Book #1 — The Spy Defects

The Defection

This book covers Yuri Kozlov’s defection, a top FSB spy and dirty deeds operative to the US. The start is action-packed and slows down once the spy is onboard a yacht to take him to a friendly airport for a flight to the US. His extraction was set up when Kozlov told the CIA station chief in Moscow that he wanted to defect because he disagreed strongly with what Putin was doing in Ukraine. The reader will learn a more nuanced version of his motivation.

His thoughts and relationship with Renata Jacobs, his Russian-speaking junior handler, provide insight into his background and character. His action at the end of this book clearly demonstrates his duplicitous nature.

There is very little of the trifecta of intimacy, language, and violence that is objectionable to some readers.

My major issue with this novel was how easily Kozlov could scout how to exit the secure compound. Also, the CIA safe house was not very secure in ensuring that there was no way to escape. The whole security posture appears to be lackadaisical. This incident is required for this series of short stories to work.

The flow of the main storyline was adequate, keeping my interest. I finished this novel in a few hours. I have read two previous short stories by this author. This one is not of the same quality as those short stories. You must read all three short stories to see the whole story. I did enjoy reading it. I rate all three novels read together with three and a half stars rounded to four stars. Taking this novel by itself, I rate it as a three. I do not understand why a short story is split into three individual books.

I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version through NetGalley from Amazon Short Stories. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Amazon Short Stories, for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

Book #2 — Koslov Gets To Work

The Debriefing Begins

In this second volume, Koslov starts to target CIA personnel for targeting to turn them into assets. The interviews contain some difficult and probing questions. He is paraded before CIA personnel and members of Congress for political gain. He uses those opportunities to cause difficulties for the CIA. Notably, he learns about Renata Jacobs's background.

Kozlov's thoughts in this novel provide more insight into his character. The reader will see more of his actions that demonstrate his duplicitous nature. He is not being truthful to the CIA or his Russian handlers. He did recruit one of his CIA handlers. His relationship with another of his CIA handlers provides an interesting twist, and I was interested in finding out what effect it would have on his actions.

There is very little of the trifecta of intimacy, language, and violence that is objectionable to some readers.

My major issue with this novel is that Kozlov leaves the compound and uses a weak excuse. This incident is not handled professionally by his CIA handlers. I cannot believe that a senior handler would act so lackadaisically. This incident is required for this series of short stories to work. While minor regarding the storyline, I did not understand the strange location of a polygraph sensor. It didn't make sense to me, having taken a few in my lifetime. That was quite a while ago so that things may have changed.

The flow of the main storyline was adequate, keeping my interest. I finished this novel in a few hours. I have read two previous short stories by this author. This one is not of the same quality as those short stories. You must read all three short stories to see the whole story and the first before reading this one. I did enjoy reading it. I rate all three novels read together with three and a half stars rounded to four stars. Taking this novel by itself, I rate it as a three. I do not understand why a short story is split into three individual books.

I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version through NetGalley from Amazon Short Stories. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Amazon Short Stories, for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

Book #3 — Shaken, Not Stirred

The Grand Fanale

Kozlov is whisked off to Jamaica to hobnob with members of Congress and selected guests. He will meet with more members of Congress. This time, the location is Jamaica. He learns some disturbing news from his recruited handler. His Russian handler, who followed him to Jamaica, discovered that some of Kozlov's information was accurate. He tells Kozlov that his mission is not complete and that he must complete it. When Kozlov does not respond, the showdown starts.

This book reveals how Kozlov’s duplicitous nature has placed him in a precarious position and reveals his true colors.

This book has the most sustained and descriptive violence, but its level is often seen on primetime police procedurals, so it should not discourage most readers. For intimate scenes and language, there was none.

The flow of the main storyline was faster than the first two. The lethal threat kept my interest. I finished this novel in a few hours. I have read two previous short stories by this author. This one is not of the same quality as those short stories. You must read all three short stories to see the whole story and the first before reading this one. I did enjoy reading it. I rate all three novels read together with three and a half stars rounded to four stars. Taking this novel by itself, I rate it as a three. I do not understand why a short story is split into three individual books.

I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version through NetGalley from Amazon Short Stories. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, Amazon Short Stories, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.

I listened to the audio books of this trilogy of novellas and really enjoyed them! Suspenseful, full of some details for the spy defection process that might be true given Katsu's background. Very good and quick listens/reads.

The Spy Who Vanished by Alma Katsu is an engaging espionage narrative structured as a trilogy of short stories, focusing on the character of Yuri Kozlov, a prominent Russian spy. The series is set against the backdrop of contemporary geopolitical tensions, particularly Putin's war in Ukraine, and explores themes of loyalty, deception, and identity within the world of espionage.

The trilogy consists of three parts:
The Vanishing Man
On Enemy Ground
Shaken, Not Stirred
Yuri Kozlov, often likened to a "Russian James Bond," is tasked with a complex mission: to defect to the CIA while simultaneously acting as a double agent for the FSB, Russia's intelligence service. This dual role creates a suspenseful narrative as readers question his true intentions and the authenticity of his defection. Katsu's storytelling is noted for its depth, balancing technical espionage details with character-driven plots that keep readers enthralled.

Katsu excels in character development, presenting Yuri as a multi-faceted figure who grapples with his past and the moral implications of his current mission. The narrative weaves together his internal conflicts and the external pressures of his espionage activities, creating a rich psychological portrait. Reviewers have praised Katsu's ability to craft a believable protagonist whose journey is both compelling and relatable

Its immersive storytelling and realistic portrayal of spy craft, drawing on Katsu's own background in the intelligence community makes the book interesting.The Spy Who Vanished is a promising start to a series that combines thrilling espionage with deep character exploration. Katsu's expertise in creating a believable and engaging spy story resonates throughout the trilogy, making it a recommended read for fans of the genre. As the story unfolds, readers are left eager to see where Yuri Kozlov's journey will lead next.

I’m a big fan of Alma Katsu’s spy fiction — I loved Red Widow and Red London, in particular — and so when I saw that the author had written a three-part espionage story for Amazon, I jumped at the chance to read it.

The three short stories that make up The Spy Who Vanished — The Vanishing Man, On Enemy Ground, and Shaken, Not Stirred — follow a curious journey of Yuri Kozlov. Kozlov is one of Russia’s greatest spies (the “Russian James Bond”), with decades of experience and achievements under his belt. He believes himself to be a crucial actor in Russia’s efforts in international relations (he may not be entirely correct), and so when he’s presented with an extremely difficult assignment, he accepts. He is tasked with becoming a double agent. He must give himself up as a defector to the CIA, and work his way into the organization and report back to the Kremlin and his FSB handlers anything that will serve Mother Russia’s agenda.

Defecting during Putin’s war on Ukraine, his American handlers do not entirely trust him, but they can’t give up the opportunity and possibility that one of Russia’s greatest spies might have had enough and want to change sides. The Vanishing Man covers his initial “defection” and the start of his rigorous debriefing and analysis by the CIA. It introduces us to some of the key players in the story, and we get to know just a little bit of Yuri’s background, his strengths and also his weaknesses.

On Enemy Ground expands on readers' understanding of Kozlov's background. His continuing debriefing ends up making him confront his past, his relationships, and also forces him to examine his assignment. His interviewers are trying to plunder his past for information about past cases, assassinations, and more, and Yuri's forced to recall his early missions, as well as decide how much to take credit for. In this middle story, Katsu does a great job of presenting Yuri's interpretation of his mission, while simultaneously calling into question just how in control he is, and whether or not he has managed to pacify his CIA handlers, and convince them that he has indeed abandoned his Russian loyalties. While still convinced that he is on-mission, there are cracks forming in his mind -- is America the enemy? Is Russia right? Are these CIA agents duped?

Shaken, Not Stirred (a surprising title, I'll admit), further develops Yuri's mission, and once again digs into his past. The CIA seems to be satisfied with the results of Yuri's debriefing, and his handlers decide to take him to Jamaica, where he will meet with some high-level American politicians (who are amusingly and sharply characterized by the author). The more time he's spent in CIA custody, he has drawn close with one of his handlers, whose past is somewhat entangled in his own -- she is the daughter of someone at the centre of an early mission of Yuri's. (Yes, I'm keeping this all vague -- no spoilers!) Yuri's happy to finally be taken back out into the world, and thinks this will offer him an opportunity to show Moscow that he's still loyal and on-mission. But life and missions rarely offer such neat opportunities, and Yuri is forced to make a decision about where he wants to be, and where his loyalties now lie.

The Spy Who Vanished is a great read. I think I would have preferred a single-volume, novel-length story, but I nevertheless enjoyed this approach to story-telling. Katsu does a great job of slowly developing Yuri's situation and changing the nature of his life, mission, and loyalties. The author manages to pack in a lot of character-devcopement into this relatively short story. It's an expertly woven tale, populated by engaging and interesting characters. If you haven't read any of Katsu's spy fiction, yet, then this could be an excellent introduction -- she's become one of my must-read authors, and one of my favourite espionage fiction writers.

Definitely recommended.

I love anything Alma Katsu writes. Her spy novels are especially great!

Thank you to NetGalley for the digital review copy.

It was captivating. I wish it was a bit longer to allow for more character development but overall I enjoyed it and you will too.

This collection contains three quick, easy, and exciting reads. They held my interest til the end, and I found it difficult to put them down! A few events seemed far-fetched, but that's part of the fun of spy stories. I appreciated the combination of action and introspection from a Russian agent reflecting on Putin's actions.
The Vanishing Man: The book hooked me right away with an intriguing character of questionable motives. I wasn't convinced about one aspect of the story, but it was wrapped up nicely in Book 3.
On Enemy Ground: It was interesting to see Yuri's ongoing efforts take on new challenges with his experience and cunning.
Shaken, Not Stirred: There were a few surprises and a satisfying conclusion (for now?).

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free eARC; I post this review with my honest opinions. Reviews are cross-posted to Goodreads and Amazon for the three distinct works as they are published there.

Alma Katsu knows her spies. In the first short story of a trilogy, we have the Russian James Bond defecting to the US. Is he for real or up to no good? Katsu tells the story, and I sat back and enjoyed every page, happy to know that two more stories are now avaialable.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

An infamous Russian spy defects to the US….or does he?

Yuri Kosovo is a legend in the world of espionage, referred to as the Russian James Bond (a nickname he hates) whose exploits are taught as part of basic training at the CIA. When he approaches a high ranking American at a function and says he wants to defect, it seems too good to be true. An exfiltration operation is planned and executed, and he is assigned Renata Jacobs as his handler. She is young, but something in her background may make her the perfect person to bring him into the fold. Is he like so many Russian operatives fed up with Putin’s actions in Ukraine, looking to get out before that regime collapses? Or is his defection happening for other reasons? In the world of espionage, no one should take anything at face value …and the best spies can sell a lie to anyone, even themselves.
The Spy Who Vanished is a compilation of three stories (The Vanishing Man, On Enemy Ground and Shaken Not Stirred) detailing Yuri’s defection from when he boards a speedboat in Instanbul as a body double distracts his pursuers through his vetting and debriefing in Virginia and beyond. It’s a peek behind the curtain of the intelligence world, where seasoned veterans and relative neophytes match wits and work to enhance their careers while struggling to ascertain the sincerity (or lack thereof) of a master spy. Yuri is an enigma, and discovers that even he isn’t completely certain which way he will decide to go, while Ren is much too green for this assignment but that naïveté coupled with her background may be what tips the scales for Yuri. A quick, fun read for fans of Alma Katsu’s Red Widow series as well as readers who like Ava Glass, Paul Vidich and Francine Matthews. My thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for allowing me access to a copy of The Spy Who Vanished.

The Spy Who Vanished is an engaging and intriguing read. Was he defecting or not? Spying upon spies? It"s an easy read that keeps us enthralled in every new move from both sides. I imagine the life of a spy is somewhat near what she describes and not like we see at James Bond's films. Very entertaining!
I thank Ms. Katsu, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

I always pick up a new Alma Katsu when I see it, but her books are usually horror. This book is completely different, as it follows a Russian spy who is defecting to America. Or is he?
With the same sense of story I'm used to for her historical horror, Katsu tells this story of a man who is conflicted and trying to play the game the way he wants now. Who can be trusted in this dark world?
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this intriguing, suspenseful tale.

Witty, compelling, and fun. Brings the whiff of authenticity that's a hallmark of Katsu's work, be it in historical horror or the nitty gritty of intelligence work. A great read!

Alma Katsu’s short fiction is just on another level. Every thing I read of hers if just fantastic. This series is going to prove to be the same.

An intriguing and interesting main character with a fascinating backstory. I’m dying to know what happens next with this “Russian James Bond” character. I’m ready for book 2!

"The Spy Who Vanished" is a trilogy of short stories centering on Yuri Kozlov, a Russian spy posing as a defector in order to elicit information from the CIA.

The stories are tightly written and strike a good balance between technical knowledge about espionage and simply focusing on telling a good story. Yuri's evolution in thought during the mission feels reasonable and the overall trajectory of the story feels plausible. I would love to read more about Yuri's exploits in future stories.

This is my first exposure to Alma Katsu and I'm looking forward to diving into some of her other books.

Once again, Alma Katsu brings the espionage tea … In her spy fiction, Alma Katsu is a next-gen John le Carre with a dash of Fleming, with empathic characters, psychological insight, and shimmering plots and settings informed by her decades of first-hand experience in the intelligence community, a visceral understanding that illuminates every paragraph of this tense, twisty-turny tale.

Short story about a Russian spy, Yuri, switching sides to the US. One of three short stories to be published in July 2024. Page turning story with a few surprises about how the CIA took Yuri in and set him up in a comfortable safe house to determine if he was an asset or still a spy. The story starts out with an escape, has private jets, a helicopter, a trip to Jamaica, and a fire fight. So much going on to draw you into the plot and characters. There are several interesting characters (Ren, Grayson, and Jack) that I hope turn up in the other two stories. If you like spy thrillers and want an entertaining story to read in an afternoon, I recommend this one.
Thank you Net Galley and Alma Katsu for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.