The Cormorant Hunt

A Novel

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About the Book

A renegade CIA officer must infiltrate an extremist group in the heart of Europe in a high-stakes political thriller offering “spy fiction at its headiest and most addictive” (Kirkus Reviews).

“Left me breathless with its nimble plot work and sheer storytelling audacity.” —The New York Times

A Financial Times "Best Summer Books of 2026"


Renegade CIA officer Ari Falk is hiding out in the Republic of Georgia after blowing the lid off a massive government conspiracy in the highest levels of the US intelligence community, making him a hero to some and a traitor to others. But his quiet exile is shattered when a mission arises—one only he can pull off.

To redeem himself to his country, Falk must infiltrate an extremist group in the heart of Europe. His target? Felix Burnham, a chilling antagonist with radical alliances that could change the global balance of power. With Europe embroiled in war and shadowy political machinations dominating the home front, Falk’s only ally is Asha Tamaskar, a brilliant, neurodivergent CIA officer with her own secrets. Their quest for justice takes Falk on a high-stakes journey from Prague to Tbilisi, Andorra to Bethesda in this must-read for fans of political intrigue, espionage, and spy thrillers that don’t play by the rules.

About the Author

© Ilya Popenko

Michael Idov is a novelist, director, and screenwriter. A Latvian-born American raised in Riga under Soviet occupation, he moved to New York after graduating from the University of Michigan. Michael’s writing career began at New York magazine, where his features won three National Magazine Awards, and he has served as the editor-in-chief of GQ Russia. He is also the author of The Collaborators, Ground Up, and Dressed Up for a Riot. Michael has worked on numerous film and TV projects, including Londongrad, Deutschland 83, Leto, and The Humorist. He and his wife and screenwriting partner, Lily, divide their time between Los Angeles, Berlin, and Portugal.

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Product Details

  • Publisher: Scribner (January 27, 2026)
  • Length: 272 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781668082287

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Raves and Reviews

"Idov writes with his trademark wit, bringing an energy that crackles off the pages." --Financial Times

"[The Cormorant Hunt] left me breathless with its nimble plot work and sheer storytelling audacity. . . . As the plot careens along, Idov embellishes it with gorgeous descriptions. . . . My expectations for Idov’s next book are very high." —Sarah Weinman, The New York Times

"Spy fiction at its headiest and most addictive. . . there’s plenty of action and intrigue . . . Idov offers real insight into the self-protective games his characters play." —Kirkus (starred review)

“This is spy fiction without padding. No fluff, no wasted space, just tight storytelling and an attention to detail that brings humanity to the chaos of espionage. And just when you think you understand where it is all heading, the ending proves otherwise. Hold your breath, clear your schedule, and be prepared to want the next installment immediately. This series continues to deliver, and I am fully locked in.” —Best Thriller Books

"The multiple mysteries . . . will keep readers intrigued." —Booklist

“The pacing is breakneck, but the plot remains eminently believable. The characters are well drawn.” —Bookpage

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More books from this author: Michael Idov

More books in this series: The Cormorant Trilogy

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