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.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Ballantine Bantam for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest in this amazing series by Ava Glass. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

British spy Emma Makepeace is back! She's now headed to Scotland for the global G7 Summit when her team is tipped off about a possible assassination by the Russians - they just don't know who the target is. She has one week to figure it all out. She must get close to Nick, a wealthy Russian with a British passport who The Agency believes has valuable information about the target. She must also work with a local police officer, Kate Mackenzie, to help her navigate through Edinburgh.

This is one of my favorite series, full of action and adventure. Emma is tough, smart, determined, and a complete bad ass! This book shines a little more light into Emma's vulnerabilities as she tackles her past as well as how far she can ethically go in her pursuit of knowledge. Plus, there's a leak of confidential information leading Emma and her team to wonder who they can trust. Definitely works as a stand alone, but start with the beginning for full enjoyment of this amazing series! Can't wait for more!

The G7 Summit is rapidly approaching but something nefarious may be percolating. Exactly what—that’s not known. All MI-6 knows is that have scant few days to figure out the plot, prevent it from happening, and ensure a smooth Summit.

Enter Emma Makepeace—who is in running with James Bond as my favorite spy.

I am a huge fan of @avaglassbooks Emma Makepeace series and this one is a phenomenal third installment. Emma is growing as a character across the series and here—her skills are literally in a race against time. If you want to read a slick spy thriller, pick this series up!

The following review was just posted on my Goodreads account and on my Bookstagram @mads.is.booking. It will be posted on StoryGraph. The review will also be posted on Amazon, once it clears their internal review process.

Ava Glass’ The Trap was a fast, enjoyable read! I don’t tend to lean towards spy mysteries, but this was such a fun read.

Emma is a likable main character with a lot of depth and it’s hard not to root for her. This book genuinely hooked me from the first chapter and never let go. Within the book, there were items, such as memos and newspaper clippings. I love a mixed media book. I think it brings so much to a story and this was no exception.

Ava Glass’ writing style is perfect for this story - the tension was palpable and I was kept on the edge of my seat.

Thank you to Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6563592351
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C_emluIMx-J/?igsh=bmhsM295emg3N29r

I've read all 3 of the Alias Emma novels, and they are FUN! Fast-paced and expertly plotted, you just keep reading to see what's going to happen next. This latest installment takes Emma to Edinburgh for the G7. Emma has to use herself as bait, makes a friend, and sees someone from her past. I'm not going to say much else. Just read this series!

"She has just one week to stop a killer.

Emma Makepeace is headed to Edinburgh for the global G7 Summit when her team is tipped off about a high-profile assassination the Russians are planning—but they have no idea who the target is.

Surrounded by the world’s most powerful political leaders in a gridlocked city, Emma must set a trap and use herself as bait.

With time running short, Emma faces the most perilous mission of her career. How far will she go to catch the killer?"

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

The Trap is another fast paced spy thriller in the Alias Emma series. It grabbed my attention in the first chapter and was an action packed ride through Edinburgh. I am a big fan of Emma Makepeace and loved her most recent case, as well as her character growth over the three books in this series. I’m already looking forward to her next adventure!

Thank you @bantambooksuk for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review. This same review was shared on the Barnes & Noble website.

The Trap is book 3 in the Alias Emma series by Ava Glass.
This story is an intricate, fast-paced, pulse-pounding British spy novel that will keep the reader rapidly turning the pages.
Glass crafts a masterful narrative that is a cinematic gem that deftly captures the readers imagination.

Thank You NetGalley and Random House, Ballantine & Bantam for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

📚 #BOOKREVIEW 📚
The Trap (Alias Emma, Book 3) by Ava Glass
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Pages: 310 / Genre: Spy Thriller
🥳#HappyPubDay!🎉

My favorite spy is back! This time, Emma is in Scotland working undercover trying to stop a terrorist attack on a G7 conference. Like the previous two books in this series, this one is thrillingly fast-paced with lots of action. You can easily read this one as a standalone but the series is so good, I suggestion reading the other two first.

Thank you @NetGalley, @RandomHouse, and @AvaGlassBooks for my gifted copies. I can’t wait for the next one!

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam and NetGalley for the ARC! This thriller was incredibly fun, fast-paced and oh-so addicting! Now that I have read this one, I cannot wait to go back and read the rest in this series. I love a female James Bond and this makes this book so much better!

This was a great story. I sped through it, wanting to see what happened next. Due to the title, I expected more of a trap to be involved somehow, so it kept me spinning my wheels as I tried to figure it out. I enjoyed Emma and how the story played out.

While I liked the story, I felt the writing was lacking somehow. I feel like it could have been tightened up a little bit to make it more enjoyable to me. Despite that, though, I thought this was a good read.

I won’t post this next part publicly, but I have to say, I have never read such a poorly edited advanced copy. I found all the errors—from misplaced, incorrect, missing, or extra punctuation, to missing, extra, or misspelled words—to be highly distracting, and it took a lot at multiple points to get me to continue reading the book. I understand this is an uncorrected proof, and I would expect some errors, but this felt as if it hadn’t been edited at all.


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

Thank you to Bantam and Netgalley for this advanced reader's copy of The Trap by Ava Glass. This is the third novel in the Alias Emma spy series, but for me it was my first one. A fantastic book, engaging, fast paced, and truly enjoyable. The book was so addictive I have begun reading backwards in the series! Emma's character is well developed, The story deals with a Russian threat to a G7 meeting being held in Edinburgh, and the "agency" Emma is an agent with has been tasked to determine and stop the threat. The story moves quickly, and you will turn the pages just as quickly! Enough for the review, I need to get back to the earlier book The Traitor!

Emma Makepeace is one of my favorite heroines. These books just keep getting better. In this story she has one week to find a would be assassin. There are two problems. One is they have no idea who they are looking for. They know what country is behind it, but no names. The second problem is even more bizarre in that they have no idea who the victim will be. There is one thing that they are quite sure of and that is there will be an assassination attempt, and it is their job to prevent it, even while flying under the radar.

It will take the brains and guts of Emma to make this right. Emma is highly intelligent and observant. She is laser-focused with fire in her eyes. She reminds me a tiger roaming in the jungle acutely aware of everything going on around her. You better be prepared to fight her not only physically, but mentally as well.

This author knows how to set the scene while jetting from the reader from place to place. I was so absorbed into this book that I often forget where I was at. It will keep you glued to the pages. Score another winner in this hot series.

Thank you to Random House Ballantine for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.