Title: The Paris Diversion
Author: Chris Pavone
First published May 7, 2019
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.5
Overview
In Chris Pavone’s thrilling novel, The Paris Diversion, readers are taken on a heart-pounding ride through the streets of Paris. American expat Kate Moore is living a normal day until she realizes that a massive terror attack on Paris may involve her family.
Meanwhile, tech CEO Hunter Forsyth finds himself in a precarious situation, and Mahmoud Khalid plans to die. As the events of the day unfold, Kate fights to prove her relevance in her clandestine operative role, and the lives of everyone involved hang in the balance.
Full of suspense and unexpected twists, The Paris Diversion will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
About the Author
Chris Pavone is an accomplished author with a portfolio of five international thrillers. His book, “The Expats,” won both the Edgar and Anthony awards, and his latest work, “Two Nights in Lisbon,” became an instant bestseller.
Pavone’s novels have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and IndieNext. They are currently in development for film and television and have been translated into multiple languages.
Pavone’s writing extends beyond his novels, as he’s contributed to publications such as the New York Times Book Review and Magazine, the Telegraph, and Salon. He’s also made appearances on notable programs like Face the Nation, Good Day New York, All Things Considered, and the BBC.
The arts’ front page of the New York Times even profiled him.
Pavone was raised in Brooklyn, graduated from Midwood High School, and Cornell University. He worked in publishing for almost two decades, holding various positions at Dell Magazines, Doubleday, the Lyons Press, Regan/HarperCollins, Clarkson Potter, and Artisan/Workman.
In addition to his editorial roles, he wrote a book about wine (that was mostly blank) and ghost-wrote a few nonfiction books. Pavone’s wife landed a job in Luxembourg, which prompted the family to move abroad.
There, he raised their twin boys and began writing “The Expats.” Pavone now resides in New York City.
Editoral Review
In Chris Pavone’s latest novel, The Paris Diversion, readers are swept away into a high-stakes thriller that will leave them on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With an impressive track record of suspenseful and engaging reads, including the New York Times bestseller, The Expats, Pavone delivers yet another riveting tale of espionage, deception, and betrayal.
At its core, The Paris Diversion is a fast-paced story that follows two central characters, Kate Moore and Dexter Moore. Kate is a former CIA agent who is now living with her husband and two young children in Paris.
Her seemingly peaceful life is abruptly interrupted when she receives a phone call from her husband, who warns her of a bomb threat in the city. Meanwhile, Dexter uses the diversion to execute a secret plan that he has been working on for years.
Pavone paints a vivid picture of the City of Lights, immersing his readers in the charming streets and lively atmosphere that make Paris a beloved destination for travelers. But as the plot thickens, it becomes clear that something much darker is lurking behind the glittering façade.
The author expertly weaves together multiple storylines, revealing bits and pieces of the complicated web of deceit that has been spun around Kate and Dexter. One of the strengths of this novel is Pavone’s ability to create complex and compelling characters.
Kate and Dexter are both flawed in their own ways, but their motivations and actions are never predictable. Readers will find themselves constantly questioning their allegiances and trying to piece together what has brought them to this point in their lives.
Another notable aspect of The Paris Diversion is its relevance to current events. The novel touches on themes of terrorism, government corruption, and media manipulation, which will undoubtedly resonate with readers in today’s world.
Pavone’s sharp observations and attention to detail make this book much more than just a thrilling ride; it is a thought-provoking exploration of the issues that continue to shape our society. Of course, there are some weaknesses to The Paris Diversion as well.
At times, the pacing can be a bit uneven, with sections that drag on before catching fire again. Additionally, some readers may find the constant shifts in perspective jarring or confusing.
Despite these limitations, The Paris Diversion is a fantastic read that will appeal to fans of espionage novels, political thrillers, and anyone who enjoys a fast-paced, expertly plotted story. Pavone’s writing is crisp and engaging, and he has a real talent for creating tension and intrigue.
This book is sure to keep readers turning the pages until the very end. Overall, I would highly recommend The Paris Diversion to anyone who enjoys smart, well-written thrillers.
It is a standout addition to Pavone’s already impressive body of work, and a must-read for anyone looking for a compelling story that will keep them guessing until the final page. I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on its compelling characters, engaging plot, and sharp social commentary.
