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The Collaborators
Slow Horses meets Red Sparrow in this electrifying, globe-trotting spy thriller featuring a brilliant young intelligence officer and a troubled heiress who stumble into a global conspiracy that pits present-day Russia against the CIA and MI5.
Combining realistic thrills with sophisticated spycraft and witty dialogue, The Collaborators delivers a gut-punch answer to the biggest geopolitical question of our time: how, exactly, did post-Soviet Russia turn down the wrong path?
Crisscrossing the globe on the way to this shocking revelation are disaffected millennial CIA officer Ari Falk, thrown into a moral and professional crisis by the death of his best asset; and brash, troubled LA heiress Maya Chou, spiraling after the disappearance of her Russian American billionaire father. The duo’s adventures take us to both classic and surprising locales—from Berlin, to Latvia, Belarus, and a 1980s Jewish refugee camp near Rome.
Dynamic, fast-paced, and filled with captivating details that provide a window into a secretive world, The Collaborators is a first-rate thriller that pays homage to both meanings of “intelligence.”
Combining realistic thrills with sophisticated spycraft and witty dialogue, The Collaborators delivers a gut-punch answer to the biggest geopolitical question of our time: how, exactly, did post-Soviet Russia turn down the wrong path?
Crisscrossing the globe on the way to this shocking revelation are disaffected millennial CIA officer Ari Falk, thrown into a moral and professional crisis by the death of his best asset; and brash, troubled LA heiress Maya Chou, spiraling after the disappearance of her Russian American billionaire father. The duo’s adventures take us to both classic and surprising locales—from Berlin, to Latvia, Belarus, and a 1980s Jewish refugee camp near Rome.
Dynamic, fast-paced, and filled with captivating details that provide a window into a secretive world, The Collaborators is a first-rate thriller that pays homage to both meanings of “intelligence.”
272 pages, Hardcover
First published November 19, 2024
245 people are currently reading
28308 people want to read
About the author
Michael Idov
8 books108 followersMichael Idov is a novelist, director, and screenwriter. A Latvian-born American raised in Riga under Soviet occupation, he moved to New York after graduating from the University of Michigan. His writing career began at New York magazine, where his features won three National Magazine Awards. Michael has also been the editor-in-chief of GQ Russia. He is the author of Ground Up and Dressed Up for a Riot. Michael has worked on numerous film and TV projects, including Londongrad, Deutschland 83, Leto, and The Humorist. Along with his wife and screenwriting partner, Lily, they divide their time between Los Angeles, Berlin, and Portugal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
November 26, 2024
Thank you to Scribner, Dart Frogg Communications and Simon Audio for the copies to review.
Oh my, this spy thriller started off fast and never stopped until the end. I listened to this one via audio and loved it so much, I was engrossed in the story, loved the banter and dad jokes worked in as relief from the plot’s intensity, and the ending was fantastic. All in all this was excellent, well executed and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. If you like this this sub-genre or want a fast paced thriller then I highly recommend. This one is available now!
Oh my, this spy thriller started off fast and never stopped until the end. I listened to this one via audio and loved it so much, I was engrossed in the story, loved the banter and dad jokes worked in as relief from the plot’s intensity, and the ending was fantastic. All in all this was excellent, well executed and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. If you like this this sub-genre or want a fast paced thriller then I highly recommend. This one is available now!
September 13, 2024
The Collaborators is a twisty and exciting international espionage novel. Like most spy novels, this is a high-stakes and high-intensity story spanning multiple countries and perspectives.
Part of what makes spy stories so much fun is that in terms of plausibility, almost anything goes -- readers are just along for the adventure. However, because of this, spy stories can sometimes get very convoluted and jargon-heavy. The Collaborators balanced this nicely. The book gave us the requisite layers and twists while still being relatively easy to follow along with. It felt realistic while still providing non-stop action, and that made for a suspenseful and intriguing read.
Arie was a very likable character and it was fun following along with him as he attempted to unravel the truth. The ending was strong, surprising, and wrapped everything up nicely. While the characters weren't necessarily the most in-depth, they didn't have to be for this story.
Thanks to the publisher for my gifted advance copy!
If you want an exciting new read full of spies, global tension, and international mystery, this new novel from Michael Idov fits the brief! Here's hoping we get to see more espionage fiction from Idov in the future!
Part of what makes spy stories so much fun is that in terms of plausibility, almost anything goes -- readers are just along for the adventure. However, because of this, spy stories can sometimes get very convoluted and jargon-heavy. The Collaborators balanced this nicely. The book gave us the requisite layers and twists while still being relatively easy to follow along with. It felt realistic while still providing non-stop action, and that made for a suspenseful and intriguing read.
Arie was a very likable character and it was fun following along with him as he attempted to unravel the truth. The ending was strong, surprising, and wrapped everything up nicely. While the characters weren't necessarily the most in-depth, they didn't have to be for this story.
Thanks to the publisher for my gifted advance copy!
If you want an exciting new read full of spies, global tension, and international mystery, this new novel from Michael Idov fits the brief! Here's hoping we get to see more espionage fiction from Idov in the future!
December 3, 2024
I don’t read many spy or espionage novels, but this one was so well done. I enjoyed the thrills and chills and danger lurking at every corner or dark alley.
A CIA officer stationed in Latvia discovers his best asset’s murder is somehow tied to the death of a Russian American billionaire and his daughter. The Collaborators offers up adventure, family drama and sophisticated spycraft and espionage with witty dialogue as the duo travels across Europe from Latvia to Portugal, Istanbul to Moscow and back to the USA. It's a high-stakes and high-intensity story with varying perspectives and flashbacks to the 1980s and 1995.
I thoroughly enjoyed both Ari Falk, the CIA agent in Latvia, and LA heiress Maya Chou. They had great chemistry and their jokes and banter were spot on. They were very believable as an intelligence officer suffering a crisis of faith about his job and a young women grieving the life of her often distant father. Trouble was brewing at every turn and the twists kept me on my toes trying to figure out who to trust - or not. I found myself completely absorbed in the story and the ending was nearly perfect.
At less than 300 pages, however, I think this was a case of not enough story versus too much. The shortness makes it a fast paced read but it could have benefitted from some more in-depth character development for both Ari and Maya.
Many thanks to Dart Frogg Communications and Scribner Books for my complimentary finished copy of the Collaborators.
A CIA officer stationed in Latvia discovers his best asset’s murder is somehow tied to the death of a Russian American billionaire and his daughter. The Collaborators offers up adventure, family drama and sophisticated spycraft and espionage with witty dialogue as the duo travels across Europe from Latvia to Portugal, Istanbul to Moscow and back to the USA. It's a high-stakes and high-intensity story with varying perspectives and flashbacks to the 1980s and 1995.
I thoroughly enjoyed both Ari Falk, the CIA agent in Latvia, and LA heiress Maya Chou. They had great chemistry and their jokes and banter were spot on. They were very believable as an intelligence officer suffering a crisis of faith about his job and a young women grieving the life of her often distant father. Trouble was brewing at every turn and the twists kept me on my toes trying to figure out who to trust - or not. I found myself completely absorbed in the story and the ending was nearly perfect.
At less than 300 pages, however, I think this was a case of not enough story versus too much. The shortness makes it a fast paced read but it could have benefitted from some more in-depth character development for both Ari and Maya.
Many thanks to Dart Frogg Communications and Scribner Books for my complimentary finished copy of the Collaborators.
November 13, 2024
The Collaborators is a contemporary spy-thriller from Michael Idov.
“Ari Falk is a CIA officer who has jus lost his best asset. While investigating he stumbles into missing money and the sudden killings of witnesses. He is thrown together with Maya Chou, a sometimes actress and daughter of a deceased financier. Together they travel to European hotspots looking for answers.”
There are a bunch of characters and locations in this story. The beginning is slow but then the pace picks up. There are a few plotlines going on that come together at the end. Except for one - probably setting up for another book.
This author likes his fancy chairs. Characters had Eames and Wassily chairs. And the description of a bank waiting lounge had an interesting fancy description. I like that the author attempted some non-cliche metaphors, but I had to do a little research on a couple.
It was nice to see a spy-thriller written this way without being so tech heavy.
“Ari Falk is a CIA officer who has jus lost his best asset. While investigating he stumbles into missing money and the sudden killings of witnesses. He is thrown together with Maya Chou, a sometimes actress and daughter of a deceased financier. Together they travel to European hotspots looking for answers.”
There are a bunch of characters and locations in this story. The beginning is slow but then the pace picks up. There are a few plotlines going on that come together at the end. Except for one - probably setting up for another book.
This author likes his fancy chairs. Characters had Eames and Wassily chairs. And the description of a bank waiting lounge had an interesting fancy description. I like that the author attempted some non-cliche metaphors, but I had to do a little research on a couple.
It was nice to see a spy-thriller written this way without being so tech heavy.
December 2, 2024
November 25, 2024
Book Review
The Collaborators
Michael Idov
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Michael Idol, noted novelist, director, and screenwriter, delivers a debut gem of a spy thriller steeped in realistic, relevant international plots with fresh and vibrant millennial characters taking center stage. His portrayal of spycraft is amplified by witty and sarcastic dialogue.
Millennial CIA officer Ari Falk is thrust into chaos following the death of his best asset, compounded by the brutal slaying of two trusted colleagues in a cinematic assault scene. Ari, a case officer for the Covert Activities Department, operates under the guise of a media investment company to identify and cultivate dissident assets who aid in counter-propaganda dissemination. One of his key missions involves assisting Russian journalists in publishing stories damaging to the Kremlin.
His latest find is Anton Basmanny, a brash, openly gay, 27-year-old video blogger who has made a name for himself by confronting local officials with on-the-street interviews posing unanswerable questions. Anton’s most recent exposé led to the dismissal of a high-ranking official. Ari initiated a detailed plan to exfiltrate him before he could be mysteriously eliminated. Ari Falk evokes comparisons to Mick Herron’s character River Cartwright in Slow Horses.
The exfiltration goes awry when Anton is forcibly removed from a passenger jet bound for freedom. The plane is strafed by a MiG-29 jet and forced to land in Latvia. After intense interrogation, Anton is sent back on a flight to Istanbul, but not before overhearing the questioning—and apparent execution—of a mysterious couple: a Russian wife and her American husband. Why they were detained remains unclear, but Anton distinctly heard two gunshots.
Ari flies to Istanbul to question Anton, only for the blogger to suddenly seize, lose consciousness, and die during their debriefing—clearly poisoned with a long-acting agent, possibly Novichok. Ari’s investigation is just beginning.
Meanwhile, Maya Chou (née Obrandt) learns of her father’s death in Portugal, purportedly a suicide by drowning, while watching television. Maya, a feisty 23-year-old aspiring actress and Los Angeles heiress, is poised to inherit her financier father’s immense wealth, including a palatial home on the Algarve coast. Unconvinced by the official account of his death, Maya races off to LAX instead of writing his eulogy, determined to investigate what she suspects is a staged death.
Maya’s path soon crosses that of Ari Falk, and they realize their quests are intertwined. Their partnership evolves into a romantic connection, drawing comparisons to the iconic chemistry of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, spilling off the page.
Idol proves to be a masterful storyteller, weaving together a globe-trotting adventure laced with authentic tradecraft, escalating tension, and intrigue. This propulsive thriller, accented with humor and a touch of romance, culminates in a twisty, satisfying denouement. This immensely entertaining yarn is not to be missed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner Publishing for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
.... Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com....
Book Review
The Collaborators
Michael Idov
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Michael Idol, noted novelist, director, and screenwriter, delivers a debut gem of a spy thriller steeped in realistic, relevant international plots with fresh and vibrant millennial characters taking center stage. His portrayal of spycraft is amplified by witty and sarcastic dialogue.
Millennial CIA officer Ari Falk is thrust into chaos following the death of his best asset, compounded by the brutal slaying of two trusted colleagues in a cinematic assault scene. Ari, a case officer for the Covert Activities Department, operates under the guise of a media investment company to identify and cultivate dissident assets who aid in counter-propaganda dissemination. One of his key missions involves assisting Russian journalists in publishing stories damaging to the Kremlin.
His latest find is Anton Basmanny, a brash, openly gay, 27-year-old video blogger who has made a name for himself by confronting local officials with on-the-street interviews posing unanswerable questions. Anton’s most recent exposé led to the dismissal of a high-ranking official. Ari initiated a detailed plan to exfiltrate him before he could be mysteriously eliminated. Ari Falk evokes comparisons to Mick Herron’s character River Cartwright in Slow Horses.
The exfiltration goes awry when Anton is forcibly removed from a passenger jet bound for freedom. The plane is strafed by a MiG-29 jet and forced to land in Latvia. After intense interrogation, Anton is sent back on a flight to Istanbul, but not before overhearing the questioning—and apparent execution—of a mysterious couple: a Russian wife and her American husband. Why they were detained remains unclear, but Anton distinctly heard two gunshots.
Ari flies to Istanbul to question Anton, only for the blogger to suddenly seize, lose consciousness, and die during their debriefing—clearly poisoned with a long-acting agent, possibly Novichok. Ari’s investigation is just beginning.
Meanwhile, Maya Chou (née Obrandt) learns of her father’s death in Portugal, purportedly a suicide by drowning, while watching television. Maya, a feisty 23-year-old aspiring actress and Los Angeles heiress, is poised to inherit her financier father’s immense wealth, including a palatial home on the Algarve coast. Unconvinced by the official account of his death, Maya races off to LAX instead of writing his eulogy, determined to investigate what she suspects is a staged death.
Maya’s path soon crosses that of Ari Falk, and they realize their quests are intertwined. Their partnership evolves into a romantic connection, drawing comparisons to the iconic chemistry of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, spilling off the page.
Idol proves to be a masterful storyteller, weaving together a globe-trotting adventure laced with authentic tradecraft, escalating tension, and intrigue. This propulsive thriller, accented with humor and a touch of romance, culminates in a twisty, satisfying denouement. This immensely entertaining yarn is not to be missed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner Publishing for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
.... Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com....
August 24, 2024
"The Collaborator" is an action-packed international spy thriller from beginning to end. I found Arie Falk very likable and enjoyed his hunt for the truth (which I did not figure out). I feel like this could be the beginning of a series featuring Falk.
I know it's a mental thing, but I can read 100 pages fast if the chapters are 10 pages or less each. The chapters in this book were 35 to 45 pages. (This is not an exaggeration. 6 chapters/258 pages) "I can do one more chapter" before bed doesn't happen with chapters that length, so it took me longer to read than it should have for a book that length. Despite the long chapters, I enjoyed this book.
I won this in a giveaway on Goodreads. Thank you to Goodreads, Scribner/Simon & Shuster, and the author, Michael Idov, for the opportunity to read "The Collaborator."
I know it's a mental thing, but I can read 100 pages fast if the chapters are 10 pages or less each. The chapters in this book were 35 to 45 pages. (This is not an exaggeration. 6 chapters/258 pages) "I can do one more chapter" before bed doesn't happen with chapters that length, so it took me longer to read than it should have for a book that length. Despite the long chapters, I enjoyed this book.
I won this in a giveaway on Goodreads. Thank you to Goodreads, Scribner/Simon & Shuster, and the author, Michael Idov, for the opportunity to read "The Collaborator."
September 26, 2025
I am trying to remember why I was interested in this spy thriller. I tried really hard to get in to this one, it seemed so promising in the beginning with its well-thought-out characters, and action-packed scenes. But there were too many abrupt scene changes that made it a bit distracting to read and follow for me.
Yes, there was heightened suspense and drama and a plot that could possibly leave readers wondering what will happen next in this world of espionage, also involving politics. Especially for the life of an intelligence officer when faced with adversity. This can be a compelling read for those who enjoy spy thrillers with surprising twists. But for me, I just had a hard time connecting with the story and characters.
3.5 stars
Yes, there was heightened suspense and drama and a plot that could possibly leave readers wondering what will happen next in this world of espionage, also involving politics. Especially for the life of an intelligence officer when faced with adversity. This can be a compelling read for those who enjoy spy thrillers with surprising twists. But for me, I just had a hard time connecting with the story and characters.
3.5 stars
December 13, 2024
The Collaborators is an espionage thriller that crosses the globe and takes the reader on one heck of a rollercoaster ride.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
With exciting action scenes and a couple of surprises, the story kept me captivated from beginning to end.
The riveting plot moves at a sizzling pace as the MC travels from country to country and the tension level was high throughout. Nearly everyone had agendas and the novel features deception, betrayal, espionage, power, and more.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Espionage thriller
Action
Twists
International travel
Bit of romance
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
I kicked off my dreadmill/treadmill season with this audiobook and it was an excellent pick! Santino
Fontana bought this cinematic story to life along with each character’s personality.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Fast
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
If you are in the mood for a global espionage thriller, then look no further!
Thank you Scribner for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
With exciting action scenes and a couple of surprises, the story kept me captivated from beginning to end.
The riveting plot moves at a sizzling pace as the MC travels from country to country and the tension level was high throughout. Nearly everyone had agendas and the novel features deception, betrayal, espionage, power, and more.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Espionage thriller
Action
Twists
International travel
Bit of romance
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
I kicked off my dreadmill/treadmill season with this audiobook and it was an excellent pick! Santino
Fontana bought this cinematic story to life along with each character’s personality.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Fast
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
If you are in the mood for a global espionage thriller, then look no further!
Thank you Scribner for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
January 25, 2025
Globe-hopping spy hoodoo. Car-chases, billions at stake, and there’s a dame. There’s always a dame. Loopy but fun.
December 10, 2024
A mixed-up. hard to fathom story about Russian sies and American agents with a plot that is hard to follow. The writing is good enough quality and intelligent but the story jumps around with gaps making it a frustrating read.
December 30, 2024
I am sure there is an audience for this book. Unfortunately, for me it dealt was a subject that I am not that invested in. I sort of liked Anton Basmanny, but as with other people who go against the Russian government, he flaunted his position, and had the temerity to make the government the object of ridicule.
Ari Falk was a bit smarter, but I did not stick around long enough to find out much smarter.
Ari Falk was a bit smarter, but I did not stick around long enough to find out much smarter.
Read
July 10, 2025Dnf at 38%
Many POVs and I couldn’t connect with any of them. Just a lot if info to take in
A special thanks to Scribner for the gifted copy.
Many POVs and I couldn’t connect with any of them. Just a lot if info to take in
A special thanks to Scribner for the gifted copy.
August 18, 2025
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway for my honest review. This was supposed to be more like a spy thriller. It ended up being more of a Romantic Thriller. CIA Officer Ari Falk is constantly interacting and traveling the globe with Maya Chou. Officer Falk is trying to find his asset all over the globe, the thing is his asset is Maya Chou's father. This book has all the time sensitive and action scenes of any spy thriller, however too many abrupt scene changes are happening in this book and it takes away from a very unfathomable plot, it makes it hard to follow. It was an okay book. It wasn't very thrilling in my opinion. Read it yourself and see what you think.
March 28, 2025
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A passenger plane flying through Belarusian air space is grounded by a fighter jet. The passengers are forced to debark. At first glance, it seems like this is all aimed at some Russian comedian/journalist, but a couple of other passengers seem to be missing.
This leads to a 1960's style espionage tale with some updating for the times.
Not bad, but Ian Fleming only took 140 pages.
A passenger plane flying through Belarusian air space is grounded by a fighter jet. The passengers are forced to debark. At first glance, it seems like this is all aimed at some Russian comedian/journalist, but a couple of other passengers seem to be missing.
This leads to a 1960's style espionage tale with some updating for the times.
Not bad, but Ian Fleming only took 140 pages.
March 31, 2025
This is what a thriller should be: non-stop action and intrigue, with enough character development that I care what happens to them but not so much that it gets in the way of the plot. I particularly connected with the lead character, Ari Falk, as a fellow Russian Studies major who went into academia instead of joining the CIA. Having studied in Russia in the 1990s, I was especially pleased to see the accuracy of the backstories and rationale for the whole thing.
One fun bit: in the middle of the book, there’s a handwritten letter in Russian, which I read without remarking that it was in a book otherwise written in English. It wasn’t until I got to the next paragraph that I realized the character who found it couldn’t read Russian handwriting and therefore I was privy to a bit of plot she didn’t know yet. If you can’t read Russian, hang tight and you will get the translation a few chapters later when Maya does.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and am very happy to have read it. I look forward to future work from the author!
One fun bit: in the middle of the book, there’s a handwritten letter in Russian, which I read without remarking that it was in a book otherwise written in English. It wasn’t until I got to the next paragraph that I realized the character who found it couldn’t read Russian handwriting and therefore I was privy to a bit of plot she didn’t know yet. If you can’t read Russian, hang tight and you will get the translation a few chapters later when Maya does.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and am very happy to have read it. I look forward to future work from the author!
June 5, 2025
I won this book through Goodreads.
I haven't read all that many spy novels so it's not easy for me to give an objective review.
It didn't really grab me right away. I thought it had a little too much Russian government stuff, too many initials, organization names, location names, and character names to remember, so by the time they were mentioned later in the book, I forgot who or what they were.
However, It did become a more interesting story after getting more familiar with it.
Some places in the book I felt I had to kind of read between the lines to find out what was really happening (Not all that straightforward) so I had to re-read some parts because I thought I was missing something. (that might just be me.)
I did like the main characters and thought it was a good story Overall.
I haven't read all that many spy novels so it's not easy for me to give an objective review.
It didn't really grab me right away. I thought it had a little too much Russian government stuff, too many initials, organization names, location names, and character names to remember, so by the time they were mentioned later in the book, I forgot who or what they were.
However, It did become a more interesting story after getting more familiar with it.
Some places in the book I felt I had to kind of read between the lines to find out what was really happening (Not all that straightforward) so I had to re-read some parts because I thought I was missing something. (that might just be me.)
I did like the main characters and thought it was a good story Overall.
December 7, 2024
The novel started out with interesting observations about Russia / Eastern Europe, but then it seemed to go in multiple directions with mundane main characters. I was able to get about 20% through the story, but found the plot to be a bit unappealing.
December 27, 2024
A pretty good spy novel-good character development, plot- OK-who would believe that one spy had to wait for over 25 years to see the love of his life, espionage-yes!, a few twist and turns and some good spy craft . Enjoy
January 15, 2025
A solid 3 star read.
A decently entertaining international espionage novel that would be great for fans of political intrigue and spy novels.
In general, this story had an intriguing plot and decent pacing. There were some aspects that I didn't particularly enjoy, such as the reoccurring bigotry of side characters (even as it was vaguely frowned upon by the main character), and female characters were very much portrayed through the male gaze, which grated on me a bit, but as long as I was able to turn my brain off, it was an enjoyable enough book, and the espionage intrigue had me flying through this book, trying to solve all the mysteries.
I do think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it myself rather than listening to the audiobook, however. While the narrator had a decent voice in the narrative sections, I did not enjoy his voice for female characters at all, and I wasn't a huge fan of the voices he did for many of the side characters either. The narration is the main reason this novel doesn't rate above a 3 for me.
A decently entertaining international espionage novel that would be great for fans of political intrigue and spy novels.
In general, this story had an intriguing plot and decent pacing. There were some aspects that I didn't particularly enjoy, such as the reoccurring bigotry of side characters (even as it was vaguely frowned upon by the main character), and female characters were very much portrayed through the male gaze, which grated on me a bit, but as long as I was able to turn my brain off, it was an enjoyable enough book, and the espionage intrigue had me flying through this book, trying to solve all the mysteries.
I do think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it myself rather than listening to the audiobook, however. While the narrator had a decent voice in the narrative sections, I did not enjoy his voice for female characters at all, and I wasn't a huge fan of the voices he did for many of the side characters either. The narration is the main reason this novel doesn't rate above a 3 for me.
November 27, 2024
Fun spy thriller - if you don't think too hard about it.
Ari Falk is a CIA operative who starts going off book, and Maya a young woman born into wealth whose father is suddenly reported dead by suicide. Their paths cross, and the narrative also takes the reader back in time, to follow Maya's dad's story.
The changing perspectives, countries, and timelines made The Collaborators a fast read. Be advised it contains several deaths, not just of "bad guys."
Where it didn't quite hit the mark is when I really thought through the plot - I'm not convinced by the motive behind the inciting action. (I thought maybe I missed something, but I reread a few chapters and didn't find it.) At the same time, I liked that the ending left the story open to a sequel, so if one's forthcoming I'll probably be on board.
P.S. Santino Fontana narrated the audio version!
Thank you to Scribner for a free copy of this book.
Ari Falk is a CIA operative who starts going off book, and Maya a young woman born into wealth whose father is suddenly reported dead by suicide. Their paths cross, and the narrative also takes the reader back in time, to follow Maya's dad's story.
The changing perspectives, countries, and timelines made The Collaborators a fast read. Be advised it contains several deaths, not just of "bad guys."
Where it didn't quite hit the mark is when I really thought through the plot - I'm not convinced by the motive behind the inciting action. (I thought maybe I missed something, but I reread a few chapters and didn't find it.) At the same time, I liked that the ending left the story open to a sequel, so if one's forthcoming I'll probably be on board.
P.S. Santino Fontana narrated the audio version!
Thank you to Scribner for a free copy of this book.
February 23, 2025
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the spy chase part of the book. I didn’t care about the characters that much though as they seemed rather generic. I would recommend it if you want an easy read in the spy genre. I won this copy on a Goodreads giveaway.
December 8, 2024
So good!! If you love thrillers, this one will dazzle!!
March 10, 2025
Pretty solid espionage thriller
December 28, 2024
The Collaborators is an action infused spy tale which held my interest from page one to the end. The main characters are vivid and their adventures are intriguing. CIA agent Ari Falk is impulsively attempting to track down the killers of a very important asset and some of his fellow agents, while Maya Obrandt is seeking answers to questions surrounding her father's suicide. They act together and separately on their quests that end up entwined in one goal. It's an exciting book and I plan to track down more of this author's work.
October 1, 2025
Wow! A spy novel for the 21st century. No tuxedos, no Bentleys, no special cigarettes. Just a spy organization, and a spy, working on staying below the radar (and failing often), and yet resolving the issues. The writing is tight, the action non-stop, and the whole thing feels real. Loved the book.
October 2, 2025
Not my cup of tea. The plot was convoluted and there are so many fake-outs and twists that it ought to be accompanied by a yellow caution sign.
Pacing as uneven as the ridge line of the Rockies made for alternating between boredom and edge of seat moments.
A generous three stars.
Pacing as uneven as the ridge line of the Rockies made for alternating between boredom and edge of seat moments.
A generous three stars.
February 27, 2025
3⭐️ This was a quick but forgettable read for me. It’s good if you want a mindless spy popcorn thriller, and the audiobook was well narrated too.
🅿🆁🅾🆂
✅ Fast paced from the very start
✅ Spy thriller with a lot of action
✅ Narration by Santino Fontana was excellent (𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘢 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺𝘯 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘳𝘰𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘦 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳.)
🅲🅾🅽🆂
⛔️ Maya was VERY annoying. I had to switch from the audio to the physical once she and Falk met up bc her dialogue drove me crazy.
⛔️ The cliché hookup and cringe dialogue between the two was something I could do without.
⛔️ It’s very plot heavy and needed more character development. I struggled to remember much about anyone and didn’t connect to any characters.
⛔️ There are a lot of characters and the author switched between first and last names, adding to my confusion of tracking them.
🅿🆁🅾🆂
✅ Fast paced from the very start
✅ Spy thriller with a lot of action
✅ Narration by Santino Fontana was excellent (𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘢 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺𝘯 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘳𝘰𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘦 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳.)
🅲🅾🅽🆂
⛔️ Maya was VERY annoying. I had to switch from the audio to the physical once she and Falk met up bc her dialogue drove me crazy.
⛔️ The cliché hookup and cringe dialogue between the two was something I could do without.
⛔️ It’s very plot heavy and needed more character development. I struggled to remember much about anyone and didn’t connect to any characters.
⛔️ There are a lot of characters and the author switched between first and last names, adding to my confusion of tracking them.
May 6, 2025
Getting through this was a real struggle. Boring prose, negligible character development. Nothing about it provokes any insight or reflection on larger themes; just pedestrian takes culled from skimming news headlines, punctuated by action set pieces.
All of which is strange given the author’s interview appearances profess a real passion for deeper execution of the genre, and writers who do it well. At very least, he avoided racist cliches.
All of which is strange given the author’s interview appearances profess a real passion for deeper execution of the genre, and writers who do it well. At very least, he avoided racist cliches.
November 19, 2024
I just couldn’t get into this book. I found it hard at times to keep track of what was going on. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
October 22, 2024
My thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for an advance copy of this espionage novel dealing with Russia, the United States, a past that won't stay the past, and a future where money and control are the true political ideas.
I was in college when the Berlin Wall fell, and USSR changed became the Russian Federation. Being a selfish book person my first thoughts were what were all the espionage and men's adventure authors going to write about. For a time this whole subgenre changed. Some series just foundered without a Red Menace. Some author turned towards Middle East terrorists, maybe a bit of Asian racism to keep their series characters going. Russia many thought was going to be a new New World. Ripe for exploration and exploration, only needing Elvis, Jesus and Coca-Cola to make them a new place to make money. Soon however the world found out that the more things change the more things stay the same. People still crave power, still crave money and still covet control. A coup or two later, and Russia was back, maybe weaker, but with money, and resources to find those weak enough to take that money, to look away when paid, or to roll over and beg when that money gathered information that could be kompromat. The Collaborators by screenwriter, director and author Michael Idov is a story set in the recent past about how Russia came to be the way it is, the power they use to keep control, and the people that ground up in this continuing great game.
The book begins with a blogger trying to get out of Russian controlled territory on a flight out of Turkey. This blogger had managed to get onto the estate of a powerful man in Russian government, embarrassing the man and making him leave office. Which of course makes puts the blogger at risk. The plane is intercepted by a Russian MIG fighter, and forced to land in Russian territory. The blogger is forced to make a video denouncing his video, but also witnessing something horrific. The possible muder of two other passengers from the same plane. The blogger shares his story with is contact a CIA agent near the end of his interest in the shadow world, Ari Falk. Falk thought he had tendered his resignation to the CIA by beating a Russian asset in a airport bathroom, but instead he is approached to find out who this couple might be, and what happened to the blogger, who died of poisoning after leaving Russian air space. At the same time a pampered woman in Los Angles learns about the death of her father, and finds out much more about him that she never knew. These investigations cross in Europe leading both to find out that past they both know might be a lie, and that governments might fall, but the quest for power and money never stops.
A new kind of thriller mixing the past and the present, well the World of 2021 in an intriguing mix. Idov is a screenwriter and director and one can see this in the writing, the scenes are well described, clothing, sounds, smells, which is rare in many thrillers. The action is good crisp, maybe a little too Bourne for the story, but one understands why. The writing is familiar, amateur joining with a burnt-out case to figure out what is going on, but the characters are well developed, the story is fresh and interesting, and Idov is very skilled at making one care what is going on. Idov has done a lot of research and it shows, from lingo, to descriptions, to just simple things. I appreciate this kind of care in a story, and helps me care where the story is going.
A good story for thriller fans. Probably good to read before it gets optioned for streaming. Good characters, a sense of history, and enough thrills to keep one flipping pages, and a lot of things at the end to contemplate. A very good time. I look forward to more by Michael Idov.
I was in college when the Berlin Wall fell, and USSR changed became the Russian Federation. Being a selfish book person my first thoughts were what were all the espionage and men's adventure authors going to write about. For a time this whole subgenre changed. Some series just foundered without a Red Menace. Some author turned towards Middle East terrorists, maybe a bit of Asian racism to keep their series characters going. Russia many thought was going to be a new New World. Ripe for exploration and exploration, only needing Elvis, Jesus and Coca-Cola to make them a new place to make money. Soon however the world found out that the more things change the more things stay the same. People still crave power, still crave money and still covet control. A coup or two later, and Russia was back, maybe weaker, but with money, and resources to find those weak enough to take that money, to look away when paid, or to roll over and beg when that money gathered information that could be kompromat. The Collaborators by screenwriter, director and author Michael Idov is a story set in the recent past about how Russia came to be the way it is, the power they use to keep control, and the people that ground up in this continuing great game.
The book begins with a blogger trying to get out of Russian controlled territory on a flight out of Turkey. This blogger had managed to get onto the estate of a powerful man in Russian government, embarrassing the man and making him leave office. Which of course makes puts the blogger at risk. The plane is intercepted by a Russian MIG fighter, and forced to land in Russian territory. The blogger is forced to make a video denouncing his video, but also witnessing something horrific. The possible muder of two other passengers from the same plane. The blogger shares his story with is contact a CIA agent near the end of his interest in the shadow world, Ari Falk. Falk thought he had tendered his resignation to the CIA by beating a Russian asset in a airport bathroom, but instead he is approached to find out who this couple might be, and what happened to the blogger, who died of poisoning after leaving Russian air space. At the same time a pampered woman in Los Angles learns about the death of her father, and finds out much more about him that she never knew. These investigations cross in Europe leading both to find out that past they both know might be a lie, and that governments might fall, but the quest for power and money never stops.
A new kind of thriller mixing the past and the present, well the World of 2021 in an intriguing mix. Idov is a screenwriter and director and one can see this in the writing, the scenes are well described, clothing, sounds, smells, which is rare in many thrillers. The action is good crisp, maybe a little too Bourne for the story, but one understands why. The writing is familiar, amateur joining with a burnt-out case to figure out what is going on, but the characters are well developed, the story is fresh and interesting, and Idov is very skilled at making one care what is going on. Idov has done a lot of research and it shows, from lingo, to descriptions, to just simple things. I appreciate this kind of care in a story, and helps me care where the story is going.
A good story for thriller fans. Probably good to read before it gets optioned for streaming. Good characters, a sense of history, and enough thrills to keep one flipping pages, and a lot of things at the end to contemplate. A very good time. I look forward to more by Michael Idov.
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