Another wild ride for Emma Makepeace. She is strong but still a bit vulnerable. Emma is going undercover on a yacht. It is owned by a wealthy Russian suspected of a lot of things and she has to find out who he is working with. They have identified two of the men, but there is an elusive third man. It has to be someone in their agency because the Russians know too much. Can Emma find out the third man's name before she ends up on the bottom of the ocean? Who can she trust? Is it someone in her agency or someone in the government?

Thank you @netgalley for the Advanced Readers Copy of The Traitor by Ava Glass. Emma is a British spy, when a man is found murdered, she gets involved in the case. This is a pretty glamorous and scary spy novel, and there is a lot happening with rich and dangerous people, where normal lives don’t matter. It was a fast and propulsive read, with lots of action. #thetraitor #avaglass #netgalley #advancedreaderscopy #spynovel #internationalespionage #bookstagram #booklover #reader #bookblog #lovetoread #fictionreader #bookreview #bookrecommendation #readersofinstagram #bookloversofinstagram #takeapagefrommybook #readallthebooks #booksbooksbooks #booksofinstagram #bookwormproblems #bookaholic #booknerd #whattoread #readingtime #bookaddict #ilovetoread #ilovebooks #needtoread #readallday

The adventures of MI-6 agent Emma Makepeace (not her real name, naturally) continue in this second book of the series.

An MI-6 operative, assigned to “the numbers”, is found dead—his body locked in a suitcase. Had the operative discovered something that led to his murder?

For answers, Emma goes undercover on the super yacht of a Russian oligarch. However, this far and isolated from one of her team—a false move could be life or death for Emma.

If you are a James Bond fan, I recommend this series. Emma is analytical, resourceful, and still very much human. The scenes depicting Emma’s undercover activities are well-crafted and high adrenaline.

Emma Makepeace, secret agent, working for a super secret government agency is assigned to find the person who killed one of their own. Buckle up for an adventure that is fun, thrilling and full of twists!

A MI6 agent is found dead in a locked suitcase in his apartment. The agent had been following two Russian oligarchs with possible connections to arms dealing. Emma goes undercover on a super yacht owned by an oligarch. She is totally on her own on the open sea. She must use her smarts to stay under the radar. She knows she is being watched and some of her actions are compromised. Could there be a traitor working against her?

The author keeps the tension mounting and you just want to keep reading and not put the book down. Emma is such a great character. I always picture her as a female James Bond. If you like fast paced thrillers, with a strong female character, the Emma Makepeace novels are for you. ( I highly recommend the first, Alias Emma, for more adventure.)

Ava Glass, I want more Emma adventures! Can't wait to see what Emma gets up to next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Random House, for an ARC. The review is my own.

This is a spy novel like none I have ever read and one of the best ones ever! Featuring Agent Emma Makepeace from The Agency in Britain, the story revolves around an MI6 agent who is found assassinated after he was investigating Russian oligarchs. This is an intriguing premise that gets even better as the story moves at breakneck speed on a super yacht where Emma has gone undercover to try to find out the truth about Garrick’s death and expose the nefarious dealings of the murderous oligarchs. This book was amazing! The story was written in such a way that I could visually imagine each scene and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Emma and her team. This book was better than a James Bond movie because the action was realistic and the danger seemed imminent at all times. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Emma and the way she approached her problems as she sought solutions to being on her own in the middle of the water while surrounded by men who are intent on seeking out and destroying all traitors. This is a completely engrossing story with sharp writing and authentically portrayed details as well as dynamic and believable characters. The descriptions of the yacht and all of its amenities made it possible for me to visualize it and walk around with Emma as she stealthily investigated. My heart was in my throat more than once as Emma takes chances over and over and almost gets caught. I really liked not knowing who on the yacht could be trusted and who was an actual suspect. The clues are unraveled slowly and methodically, with some red herrings as an added bonus. No lie! This is the best spy thriller that I have ever read and I cannot wait to read more adventures from Emma and her courageous team of super spies!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connecton: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This is the second book in the Alias Emma series and let me tell you I love this British spy series. Emma is back to conquer another mission against the Russians and this time she’s inserting herself on a yacht.

A MI6 operative is found dead in a suitcase and all leads turn up as a dead end. Emma is brought in because she knows this was a means to and end and someone is sending a message. She drops herself into the mix on this yacht acting as stand in help and thinks she can eavesdrop and get important information. Before she knows it, her cover is blown and there is only so many places you can go on a yacht! Another race against time to find out just who is giving her up to the Russians with quite the shocking twist!

Thoughts: This series has been such a perfect change of pace that has come at a perfect time! Emma’s character is easy to get behind because she’s smart, gutsy, daring and brave! I love how she is able to weasel herself out of so many difficult situations. This book is fast paced and heart pounding with a new obstacle to get around at every turn! The tension is held the whole way through and the final twist not only did I not see, Emma herself didn’t see. I will absolutely continue to read this and run along aside Emma on her next operation!

The best spy novel I’ve read in a long time. This is book 2 but reads as a standalone, M16 agent Emma is on a yacht to catch a Russian. Who may have Russia weapons, she finds she may have a traitor in her midst, so she will have to deal with that. I figured out who the traitor was earl on in the book but still enjoyed all the twist and turns.

Gripping tale of espionage with a determined and softly charismatic heroine. I didn’t realize it was the second book of the series for a bit, but was still able to enjoy it on its own. Subtle romantic tension and periodic action keep the tone at a smolder with the mysterious elements only slightly out of reach.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my free copy. These opinions are my own.

I love a good spy novel. Undercover work, action, suspense, subterfuge...what's not to love! The Traitor has all of this along with a really likable FMC in Emma Makepeace. This story holds it's own but is also a continuation of Alias Emma. Emma is driven, if not a little irrational, and truly has a heart for the people she is helping. Together these traits make her a relatable character despite the fact that I don't use a fake name or work for an off the books secret agency.

We learn quickly that there is a traitor in her midst and it's her job to join the yacht crew of a wealthy oligarch to uncover the double agent. She plays her role well and the way that Ava Glass weaves the story together both follows the template of traditional spy novels with a fresh twist. We are never quite sure about the characters she interacts with leaving us on the edge of our seats to see what will happen next. The book is fast paced and a great dive into the world of espionage.

While it's technically the 2nd book of this series, it can be read on it's own. It references enough of the first book that you don't feel lost, but if you are looking for this to tie up all of the loose ends from book 1, you may be disappointed. I can infer what those answers would be, but Emma doesn't seem to put it all together on page so at best it's an educated guess.

Thank you Net Galley and Ballantine for the ARC.

I loved the first book in the Alias Emma series and was excited to find that Ava Glass came out with a second one.

The main character, Emma, is extremely likable; that's why the alarming situations she ends up in become so scary. And the alarms don't completely come to a close before the next frightening scene begins. The book is quite a roller coaster ride and kept me glued to the pages.

I can't wait for the next addition. Five stars.

Everyone’s second-favorite British spy, Emma Makepeace, is back—this time in a tense undercover operation aboard a Russian oligarch’s yacht, rather than the nonstop chase scene that was Alias Emma. This second novel that was in many ways even stronger than the first: it’s a real spy mission, with gadgetry, secret communication, fully-developed false identities, and disguises. There are long periods in which Emma is completely on her own without any means of communicating with her handlers, relying solely on her skills and spycraft. The suspense and tension are excellent. Even when you can tell where it’s going, you still end up glued to the book just to see exactly how Emma will get out of her latest jam. It isn’t that hard to see a major twist coming, but this did not decrease my enjoyment of the book—or even enable me to put it down and get any sleep. Looking forward to Emma’s next adventure and hoping the books are adapted for the big screen.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for a digital advance review copy.

4.5 stars

This is the second in the Alias Emma series - but I think it could totally be read as a standalone as well. There's nothing crucial that you would need to know that they don't gloss over from the first book. This time the British spy, Emma, goes undercover, COMPLETELY UNDERCOVER (no communication basically), on a giant fancy yacht to catch a Russian man who may or may not have Russian weapons. Along the way, she discovers there's a traitor in her midst and she is out to find out who in her company is betraying her.

I actually enjoyed this book SOOO MUCH MORE than the first one. It's longer and more actual spy-type stuff rather than just a chase from one end of the city to the other side. I loved the aspect of her being a maid/housekeeper/waiter on the yacht and all the danger she got into. Then when it came down to the traitor aspect - that was even more interesting.

I will admit I knew exactly who the traitor was from like the first 50 pages, so that was a little disappointing. But it didn't take away from the story completely and I was on the edge of my seat trying to find out if they would discover her or not.

4.5-stars for the second book in this series. Max writes an amazing spy tale that I thoroughly enjoyed even though this is not my usual genre. Emma's character is absolutely perfect and I cannot wait to see what the next book has in store for Emma and the rest of the British spy team. If you are a fan of spy thrillers, action movies or just need a quick palette cleanser - then check this one out!

For more reviews and bookish posts visit: https://www.ManOfLaBook.com

The Traitor by Ava Glass is the second espionage book starring MI6 operative Emma Makepeace. Ms. Glass is a civil servant and former crime reporter.

An MI6 agent, a brilliant mathematician working on financial crimes, is found dead stuffed in a suitcase. The agency is a loss, but MI6’s leadership knows this was a message.

The clues lead to two Russian oligarchs, but there might be a third man involved. Emma Makepeace is tapped by MI6 to work undercover as a crew member on a Russian oligarch’s yacht.

Emma Makepeace is an excellent character to follow. She’s creative, brave and has an excellent backstory. She’s almost too overconfident to be a good spy, but that’s why fictional espionage stories are thrilling, while non-fiction ones are often dull and gray – just like real spies like them.

The Traitor by Ava Glass is an easy-to-read page turner, with vivid description and tension, as danger lurks behind every page. The backdrop of Mediterranean ports-of-call make the story better instead of using exotic locations for glamour sake.
A fine line to traverse which the author does brilliantly.

The twists and turns are somewhat predictable, nothing really shocked me, or that I didn’t predict a few pages previously. However, this a character drive espionage novel, and that what makes the novel interesting.

Even though this is a standalone book, it could be read independently. I don’t believe one would be amiss if they didn’t read Alias Emma. A fun read, well-written, and fast read to enjoy over a hot weekend.

PUB Date September 19, 2023

Thank you, @randomhouse and @netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this advanced reader copy.

Emma Makepeace is back for a new undercover operation with so much on the line. I flew through the first book, Alias Emma, and when given this opportunity, I pounced on it. I could not put this down. I loved that the story was divided into three parts. I did guess early on who the "Third Man" was, but the action and suspense leading up to the reveal was so exciting. We learn a little more about Emma and her reasons for doing what she does.

I absolutely cannot wait for another installment (please let there be more!)

When an MI6 operative is found dead inside a suitcase in his apartment, Emma Makepeace and her handler know it's an assassination and message in one. He had been investigating Russian oligarchs based in London. He was certain the two were spies working with a third man, but MI6 told him to drop the investigation. Emma intends to pick up where he left off and goes undercover on a yacht set to sail from the Côte d’Azur to Monaco. If Emma’s caught, she'll be just as dead as her predecessor.

Drug running and weapons trading are deadly enough, but the possibility of chemical weapons is an additional risk no one wants to take. Emma is by herself with the thinnest of covers, and the Russian on the boat as well as his bodyguard are suspicious from the start. She has to dodge them on the yacht as well as be alert, make connections, and find as much information as possible. The tension remains high, escalating with every setback. The final third is especially tense, as it ratchets up. There's not only the risk if the two Russians discover who Emma really is, but also the traitor working with them. To be hidden in such a way means he's highly placed in the intelligence community... someone Emma knows. It's a chilling thought, one that she keeps pushing past to get to the truth. I don't think I could make the same choices that she does, even if I had the skill.

This thriller is engrossing, and Emma is very human along the way. A spy's life is one of lies, after all, and we see the very real regrets she has for the roles she must play. Sacrifices must be made, not just during the job, but in the life she can't have outside of work. She's dedicated to her country, her job, and the truth. Even when second-guessed and doubting herself, she keeps pushing through. It's admirable and makes for a terrific read.

I really enjoyed meeting Emma Makepeace who is basically an undercover badass working for MI6. She is assigned a mission on a Russian oligarch's superyacht after a government murder victim is found. This was a quick and easy ready with plenty of spy activity and I personally love spy films. JAMES BOND heck yah and Emma Makepeace could easily be the new and improved James Bond (but make it a female main character) - how awesome would that be. There were enough twists and turns to keep me entertained and an action packed storyline. Thank you to Random House (Ballentine) and Net Galley for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Traitor is the second installment in the thrilling British female-spy novels featuring Emma Makepeace by Ava Glass. As a child in the 1980s, I grew up watching James Bond films with my parents, and there’s something nostalgic about Emma for me. I know what I’m getting with this character and it’s a smart, action-packed adventure!

When we meet Emma in Alias Emma, the action is contained to the streets of London as she attempts to safely deliver Michael Primalov, the son of former spies, while remaining unseen by the Russian-hacked security cameras across town. In The Traitor, Emma goes undercover on a Russian oligarch’s superyacht. After a fellow MI6 operative’s gruesome murder, the team suspects they have a traitor, and they know they’re somehow linked to the owner of the superyacht. Emma takes on the dangerous and deadly task of working alone while cruising around the south of France, with stops in Nice and Monaco, knowing if she’s discovered, the results will be deadly.

Having recently read the romance series Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships by Sarah Grunder Ruiz, where the characters are employees on a superyacht, I knew I enjoyed this setting, so when I learned the bulk of The Traitor takes place on a superyacht, I was even more excited. While they’re completely different genres, it still felt familiar and now I want more books with a nautical setting.

Glass does a wonderful job of keeping the tension taut, never letting the setting grow repetitive, bringing me back to the book excited to continue Emma’s story.

Unfortunately, I had my suspicions about the identity of the traitor before they were revealed. As I continued reading, I hoped I would be wrong—just so I’d have the knowledge that I didn’t figure it out after all. But I still enjoyed this one, and I’m eager to see what trouble Emma will find herself in next time.

While I didn’t think The Traitor was quite as good as its predecessor Alias Emma, I still had fun and it secured this series as a must-read for me!

Step aside James Bond for the indominable and intrepid British spy Emma Makepeace. In Emma’s second outing after the thrilling Alias Emma, she goes undercover as part of the crew on a Russian oligarch’s yacht sailing from Côte d’Azur to Monaco. The thriller opens with a dead MI6 operative, murdered and handcuffed within a suitcase in his locked apartment with no clues as to who killed him. Just prior to his death, the operative had zeroed in on two London-based Russian oligarchs who he suspected as being Russian spies engaging in illegal arms sales, along with an unknown third person. The operative had shared these findings with MI6, only to be ordered to drop the investigation. Emma, and her MI6 handler, decide to send Emma undercover to investigate.

With her life in constant danger on the yacht, Emma has to try to sort out what’s going on without being discovered as the action and tension ratches up. Clear time – as you’ll want to read this in one sitting!

Thanks to Random House, Ballantine and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

THE TRAITOR
Ava Glass

Do you have an affinity for James Bond movies?

Do you have a likeness for the Mission Impossible franchise but oftentimes find yourself wondering what it would be like if Tom was a woman?

I have a series for you.

We meet up with Emma Makepeace on her next case. In THE TRAITOR Emma is put undercover to find out as much information about the last days of Steven Garrick, an MI6 elite agent who was recently found dead in his home.

I was able to listen to THE TRAITOR in audiobook format. Emma has a delightful British accent and I love listening my way through her exploits. The narrator for this audiobook is Sophie Colquhoun and is now inextricably linked to my enjoyment of the series.

THE TRAITOR was a great second installment in the Alias Emma series. I really got into the story of THE TRAITOR and became an even bigger fan.

Have you read a book by Ava Glass before? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks to Netgalley, Penguin Random House Audio, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam for the advanced copies!

THE TRAITOR...⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Emma's back and this time she's on the hunt for evidence that an oligarch is selling chemical and other weapons and that he ordered the murder of an MI6 officer who had been tracking him. And more importantly, for the identity of the proverbial third man. Don't worry if you missed the first one because this will work fine as a standalone- a fast paced entertaining and twisty one about a dynamic woman working in a dangerous field. Posing as Jessica, she takes a job on Viktor's yacht but discovers that things won't be easy or simple, especially once she meets Madison, his fiance. Will she survive the yacht and the bad guys (of course) but what happens after as she tries to figure out whose voice she heard. Who can she trust? Glass has good storytelling skills and she knows how to build tension, write fight scenes (I'm not normally a fan of these), and make her characters multilayered (wait til she meets another oligarch's girlfriend). Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. This is a real page turner- great read.