THE SPY WHO VANISHED by Alma Katsu
Published: July 18 2024 by AMAZON ORIGINAL Audio
Narrated by: Daniel Hemming
Length: 3 hours, 8 minutes


Alma Katsu returns with another immersive espionage novel dropped into the relevant historical setting, of Putin’s ongoing war with Ukraine. An ongoing cat and mouse game involving the shadowy world of spies pitting the CIA with the Russian intelligence service (FSB). The bait is Russia’s most famous and decorated spy, Yuri Kozlov, their answer to “James Bond,” with decades of assassinations and successful infiltrations. Is his defection to the C.I.A. legitimate or is he attempting to become a double agent? Katsu expertly weaves together three tales: The Vanishing Man, On Enemy Ground, and Shaken, Not Stirred, into a compelling story of secrets, deception, and testing ones inner worth and loyalty. Past and present musings intertwine to question Yuri’s interpretation of not only his present mission, but the significance of his past actions.
In the span of these three stories, Katsu expertly weaves together an extensive character study of multiple characters who as a baseline are deceitful and secretive. Katsu successfully ratchets up suspense and intrigue, that culminates in a surprising and believable denouement. The Audio version with Daniel Hemming was a treat to experience, as his marvelous voice inflections of multiple characters, brought the story to life in the “theatre of my mind.” Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original for supplying an advance audio version in exchange for an honest review.

Yuri Kozlov is a legend in the spy community for his years of exploits on missions. Except now he is defecting to the United States. The CIA needs to work to figure out his true motivations and whether he can be trusted. Yuri has to examine the legacy of his career. What follows over the subsequent days is a game of cat and mouse between Yuri, his handlers, and his former country.

The Spy Who Vanished is a fun spy story in three parts from Alma Katsu, who once again uses her career to create a realistic feeling spy story. The story moves rapidly across the three sections and it was easy to push through and finish the whole thing. I loved the connections between the characters (wanting more than the short story provided) and it built to a very thrilling climax. Daniel Henning also did a great job with the audiobook and the various accents involved in the story.

Thank you to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of The Spy Who Vanished in return for an honest review.

"The Spy Who Vanished" by Alma Katsu is a masterfully crafted blend of historical fiction and espionage thriller. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the novel delves into the shadowy world of spies, secrets, and double-crosses. Katsu's meticulous research and attention to historical detail shine through, painting a vivid picture of the era's tension and intrigue.

The protagonist, whose complex character is both deeply flawed and remarkably resilient, draws the reader into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Katsu's skillful storytelling keeps the suspense taut, with twists and turns that are both surprising and believable. Her nuanced portrayal of the psychological toll of espionage adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making it not just a thrilling read but also an emotionally engaging one.

The pacing is well-balanced, with action-packed sequences interspersed with quieter, introspective moments. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each with their own secrets and motivations, contributing to a richly woven tapestry of deception and loyalty.

Overall, "The Spy Who Vanished" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and spy thrillers alike. Alma Katsu's ability to blend historical accuracy with gripping narrative makes this book a standout in the genre.

Russia’s famous spy, Yuri Kozlov—aka the Russian James Bond— defects to the United States…but is he a double agent? The Spy Who Vanished is a collection of three short stories: The Vanishing Man, On Enemy Ground, Shaken, Not Stirred. I enjoyed each one and the nice twist to the story.

Daniel Henning has such a wonderful voice and added to the story.

Thank you, NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing!