This is my absolute favorite series and I am so glad there was another one! The tension and suspense did not disappoint. My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.

Emma Makepeace races to save the day again—this time cooperating with a core group of agents from different intelligence branches to identify and stop whatever likely nefarious plan has brought a high-ranking Russian spy to the UK. As in her two previous outings, Emma shows off some serious skills, using fighting, shooting, disguise, languages, and acting in service of another read-in-one-sitting action thriller. Somehow while undertaking all of this 007-like activity she manages to seem appealingly human. She even has to learn to work with a partner. This series is terrific fun. A bit of advice: read these books in publication order. It’s not that each can’t be read as a standalone, because they all can—little snippets of backstory are woven in so that it’s easy to understand who’s who. The problem is that even these little tidbits of backstory contain significant spoilers, so if you like this third book you won’t find it as enjoyable to go back and read the earlier novels.

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

Emma Makepeace was saving the G7 this time. Using herself as the ultimate bait, she was tasked to figure out what Russians were planning to do to paint the town red. She, being the badass woman, wouldn't let anyone to destroy Scottish and English pride.

Emma always found a way to put herself in the middle of the danger. This time it was to protect politicians. The damage an attack on G7 could create political unrest for the next 50 years. Emma had to stop that from happening like it's no biggie. Salvation of prime ministers and presidents were through a Russian's bed.

I'm intrigued by the idea that she might get a partner. I mean it's always a liability but there is no rule saying that spy has to work alone on the field. Imagine having two Bond like ladies on the field!

I am enraptured with Emma Makepeace. She is such an intelligent, likable spy with great instincts who thinks quickly on her feet. She draws you in immediately and the pages fly by.
Emma Makepeace is a part of a secret British intelligence group. She works alongside M15 and M1 6, but is not part of them. Her current assignment involves hunting down a very dangerous Russian spy. The upcoming global G7 summit will soon take place in Edinburg, Scotland. Rumors are that Russia will interfere and possibly try to assassinate one of the world leaders. Emma is tasked with setting up a liaison with Russian billionaire Nick Orlov. She is also given a partner to work with, detective Kate Mackenzie, which initially does not go over well with Emma as she likes to work alone. Without giving too much away, be prepared for dangerous plays with many twists and turns. Chapters are quick with news releases involving the British Prime Minister and information from the BBC as the G7 summit approaches.
This is the third book in the Emma Makepeace series and I have loved everyone. It will immediately pull you in and engage you from page one. This novel is both a spy novel as well as a thriller. This third book also combines real-life politics drawn from actual events.
Many thanks to Random House Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Published on September 3, 2024.

I really enjoy the Emma Makepeace spy series. Some of her past comes back in play so it was helpful to have read the first two books in the series. Helpful but can still be a stand alone. An unnamed British spy agency is tracking Russian bad guys to Edinburgh where a G7 summit is taking place. Agency interaction is a strong theme and a new face is introduced in the form of policewoman Mack. A good consistently solid read.

Copy provided by the publisher and Netgalley

This was one of those books I thought would be such a good read. And it wasn't bad--I just had zero sense of who the character is. Lots of things kept happening, but since I didn't really understand who I was supposed to be rooting for, it was hard to care. I will acknowledge this is book 3 in a series, but I suppose I just think each book should still stand on it's own!

Another exciting Alias Emma story! In this 3rd book, Emma is in Scotland for the upcoming G7 conference, which the Russians are trying to interrupt. Emma works closely with a local police officer and develops a true friendship, which was an unexpected twist from the previous books, as she rarely connects with other people on a deeper level. I loved the description of the Scottish scenery, it felt as though I was making my way through the city as well. Old characters and emotions are revisited, and Emma seems more human in this book than the previous books.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

The Trap by Ava Glass is a gripping addition to the espionage thriller genre, featuring the indomitable British spy, Emma Makepeace. Set against the backdrop of the high-stakes G7 Summit in Edinburgh, this novel plunges readers into a world of political intrigue and relentless suspense.

Emma Makepeace, a seasoned intelligence officer, is tasked with thwarting a high-profile assassination planned by Russian operatives. The narrative is a race against time, with Emma navigating a city teeming with the world’s most powerful leaders. The tension is palpable as she sets a trap, using herself as bait to uncover the assassin’s identity.

Ava Glass masterfully crafts a story that is both fast-paced and richly detailed. The plot is intricately woven, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Emma’s character is compelling; her intelligence, resourcefulness, and determination make her a worthy successor to iconic spies in literature. Her interactions with other characters, particularly her reluctant partnership with Kate Mackenzie from Police Scotland, add depth and complexity to the story.

The setting of Edinburgh during the G7 Summit is vividly portrayed, adding an extra layer of urgency and realism to the narrative. Glass’s background as a former crime reporter and civil servant shines through in her meticulous attention to detail and her understanding of the espionage world.

The Trap is a tale of espionage and a story about the lengths one will go to protect their country and the personal sacrifices made along the way. It’s a must-read for fans of the genre and anyone looking for a thrilling, well-crafted novel that keeps you guessing until the very end.

In this 3rd entry in the Alias Emma series, when there is an indication that the upcoming G7 meeting in Edinburgh may be targeted for attack, British spy Emma Makepeace is sent there to try to uncover and stop the plot - though this time she’s not working on her own but with a whole team from different agencies and the police.

It’s funny, although I enjoy spy thriller movies, I rarely read them. But I love this book series and will keep reading them as long as Ava Glass keeps writing them - they’re fun but also smart and I love the main character. You could definitely read this as a standalone, but I think you’d enjoy it more if you’ve read the previous two and know Emma’s character better. It’s funny - the stakes for the world in this one were arguably higher, but somehow the personal stakes for Emma felt a little less dangerous somehow? Either way, it was an enjoyable page turner I happily tore through.

I liked this a lot! Emma is a British spy, working on Russian cases. She has a personal history with Russia and it fuels her passion for her work. This case brings her across Europe, and in deeper undercover than she has gone before. She is facing trust issues, and makes her wonder about people along the way. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

THE TRAP by Ava Glass, while perhaps not quite as harrowing as earlier thrillers in this series (Alias Emma and The Traitor), is still highly entertaining. Emma Makepeace poses as Anna Case, an executive in the energy sector, in order to get close to a Russian oligarch, Nick Orlov, who lives in London and has recent ties to the Russian intelligence community. The majority of the action takes place in Edinburgh, site of a G7 Summit where political leaders plan to issue sanctions against the Russian government. A plethora of national security resources, including MI5 and MI6, plus the "Agency" for which Emma works, are involved with planning and protection against a possible assassination. One of the more appealing aspects of the latest novel from Ava Glass is the introduction of "Mack," a Scottish cop who partners with Emma and just might be involved in future exciting assignments. THE TRAP received a starred review from Publishers Weekly ("In the crowded field of contemporary spy thrillers, this series continues to lead the pack"). 4.5 stars

I really enjoyed Book one of the series and also quite liked Book two. But Book 3 in the series is easily my fave so far. Glass has perfected her spy, Emma Makepeace, and brought back some of the key elements from book 1. (although this can be read as a standalone). The many meanings of the title resonate with the fast moving plot that sees Emma working feverishly to foil an attempt to create chaos at a G7 meeting planned for Edinburgh.

I loved this spy thriller by author Ava Glass. This is the third book in a series centered on Emma Makepeace, a British spy. Her and her team are sent to Edinburgh when they’re tipped off about a potential assassination only a week before the G7 Summit. It’s a race against the clock as Emma and her team try to figure out what’s about the go down.

Emma is a strong but emotive female lead. All of the characters are interesting, unique, and well-written. The plot is mysterious and twisty, and the pacing is great. I seriously have nothing negative to say. I haven’t read the first two books in the series, but you can bet I will, plus anything else Ava Glass puts out.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam for allowing me to read and review The Trap by Ava Glass on NetGalley.

Published: 09/03/24

Stars: 4.5

Thoroughly enjoyed my second book in the series. Emma, the main character, is everything I visualize a British spy to be. She is smart, clever, vulnerable and doesn't whine. The story is one where expect a spy to be needed.

All the characters are well-written and play their roles beautifully.

With all smart books, the ending was spot-on, albeit not what I really wanted (not deep down).

This is a good and classy spy book that I recommend.

***In the third Emma Makepeace novel, British spy Emma goes rogue in order to save world leaders and prevent an assassination at the hands of Russian mobsters.***

In the newest Emma Makepeace suspense novel from Ava Glass, The Trap, British spy Emma must work at breakneck speed to prevent a high-profile assassination by the Russians in the days leading up to the momentous G7 summit in Edinburgh.

Emma's efforts are significantly complicated by the fact that the potential victim is unknown--and by the fact that those in charge of her own spy network have discounted the Russian threat and are no longer supporting efforts to unravel its source or its possible impact.

But Emma and her small team are convinced that if the Russians' plan is allowed to take shape, it will be disastrous. They must determine how many boundaries they can push and how many lines they're willing to cross in order to uncover the truth in time to thwart the deadly plan.

I questioned one of Emma's forays into the past, which seems likely to place a person she treasures in danger. There aren't significant subplots, so this is a straightforward-feeling story, a sort of "mystery light," without complicated layers.

But I love a spy-thwarting-Russian-plots storyline, and Ava Glass delivers yet again on that front. Glass briefly reviews how Emma's past has strengthened her motivation to take down Russians with nefarious intent, and she offers an opportunity for Emma to go rogue--within a team determined to save the country and leaders from around the world. Gadgets, disguises, alternative identities, bugs and surveillance--The Trap involves many of my favorite spy-story elements.

I received a prepublication edition of this book, which was published September 3, courtesy of Ballantine and NetGalley.

Ava Glass is also the author of Alias Emma and The Traitor.

Another solid spy thriller in the Alias Emma series! Emma Makepeace works for a super-secret agency that’s so covert, it doesn’t even have a name. Her expertise? Handling Russian spies, thanks to her background. In The Trap, she heads to Edinburgh to figure out why a notorious Russian agent has shown up during a G7 meeting and how a Russian oligarch living in the city is tied to it all.

It’s a fun read with likable characters, cool gadgets, disguises, and plenty of suspense. The plot isn’t as intricate as a Daniel Silva novel, but on the plus side, it won’t take you a week to finish. Just a heads-up: The Trap has spoilers for the first two books, so you’ll want to check those out first!

‘The Trap’ is Ava Glass’ newest ‘Alias Emma’ book. I really loved the first two ‘Alias Emma’ books and the third one is just as terrific! Emma Makepeace works for The Agency in London. There is a very public upcoming world leadership conference, think G8, that there has been rumblings that Russia has something nefarious planned. The problem is the British Government has no idea who or what the possible threat is. Emma is assigned to a charming billionaire who seems to be in bed with the enemy.

First let me say that I love the female spy who Ava Glass has created. The character meets all the necessary traits to work for The Agency and she is fearless and quite frankly a badass.
Ms. Glass has developed Emma’s character so wonderfully. We have watched her grow through all three novels. Emma is a fabulous role model that gets to be a female spy/hero that will rival the best of them. I love that Emma is resourceful and dangerous but also a good person who is extremely likeable.

The story line itself has a bit of everything. There is intrigue, undercover assignments, heart stopping action, a bit of romance, family and very importantly a satisfying conclusion. While this book can definitely be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend that you read the first two. It would give the reader a more dynamic experience by learning about Emma from the beginning.

I have to say that when Susan Elia MacNeal wound up her spy series I was heartbroken. There really was no one writing about a woman spy. Much to my delight I ran across Ava Glass’ new series and I feel I have found my next great spy series. I think Ms. Glass does a bang up job of keeping each book unique, original and very enticing. Nothing feels unrealistic or heaven forbid recycled. Glass has created fast pass plots with interesting characters.

I highly recommend ‘The Trap’. I can’t wait to see what Ava Glass has in store for us next! Well done.

I would like to thank Ms. Glass, Random House – Ballantine Bantam and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Emma Makepeace is a British intelligence officer working for a secret agency in London. A global G7 meeting is about to take place in Edinburgh, Scotland. It’s been discovered the ruthless Russian FSB agent, Vladimir Balakin, has arrived in Edinburgh. He can only be there to disrupt the meetings or assassin one of the attendees of the G7. A high security alert is in effect and Emma along with other intelligence agencies have only hours to figure out what is going to happen, who is the target and prevent it from happening.
This is a page turning novel and gives some insight to the challenges of intelligence gathering and execution.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine

The Trap by Ava Glass is the latest installment in the Alias Emma British spy thriller series, and I didn’t want to put it down! I’m always excited to return to Emma’s adventures, and this time the setting was the G7 Summit in beautiful Edinburgh.

While each one of the Alias Emma books can probably be read as a stand alone, I would recommend starting with the first book. Not only do you get Emma’s backstory, but it still remains my favorite.

Alias Emma is what you would want from a modern day James Bond. The intrigue, the mystery, the action, but more humanized. And without all those annoying “Bond Girls”.

In The Trap, Emma is tasked with uncovering a plot to assassinate one of the world leaders attending the G7 Summit. They know someone has been singled out, but they don’t know who is the target. Emma must go undercover, get close to someone on the inside, AND do it all in under a week.

With the high stakes and the limited amount of time, the pressure is already on. Emma is forced to partner up with a local police officer, Kate McKenzie, a collaboration Emma is not excited about since she prefers to work alone. Their teamwork ended up being one of my favorite things about the book, though. I enjoyed the banter, and the fact that Emma was forced to accept help from a local, someone who could help her navigate the area and people. It’s one more reminder that Emma IS only human, and no matter how good she is at her job, she does have limits.

It’s always refreshing to return to this non-stop world Ava Glass has created. I love a book where I can just dive in, already knowing the characters and what to expect. I sped through it quickly, reading the bulk of it while traveling. An intense whirlwind, The Trap is just the kind of distraction I’d hoped it would be.

I just love this series and this character. She is so fearless, smart, capable. If I were in a bad situation, I'd want her on my side. Can't wait to read more adventures with Emma.