Fans of the spy genre will quickly feel at home in this speedy story of deception. Readers are whisked away to Ukraine, Taiwan, Texas, Serbia, and China, the worlds of CEOs, oligarchs, assassins, and customized Devilbot drones. What’s inside this “oddly-shaped silver briefcase?” That’s for the Spy Devils to find out before it falls into the wrong hands. At times, the sprawling cast feels crowded, making it challenging for readers to keep track of the leads, but Goldberg’s crisp, inviting prose propels the adventure forward.
With cliff-hangers and clear, gritty action—“He gagged, stiffened, and jerked back as his feet spasmed against the floor, propelling him and the chair backward”— Goldberg escorts audiences behind the curtain of one of the world’s most secretive and risky professions. Dynamic scenes where the Spy Devils use any means necessary to get information from their enemies accentuate a rather quick read, and Goldberg’s past as a CIA covert action officer gives him distinctive authority to make Bridger’s story convincing. Passion and admiration for this dangerous profession shine from the pages. Espionage fans looking for a quick dip into the world of spies, lies, and justice will enjoy tagging along with Bridger and his team.
Takeaway: Global espionage and fast-paced action collide in this spy thriller.
Great for fans of: David Ignatius’s The Quantum Spy, Mark Greaney The Gray Man.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: B-
