In the sun-drenched streets of Cyprus, a game of deception, power, and betrayal unfolds in the international espionage thriller
When Anton, a Ukrainian IT engineer, finds himself accidentally entangled in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, his life turns dangerous. Unwittingly, he comes into possession of suitcases filled with millions in cash, the dirty secret of Nikolai Gromov, a Russian businessman with a shadowy past.
As Anton's quiet life in Kyiv is upended, he's forced to flee, with the Russian underworld and international agents hot on his trail. Meanwhile, Olga, the beautiful but unhappy wife of Nikolai, struggles with the gilded cage her life has become, yearning for freedom from her husband's dangerous world.
When fate unexpectedly brings Anton and Olga together, their connection sparks a light in the darkness, drawing them deeper into peril. Now, they must navigate the treacherous waters where love and danger meet, and allies could be enemies in disguise.
From the murky underworld of the Russian mafia to the covert operations of MI6 and the FSB, "" weaves a tale of intrigue that spans across Europe and into the heart of Cyprus. As Jack McBride, a determined British intelligence officer, and Alexa Marou, a tenacious Cypriot detective, race against time to uncover the truth, they find themselves caught in a web that threatens to unravel at the slightest touch.
As secrets come to light and loyalties are tested, "" invites readers on a thrilling journey where every shadow could conceal a lie, and every sunlit street could be a facade. In this playground, every move counts, and the game never ends until the last secret is revealed.
"Playground: Cyprus" offers a captivating blend of adventure, moral complexity, and character evolution. The dynamic character development, particularly with Nikolai and Anton, adds depth to the narrative, making their transformations feel authentic and compelling. Meanwhile, the espionage elements infuse the story with intrigue and suspense as a spy thriller. For those looking for a multi-faceted story filled with adventure, mystery and action this book is highly recommended.
Playground: Cyprus is Mitchell Lanigan’s debut novel, offering a fresh take on the spy genre. Set in the sunny streets of Cyprus, it combines classic spy themes with modern political issues. The story follows Anton, a Ukrainian IT specialist, who gives us a different look into the world of international intelligence. The pacing is fast, the twists are surprising, and the setting is described so well you feel like you’re there. It's a strong start to the series.
I really liked reading 'Playground: Cyprus' because the story happens in Cyprus where I went last summer. The writer describes the places so well, like Paphos and the little coffee shops, it's like being there again. It’s fun to read a story set in places you know!
This book makes you think a lot about right and wrong. Anton finds a lot of money and decides to keep it, but this choice leads him into dangerous adventures. It is interesting to see how one decision can change your life. It made me wonder what I would do in his place.