A solid spy thriller set in 1961 and centred on a discovery that could change world of espionage in favour of the Soviet Union. As the Cold War heats up, the USA and the Soviets are locked in battle over the race into space. MI5 agent Richard Knox believes his new boss is a traitor, but how can he prove it?
Meanwhile, 2000 miles away is Valera, a female Russian scientist living with her young son in a Soviet "science city", hidden from prying eyes. As she works on a project which will give the Soviets the upper hand in satellite communication, tragedy strikes.
In London, Knox joins forces with a young CIA agent named Abey Bennett, while the KGB try to discover why one of their top scientists seems to have gone missing.
First time author Tim Glister effortlessly captures the atmosphere of suspicion and mistrust which permeates those secret agencies involved in the Cold War. His description of London's Soho district as Richard Knox dodges someone tracking him through the streets is brilliant, so much so that you feel you're with him every step of the way.
Despite part of the story concerning itself with the technical side of electronic surveillance, this is a gripping read with action that never slows. The main characters are a fascinating trio, each with their own well sketched background and each of whom draws the reader's sympathy. A remarkable debut novel. Highly recommended.
My thanks to Oneworld Publications and NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.