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The Honeytrap
Honeytrap (noun)
[huhn-ee-trap]
A covert operation in which seduction is used to extract secrets, compromise a target, or trigger their destruction.A weapon disguised as desire.
Three women. Three missions. One conspiracy that could ignite World War III.
Irina — The lover.
Margot — The operative.
Oksana — Orphan of the Cold War.
As their stories collide across continents, a hidden war comes into focus—one of buried intelligence, blackmail, betrayal, and the women willing to risk everything to stop the next global catastrophe.
Gripping, seductive, and unrelenting, The Honeytrap is a razor-edged espionage thriller for fans of John le Carré, Lee Child, and Robert Ludlum.
[huhn-ee-trap]
A covert operation in which seduction is used to extract secrets, compromise a target, or trigger their destruction.A weapon disguised as desire.
Three women. Three missions. One conspiracy that could ignite World War III.
Irina — The lover.
Margot — The operative.
Oksana — Orphan of the Cold War.
As their stories collide across continents, a hidden war comes into focus—one of buried intelligence, blackmail, betrayal, and the women willing to risk everything to stop the next global catastrophe.
Gripping, seductive, and unrelenting, The Honeytrap is a razor-edged espionage thriller for fans of John le Carré, Lee Child, and Robert Ludlum.
542 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 25, 2025
I’ve read several reviews that said the book started slow so they put it down or that the ending was dissatisfying or disappointing. I’m not smart enough to explain what I think is going on but here goes.
The book had several different plots going at the same time…but the beautiful thing is, they are all related and they all come together. I love that.
As far as the ending, I think as a reader we know something unpleasant is going to happen from the very beginning of the book (one of the plot lines) and sure enough the end of the book wraps up that scenario.
Here is where I am not smart enough to explain exactly what I want to say, but one of the protagonist is studying Russian literature. Several references to Russian literature describe the deplorable conditions Russians lived in back in Stalin’s days. A lot of time in the book is spent on describing how repressive the Russian regime was and still is. I think the protagonist that begins and ends the book lives a life somewhat like some of the literature or artwork that represents the past in Russia. Herzog in his own way was writing a novel that described the past, in present day, and tied it to the protagonists in this book.
Hopefully someone will read this review and help me out.
But suffice it to say, it is a great thriller and I love everything Mr. Herzog writes.
Don’t put this one down too soon. Herzog always delivers.
The book had several different plots going at the same time…but the beautiful thing is, they are all related and they all come together. I love that.
As far as the ending, I think as a reader we know something unpleasant is going to happen from the very beginning of the book (one of the plot lines) and sure enough the end of the book wraps up that scenario.
Here is where I am not smart enough to explain exactly what I want to say, but one of the protagonist is studying Russian literature. Several references to Russian literature describe the deplorable conditions Russians lived in back in Stalin’s days. A lot of time in the book is spent on describing how repressive the Russian regime was and still is. I think the protagonist that begins and ends the book lives a life somewhat like some of the literature or artwork that represents the past in Russia. Herzog in his own way was writing a novel that described the past, in present day, and tied it to the protagonists in this book.
Hopefully someone will read this review and help me out.
But suffice it to say, it is a great thriller and I love everything Mr. Herzog writes.
Don’t put this one down too soon. Herzog always delivers.
September 10, 2026
Funny about this book. I found many reservations and criticisms, but actually liked the book enough to give it 5 stars.
First, the title is a stretch. There isn’t much of an actual “honeytrap” operation on the pages so don't expect a classic seduction tradecraft set-piece. Nice marketing though.
A couple of character/plot choices didn’t fully land for me. The nuclear plant engineer side story felt distracting and out of step with the main narrative; I think the book would have worked fine without it. The Russian assassin, Toko, also felt larger than life and the least realistic of the cast; the daughter backstory doesn’t do enough to make him feel like a real person.
That said, the novel pulled me along. The converging threads, the stakes, and the overall spy thriller machinery are strong enough that those nits didn’t stop me from enjoying it. Quite engaging. Continuing the series with The Dissonant.
First, the title is a stretch. There isn’t much of an actual “honeytrap” operation on the pages so don't expect a classic seduction tradecraft set-piece. Nice marketing though.
A couple of character/plot choices didn’t fully land for me. The nuclear plant engineer side story felt distracting and out of step with the main narrative; I think the book would have worked fine without it. The Russian assassin, Toko, also felt larger than life and the least realistic of the cast; the daughter backstory doesn’t do enough to make him feel like a real person.
That said, the novel pulled me along. The converging threads, the stakes, and the overall spy thriller machinery are strong enough that those nits didn’t stop me from enjoying it. Quite engaging. Continuing the series with The Dissonant.
May 20, 2025
Only managed to get about a third of the way through before deleting. The story line was convoluted, wandering about touching on seemingly unrelated topics. Not much thriller. Would not recommend. Wasted my money.
March 25, 2026
What an awful book. Depressing, unlikable characters, bad ending. I struggled through hoping that there would be some hope at the end.... but, No. Action scenes were also unrealistic...reminding me of Grade C action movies.
August 29, 2025
The Honeytrap is a gripping espionage thriller that weaves together the lives of three compelling women—Irina, the lover; Margot, the operative; and Oksana, an orphan of the Cold War—as they embark on separate missions that converge into a high-stakes conspiracy capable of sparking World War III . Herzog delivers a narrative that’s both seductive and relentless, crafting a razor-edged tale of blackmail, buried intelligence, and betrayal that will particularly resonate with fans of John le Carré, Lee Child, and Robert Ludlum . The novel’s layered plotting and international scope strike a balance between intricate espionage and pulse-quickening suspense, although Goodreads reviewers note that the sprawling structure and slow build may require patience—many readers found the story truly clicked about a third of the way in . Once everything aligns, though, Herzog’s storytelling is undeniably immersive—a thrilling kickoff to a promising new series.
June 4, 2025
Mr. Herzog is very knowledgeable regarding espionage and a skilled writer. If you start "The Honeytrap," you will turn the pages; at the finish, however, you're likely to feel... displeased.
It's hard to explain why without crossing into "spoiler" territory. Suffice it to say that some (many?) of the characters' motivations and behaviors are difficult to credit, and in the end their fates are either unresolved or resolved in an unsatisfactory way.
Perhaps this is the author's attempt to provide a more realistic (and therefore darker) view of the world of espionage and geopolitics than in his popular Lance Spector series. That's fine. This reader, however, will decline to go along on that ride.
It's hard to explain why without crossing into "spoiler" territory. Suffice it to say that some (many?) of the characters' motivations and behaviors are difficult to credit, and in the end their fates are either unresolved or resolved in an unsatisfactory way.
Perhaps this is the author's attempt to provide a more realistic (and therefore darker) view of the world of espionage and geopolitics than in his popular Lance Spector series. That's fine. This reader, however, will decline to go along on that ride.
June 6, 2026
VERY SLOW!
So you know all these good reviews are fake. Goodreads is Amazon and they just want your money.
Sometimes there’s some action but most times it’s pages of slow waste.
If you were expecting something like Lance Specter you are going to be bummed.
story was OK, sometimes good. Plot was all over the place for the whole book. Character development goes on FOREVER!!!
I am just trying to help. Saul Herzog did well on the Lance Specter books but wow, did he fail here.
I just found out my review wasn’t accepted on Amazon. Further proof of bias.
So you know all these good reviews are fake. Goodreads is Amazon and they just want your money.
Sometimes there’s some action but most times it’s pages of slow waste.
If you were expecting something like Lance Specter you are going to be bummed.
story was OK, sometimes good. Plot was all over the place for the whole book. Character development goes on FOREVER!!!
I am just trying to help. Saul Herzog did well on the Lance Specter books but wow, did he fail here.
I just found out my review wasn’t accepted on Amazon. Further proof of bias.
March 27, 2026
Very good plot line, but…
If you’re looking for action and intrigue, this will satisfy, however the verbose interactions from vignette to vignette, will leave you exhausted.
The author needs to cut to the chase far quicker.
Otherwise, worth a look, but I probably won’t be moving on.
If you’re looking for action and intrigue, this will satisfy, however the verbose interactions from vignette to vignette, will leave you exhausted.
The author needs to cut to the chase far quicker.
Otherwise, worth a look, but I probably won’t be moving on.
April 25, 2026
Story moves at a good pace and characters are interesting - you want to find out what happens next. However, I felt that the ending was very hard to believe and felt rushed - as if the author was trying to quickly tie everything up at the end.
Nevertheless, I will likely read the authors other books.
Nevertheless, I will likely read the authors other books.
November 30, 2025
One-dimensional characters that are introduced and then vanish coupled with a plot that is both ludicrous and boring makes for a terrible slog of a read. I did finish the book, but have zero interest in returning for any sequels.
June 7, 2025
A little disjointed as the story jumped around. Enjoyed it some as things settled down, but really really hated the ending
July 25, 2025
Sorry we just want Lance. I didn’t get far with this.
December 5, 2025
Great story with disappointing ending
Very good and interesting till the ending. Its a shame because it started well and is a gripping page turner. But the ending mars it all.
Very good and interesting till the ending. Its a shame because it started well and is a gripping page turner. But the ending mars it all.
March 4, 2026
slow start - great ending
First 1/3 was difficult to get into. It just didn’t catch me. Then the shift. It was enough to catch my attention. The last 1/4, totally hooked!
First 1/3 was difficult to get into. It just didn’t catch me. Then the shift. It was enough to catch my attention. The last 1/4, totally hooked!
June 29, 2026
interesting twists
July 15, 2026
Very slow beginning, lots of characters, and hard to follow. Once the action starts it is exciting and for hard to put down, but prepared for a difficult and conflicting ending......
May 1, 2026
Entertaining thriller with a few issues. It takes a while for things to really start coming together, almost the halfway point before action starts picking up. Three main characters are listed in the promo, but one is very clearly more of the protagonist than the others, especially once the plot starts picking up.
The plot revolves around Russians plotting a major attack in the US and the US having a spy, the mistress ofVladamir Putin a completely fictional Russian president, who might be able to tell what the attack is, but who's stopped contact with the Americans. It is quite interesting once things finally come together. Most of the action is pretty realistic, although a few things in the middle of the story wouldn't be out of place in a James Bond movie. In particular, a few actions taken by both sides would create serious diplomatic crises, one or two very likely would result in war if taken in real life. The story does mention this possibility several times--but only for actions taken by Americans. Russia, meanwhile, is apparently allowed to do anything up to and including murdering Americans and plotting what amounts to a terrorist plot without much of anything done other than a lot of concern behind the scenes. Only once, in a sentence that's essentially said in passing, is it mentioned Russia is basically committing acts of war with some of their own actions. Maybe it's supposed to show the US government is incompetent, but little to nothing in the book really hints that's what we're supposed to conclude.
The ending, while not bad, definitely feels unsatisfying. A few major characters just literally disappear from the narrative without any attempt at resolving their plotlines. I suppose they'll come back in the sequels, one of which is already out as of this review. It doesn't necessarily feel like a sequel hook, though.
The plot revolves around Russians plotting a major attack in the US and the US having a spy, the mistress of
The ending, while not bad, definitely feels unsatisfying. A few major characters just literally disappear from the narrative without any attempt at resolving their plotlines. I suppose they'll come back in the sequels, one of which is already out as of this review. It doesn't necessarily feel like a sequel hook, though.
August 30, 2025
This was the first book I've read (aka listened to) by Herzog, and I'll probably, as a believer in second chances, try another of his thrillers. One complaint, however: tens of thousands of lives hang in the balance and not a second can be wasted (we are told this over and over), yet conversations go on way to long, unacceptable plans of action at one time become acceptable later with no comment, and in the midst of this manic race to save lives, people dawdle around. A non-spoiler example: one character charged with running a huge data search whose results are needed NOW! DAMN IT! feeds her cat and makes an omelette before starting work. Her partner calls five minutes into her work, and she points out that running this kind of search takes time. Why not start the search and then feed the cat and make the omelette? Obviously, a picky example but not an isolated one and not a deal breaker for now.
December 12, 2025
Saul Herzog’s The Honeytrap is a sharp, fast-moving espionage thriller that blends psychological tension with high-stakes covert action. Herzog excels at portraying the moral ambiguity of intelligence work, pulling readers into a world where loyalties shift as quickly as identities. The novel’s central “honeytrap” operation is gripping, layered with emotional complexity and strategic deception. Tight pacing, vivid tradecraft, and well-drawn characters keep the suspense simmering throughout. Fans of contemporary spy fiction will appreciate Herzog’s ability to balance gritty realism with cinematic flair, delivering a page-turner that remains engaging long after the final twist. (Review written by ChatGPT, and it reflects my judgment.)
June 14, 2025
I found the beginning of the story a bit slow, with many characters, locations, and storylines to keep track of. It took me a while to feel fully engaged.
About a third of the way in, though, everything started coming together brilliantly. Once the pieces connected, I was completely hooked. The plot came into focus beautifully, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
My only real criticism is the use of foreshadowing at the start, revealing part of the ending early on. That’s just not a storytelling device I personally enjoy.
Overall, I’d give this a solid 4.5 if such a thing were possible.
About a third of the way in, though, everything started coming together brilliantly. Once the pieces connected, I was completely hooked. The plot came into focus beautifully, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
My only real criticism is the use of foreshadowing at the start, revealing part of the ending early on. That’s just not a storytelling device I personally enjoy.
Overall, I’d give this a solid 4.5 if such a thing were possible.
October 7, 2026
Couldn't put this one down, reminded me a lot of Robert Ludlum, Brad Thor or John LeCarré. The title was a bit misleading since there wasn't much "honeypotting" happening. The female that fed them information about the Russian president was already in a relationship with him when they "turned" her and the woman at the end of the story that Roman recruited hadn't had a chance to use her yet. Nonetheless, it's a great story. Also loved that the author put a oblique nod to his other series of books:
"He (Roman Adler) picked up another book, a Lance Spector thriller, and put it back on the shelf."
"He (Roman Adler) picked up another book, a Lance Spector thriller, and put it back on the shelf."
April 4, 2026
Spoiler alert, but only in the most general of terms: no happy ending. In fact, the converse.
This is a gruesome, if well-written story of some of the most disgusting aspects of global power, and it’s inevitable evil. However, the end is so disappointing that it throws the entire book onto the heap of sad, nihilistic tripe that is the exact opposite of what I read fiction for.
There’s no real hope in it; only existentially depressing (perhaps real) acute sadness. It left me disgusted. No more Herzog for me.
This is a gruesome, if well-written story of some of the most disgusting aspects of global power, and it’s inevitable evil. However, the end is so disappointing that it throws the entire book onto the heap of sad, nihilistic tripe that is the exact opposite of what I read fiction for.
There’s no real hope in it; only existentially depressing (perhaps real) acute sadness. It left me disgusted. No more Herzog for me.
June 11, 2026
This book, about CIA vs KGB, secrets, agent-handling, spies, the lot, is THE BEST I HAVE EVER READ.
It's quite long, almost 500 pages I think, and it grows like a long crescendo as the book proceeds; just like any "good" writer should write.
Those books with the best part at the beginning are useless and I try to avoid them.
ALL the best "classic" books that we read from early 20th, 19th and 18th centuries start slowly, then build to terrific endings!
This book is the first of a 4-book series by Saul Herzog; I'm trying to buy the 2nd, though Amazon is making it difficult..
It's quite long, almost 500 pages I think, and it grows like a long crescendo as the book proceeds; just like any "good" writer should write.
Those books with the best part at the beginning are useless and I try to avoid them.
ALL the best "classic" books that we read from early 20th, 19th and 18th centuries start slowly, then build to terrific endings!
This book is the first of a 4-book series by Saul Herzog; I'm trying to buy the 2nd, though Amazon is making it difficult..
July 10, 2026
Good
I have to say the 1st chapter catches you. But then about 50% of the book I couldn't figure out what was going on or who the person in the chapter was. It was Russian names, Russian places, people using more than one name. Who was giving orders. Very confusing. Then it changed again to where It then gave more info so I understood who was who. Then the earlier part of the book made sense (kind of) as I could put some things together . After that it was very good. Americans, total idiots though.
I have to say the 1st chapter catches you. But then about 50% of the book I couldn't figure out what was going on or who the person in the chapter was. It was Russian names, Russian places, people using more than one name. Who was giving orders. Very confusing. Then it changed again to where It then gave more info so I understood who was who. Then the earlier part of the book made sense (kind of) as I could put some things together . After that it was very good. Americans, total idiots though.
May 30, 2025
The Honeytrap thriller
This fascinating thriller about espionage that continues today within the world’s most powerful nations is not for those who cringe reading about torture. I am grateful for those who risk their lives to maintain freedom and liberty. Russia remains a threat today. This work of fiction tells a story of what could actually happen behind the scenes in US and Russian interactions.
This fascinating thriller about espionage that continues today within the world’s most powerful nations is not for those who cringe reading about torture. I am grateful for those who risk their lives to maintain freedom and liberty. Russia remains a threat today. This work of fiction tells a story of what could actually happen behind the scenes in US and Russian interactions.
December 29, 2025
Starts slow and seemed predictable but once things got manic it was a fast dash to the ending. I’m not certain characters who have chosen to live emotionally cut off from society can be likable but I did find myself cheering for them to stay true to their mission and themselves which caused me to be invested in the storyline. In this way, I think the author did a great job of getting me invested in the story.
January 18, 2026
Keeps you guessing!
Having immensely enjoyed the Lance Spector series, I went on to The Honey Trap. The plot was both complex and simple at the same time. There were a number of characters to follow, but they all came together as the plot progressed. It was probably much more realistic than one would wish, which made for both exciting reading and also provided some really sad moments. I would highly recommend the book for those who like this genre.
Having immensely enjoyed the Lance Spector series, I went on to The Honey Trap. The plot was both complex and simple at the same time. There were a number of characters to follow, but they all came together as the plot progressed. It was probably much more realistic than one would wish, which made for both exciting reading and also provided some really sad moments. I would highly recommend the book for those who like this genre.
August 24, 2026
The story started out slow and I really didn't think I would finish the book, but it really picked up and toward the end I didn't want to put the book down. This is an international thriller, with Dominick Doerr, an American who works for the President, becomes someone I really did not like at all. Doerr wants to get Roman Adler out of the picture. Roman Adler is a spy that has been building a network for 30 years which has been very beneficial to the United States. A good read.
May 15, 2025
Herzog on fire
Another winner from Herzog. In the convoluted world of spies and spy games he brings a story unlike any others. The woman of the spy world who trade themselves to get information. A slippery slope but this story pulls it off without a hitch. Must read. I couldn’t put it down
Another winner from Herzog. In the convoluted world of spies and spy games he brings a story unlike any others. The woman of the spy world who trade themselves to get information. A slippery slope but this story pulls it off without a hitch. Must read. I couldn’t put it down
June 13, 2025
Riveting.
Loved the tension and suspense. Plot really struck me with fear. Character development excellent I have to say, I didn’t care for what happened to the two heroines. I personally didn’t think that added to the story. I didn’t care for the Russian assassin getting away Scott free either.
Loved the tension and suspense. Plot really struck me with fear. Character development excellent I have to say, I didn’t care for what happened to the two heroines. I personally didn’t think that added to the story. I didn’t care for the Russian assassin getting away Scott free either.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews