Charles Cumming’s Judas 62 lives up to the high expectations that were promised by last year’s cerebral espionage thriller, Box 88. This time as well the narrative is divided into two timelines, one focusing on a younger Lachlan Kite, having evolved into a more confident operative sent on his first official mission with the transatlantic counterintelligence agency to extract a Russian scientist at the height of the Cold War, and the other set-in present-day timeline where the repercussions of the first mission have come to collect their due in the form of a hit-list with Lachlan on it. To combat the unseeable threat, Lachlan must first unravel his past, no matter how disturbing it gets.
Judas 62 immensely benefits from the singular focus on Lachlan Kite in the fleshed-out flashback plot. Charles Cumming displays an exceptional knack for nailing the foundation and evolution of characters with all sorts of nuances that make you forget you’re reading a work of fiction. The slow-burn of the story is utilized to the max as Cumming further builds Lachlan into a living and breathing character that may very well be existing right now as opposed to a fantastical protagonist. His experiences as a novice spy feel so gut-wrenching real and profound, you lose yourself in the pages and the authenticity of the grand yet gritty scope of storytelling. One particular highlight of Cumming’s genius is an intense back and forth between Lachlan and a Russian operative, which includes powerful and snarky dialogue.
In the vein of old school spy thrillers, Judas 62 deviates from the action-heavy espionage yarns and focuses more on the cerebral lure of spycraft. There is a constant feeling of impending doom and violence in every page that builds up to the very last moment for maximum effect before it combusts into a satisfying denouement. From intel dead drops to maintaining one’s cover even in the face of imminent death, the life of a spy has never felt so conflicting between exciting and depressing. Even when the shift of focus from Lachlan in the present day comes with its turbulent changes in pacing, the decision serves to ultimately shed more of an insight into his character and his role as a mentor for the new generation of spies.
I personally enjoyed how accurately Charles Cumming captured the unique vibes of each location and setting, particularly of Dubai where the climax takes place. There’s no doubt in my mind that Cumming spent extensive hours researching the busy streets and exuberant buildings of the Emirati city because it resonated quite well with my own memories of the city.
Charles Cumming has struck gold with this new series that continues to give and give with extraordinary and uber-realistic scenarios and characters. The last page of Judas 62 leaves no room for misinterpretation of the fact that Lachlan Kite will be back with an even more ambitious adventure in the future.
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