Alias Emma by Ava Glass was a fast read, and very enjoyable. It is more of a thriller than an espionage novel, nevertheless, I found myself engaged.

The Israel/Palestine conflict, of course, can fill hundreds of books, but it goes to show the gray moral ambiguity of all the characters.

The stars of this book are the characters, which I feel I can say for the whole series. They are interesting, as well as intelligent

Members of the CIA’s National Clandestine Service sent to rescue a group of archaeologists from Iraq they come face to face with several surprises

Israeli art restorers/ spy Gabriel Allon is called one more time into service to investigate the mysterious murder of his friend Benjamin Stern

The year is 2032 and Gilbert “Gent” Gentilhomme, a professional solider, commander and mercenary, is being sent around the world fighting for corporations

A Fierce Radiance makes penicillin interesting. Spies, sex, big money, scrupulous industrialists, incorruptible scientist as well as corruptible ones.

I found the plot to be a bit too convenient, information happens to fall into Sam’s lap just at the right time, I did enjoy the Russian/British interaction

“The Death Instinct” by Jed Rubenfeld is a fictional thriller set in the 1920’s. The book centers around the historical Wall St. bombing of 1916.

The pace is fast but the story is predictable, about half way through (if not sooner) I already figured out the ending which, this time, had no twists.