It’s no secret I love a great spy thriller so when this was sent to me for review, I chose it because it showcases a female agent instead of just men. Maybe you have heard about famous female agents so that to me was intriguing.
This book has a great plot and several threads to follow with intricate details. Continue on for my full review.
The Helsinki Affair by Anna Pitoniak
Publisher : Simon & Schuster (November 14, 2023)
ISBN-13 : 978-1668014745
SYNOPSIS:
SPYING IS THE FAMILY BUSINESS. Amanda Cole is a brilliant young CIA officer following in the footsteps of her father, who was a spy during the Cold War. It takes grit to succeed in this male-dominated world—but one hot summer day, when a Russian defector walks into her post, Amanda is given the ultimate chance to prove herself.
The defector warns of the imminent assassination of a US senator. Though Amanda takes the warning seriously, her superiors don’t. Twenty-four hours later, the senator is dead. And the assassination is just the beginning.
Corporate blackmail, covert manipulation, corrupt oligarchs: the Kremlin has found a dangerous new way to wage war. Teaming up with Kath Frost, a fearless older woman, and legendary spy, Amanda races from Rome to London, from St. Petersburg to Helsinki, unraveling the international conspiracy. But as she gets closer and closer to the truth, a central question haunts her: Why was her father’s name written down in the senator’s notes? What does Charlie Cole really know about the Kremlin plot?
The Helsinki Affair by Anna Pitoniak Review
This author is a first-time read for me, and I was intrigued by the fact she’s writing a spy thriller with a female lead character. It’s not often we get the female vantage point of view in an espionage thriller like this.
The story brings several threads that are woven together to create a unique look at the inner workings of an agent, and what they see and deal with, including recruitment and double agents.
The story has a father and daughter working in the agency at the same time in different capacities but their intersection creates a jumble of woven intricacies that make the story shine.
The author has her research down, and her imagination has allowed us to travel to Europe and the East Coast. We jump timelines a few times in the story to find and gather past history, along with the in-depth behind-the-scenes action that ties together with today’s threats.
The station chief, Amanda, has her work cut out for her and is not one to sit idly by and push paperwork. When unbelievable evidence is passed her way, she dives in with the help of a fabulous old-school female spy, Kath. The two of them weave together a fabulous subterfuge while unraveling conspiracy, double agents, treason, and more. The ending will have your heart pounding! But what a fabulous twist!
Bravo to Pitoniak for giving the female reader what we didn’t know we were missing! The Helsinki Affair is a totally different type of plot based on betrayal, secrets, and manipulation. I hope this becomes a series!
4 STARS!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.