David McCloskey paints a stylish and gritty depiction of espionage in the modern era running on disinformation, coercion, and brutal wanton acts taking place behind the scenes as much as out in the open. If you enjoyed Jason Matthews’ Red Sparrow series, then you’re undoubtedly going to devour Moscow X.
After running amok of Russian operatives in Tajikistan, the CIA Station Chief of Dushanbe hatches a daring plot to deal a devastating blow against the Russian President. Pulling CIA officers Sia and Max into a dangerous mission of recruiting Putin’s money man. There, they’re introduced to the moneyman’s wife and what was already quite difficult becomes even more dastardly daunting as Anna seems to be on a mission of her own. With conflicting and volatile allegiances, taut wire-walking of undercover work, and nerve-racking mind games, Moscow X is one of the most intense and authentic spy thrillers I’ve read. You will think twice before believing it is actually fiction.
Whether it’s money laundering, dirty politics, gut-wrenching consequences of shadowy espionage, or horse racing, every element in this thriller is laced with concentrated doses of realism that translates into sheer excitement for readers. McCloskey paints his characters with a flawed brush that exhibits their vulnerabilities in unsettling colors and later turned into strengths for them to fight their way out of the most dangerous situations. It’s perhaps because of this reason that we can’t fully put our trust in the characters, wanting to believe in their inane goodness but wary of the cold calculated nature of spies that darkly appeals to fans of cerebral spy thrillers. In the midst of ideological warfare, McCloskey sows just enough seeds for quiet contemplation that ultimately boils down to the individuals.
With paranoia plaguing every move the characters make, the narrative keeps the flow riveting and enjoyable even during the slower moments that are indeed important to advance the story. The ending leaves room for a future with these characters and I really hope McCloskey brings them back in the future.
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