The Oligarch's Daughter

by Joseph Finder

The Oligarch's Daughter has descriptive copy which is not yet available from the Publisher.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Espionage, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2025

About the author

Joseph Finder is the author of the forthcoming novel JUDGMENT and fourteen other novels, many of them New York Times bestsellers, published in 35 countries around the world. His book HIGH CRIMES was adapted into a movie starring Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd; PARANOIA was made into the Harrison Ford/Gary Oldman film.

He was born in Chicago, lived in the Philippines, Afghanistan, Washington State, and upstate New York. His novels have won numerous awards, including the Strand Critics award, the Barry Award, and the International Thriller Writers’ Thriller Award for best novel. His first novel, THE MOSCOW CLUB, was named by Publishers Weekly as one of the 10 best spy novels of all time.

He lives with his wife in Boston and Cape Cod, where he roots for the Red Sox and mourns his Golden Retriever rescue dog, Mia. He’s currently trying to convince his wife to get another dog.

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Been in something of a reading slump lately with nothing really grabbing me. Was hoping an espionage type thriller would change that. First reaction? Uh, maybe not. I enjoyed The Oligarch's Daughter and read it pretty quickly but it didn't wow me. It wasn't one of those where you can't wait to block out some time to read it. I think my tastes have something to do with it. I tend to enjoy thrillers with a little more literary style. I also struggled with the character development. I wasn't really drawn to any of the characters and few of them were flushed out at all. Heck, I wasn't even rooting for the lead character all that much. The plot was interesting, with some big twists toward the end, but the jumping back and forth in time didn't always create tension, sometimes it broke the momentum. This is my first Finder novel so I don't have anything to compare it to, but it was not the cure for my reading malaise, alas.

[Jannelies (living between hope and fear) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a long time fan of Joseph Finder and I enjoyed this latest book a lot. We meet Paul Brightman, although he’s been living under another name for five years, after the events that happened then. Although he’s quite capable of hiding under the radar, one day something happens that forces him to flee and literally run for his life. He had to leave the love of his life, Tatyana, five years ago and now he has to leave his new quiet life and new girlfriend.

The story is being told in two timelines, before and after he had to run and hide, but Paul also often thinks back of his father, a strange man who lives in the woods. It is thanks to his father that Paul now has some of the necessary skills to survive – although he realizes soon that he’s forgotten a lot of his fathers’ lessons because, well, teenagers tend to not to listen to their parents.
Anyway, Paul is on the run although at the start of the story he is not entirely sure who he is running from. His father-in-law, oligarch Arkady? Or someone else who apparently knows what Paul thought he had to do to keep Tatyana and him safe?

Sometimes a little complicated, but in the end all plot lines come neatly together. This is not a novel about espionage as such, it has more to do with how espionage is being financed. It is, if you can believe the story, rather convincing.

A thoroughly enjoyable book from one of the masters of this genre. I’m already looking forward to the next one.

Thanks to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for this digital review copy.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five years ago, Paul Brightman, a New York hedge fund manager, went on the run. Paul reinvented himself as Grant Anderson and became a boatbuilder in Derryfield, New Hampshire.



Grant found work in the fishing community, started dating a schoolteacher, and blended into the town - but always watched his back.



Paul's pursuers have now caught up with him, two men are dead, and Paul is a fugitive again - with $48,000, a parka, a backpack, an apple, and a KIND bar in his go-bag.





*****

Skip back six years, and Paul is a top analyst at Aquinnah Capital in Manhattan.



Aquinnah Capital buys a table at a fund raiser, and at the gala Paul meets a beautiful Russian woman called Tatyana Galkin.



Paul learned Russian in college, and he and Tatyana chat and become friendly. The couple begin to date, and Paul learns Tatyana is a photographer; lives in an artsy apartment in the East Village; and has a dog named Pushkin.





When Paul and Tatyana become serious, Paul meets Tatyana's family, and learns she's the daughter of the billionaire Russian oligarch Arkady Galkin, who lives in an ultra-luxurious Manhattan apartment with his wife Polina (Tatyana's stepmother).



Soon afterwards, Paul and Tatyana get engaged, and Paul accepts a job at Arkady's investment firm, AGF limited.



Paul becomes wary, however, because of the secretive atmosphere at AGF, and the constant surveillance by Eugene Frost and Andrei Berzin - Arkady's Russian security experts.



Paul and Tatyana marry, and Paul is happy at home.....



......but uneasy at work, where Paul becomes aware of financial hijinks, including insider trading, at AGF limited.



Around this time, FBI Special Agent Mark Addison asks Paul to spy on Arkady. Paul refuses at first, but then agrees.



(Note: This plot point is glaringly unrealistic. Paul has absolutely no training in espionage, yet pulls off stunts like a top CIA operative.)

At the behest of Special Agent Addison, Paul goes to a storage facility and copies data about something called 'Phantom' onto a flash drive, which leads to disaster.



This compels Paul to flee, with both Arkady's people AND the FBI after him. To hide, Paul becomes Grant Anderson in New Hampshire. Now - five years later - the Russians have found Paul, and he must escape all over again.



Luckily for Paul, he has superb outdoor skills, learned from his father Stan Brightman, a brilliant computer scientist who - decades ago - became a survivalist and moved into a forest hut.



When Paul was young, Stan would take him on excursions in the woods, where they'd have to forage for edible plants and eat whatever animals they caught, which was mostly squirrels and chipmunks.



The story alternates back and forth between the present - with Paul trying to evade various people pursuing him; and the past - before Paul becomes Grant Anderson. There are lots of twists and surprises, perhaps too many, because the convolutions are hard to follow.



Nevertheless, if you can suspend disbelief, this is an entertaining espionage/adventure thriller.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com

[Mark Erickson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel bad writing this, as I’ve enjoyed most of Mr. Finder’s previous work. However…

That said I do like starting with positives. The multiple timelines that end up converging is great. I love this! It also starts fast, and shows great promise, but after this very good opening, there are long passages of description which add nothing to the story or plot. And this continues throughout the book. Not gonna lie, had to skip ahead in many spots. Couldn’t take it.

Now for the main character and the choices he makes based on what he already knows about his father-in-law, and what he continues to learn. This totally unrealistic and not credible. He’s supposed to be a smart guy, and every reader can see that he’s making mistakes at every turn. It reminded me of the GEICO commercial making fun of the stereotypical horror movie where the characters make dumb choices running from a chainsaw murderer.

I almost quit halfway through, but I kept hoping for redemption. No luck.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joseph Finder returns with a thrilling spy story that keeps the reader hooked as they turn pages well into the night. Paul Brightman meets a young woman whose past is veiled but her passion for him seems strong. As Paul learns more about her family, he discovers something troubling. He’s left to flee his life to stay one step ahead of those who would want him dead, but wants to clear his name. On the lam, he does what he can to push back against a powerful Russian. Finder delivers a stunning story that keeps things on edge.

Paul Brightman was once an up and coming star on Wall Street, who fell for a beautiful woman named Tatyana. While they were connected on many levels, Paul had no idea about Tatyana's family, especially her father. The elder Russian rose to become an oligarch, living in New York and is of particular interest to US Intelligence. While Paul does not wish to toss himself into the middle of anything, he is not one to cross the hierarchy of his own country.

After being placed within the man's business, Paul is able to secure an encrypted flash drive. The contents could contain some highly troubling information, but Paul cannot stick around to see for himself. Once he is found out, Paul witnesses a slaughter one night that can be tied to Russian intelligence. He is forced to go on the lam, while he is deemed dead by those who can pull the strings of power. Paul Brightman is now on the run and living off the grid in New Hampshire, with a bounty on his head.

As others appear to track him, Paul must reveal the truth to the Americans, while dodging the man he once thought as his potential father-in-law. There is nothing protecting Paul, save for his wits and a few who trust the encrypted information he has in his possession. Time is of the essence and there is no time like the present to reveal the truth, if only he can crack the code. Joseph Finder delivers a chilling story that I could not stop reading!

I have long enjoyed the work of Joseph Finder, whose stories have never failed to impress. Finder crafts a narrative that keeps things moving from the outset and never wanes in its delivery. Characters are sharp and on point, keeping the reader learning and begging for more. The mix of past and present Russian power is done effectively and adds depth to the already great story. Plot points develop with ease, while keeping the reader in suspense until all comes together in the closing pages. Finder is back and the wait was well worth it!

Kudos, Mr. Finder, for a great read and exciting spy thriller!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been a fan of Joseph Finder and when I saw there was a new book on offer, I immediately requested it, and I was not disappointed.

This is fantastic spy thriller, and I could not turn the pages quick enough. Paul Brightman is a hedge fund manager and a very smart one. He meets Tatyana, an incredibly beautiful woman who is trying to become a successful photographer. Paul falls hard for her and soon they are in a relationship. As their relationship progresses it was inevitable that the time would come for him to meet her family. Tatyana told Paul that her father was a successful businessman and soon he finds himself being offered a role in her father’s business. Initially Paul is hesitant to take the job, but the offer is amazing, and he then makes the decision to jump ship from his current company and moves into the offices where her father works.

The action begins immediately and soon you are drawn into a world of lies, deceit and espionage. Paul is now in a very sticky situation, and he begins to question his decision, but he is now in over his head, who does he trust and are people really who they seem to be. Then throw in the FBI and the CIA and you have the makings of a terrific book that will take you on a wild ride. I am not going to say anymore other than that this was a five-star read for me, and if spy thrillers are your thing I do not believe you will be disappointed.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Christopher · Rating 1 out of 5]

"The Oligarch's Really Irritating Son-in-Law" would be a far more apt title for this thing.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Average story at best and unnecessarily long.

[carol johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a longtime fan of Finder’s books, and eagerly began this one. It was quickly apparently where the plot was headed, and the title sets it up too. I found - all aspects of it- not credible, the characters uniformly unlikeable, and finished it feeling I had just wasted hours of my time and some money on this book. Should have edited and hoped it became available though the library on my Kindle; free and, I would have stopped reading it as even the ending was predictable. Poor Sarah.

[Keri Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul is a successful trader on Wall Street. At a party he meets Tatyana and the two grow into a relationship. Tatyana is a photographer and he wonders how she can support herself, while falling in love. He suspects she has some family help, but he is not prepared for the extraordinary home and wealth once he is finally introduced. As their relationship grows, Tatyana’s father offers him a job which he takes.

It’s not long before he realizes that he is in fact a Russian oligarch and there are suspicious things happening in his company. He’s approached by US intelligence, and as he gets more involved he realizes the risky situation he is in. When things explode he goes on the run, though fortunately he planned ahead and has an identity he can assume. He lives quietly in his assumed identity until the Russians track him down.

Once again he is on the run for his life. He finds himself depending upon the survivalist skills his dad taught him when he was younger, but he knows he can’t live the rest of his life this way. It’s a fight for survival, and those after him have tracking sophisticated methods. Is it the Russians after him, or his own government?

This was an interesting and fast paced adventure. Some of it makes you realize how scary our times are and what can happen when power is abused. I’m interested to try more by this author. Over 4 stars for me, but not sure about 5 - I really wish there were 1/2 stars.

[Tina Panik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb.

This was an ARC.

[Maria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring, predictable, derivative.

[Angie Miale · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent thriller about a man whose past comes back to haunt him. He is living using mostly cash and building boats in a remote area. He’s been there as Grant for 5 years. But an assassin Comes to kill him and he gets away and has a burner phone and it’s all stressful. Then the narrative jumps back 5 years to when he met Tatyana, a photographer in the east village. Back then he is known as Paul, and Paul learned that Tatyana’s father is not just a businessman. Soon he gets roped into a life he never dreamed of.

I think this book is good for action adventure lovers- it reminds me a lot of John Grisham that I read years ago. It’s a very “alpha male” centered story and the women in this book are a bit “damsel”-like. Great pacing and excitement throughout. A solid suspense novel. For me, it’s a like, not a love.

[Todd · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I remembered who recommended this book to me, l'd never take their opinion again. One of the slowest books l've ever read.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having just finished this book I read through the night I am a bit out of breath. But it's Thanksgiving time, so I need to get my brain settled and get back down to earth. This action-filled story is one that is impossible to put down.

Kindle Unlimited

[Brittany McCann · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was pretty terrible across the board, from the poor narration to the lack of editing. Paul is supposed to be on the younger end of middle age, but the narrator would be a perfect voice for a 70-year-old man. On top of that, there are parts of the narration that must have needed to be re-recorded, but instead of recording a full passage, there is just a different-sounding voice sometimes in the middle of the sentence. This feels like a joke that it could possibly be something done by a professional publisher.

The MC Paul/Grant is so naive, selfish, and all around unlikable. He ends up with pretty much zero redeeming qualities other than a code of ethics in finance that seems to be the only line he won't cross. We are supposed to believe that this investment banker with zero training is recruited like this and then proceeds to do all of these things with little to no instruction while going rogue and lying to all sides at every turn? The security issues alone are not things he could ever get through with any of these methods, there would be blocks and immediate triggers, it's like we are supposed to assume the "bad guy" got this way by dumb luck and is a complete idiot with zero experience over decades of a career. Come on, give your readers some credit.

This was a book that picked the low-hanging fruit of a stereotypical Russian oligarch without giving dimension to any characters.

The whole cookie/tea/dog scene was so absurd I wanted to throw the book out the window. And the way the FBI is dealt with is rediculous. Was this a joke? Tell me I am being punked.

The pace was somehow absurdly jumpy while still being boring and slow. Poor editing.

I haven't read anything else by Joseph Finder, and I hope the rest of his books aren't this poorly researched and edited.

1.5 Stars

[Charlie Ravioli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story of a youngish equities trader that marries a Russian Oligarch's daughter and unsurprisingly, things go bad. The book switches between the backstory and the present day in which the protagonist is running for his life after having lived off the grid for a period in between. The book started strong but just didn't sustain.

So, I liked it but...it was long and it was a little tedious. It kind of reminded me of The 6:20 Man meets The Firm which isn't really a compliment. That said, 447 pgs. is a lot of book and I did finish it so I guess it wasn't bad.

I've read a couple of books by Joseph Finder now and they seem to have the same effect on me, eh.

[James Ron · Rating 1 out of 5]

The premise of the book is interesting, and some of the scenes are compelling. But one has the sense that part of the book was written by ChatGPT, and while that's probably not what actually happened, it's indicative of the sloppy, formulaic nature of the writing.

I got the sense that the author began writing with three interesting ideas:

1. The life of Russian oligarchs in the US
2. The mechanics of surviving in the US backcountry.
3. The mindset and lives of American survivalists living off the grid.

The author then struggled to pump out a thriller that connected all three themes.

The result, sadly, was rushed and more than a bit boring.

Alas!

[Tj · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started out promising, but then just turned into a cliche thriller where the main character was too dumb to realize he kept putting himself in danger.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining if not wildly implausible.

[Rachael Hodson (still skiing) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listen, I enjoyed the audio, I mostly enjoyed this thriller and the content. It’s hard not to entertain when you have Oligarchs, CIA and FBI involved but this one just felt a little over the top and it was kind of hard to root for Paul when he originally chose to work for his soon to be father in law who also happens to be a billionaire Oligarch. I get it, we wouldn’t have a story if he declined but any smart human being would say, “Hey, thanks for the opportunity but I truly love your daughter and I would like to have you treat me like a son in law and not your employee and not someone who also knows too much about you.” End of story. But then, yeah, no story.

Positive side, this was fast paced, moved along, lots of hiding and running, some fun twists at the end and fairly well written. I really enjoyed the odd switch voice in the audio. Did anyone notice that?

Negatively, this was a little unbelievable. Hard to imagine anyone actually avoiding the Russians, the FBI and the CIA and coming out on top but yeah, we are in the era of James Reece so I guess super human, super heroes.

My BIGGEST complaint and reason I am giving this 3 stars is because of the name of this book and what it implies. Tatiana was built up to be a major end player but her character completely went flat and literally went nowhere. So much missed opportunity in my opinion.

Still a good listen and worth a go if you are into Russian Oligarchs and corruption type thrillers.

[Alexander Frank · Rating 2 out of 5]

stick figure characters

If you like cookie cutter, plots, and Stick Figure characters, this is the book for you. Improbable and one dimensional plot. Not worth it.

[Chris Pavone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Joe Finder at his very best--Russia, spies, oligarchs, and a normal Joe caught in the middle of it all.

[Jackthedad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Aria and Aries for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.

I've enjoyed reading most of Joseph Finder's books so I was keen to read this one. This is a spy thriller that runs at 100 mph. It's well constructed and cleverly written. The book is split into then and now parts which doesn't always work but it does here. I enjoyed the characters even though some of them are a bit over the top. (Hey, it's a fiction.) Overall, another enjoyable read from Mr Finder.

[Chris Rock · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m not sure why this book is so highly rated. I couldn’t even finish it, which is incredibly rare for me. I found the writing awkward and cliché. I have no issue with cheesy action/thriller novels. Heck, Jack Reacher novels are one of my guilty pleasures! (No offense to Lee Child, they really are fun), but this book was unbearable.

[Steven Fried · Rating 1 out of 5]

what a waste of time

Worst book I’ve read in years. Terrible plot line. Poor character development. Ridiculous incorporation of political viewpoints. Don’t bother. Read anything else.

[Maria H · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - predictable, tedious, boring.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE OLIGARCH’S DAUGHTER by Joseph Finder

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

Paul Brightman is a man on the run, living under an assumed name in a small New England town with a bounty on his head. His security is breached and he must flee before Russian operatives locate him.

Alternating between two timelines — the present as Paul is struggling to stay alive and the recent past with the telling of how Paul got himself into this precarious situation in the first place. His survival is questioning everything and trusting no one, in this fast paced thriller.

Joseph Finder’s prose gives just enough detail to keep the reader interested without going overboard. I enjoyed The Oligarch’s Daughter.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is everything you want in a cat and mouse spy thriller. Russians, a CIA renegade agent, FBI who are the good guys for once. A father who makes the ultimate sacrifice for his son on the run. And a man loses a woman but miraculously gets her back in the end.
Well done Joseph Finder - well done.

[Linda Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Joseph Finder book, and I don’t think it will be the last. It was thoroughly engrossing as the sub plots continued to evolve with twists and turns all along. I didn’t mind the timeline changes since they contributed to the overall stories—yes, there are way more than only one way to tell one story featuring the singular protagonist who has so much more to deal with than any other book I’ve ever read.