Disclosure: I received a copy of this from the Goodreads First Reads program.
Synopsis: In this third installment of Steinhauer's The Tourist the CIA's Department of Tourism has been eradicated and the survivors are coping with the changes in varying ways, while the Chinese spymaster tries to figure out how exactly they intend to exact revenge, if at all.
I had not realised that this was the third installment in The Tourist series. This speaks volumes about Steinhauer's ability to provide enough back story so that new readers never feel like they need to read the previous books to understand what is happening in the one they are holding.
The sense that this is a stand-alone book is primarily due to the use of multiple P.O.V.s. With German Erika Schwartz questioning world events, the Chinese spymaster Xin Zhu outlining the root of his intentions, and ex-CIA agent Milo Weaver's bafflement of his friend's behaviour, one gets a real sense of how espionage and counter espionage is riddled with deceit, distrust, abuse of position and the blatant use of the unsuspecting. However, what the novel's strongest message is simply, that there is only one way out once you've entered this life of secrecy.
Set just prior to the 2008 Olympics, the author deftly interweaves of each character's story within the political climate set by a distrustful America and a taciturn China. As one might expect from a spy novel, each of the characters is intent on protecting their beliefs, their loved ones and their respective backsides. I admit that I know nothing about the author, but did wonder at whether any of the tricks he used would actually work. Then I thought that I'd have to either be an actual spy or extremely paranoid to want to delve into this travel arsenal.
Once I get through the mountain of books I have waiting, I will likely get my hands on the first two books, and if luck is with us, a follow-up to this one.
Publisher: Minotaur BooksPublication Date: 13 March 2012 Format: Hardcover
Review previously appeared on the now defunct Bookworm's Buffet Blog
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