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There are two primary reasons that readers enjoy thrillers involving the CIA: one is learning tradecraft and history, and the other is for pure action and adventure in the story-telling. While this thriller has both, the real appreciation comes from Mark Henshaw's own experience as a CIA analyst and a member of the very real Red Cell, an unusual CIA analytical unit designed to "think outside the box" while focusing on Russian politics and leadership.
Many of the components of this novel have very real elements. The CIA defector in the story, Alden Maines, is based on real CIA defector (Edward Lee Howard) from 1985. Also real are the intelligence units, military equipment, and much of the historical background of the storyline. In short, for those who want as real a glimpse as possible into both US and Russian intelligence, this book offers plenty.
The storyline follows from the discovery of a dead Russian double-agent in Berlin, then expands into the defection of Alden Maines, an upper level CIA operative. Soon, Maines is being used by the head of the GRU to empty out the CIA's Moscow Station. While investigating the death of the Russian in Berlin, American agents Jonathan Burke and Kyra Stryker do battle with Russia's equivalent of the SEALs, and Burke is taken over the border.
It's then up to Stryker to try and get a handle on Russia's next actions and try to help Maines (to whom she owes her life from a previous operation in South America) and especially Burke. This is where the reader must suspend some measure of doubt to enjoy the story, but he or she will be compensated by the action/adventure half of the reading equation.
In general, this is a well written and particularly interesting look into the world of spy vs. spy in the US and Russian intelligence services. Henshaw infuses as much reality into the plot as possible, making it essential reading for thriller and CIA buffs.
§ Christine Zibas is a freelance writer and former director of publications for a Chicago nonprofit.
Reviewed by Christine Zibas, February 2016
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