. The story is tight and twisty as the setting changes from one country to another but the use of “this might be their last chance” was used too often. Once is believable, three or more times is superfluous and strains the probability of any situation. Betrayal is to be expected, so what happened?

Many thanks to Bantam Books and NetGalley for a copy.