Review: Red Widow by Alma Katsu

Red Widow by Alma Katsu
Also by this author: The Hunger, The Deep
Published by Penguin on March 23, 2021
Genres: Crime, Espionage, Fiction, Suspense, Thrillers
Pages: 352
Format: eARC
Goodreads

CIA agent Lyndsey Duncan is pulled from an assignment & sent home on leave due to an inappropriate relationship with another intelligence agent.  She's certain her career with the CIA has come to an end.

When a former colleague, now Chief of the Russia Division, calls her to join aid him in an internal investigation, Lyndsey jumps at the chance to redeem herself.    Lyndsey was once a handler at the Moscow Field Station, known as the "human lie detector." Three assets have been exposed and it is apparent a mole has infiltrated the Russia Division.  Lyndsey must retrace the actions of those actions of those closest to her.

An integral part of the Russia Division is Theresa Warner, known as the Red Widow.  Her husband, a former director, died on the job.  She can't get away from the spotlight of her husband's legacy.  Theresa and Lyndsey form an unlikely friendship, one that seems to help each woman lessen their individual losses. When Lyndsey uncovers a connection between Theresa and her case, she realizes it could be devastating for the entire division.  It's all about to come toppling down, but who will remain standing in the end?

Let me start by saying I don’t read spy thrillers.  Yes, you read that correctly.  I don’t read spy thrillers.  What I do read, however, is anything written by Alma Katsu.

I must divulge that I’ve known Alma for just over a decade.  I met her at a local book festival before her Taker series was published. My boys refer to her as “Mom’s spy friend.”  I’ve long been fascinated by her own career in the CIA.  I’ve been a strong supporter of her previous books, I’ve loved every one of them.  However this is the book I’ve been waiting for Alma to write.

I can honestly say that there is nothing about this book I did not love.  I especially love that the two main characters are strong, independent women in what was once  a male-dominated field.   Though Alma’s own expertise in this field is off the charts, this isn’t weighed down with agency jargon, nor is it dumbed down and repetitive in its description.

I absolutely loved Lyndsey’s character.  She’s tough, though her recent punishment has made her feel vulnerable and lacking control of her future.  She doesn’t back down when presented with a challenge, nor is she intimidated by those who attempt to wield their power over her.  She’s hard-headed and determined, but also sympathetic.

This is the very type of spy thriller that may endear me to others like it (especially others penned by Alma, hint hint).  Highly recommended.