by Ted Bell
Part of Alexander Hawke, book 5
First published 2008
Alex Hawke confronts his most dangerous mission yet when Russia gains a new leader who calls himself tsar. This shadowy figure operates from the depths of the Russian power structure, pulling strings across continents while remaining virtually invisible to Western intelligence. The tsar has positioned Russia to control Europe's economic lifeline and threaten America directly. He demands that the United States allow Russia to reclaim its former territories without interference. When America refuses to comply, the tsar sends a brutal message. A killer called Happy the Baker murders an entire family in the American Midwest and destroys their town completely. The attack serves as a warning of the devastation to follow if America continues to resist Russian expansion. Both American and British intelligence agencies turn to Hawke as their only hope. The counter spy must navigate this escalating crisis as Russia transforms into something far more dangerous than Cold War strategists ever imagined. Hawke faces a enemy who seeks to restore imperial Russian power and will spill American blood to achieve that goal.
Genres: adventure, action, espionage, political-thriller
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, spy
Setting: America, Europe, Russia
Period: 21st-century
512 pages · Hardcover · Atria
Content warnings: violence