Title: An American Spy
Author: Olen Steinhauer
First published March 13, 2012
386 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780312622893 (ISBN10: 0312622899)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
The Tourist is back in Olen Steinhauer’s latest thriller, An American Spy. Milo Weaver, former CIA agent, is trying to move on from his past as a trained assassin, but his former boss has gone missing.
When Alan Drummond disappears under one of Milo’s aliases, attention is drawn to his actions, and Milo is forced to search for him. As the last few remaining “tourists,” CIA’s most highly trained assassins, Milo and his team must race to uncover a conspiracy that threatens to destroy everything they’ve worked for.
With danger at every turn and enemies closing in, An American Spy is a heart-pounding thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
About the Author
Olen Steinhauer has lived in several states across the US, including Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, Massachusetts, and New York. He has also lived in Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Italy, and spent a year in Romania on a Fulbright grant, which inspired his first five books.
He currently resides in Hungary with his family.
Steinhauer has had his stories and poetry published in various literary journals. In 2003, he published his first novel, The Bridge of Sighs, which is the first book in a five-book series that chronicles Cold War Eastern Europe, with one book per decade.
The book was nominated for five awards. The second book in the series, The Confession, received critical acclaim, and 36 Yalta Boulevard (The Vienna Assignment in the UK) made three year-end best-of lists.
Liberation Movements (The Istanbul Variations in the UK) was listed for four best-of lists and was nominated for an Edgar Award for best novel of the year. The final book in the series, Victory Square, published in 2007, was a New York Times editor’s choice.
Steinhauer has since moved on from the Cold War, and with his book The Tourist, he has begun a trilogy of spy tales that focus on international deception in the post 9/11 world. The book has already garnered attention, as George Clooney’s Smoke House Films has picked up the rights, with Clooney himself set to star.
Editoral Review
Olen Steinhauer’s 2012 novel, An American Spy, is a thriller that delves deep into the world of espionage, with a complex plot that unfolds over the course of many months. Steinhauer is noted for his emphasis on character development and introspection, and this book is no exception.
The author of several other successful spy novels, including The Tourist and The Cairo Affair, Steinhauer has been praised by critics for his ability to create realistic and three-dimensional characters, as well as his skill in creating an immersive atmosphere that transports readers into the world of spycraft. The novel focuses on Milo Weaver, a former spy for the CIA who is now working freelance.
He accepts a job offer from his old handler to infiltrate a Chinese intelligence agency, but he soon finds himself in the crosshairs of both the CIA and the Chinese. The action is tense and exciting, with plenty of twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
Steinhauer’s strength lies in his ability to create characters that are deep and complex, and this is evident in An American Spy. Weaver is not your typical spy – he’s flawed, dealing with personal issues as well as the job at hand.
He is also highly intelligent and resourceful, with a wry sense of humor that adds an extra layer of humanity to the character. The pacing of the novel is controlled and steady, with Steinhauer taking his time to build tension and suspense.
The plot is complex, with multiple storylines that gradually begin to converge as the book progresses. Steinhauer uses flashbacks and other narrative techniques to keep readers on their toes, constantly questioning what is happening and who is behind it all.
One of the strengths of the book is its attention to detail. Steinhauer clearly did his research when it comes to the world of espionage, and this is evident in the small details that pepper the narrative.
The descriptions of locations, weaponry, and tradecraft are all accurate and realistic, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the book. One weakness of the book is that it may be a bit confusing for readers who are not familiar with the previous books in the series.
There are many characters and storylines to keep track of, and those who have not read the earlier books may struggle to follow along. Additionally, the ending may leave some readers unsatisfied, as it leaves several key questions unanswered.
Overall, An American Spy is a well-written and engaging novel that will appeal to fans of spy thrillers. Steinhauer’s skills as a writer are on full display here, with complex characters, a nuanced plot, and plenty of suspense.
While it may not be the easiest book to follow for those who are new to the series, it’s still a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the world of espionage. The Washington Post gives it a strong recommendation for fans of the genre.
