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Alex Kovacs #11
Escape from Estonia: A Cold War espionage thriller
THE WAR IS OVER, BUT THE FIGHT CONTINUES.
In the latest book in the Alex Kovacs thriller series, the site is a new one but the problems are old. Alex finds himself in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, doing the kind of Cold War espionage work — chronicling train arrivals and shipments and the like — that is mundane on the one hand but viewed as vital in the struggle against Soviet oppression. The complications are numerous, though, because of Estonia’s recent taken over by the Soviets, and then by the Nazis, and then by the Soviets again, all in the space of a few years. The result is a kind of national dizziness, as people who cozied up to the Soviets, and then the Nazis, and then the Soviets again, attempt to look their neighbors in the eye without tumbling over. And even years after the end of World War II, the fight against Nazism seemingly won, the Hitler-lovers remain as unkill-able as cockroaches.
In the midst of all of that, Alex is torn by his view of right and wrong, and his duty to the Gehlen Organization, his anti-Communist-at-all-costs employer in the espionage business. This pushing and pulling leads him to dilemmas unique to Estonia but universal in their understanding — such as his attempt to work with farmers and vodka bootleggers being strangled by the Soviet takeover of the country, and his determination to assist a man who finds himself trapped by the Soviet secret police. And then there are the Forest Brothers — thousands of Nazi sympathizers who spent years hidden in the woods, running hit-and-run sabotage operations against the occupying Red Army. Alex gets tangled up with them, too, and tangled up with his beliefs and his emotions along the way.
This is the 11th book in the Alex Kovacs thriller series. Through the years -- and the transformation from traveling salesman, to courier, to espionage agent, to French Resistance fighter, to Cold War spy -- Alex has wrestled with his past and with his conscience, and that continues in Escape from Estonia. That combination of action and humanity has resulted in nearly a quarter-million sales for the series. Pick up a copy of Escape from Estonia today and see what Alex Kovacs is all about.
In the latest book in the Alex Kovacs thriller series, the site is a new one but the problems are old. Alex finds himself in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, doing the kind of Cold War espionage work — chronicling train arrivals and shipments and the like — that is mundane on the one hand but viewed as vital in the struggle against Soviet oppression. The complications are numerous, though, because of Estonia’s recent taken over by the Soviets, and then by the Nazis, and then by the Soviets again, all in the space of a few years. The result is a kind of national dizziness, as people who cozied up to the Soviets, and then the Nazis, and then the Soviets again, attempt to look their neighbors in the eye without tumbling over. And even years after the end of World War II, the fight against Nazism seemingly won, the Hitler-lovers remain as unkill-able as cockroaches.
In the midst of all of that, Alex is torn by his view of right and wrong, and his duty to the Gehlen Organization, his anti-Communist-at-all-costs employer in the espionage business. This pushing and pulling leads him to dilemmas unique to Estonia but universal in their understanding — such as his attempt to work with farmers and vodka bootleggers being strangled by the Soviet takeover of the country, and his determination to assist a man who finds himself trapped by the Soviet secret police. And then there are the Forest Brothers — thousands of Nazi sympathizers who spent years hidden in the woods, running hit-and-run sabotage operations against the occupying Red Army. Alex gets tangled up with them, too, and tangled up with his beliefs and his emotions along the way.
This is the 11th book in the Alex Kovacs thriller series. Through the years -- and the transformation from traveling salesman, to courier, to espionage agent, to French Resistance fighter, to Cold War spy -- Alex has wrestled with his past and with his conscience, and that continues in Escape from Estonia. That combination of action and humanity has resulted in nearly a quarter-million sales for the series. Pick up a copy of Escape from Estonia today and see what Alex Kovacs is all about.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2023
347 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Richard Wake
30 books101 followersRichard Wake's first career was as a newspaper reporter, columnist, and editor. Writing fiction was always an aspiration, especially historical fiction set in Europe during the inter-war period, and now it has become a reality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 28, 2023
More please
Addictive and admirable. The Magyar spelling of the surname is curious but everything else, down to the most minute detail, is beautifully executed. I don't want to write about this author, I just want to read more of his work!
Addictive and admirable. The Magyar spelling of the surname is curious but everything else, down to the most minute detail, is beautifully executed. I don't want to write about this author, I just want to read more of his work!
April 8, 2023
Good read and a Unique perspective
This entire series has been not only fun but provided a different perspective of pre-WWII in Germany and Austria. His life and death “adventures” with the French resistance and living in so-called neutral Switzerland during the war was eye- opening. Now with this book we see what the people of Estonia, and probably other Eastern European counties, had to deal with. First the Nazi and then Soviet brutality.
This entire series has been not only fun but provided a different perspective of pre-WWII in Germany and Austria. His life and death “adventures” with the French resistance and living in so-called neutral Switzerland during the war was eye- opening. Now with this book we see what the people of Estonia, and probably other Eastern European counties, had to deal with. First the Nazi and then Soviet brutality.
May 17, 2023
If you've got this far in the series, you are most likely hooked. Here Estonia serves as the background for Alex adventures, working to make sense of the emergent post war Cold War - and the unsavory political necessity of using services of former Nazis to counter the Soviet threat. It follows the familiar thread of Alex's seemingly trivial mission for the shadowy Gehlen organization and a parallel set of more personal adventures that become increasingly entangled with this professional spying business. Some nice additional bit part characters her help drive the story forward - I especially like the old boatman that ferries Alex back and forth to his handler. A far number of loose ends or unexplained plot turns made me feel that this book was perhaps rushed to completion???
December 5, 2024
good plots marred by adolescent characters
Now I don’t know if this is going to get published because Amazon has banned me for some obscure reason from leaving reviews. However, I’ve read all but the last book in the series. Interesting plots, some extremely intense stuff, but it is marrd by the adolescence of the main characters, Alex and Leon, who use profanity Far more freely than I suspect anybody in the 1940s ever did. That and their constant juvenile sexual banter. It really cheapens the books. It serves no purpose. If he left that out, the books would’ve been stronger for it. It’s not real life, it’s a cartoon.
Now I don’t know if this is going to get published because Amazon has banned me for some obscure reason from leaving reviews. However, I’ve read all but the last book in the series. Interesting plots, some extremely intense stuff, but it is marrd by the adolescence of the main characters, Alex and Leon, who use profanity Far more freely than I suspect anybody in the 1940s ever did. That and their constant juvenile sexual banter. It really cheapens the books. It serves no purpose. If he left that out, the books would’ve been stronger for it. It’s not real life, it’s a cartoon.
April 16, 2023
I enjoy both of Wakes’s series and have given 5 stars to each book except this one. I will happily change my rating with respect to this book, if wakes provides me with a sequel. I felt the end of the book was a cliffhanger. I can’t imagine the protagonist, allowing these Nazis to just go off into the wilderness without doing something about it. Otherwise, I enjoy the research that wakes does, although I occasionally disagree. The Estonian Jew-hatred was well known as were the camps in Estonia. Estonians served as guards in a number of concentration camps. I don’t believe there was only one mass grave of Jews in Estonia. Other than that, I like the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2023
“jar of hand cream”, classic!
The 11th book in the series and a good one. Plenty of witty conversation at the beginning before it gets very serious. Alex remains likeable and you can empathise with the wretched and conflicted position he finds himself in, again. No easy way out, lives lost and truth shattered. The people in the story give it the highly believable atmosphere and thinking matter. But Alex is still bereft of hope or some form of idea of what he could be. Nothing to look forward to sadly. A good read.
The 11th book in the series and a good one. Plenty of witty conversation at the beginning before it gets very serious. Alex remains likeable and you can empathise with the wretched and conflicted position he finds himself in, again. No easy way out, lives lost and truth shattered. The people in the story give it the highly believable atmosphere and thinking matter. But Alex is still bereft of hope or some form of idea of what he could be. Nothing to look forward to sadly. A good read.
March 29, 2023
Another fantastic book from Richard Wake
I enjoy this series so much and read this book quickly. Wake's books are very enjoyable with characters that feel so real. The plots are believable and each book is a page turner. This one is no exception. I can't wait for the next installment from one of my favorite authors!
I enjoy this series so much and read this book quickly. Wake's books are very enjoyable with characters that feel so real. The plots are believable and each book is a page turner. This one is no exception. I can't wait for the next installment from one of my favorite authors!
April 6, 2023
Good series
This is a good book/series. I have always liked the character Alex. And someone is always looking out from him above. These books are always fast moving and interesting. The only issue that I do not care for is the graphic sexual stories. But, maybe this is just the way these type people communicate??? On a whole this series is excellent.
This is a good book/series. I have always liked the character Alex. And someone is always looking out from him above. These books are always fast moving and interesting. The only issue that I do not care for is the graphic sexual stories. But, maybe this is just the way these type people communicate??? On a whole this series is excellent.
June 21, 2023
Another great Wake story
I have read all 12 books in this series as well as all the Ritter books Richard Wake has written, and thoroughly enjoyed them. Wake is an excellent writer and I find Alex Kovaks' character to be very interesting. I enjoy all the quips and blunt humor. Looking forward to the next in the series!
I have read all 12 books in this series as well as all the Ritter books Richard Wake has written, and thoroughly enjoyed them. Wake is an excellent writer and I find Alex Kovaks' character to be very interesting. I enjoy all the quips and blunt humor. Looking forward to the next in the series!
August 17, 2024
Review for Escape From Estonia
Richard Wake always makes his characters well rounded and believable. His main character. Alex Kovacs is a damaged, flawed individual but altogether someone who always tries to do right, despite extremely difficult circumstances. I have totally enjoyed reading this series thus far.
Richard Wake always makes his characters well rounded and believable. His main character. Alex Kovacs is a damaged, flawed individual but altogether someone who always tries to do right, despite extremely difficult circumstances. I have totally enjoyed reading this series thus far.
March 31, 2023
Great series
Alex Kovacs is one of the world’s great spy heroes. This series kept me interested over the long arc of the fight against Fascism in the 20th century. And thief just fun to read!
Alex Kovacs is one of the world’s great spy heroes. This series kept me interested over the long arc of the fight against Fascism in the 20th century. And thief just fun to read!
April 1, 2023
Gripping Read
Have enjoyed every part of this series, watching Kovacs grow in experience and knowledge. Move at a steady pace without any pretence of being a superhero. I recommend every episode of this series. Hope there is much gmore to come.
Have enjoyed every part of this series, watching Kovacs grow in experience and knowledge. Move at a steady pace without any pretence of being a superhero. I recommend every episode of this series. Hope there is much gmore to come.
April 6, 2023
Always a Tour in Europe, post-war Europe
What I've enjoyed in Richard Wake's books are the tours through prewar Europe, into the war, and it's aftermath. You meet the good and bad guys, but with a face. After a book or two, these guys are old friends who take you on a tour.
What I've enjoyed in Richard Wake's books are the tours through prewar Europe, into the war, and it's aftermath. You meet the good and bad guys, but with a face. After a book or two, these guys are old friends who take you on a tour.
April 12, 2023
East collides with the west
Really liked the story, an easy read as I do not know anything about the Baltic States other than ,they were quite happy to be free from Soviet rule during WW2.
Really liked the story, an easy read as I do not know anything about the Baltic States other than ,they were quite happy to be free from Soviet rule during WW2.
July 2, 2023
mmmm... Not really what I was expecting. I have never heard of the writer and didn’t know it was part of a popular thriller series. Could have been set in any ex-Eastern European country as the only references to Estonia were Tallinn, Tartu and the Forest Brothers, but I suppose like any fiction thriller it is for enjoyment of a good plot not accuracy of historical content.
Currently with family in Estonia, who have provided background of living here under German and Soviet occupations.
Interesting plot.
Currently with family in Estonia, who have provided background of living here under German and Soviet occupations.
Interesting plot.
September 17, 2024
Another wild story of Alex Kovac by
The language is gritty, the characters are gritty, but exactly what you should expect as people struggle to survive in post WWII Estonia. The story is fast pace, well written and humorous in classic Alex style.
The language is gritty, the characters are gritty, but exactly what you should expect as people struggle to survive in post WWII Estonia. The story is fast pace, well written and humorous in classic Alex style.
April 9, 2025
Interesting entanglements; Estonia in transition
How many challenges can a spy handle while immersed in a local community? Who can be trusted? Does pure truth exist? What's it like to live without a safety net?
How many challenges can a spy handle while immersed in a local community? Who can be trusted? Does pure truth exist? What's it like to live without a safety net?
Read
April 2, 2023Love all of Richard Wake’s Alex Kovacs books!
April 3, 2023
Great series of books
This book will keep you turning pages. Great plot. Great characters. I recommend starting with the first book and reading the whole series.
This book will keep you turning pages. Great plot. Great characters. I recommend starting with the first book and reading the whole series.
April 6, 2023
Great story
Love the Alex Kovacs series and loved this book. Great story about post WW II . Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Love the Alex Kovacs series and loved this book. Great story about post WW II . Can't wait for the next book in the series.
April 16, 2023
Ehjoyed
I have read all of this series and kept up with interest with each journey. He is a flawed man who somehow convince s me he is a good man.
I have read all of this series and kept up with interest with each journey. He is a flawed man who somehow convince s me he is a good man.
April 16, 2023
book 11
As with all the previous books, this was enjoyable to read. I like how Alex is forever talking to himself ( obviously me).
As with all the previous books, this was enjoyable to read. I like how Alex is forever talking to himself ( obviously me).
April 18, 2023
Frankly, I was disappointed. I think the character may have run his course. By the end I really did not care what happened to him. Perhaps he has just become too dark.
April 29, 2023
Excellent
Richard Wake has once again brought a believable story. The Cold War was dangerous and Alex Kovacs plays the cold war game well.
Richard Wake has once again brought a believable story. The Cold War was dangerous and Alex Kovacs plays the cold war game well.
May 8, 2023
This was a really good read. Definitely recommend it.
May 17, 2023
Excellent
More excellent than Wake’s usual excellent titles in this series. Hmm, might be my favorite of them all! All thumbs up. Bravo!
More excellent than Wake’s usual excellent titles in this series. Hmm, might be my favorite of them all! All thumbs up. Bravo!
May 26, 2023
good series
This series has a good backstory and each one has a new setting in a different time and place. Looking forward to the next one.
This series has a good backstory and each one has a new setting in a different time and place. Looking forward to the next one.
May 30, 2023
I am always disappointed when I finish one of his books. Can't wait for the next one. He is a great author, I have read them all.
July 11, 2023
Not for me!
I read the first ten chapters about twenty five percent. There was little story line, characters that could not talk unless using vulgarity.
I read the first ten chapters about twenty five percent. There was little story line, characters that could not talk unless using vulgarity.
July 15, 2023
Gripping! Poor Alex, Nazis keep popping up for him in the worst of ways, as they now do for us all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews