First published 2009
An encrypted message arrives at CIA headquarters from Tehran. The sender calls himself Dr. Ali, an Iranian scientist claiming access to his country's nuclear weapons program. Harry Pappas must determine whether this potential asset is genuine or a trap. Dr. Ali continues transmitting bomb program secrets to the agency, but soon grows frightened. Someone is tracking him, though neither he nor Pappas can identify the surveillance team. The White House offers no assistance, instead seeking justification for military strikes against Tehran. Pappas contacts a covert British unit called The Increment, elite operatives authorized to kill in service of their missions. As Pappas works to extract his source from Iran, he discovers the situation involves far more complexity than anyone realized. To uncover the truth and complete his mission, Pappas faces an impossible choice that will force him to act against his own government.
Genres: thriller, action, espionage, political-thriller
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, impossible-choice
Setting: CIA, Iran, Tehran, Britain
Period: Contemporary
400 pages · Hardcover · W. W. Norton & Company