Brilliantly crafted with precision, realism and anxiety-inducing tension, The Handler is one of the most exquisite and intricate spy novels I have ever read. A smashing debut of epic proportions by M.P. Woodward that currently sits as the leader in the clubhouse for best debut novel of 2022.
Iran’s nuclear program is in full swing and rapidly progressing towards achieving weapons-grade enriched uranium, but their progress is being sabotaged by a CIA mole who wants to keep his nation from becoming a nuclear power. However, after suffering a personal tragedy the mole now wants out. Meanwhile, the Russians enter the picture to help the Iranians accelerate their nuclear capabilities and now the level of danger increases significantly for the mole, necessitating a daring and treacherous extraction attempt. Only there’s a catch. The mole will only trust his old handler, John Dale, to communicate with and commence an exfiltration plan they hatched years ago. But John left the CIA under a cloud of suspicion a while back and has no desire to re engage with an agency that doesn’t trust him. The CIA recognizes the dire implications of a nuclear Iran and will do anything to bring Dale back into the fold to secure their Iranian asset. So, they force Dale’s ex-wife and current CIA agent, Meredith Morris-Dale, to bring Dale in to save the day. Which kicks off a deadly cat-and-mouse game between the Americans, the Iranians and the Russians with nothing short of catastrophic consequences hanging over the world like a guillotine poised to drop on its victim.
It wouldn’t surprise me to learn that M.P. Woodward spent years honing this story. Because every character, action sequence, piece of tradecraft, and plot twist in The Handler are done with extreme care and purpose to ensure it fits the narrative of the story and the nature of each character. Every detail seamlessly comes together with intention to play a part in the bigger picture. There’s no wasted movement. No superfluous actions. Not a single hair is out of place. The result is a near flawless, wonderfully written novel that sucks you in early, keeps you emotionally invested throughout, and sticks with you after completion. Hallmarks of a great novel!
It’s obvious that M.P. Woodward’s experience in the intelligence and entertainment fields uniquely position him to be a successful thriller author. But just because someone has the background doesn’t mean they will automatically execute. Thankfully for thriller fans, M.P. Woodward has the goods and delivers big time with The Handler. It will be exciting to see what he has in store for us next. And with the way this book ended, there seems to be room for a sequel. If that’s indeed in the cards, sign me up right now to be first in line to pick up a copy.
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