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.

The Trap is a high-adrenaline thriller that offers a captivating glimpse into the world of spys and spycraft.. With detailed insights into the techniques, dangers, and complexities of the profession, the author crafts a thrilling narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Emma Makepeace is a modern day James Bond. I have no idea if Emma Makepeace resembles any real intelligence agent, but her career is undoubtedly entertaining. The intricate plot twists and well-developed characters make for a compelling read.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is Emma's internal conflict. Her struggle to balance her need for intimacy with the demands of her detached, secretive job adds complexity to her character.

Overall, The Trap is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. I'm in this series for the long haul!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The setup is simple. A summit of the G7, the leaders of the world’s top democracies, is scheduled to begin in Edinburgh Scotland in just over a week. It is discovered that Vladimir Balakin, a top officer of the Russian spy agency, has just landed and was met at the airport by long time Russian immigrant to Scotland, Nick Orlov. This could only mean trouble, and so members of all significant investigatory agencies in the UK were gathered to investigate. This included members of the secret agency to which Emma Makepeace belongs.

Emma’s task is to get close to Nick Orlov and learn what she can. Early on, Emma teams up with a police detective, Kate Mackenzie. The two make a superb team and hint at a future role for Kate in the Emma Makepeace series. I hope so; I enjoyed the new character in the team.

Orlov is a complex character with some secrets that he wants to keep hidden. Emma’s job is to discover what those secrets are and learn what role Orlov has in the anticipated terrorist attack on the G7 Summit.

Though this is the third in the Alias Emma series, the book can easily be read as a standalone novel. References were made to characters from the other novels, it was not distracting, but fits well within the storyline of this book. Having read the previous book in the series, I was looking forward to the suspenseful twists and turns of THE TRAP. I was not disappointed and found that the book kept my attention right up to the ending. I highly recommend this book. I am grateful to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and offer an honest review of the book.

Russian intelligence targets an upcoming G7 summit

Emma Makepeace, agent for an intelligence group known as the Agency which operates alongside MI5, MI6 and Special Branch, is summoned from surveilling Vladimir Balakin (a high ranked member of Russia’s GRU who has arrived in London unexpectedly) to accompany her boss/head of the Agency to a meeting. They arrive at a secure location and join the heads of MI5 and MI6 as well as the Home Secretary and a special advisor to the Prime Minister to discuss a suspected threat to the G7 summit scheduled to start in a week’s time In Edinburgh. The Russians would like nothing better than to upset the gathering of the top world leaders, which would not only minimize the threat of increased sanctions against their country due to the war in Ukraine but would also make the British look weak and ineffectual. With little information as to what is being planned, Emma and the rest of the Agency team head north. Attention soon focuses on Nick Orlov, a billionaire businessman born in Kazakhstan who immigrated to Britain 15 years earlier and eventually became a citizen. He has never been suspected of having ties to Russian intelligence, but when he meets Balakin at the airport when he arrives the intelligence officers are concerned. Emma must attract Nick’s attention and gain his trust in order to find out what he knows, and may have to go further than she ever has before to do so. Her trust in her own judgement has been shaken by recent events, and her equilibrium is further upset when she catches sight of a man from her past that she thought she’d never see again. Time is short and the stakes couldn’t be higher…will Emma be able to stop an assassin whose sights are set on some of the most important political figures in the world?
The Trap is the third outing for Emma Makepeace, a young woman seemingly born to be a spy whose instincts and training combine to make her a valuable asset for the Agency. With a recent betrayal too close to home Emma’s usual confidence has been shaken, and as a result she is reluctant to trust her intuition about whether her target Nick is an ordinary citizen caught up against his will in a Russian plot or if he has just been able to stay below British intelligence’s radar for all these years. Similarly, when it is discovered that the mission in Edinburgh (which is most assuredly top secret) is being leaked to the press, the most likely person to have done so is the detective from Police Scotland with whom Emma has formed a close partnership. Is history repeating itself and, if so, is Emma’s judgement poor enough to scuttle her career? Dealing with one of the ghosts from her past while she races against the clock to extract the truth from Nick and avert an international incident of epic proportions, Emma summons every bit of focus and inner strength she can to get the job done. With elements of the classic espionage novel and a touch of romantic suspense, The Trap is a quick read with a plot that races along and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Fans of the first two books in the series, Alias Emma and The Traitor, will thoroughly enjoy the tales of Emma’s adventures (though the book can be read as a standalone quite easily for readers who have not yet read the earlier stories), while readers of authors like Katherine Reay, Francine Matthews and P. J. Tracy should also give this a try. Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine/Bantam for allowing me early access to this tale from the world of espionage.

Emma Makepeace, a covert spy of the British government races against the clock to stop the Russians from carrying out a high-profile assassination as the G7 leaders meet in Scotland. The reader will speed right along with her as she follows every lead until she finally the end.

This is only of my favorite series and I highly recommend it! I found this book to be just as fast paced and engaging as the first two in the series. I liked the addition of the news articles, private communications and Emma's partner Kate Mackenzie. This is one of my favorite series and I will anxiously await the next book.

When Vladimir Balakin lands in London the security services go on high alert. He is a high level Russian intelligence agent and when he is involved, people die. With the G7 scheduled to meet in Edinburgh in one week, Agent Emma Makepeace is sent to discover what he is planning. Emma has always worked alone, but on this assignment she is assigned a partner. Since she is unfamiliar with the city she is assigned a local police officer, Kate Mackenzie (Mack). Mack has not been briefed and she is resentful of being assigned as a tour guide. Balakin is trailed to the home of Nick Orlov, a Russian businessman who settled in Scotland and became a citizen. He loves his new country, has no record on file and seems afraid of Fridman, Balakin’s assistant. With time running out, Emma must go undercover and befriend Orlov to find out what he knows of the threat to the G7. Emma soon learns how invaluable Mack is to the investigation. While she has worked as a spy for the Agency, Mack demonstrates her investigative techniques that are more effective when dealing with local contacts. She is also there to give Emma backup as she makes contact with Orlov posing as a businesswoman who heard him speak at a conference. Orlov believes that he knows how to handle Balakin’s demands. When he refuses to become a part in Balakin’s plan, however, he puts both his and Emma’s lives in danger. The pressure increases as the nation’s leaders are scheduled to arrive, leading to a lethal confrontation on the grounds of the castle that is the site of the meeting.

Emma is a professional, but Mack, who has never dealt with a spy, questions how far Emma will be required to go in her relationship with Orlov. Even Emma is uncomfortable, although failure is not an option. Even though Orlov is an assignment for Emma, she begins to like him as she gets to know him. This is Ava Glass’ third book in the series. She briefly explains the function and importance of the G7. There is also an encounter with one of the subjects of her first assignment. Beautifully plotted and suspenseful, this is a must read for fans of contemporary thrillers. I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for providing this book.

I love this series! It’s so fun and pleasant to read. The second one was my favorite but I devoured this in a day. Hope we get a fourth one!

Do you thrive under pressure?

Emma Makepeace does. Well, she usually does. She’s one of Britain’s top intelligence agents after all, and intelligence agents don’t exactly get to live a life of leisure.

The thing is, she’s been struggling a little lately with some doubts and a little paranoia. She’s been wondering a little if it’s time to get out. All those thoughts are simmering on the back burner of her mind right now though, because The Agency is about to head to Edinburgh to help with security for a global summit and all of a sudden the head of Russian intelligence is in London and no one has any idea why. It can’t be anything good, that’s for sure. Spies know better than to believe in coincidences. So Emma, her colleagues, Russian intelligence, and a whole bunch of global leaders are all converging in Edinburgh at once. Emma is going to try and help stop a massive global incident… if they can ever find out who’s at risk.

I’ve been reading the Emma Makepeace series since the first book was released and from the start they’ve been absolutely stellar. I was sent a physical copy of the uncorrected proof for this one by the publisher (thanks, Bantam!), and it now sits in a place of pride next to my copies of Alias Emma and The Traitor. This is by far my favorite espionage thriller series and the one all other thriller series’ have to measure up to. Emma Makepeace is one of my favorite female protagonists in contemporary genre fiction today: businesslike but not cold, prepared but not persnickety, impulsive but not careless, competent but not pedantic, caring but not overtly emotional, determined but not overzealous, skilled but not arrogant. Ava Glass not only writes Emma as an intelligence agent we’d all secretly love to have coffee with just once, but also as someone whose memoirs we’d love to read one day.

I love how Glass keeps her books very tight: the story, plot arc and developments, pacing, action, character movements, and the way the confusing, chaotic, hemmed in atmosphere of Edinburgh helps to match Emma’s similar energy as this book moves on.

It’s another great Emma Makepeace novel and my only regret is now I have to wait for Glass to write the next one.

I was provided an uncorrected digital and physical copy of this title by the publisher and author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: 5 Star Review/Book Series/Crime Thriller/Espionage Thriller/Political Thriller

Timely and tense. Emma Makepeace continues to be one of my favorite characters in fiction with her dedication to her job as an intelligence officer despite the complications and stress. I couldn't put this down.