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Table of Contents
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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.
“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.
About the Reader
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (January 27, 2026)
- Runtime: 8 hours and 42 minutes
- ISBN13: 9781668123232
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Raves and Reviews
"Fontana’s strong performance is the perfect vehicle for this tale of modern-day spycraft."
– —Kirkus Reviews
"Disgraced former CIA operative Ari Falk’s self-imposed exile in the Republic of Georgia ends abruptly, and he finds himself at the heart of a mission to save the world from the leader of an extremist group intent on changing the balance of political power in Europe. Narrator Santino Fontana demonstrates a wide variety of accents, bringing to life characters from across the globe. His careful characterizations ensure the polished flow of the plot, and his skills are highlighted during dialogue-heavy scenes, where he seamlessly moves between characters and accents. Fontana’s timing and spot-on pacing keep the tension building as the twisting plot unfolds."
– —Kirkus Reviews
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Unabridged Audio Download 9781668123232
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