This is a fabulous spy novel. Amanda Cole is a “diplomat” posted to the nothing ever happens here embassy in Rome when she catches a walk in visit from a Russian man. He has information that he got somewhat inadvertently and if someone acts on it, it might save a life. Her boss is phoning it in and Amanda is a nose to the grindstone type. Does she do what she is told? What might the consequences be? Meanwhile, Amanda’s father Charlie, a likable guy, used to be an active field agent but for years he has worked in Langley doing boring desk work. Charlie and his wife Helen separated when he was based in Helsinki. Eventually, he came back to the states for his desk job a few months later but the divorce was inevitable. Father and daughter are close, but it’s complicated.
Can’t say much more, because one of the most interesting parts of this involves technology, social media, finance and Russia but it would be a spoiler to go further. Pitoniak fills this novel with fabulous characters, the family friend Maurice who is wise and knows what to do when disaster looms. You should probably take Maurice’s advice. But do you?. Kath, the older woman agent who can never get a vacation because she’s always called back to work her magic in some situation involving Russia. A Senator and an Oligarch who are interacting about something. What is their relationship? There’s a secret involving Charlie that starts to bother the very upright, committed Amanda. Despite her intense loyalty to her employer and country, Amanda finds here and there that it isn’t always easy to know when your lies are for your country and when they suit you. The CIA is itself a character, with lots of different interpretations of what means are okay to an end, depending on who’s in charge. A fast can’t put it down read. Highly recommend!
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