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Reunion in Prague
WHEN FAMILY TIES LEAD TO DEADLY CONSEQUENCES.
Everyman spy Alex Kovacs returns to action in Reunion in Prague, the 13th book in a series that has earned more than 15,000 5-star reviews. This time, he visits his home country, the place where he was born, the place that he turned his back on at age 16 for a new life with his uncle in Vienna.
Prague, several years after the war, has been consumed by its Communist oppressors. Private enterprise is being eliminated. The secret police have begun to follow in the footsteps of their masters, the KGB. Show trials of “enemies of the state” have become a macabre form of popular entertainment. And Alex’s employers at the Gehlen Organization are anxious for inside information from behind this particularly nasty bit of the Iron Curtain.
So, Alex returns to Czechoslovakia for the first time in decades – to seek that inside information on the Communist regime but also to reunite with the family he left as a teenager. The relationships are somewhere between tenuous and nonexistent, but Alex figures it might be his last chance – and he soon discovers a secret that tests the very heart of what family means.
With nearly 300.000 readers, author Richard Wake has created a character who strikes most as a regular guy who finds himself in the middle of a series of extraordinary adventures. He continues to wrestle with his conscience, and the darker side of his nature, and the moral complexity of all his endeavors – and in this book, with his family as well. Pick up a copy of Reunion in Prague today and see what the Alex Kovacs story is all about!
Everyman spy Alex Kovacs returns to action in Reunion in Prague, the 13th book in a series that has earned more than 15,000 5-star reviews. This time, he visits his home country, the place where he was born, the place that he turned his back on at age 16 for a new life with his uncle in Vienna.
Prague, several years after the war, has been consumed by its Communist oppressors. Private enterprise is being eliminated. The secret police have begun to follow in the footsteps of their masters, the KGB. Show trials of “enemies of the state” have become a macabre form of popular entertainment. And Alex’s employers at the Gehlen Organization are anxious for inside information from behind this particularly nasty bit of the Iron Curtain.
So, Alex returns to Czechoslovakia for the first time in decades – to seek that inside information on the Communist regime but also to reunite with the family he left as a teenager. The relationships are somewhere between tenuous and nonexistent, but Alex figures it might be his last chance – and he soon discovers a secret that tests the very heart of what family means.
With nearly 300.000 readers, author Richard Wake has created a character who strikes most as a regular guy who finds himself in the middle of a series of extraordinary adventures. He continues to wrestle with his conscience, and the darker side of his nature, and the moral complexity of all his endeavors – and in this book, with his family as well. Pick up a copy of Reunion in Prague today and see what the Alex Kovacs story is all about!
- GenresEspionage
224 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2024
235 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Richard Wake
30 books102 followersRichard Wake's first career was as a newspaper reporter, columnist, and editor. Writing fiction was always an aspiration, especially historical fiction set in Europe during the inter-war period, and now it has become a reality.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 25, 2024
If LeCarre is a 5 and Furst is a 4, then this dude is a 2.5.
December 23, 2024
This is one of the better books in the series, IMO. Not a happy one, because none of them are happy. But there is a sort of closure, so much so that I wonder if this is meant to be the last book in the series.
Alex is sent to Prague, Czechoslovakia, which is of course now behind the Iron Curtain. It’s the first time Alex has been in his native country for decades. His parents are both dead; his mother died when Alex was 18, but his father only died a few years ago. His younger brother, Ernst, is still living.
Alex’s contact is a very young man named Marek, although Alex calls him “Skippy,” affectionately. Skippy actually gets under Alex’s skin for the first time in years; he is one of very few that Alex has genuine affection for. Fritz, Leon, Harry (even though they are estranged) and now Skippy. Alex tries to convince Skippy to get out of the spy game.
Alex decides to go to his hometown of Brno and see his brother. Ernst is the same jerk as ever and although they have some shared laughs, Alex is relieved to leave him behind in Brno.
Alex’s mission is to turn Vilem Novak, a member of the Czech secret police, which he does; then he must get the both of them out of the country. But that mission to get two out becomes the necessity of getting 4 out: Vilem and an old friend, Karl, Alex himself and Ernst. Ernst’s name has appeared on one of the Communist’s arrest lists — Ernst confessed to Alex that he has been embezzling money from the mining business for years and sending it to a Swiss bank. And not just Ernst: his father and grandfather did the same thing, which means that Ernst is the owner of a fabulous fortune in Switzerland, if only he can get there alive.
Alex is sent to Prague, Czechoslovakia, which is of course now behind the Iron Curtain. It’s the first time Alex has been in his native country for decades. His parents are both dead; his mother died when Alex was 18, but his father only died a few years ago. His younger brother, Ernst, is still living.
Alex’s contact is a very young man named Marek, although Alex calls him “Skippy,” affectionately. Skippy actually gets under Alex’s skin for the first time in years; he is one of very few that Alex has genuine affection for. Fritz, Leon, Harry (even though they are estranged) and now Skippy. Alex tries to convince Skippy to get out of the spy game.
Alex decides to go to his hometown of Brno and see his brother. Ernst is the same jerk as ever and although they have some shared laughs, Alex is relieved to leave him behind in Brno.
Alex’s mission is to turn Vilem Novak, a member of the Czech secret police, which he does; then he must get the both of them out of the country. But that mission to get two out becomes the necessity of getting 4 out: Vilem and an old friend, Karl, Alex himself and Ernst. Ernst’s name has appeared on one of the Communist’s arrest lists — Ernst confessed to Alex that he has been embezzling money from the mining business for years and sending it to a Swiss bank. And not just Ernst: his father and grandfather did the same thing, which means that Ernst is the owner of a fabulous fortune in Switzerland, if only he can get there alive.
August 7, 2024
Good Historical Fiction
Interesting spy story. Alex is kind of a good natured bumbler and professional drinker. What I like is getting a historical look at what was going on just after WWII when Czechs were forced to endure the heavy handed and cruel control of their country, first by the Nazis and then the Russians. I also enjoyed the Arthur’s accurate descriptions of Prague during this period. Prague today is one of the most beautiful and popular cities in Europe.
Interesting spy story. Alex is kind of a good natured bumbler and professional drinker. What I like is getting a historical look at what was going on just after WWII when Czechs were forced to endure the heavy handed and cruel control of their country, first by the Nazis and then the Russians. I also enjoyed the Arthur’s accurate descriptions of Prague during this period. Prague today is one of the most beautiful and popular cities in Europe.
January 3, 2026
This is the 13th book I’ve read in the series as I appreciate the historical info and the development of the Alex Kovacs character. One more book in series to complete. Unfortunately with each successive book, the profanity
Increases dramatically! No reason. Because I enjoy the character I actually took the time to count the “f” word and the “a” word. The book was 215 pages. The profanity 212 inclusions! I may have missed one or two. Appalling for an espionage thriller or any book. Why?? Adds no interest or development of Alex. Hope to finish number 23 if I can stomach it.
Increases dramatically! No reason. Because I enjoy the character I actually took the time to count the “f” word and the “a” word. The book was 215 pages. The profanity 212 inclusions! I may have missed one or two. Appalling for an espionage thriller or any book. Why?? Adds no interest or development of Alex. Hope to finish number 23 if I can stomach it.
November 23, 2024
I found this to be a very weak book. Alex, the lead, is an obvious alcoholic. His liquor consumption goes beyond the believable. He and some of the other characters can hardly go two sentences without using the F word. Not that I mind use of the word, but I just don’t think there are many people who use it constantly, no matter what they’re expressing. I almost quit reading it halfway through, but I didn’t want to see how it turned out so finished it.
August 9, 2024
As someone who served on the West German border in the 1960's it's a little too realistic. The Soviet intelligence services were evil but inept, but the Stasi on the East German side were too efficient. The current Russian corruption wasn't evident - it took becoming a petrostate to really get corrupt to the bone. We didn't have a lot of moral ambiguity, and Richard Wake reflects our reality.
August 18, 2024
I have read all thirteen books in Richard Wake's Alex Kovacs series and have enjoyed them immensely. Wake is a gifted writer, his protagonist is relatable and while there is a continuity to the stories they never grow stale. Start from the beginning and watch Alex evolve. Top quality historic espionage fare.
February 17, 2025
I looked forward to reading this book because it was set in Prague which I visited a few years ago.
His previous books were entertaining and this book was just as entertaining.
The plot was good and had a twist and the protagonists were good.
My only comment is that the ending was abrupt.
I look forward to his next novel.
His previous books were entertaining and this book was just as entertaining.
The plot was good and had a twist and the protagonists were good.
My only comment is that the ending was abrupt.
I look forward to his next novel.
July 21, 2024
Another exciting Alex Kovacs read
I love the way Mr. Wake writes. Many good stories out there, but often the writing is mediocre. Not with Mr. Wake. Exceptional story telling. My only complaint is that the novels end so abruptly. I will keep watching for the next book!
I love the way Mr. Wake writes. Many good stories out there, but often the writing is mediocre. Not with Mr. Wake. Exceptional story telling. My only complaint is that the novels end so abruptly. I will keep watching for the next book!
July 21, 2024
Alex’s fatal flaw-Family!
Good read , as I have come to expect from Richard Wake. The story moves fast, tense, unexpected and sometimes expected twists and turns. Regardless, it’s a good distraction from the real world mess out there.
Good read , as I have come to expect from Richard Wake. The story moves fast, tense, unexpected and sometimes expected twists and turns. Regardless, it’s a good distraction from the real world mess out there.
July 21, 2024
Great book series
Love the Alex character he is brutly honest all the way and no nonsense. All these books have been great. Read this one in just a few hours. Richard is a great author. Highly recommend these books.
Love the Alex character he is brutly honest all the way and no nonsense. All these books have been great. Read this one in just a few hours. Richard is a great author. Highly recommend these books.
July 22, 2024
Reunion in Prague
Richard Wake’s Alex Kovacs thriller series Book 13 is very well written, as are all the others in the series. Mr. Wake is an accomplished author and his stories hold the attention of the reader from start to finish. I look forward to reading the next book!
Richard Wake’s Alex Kovacs thriller series Book 13 is very well written, as are all the others in the series. Mr. Wake is an accomplished author and his stories hold the attention of the reader from start to finish. I look forward to reading the next book!
August 25, 2024
Alex is at it Again
Hopefully for Alex's sake he will now find a safer occupation. After all he has done during the war he should find a nice day job , working in a bank in Switzerland.
Hopefully for Alex's sake he will now find a safer occupation. After all he has done during the war he should find a nice day job , working in a bank in Switzerland.
August 29, 2024
Another great read from Richard Wake
My favorite author wrote yet another page turner in the Alex Kovacs series. I love the realistic dialogue and the edge of your seat story. I highly recommend all of Richard Wake's books.
My favorite author wrote yet another page turner in the Alex Kovacs series. I love the realistic dialogue and the edge of your seat story. I highly recommend all of Richard Wake's books.
September 30, 2024
Enjoyed this episode of the series. I’ve read the whole of the series to date and thought this the best since the end of the war/quite a few books ago now. Seems like our hero’s character deepened a bit more and some loose ends were tied. A page turner as always.
January 13, 2025
Griping and Believable
Deftly written as are all the “Kovac” books. The thought process and emotions of the characters pull you into their lives as the stories are weaved together and solved in surprising ways.
Deftly written as are all the “Kovac” books. The thought process and emotions of the characters pull you into their lives as the stories are weaved together and solved in surprising ways.
May 30, 2025
Excellent book. Plot is exceptionally strong. Main character is engrossing, well drawn. Brother rivalry may be a bit too much for some readers. Subplot with young would-be spy Skippy might be about too maudlin. Overall, though, very engrossing.
July 21, 2024
Great
What can i say? These novels never seem get old. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
What can i say? These novels never seem get old. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Read
September 18, 2024I've enjoyed this series, it covers a number of years from pre to post WWII with a lot of intrigue and action. I hope you'll continue with the series, Richard Wake.
Cheers!
Cheers!
September 22, 2024
contrived ending
There did not seem to be much conversation between characters. The story could have been better if there was more communication
There did not seem to be much conversation between characters. The story could have been better if there was more communication
August 10, 2024
Betrayal
Another good story although not quite as good as previous stories.The false border post was typical of the regime at the time.
Another good story although not quite as good as previous stories.The false border post was typical of the regime at the time.
August 10, 2024
Too short. Need more.
Alex Kovacs is a lovable asshole. I have read the whole series and enjoyed being reacquainted with my favorite spy.
Alex Kovacs is a lovable asshole. I have read the whole series and enjoyed being reacquainted with my favorite spy.
January 28, 2025
This was an absolutely cracking read. I can't wait to read what else Alex K gets up to! Though there aren't that many Eastern Bloc countries he can get sent to.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews