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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
A solid thriller. Better than most and it doesn't insult your intelligence. The lead character is believable and the various twists aren't predictable. The writing moves the book along and does not have the annoying tendency of this genre of distracting from the story through its poor execution or failed attempts at "literary" writing. The reason I don't rate it higher is that it doesn't elevate itself to the classic level of spy thrillers. There are no insights to the human condition and how the machinations of governments chew people up and spit them up. Sure, the lead character feels trapped and exhausted but the blame is put onto a few bad apples rather than the system itself. I'm struck by this as I recently read LeCarre's The Looking Glass War, which shows how gripping the genre can be, in less than 300 pages too.
Overall, worth reading and entertaining. A good page-turning beach book.
Overall, worth reading and entertaining. A good page-turning beach book.
My first Olen Steinhauer book was The Confession. So far, then, I have thoroughly enjoyed both books. Steinhauer has a way of parsing out details and nuances that keeps the reader mystified and wanting more. This story is about a CIA black ops agent and his world of high stakes espionage. For those who love such, this is an excellent read (or in this case, listen).
A clichéd spy novel that kept me interested but not on the edge of my seat. Milo weaver seems to have it all, even being a company man his entire life. Then the Tiger, foreign agent Milo has been searching for actually comes to him, and sends Milo into his own private investigation which leads him to some dark places both within the company (CIA for those not in the know) and internationally to other agencies. The portrayal of all these organizations is one of cooperation, but primarily fit their own good. Interesting but none of it actually riveting. Even the personal struggles of the people involved. But.. a good listen for a long ride
The Tourist offers a splendid, cinematic read that rises above the limitations of the spy/thriller genre. While the pages turn quickly, the book does mull over the cost of lying, individual responsibility in a global age, and other deeper ethical issues. I'll forgive the ending, since it seems pretty clear that Olen Steinhauer is establishing a frame for future books and adventures for his protagonist, Milo Weaver. If so, I'll be willing to go along for the ride.
Ooooh, the was such a great spy book. For years, Milo Weaver had no real name, identity or home--he essentially didn't exist. A Tourist for the CIA, his job was to carry out orders and collect information in any way necessary. In 2001, his career fell apart, the stress of the job finally getting to him. After an assignment gone wrong, Milo quit working as a Tourist; instead taking a desk job and becoming a family man.
However, in 2007, a break finally comes in a case he is working. For six years, Milo has been tracking The Tiger, an international assassin who never left enough evidence to be arrested but who supposedly was picked up in Kentucky for domestic abuse. When he arrives to identify that the man arrested really is the man he has been searching for, Milo is given information that quickly sends his world into a tailspin, forcing him to return to his life as a Tourist in order to find answers.
What follows is an intricate game of political cat and mouse, where no one can be trusted and nothing is as it seems. This was an incredibly quick and compelling read; intelligent, but yet not bogged down with overwhelming details (as I find in so many spy novels).
However, in 2007, a break finally comes in a case he is working. For six years, Milo has been tracking The Tiger, an international assassin who never left enough evidence to be arrested but who supposedly was picked up in Kentucky for domestic abuse. When he arrives to identify that the man arrested really is the man he has been searching for, Milo is given information that quickly sends his world into a tailspin, forcing him to return to his life as a Tourist in order to find answers.
What follows is an intricate game of political cat and mouse, where no one can be trusted and nothing is as it seems. This was an incredibly quick and compelling read; intelligent, but yet not bogged down with overwhelming details (as I find in so many spy novels).
I loved this book. It has a lot of twists and turns and it doesn't end the way you think it is going to. And my father's name is one of the aliases! George Clooney has already secured the rights to this book to make it a movie. It will make a great one.
I will read the follow-up book if only to see if Milo & Tina get back together. Seriously, though, an okay book.
The question of whether I need to read the books in order was answered as the book just ends. I liked it better the second attempt. There's a lot going on, but I really liked the main character Milo. I'm definitely rooting for things to turn out good for him. I would give it more 3.5 stars & I will be continuing on with the series.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes