The Cormorant Hunt

The Cormorant Trilogy #2

by Michael Idov

Slow Horses meets Red Sparrow in this electrifying spy thriller and follow-up to The Collaborators, where a disillusioned CIA officer infiltrates an extremist group in the heart of Europe.

Disheartened CIA officer Ari Falk, now hiding in the Republic of Georgia, is hailed as a hero by some and branded a traitor by others after blowing the lid off a massive conspiracy. But his quiet exile is shattered when a mission arises—one perfectly suited for someone as jaded and unpredictable as him.

This stand-alone sequel thrusts us into a modern era of geopolitical conflict, where a hot war in Europe and shadowy political schemes set the stage for danger at every turn. Enter Asha Tamaskar, a brilliant, neurodivergent CIA officer with her own secrets, and Felix Burnham, a chilling antagonist with radical alliances that could change the global balance of power. From Tbilisi to Prague, Andorra to Bethesda, Idov crafts vivid, authentic settings that amplify the pulse-pounding action.

Far from the usual spy thriller, The Cormorant Hunt is brimming with razor-sharp dialogue, heart-stopping twists, and complex character dynamics that bring humanity to the chaos. Every border crossed carries real-world consequences, making this a thriller that feels both urgent and unforgettable. Blending suspense, wit, and authentic storytelling, it’s a must-read for fans of political intrigue, espionage, and thrillers that don’t play by the rules.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Espionage, Mystery Thriller

272 pages, Hardcover

Published January 27, 2026

About the author

Michael 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.

Reviews

[Ilyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very propulsive, when it came to the spy hijinks, and just like book 1, I loved the tradecraft and timely plot. But when it came to the romance, pacing may have been a little too fast. Idov seems to be making Ari Falk into a James Bond with a new love interest in every installment. Asha and Ari felt like it came out of nowhere, as opposed to the fast yes, but well earned trauma bond of Ari and Maya. A/M had added gravitas from her father’s love story, which despite all the morally reprehensible geopolitical and financial implications, I had found very moving. All things considered, solid sequel, and looking forward to book 3. Now back to the Spybrary for readalikes to satisfy my fix in the meantime.

[Sarah Dressler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always step outside of my typical reading zone for these spycraft thrillers and I am happy to say that this second book in the series is better than the first! Thank you for my early finished reading and listening copies!

I highly recommend going between the print and audio copies, they are both well done and enjoyable. I was sick this week and it was really nice to sit with the book and listen to the storyline as I read…it was like reading to me but still reading alone. TRY IT!

So the novel picks up with the MMC, Ari Falk, as the CIA tries to pull him out of hiding for another tenuous situation (aren’t they all??). He’s working on the fly, communicating with a head within the CIA and all the while trying to figure out who it was that really offed his friend.

It was a good read for me to rest and follow through, it is quick, fits the genre and I will of course read another one when it comes out!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Scribner for my gifted ARC. My opinions are my own.

It's December of 2023 and Ari Falk is still on the run, currently hiding in the Republic of Georgia two years after unmasking the massive conspiracy at the highest levels of the CIA. Asha Tamaskar, the head of Covert Activities now that Rex Harlow is gone, knows of Falk, of course, but when an assassination of one of his collaborators brings his name back into the halls of the CIA, she doesn't know who to trust to help track him down. What ensues are multiple, apparently disparate storylines set up at once that slowly come together in a horrifying race against time to stop the self-proclaimed global oligarch known to Falk as The Cormorant from once again upsetting the balance of power in his own self interest.

This sequel to The Collaborators is just as addictive as its predescesor, The Collaborators, and seems custom-made for people like me: internationalists keenly aware of and/or involved in international relations and global affairs, who love a good spy thriller. It's smart too, woven through are references to global events, popular international culture, and a good mix of non-translated Latin, German, and Russian phrases. I appreciate how Idov seems to respect his reader enough to either know or figure these all out on their own. I also appreciate the meta exploration of freedom and the course of human events--when people have freedom, they tend to "burn it down." But does the manipulation of global affairs by a self-interested "enlightened" oligarch make things any better? I dearly hope that there will be a third installment in this trilogy so that we can explore these questions now in real time, as Falk's timeline now matches our own.

Trigger warnings: torture, death, assasination

[Leane · Rating 4 out of 5]

No one is safe in Idov’s espionage world. Bear that in mind as CHs you may like are in jeopardy and provide this second in this propulsive trilogy with CH motivation and realistic politics and violence. Another book under 300 pages, the first in the series, The Collaborators was a tour-de-force (See my review.) You must read them in order, and I have no proof that there is a third in a proposed trilogy but I want it desperately. Once again revolving around Aaron Falk, former CIA agent in hiding, this book introduces another main CH, Asha Tamaskar, the new Deputy Director of the CIA, a few years following after the debacle that ensued at the end of the first book. There are only a few (2?) oblique references to Maya from the first book, and the Russian players hover around in the background but the hunt for the Cormorant takes center stage. A few CHs from book one also appear to great effect. The ending is only partially satisfactory on a few levels. Second books in trilogies (or series) are difficult to get right and I believe Idov sets this story apart from the 1st book for good reasons; however, because neither book is very long it could have been one book. That being said, it is nice to read the spare but clever writing with CHs that resonate, realistic political situations, and moments of real humor. RED FLAGS: Graphic Violence; Vulgar Language. Again, readalikes may be Chris Pavone’s The Expats, Anna Pitoniak’s The Helsinki Affair, and with the highest form of praise, Jason Matthews’ Red Sparrow series.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cormorant Hunt is the 2nd Ari Falk spy thriller from Michael Idov.

"Ari Falk is hiding in the Republic of Georgia. Some call him a hero, others call him traitor for exposing corruption at the agency. His cover is blown and he ends up in an off-the-books op searching for the shadowy figure behind-the-scenes - the one pulling all the strings."

There are a lot of moving pieces in this story and several new characters. Asha - the CIA head of Covert activities. Felix Burnham - a man out to change global alliances with any means he deems necessary. And Ari Falk - the seemingly disgraced agent, who always seems to be a step ahead - until he's not. There are lots of international locations - Tbilisi, Prague, Andorra.
Ari has some skills but has to make some tough choices. Asha makes some also, keeping a lot of information compartmentalized.
The title is a little deceptive. The story includes the character that Falk calls the Cormorant, but there's very little about him. There is some implied resolution though Idov could always surprise us in a future book.

Good for fans of spy thrillers and international intrigue.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

As in The Collaborators, I thought there could've been more to this story. There were parts the just seemed skipped over that I would've like to have seen. Not essential to the point of the story, but I would've like to have read about them nonetheless. I also found The Cormorant Hunt not quite as attention grabbing as The Collaborators. The characters are enjoyable - I just wish we got to know them a little more in depth. I'll read the next one for sure, but I'm hoping to be more into it than I was this one.

Thanks to Net Galley and Scribner for this ARC. #TheCormorantHunt #NetGalley

[Lou Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE CORMORANT HUNT by Michael Idol
Publication: 01/ 27/2026 by Scribner: Simon & Schuster
Page Count: 272
Graded: “A”


Michael Idol, noted novelist, director and screenwriter delivers his second stand-alone cinematic spy thriller. Steeped in realistic, relevant international plots with fresh vibrant multi-dimensional millennial characters taking center stage. His portrayal of international spy craft is amplified by his witty and sarcastic scintillating dialogue. This stand-alone finds the same morally complex CIA operative, Ari Falk, forced out of his self-imposed exile in the Republic of Georgia. He felt disillusioned after suffering the fall-out from uncovering the hidden CIA conspiracy involving his boss, Rex Harlow. Any necessary backstory is seamlessly woven into this intriguing narrative. His friend and previous asset, Allen Keegan, the founder and brains behind the “whistle-blowing” podcast, “Flea-Collar” is assassinated along with several staff members of Radio Free Europe in Prague. Suspicion is cast upon him as well as the CIA. He is flushed out of hiding by the new Deputy Director of Covert Activities, Asha Tamaskar. After a brief contentious meeting he is cajoled into taking a new obviously dangerous mission on behalf of his old bosses. Hints abound suggesting an underlying mutual romantic attraction.
He is tasked to infiltrate an multinational extremist group operating under the aegis of the slippery charismatic leader, Felix Burnam (alias Philip Brenner, of East German parentage.) Burnham has crafted his charisma, as a natural born cult leader, into forming a vast geopolitical enterprise that can shape and alter geopolitical alliances. Russian backing is a probability. Falk positions himself to be recruited on the basis of his status as a disgruntled and disgraced CIA operative.
Idov excels at exploring the themes of betrayal and extremism, with scintillating and sarcastic prose, in cinematic episodes of subterfuge in globetrotting conflicts in ever changing authentic world settings. The intrigue and suspense is agonizingly escalated as the consequences of relevant international issues are explored. All the elements of great storytelling are here…. conflict, crisis, chaos and ultimate resolution into a present day meaningful and relevant denouement. Idov masterfully weaves together a globe trotting adventure, laced with authentic tradecraft, escalating tension and intrigue. This propulsive thriller is accented with humor and a touch of romance and culminates in a twisty satisfying denouement. This immensely entertaining yarn is not to be missed. I could easily see Ari Falk as Mick Herron’s character River Cartwright in “Slow Horses.” Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner books for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda (The Arizona Bookstagrammer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Scribner Books @scribnerbooks Netgalley @netgalley and Michael Idov @michaelidov for this free book!
“The Cormorant Hunt” (Cormorant Trilogy #2) by Michael Idov ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Genre: Spy Thriller. Time: 2023-2024.

THE SERIES: Burned-out CIA field operative Ari Falk is a Yale-educated millennial who dresses in Weezer t-shirts and carries a semi-automatic.
He’s jaded and unpredictable. Some call him a hero. Some call him a traitor after he blew the lid off a massive conspiracy that embarrassed the CIA. The series follows him as he investigates geopolitical conflict and shady political schemes.

THIS BOOK: Ari is hiding in the Republic of Georgia. He has matured since book 1. Time spent in hiding weighs on him. His quiet exile is shattered when former collaborator Alan Keegan is assassinated. Now Ari’s on a new mission, working with brilliant, neurodivergent CIA officer Asha Tamaskar. From Tbilisi to Prague, Andorra to Bethesda, they encounter the war in Ukraine, and track a radical extremist group led by megalomaniac Felix Burnham, who is determined to rid the world of equity, diversity, sustainability-and electric cars. Sound familiar?

Author Idov’s stand-alone sequel book is as complicated as book 1. The plot explores clandestine sh## within clandestine sh##. (Do the same qualities that make a good spy make a good terrorist? When spies see a terrorist, are they looking at a botched version of themselves?) Idov’s descriptions are evocative: (“Double mosquito netting over the windows flattened the view into a Renaissance tapestry.”) His settings are mostly Europe after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and expose Russia’s closed borders and severe penalties for being anything other than a straight white man. Idov’s spy world is crazy twisted, it’s suspenseful, vivid, and it’s 4⭐️s from me📚👩🏼‍🦳 #thecormoranthunt #michaelidov #netgalley

[Pam Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cormorant Hunt is the second installment of a trilogy – the first being The Collaborators, which I missed and now must go back and read because this is my kind of spy thriller. I do think that this book can stand alone, but if you have not read either in this series, I would read The Collaborators first.
Here, an ousted CIA operative, who blew the whistle on a massive conspiracy in the first book, named Ari Falk is hiding out in the Republic of Georgia. The action moves from there to Prague to Andorra to Bethesda as Falk gets pulled back into the spy game by the new head of Covert Activities to stop an Andrew-Tate-kind-of-character who, funded by Russia, is attempting to use the “men’s rights movement” to destabilize progressive western nations. The new head is Asha Tamaskar, and she needs someone outside the CIA to deal with the issue since those on the inside may be involved!
I have to say I love spy novels and especially those with this type of fun plotting relating to current global events. The characters are sharp with clever dialogue, there is a bit of romance which does not distract from the plot, and a very perceptive take on world events. At one point Falk says, “The only existential standoff now was between the people who wanted to replace institutions with better institutions and the people who wanted to replace institutions with themselves.”
I read a lot of spy thrillers, and this one excites me for its clear but involved plots, memorable characters and well-defined settings. Michael Idov has a winner with this series.
My rating: 5 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.
The Cormorant Hunt was published on Jan 27, 2026.

[Alisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit that my reading experience for The Cormorant Hunt was not ideal. First, I had not read the first book in the series, and though this claims to be a stand-alone book, I think reading the first would have helped me to enjoy this one. Second, this wasn't a book that I could just sit down and read--I read it in hour-long bits of time. Probably these circumstances have influenced my rating.

The Cormorant Hunt took me awhile to get into. It begins with Katya Lisichenko attempting to cross the border out of Russia into Estonia. The problem is, Katya's passport shows that she crossed the border already, two days before. Is Katya who she says she is? Or is she the imposter?

Then we move to Alan Keegan, apparently a character you meet in the first book in the series. Keegan is on his way to collect a prize for publishing a dossier that incriminated the CIA at the highest levels. Ari Falk, the protagonist, gave him these files and is now hiding out in Europe.

Next we meet Jim Otterbeck and Asha Tamaskar, both of the CIA. Jim is something of a bumbler, and Asha is the Assistant Director of Covert Operations. I found myself unexpectedly rooting for Jim, who unfortunately winds up sidelined before the novel ends.

Describing the intrigue at the center of the novel is difficult. All of the above characters are involved in it, it involves an assassination, and no one is sure whom to trust. It also involves the manosphere and Nazism and the dark web. And a tangled dark web it is, too.

It might serve me to go back and pick up the first book in the series, and then maybe read the third. The characters are interesting, and the writing is quite good.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARI FALK IS BACK!!! (and yes that is me yelling) I loved The Collaborators, so there was zero hesitation when I got the chance to read The Cormorant Hunt. This is not a standalone, and I strongly recommend starting with book one because the payoff here is worth the investment. Michael Idov drops us straight into a world rich with current geopolitical intrigue, where the stakes feel immediate and uncomfortably real. The settings are vivid and global, grounding the story in a reality that gives the tension real weight and urgency.

What Idov does best is keep the story moving with precision. The dialogue is sharp, the momentum never drags, and the characters operate where ethics are flexible and consequences are unavoidable, which is exactly where this series thrives. Ari Falk continues to be compelling, but it’s his dynamic with CIA officer Asha Tamaskar that truly elevates the book. Their connection is tense, intelligent, and layered, adding real substance to the suspense and giving the story its edge.

This is spy fiction without padding. No fluff, no wasted space, just tight storytelling and an attention to detail that brings humanity to the chaos of espionage. And just when you think you understand where it is all heading, the ending proves otherwise. Hold your breath, clear your schedule, and be prepared to want the next installment immediately. This series continues to deliver, and I am fully locked in.

[S.K. O'Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★½☆ (3.5/5 Stars)

The Cormorant Hunt is an electrifying spy thriller that expertly propels the Cormorant Trilogy into a turbulent era of modern geopolitical conflict. While the story takes a little time to find its footing and starts off slow, the momentum picks up significantly once the pieces are in place, evolving into a high-stakes race.

The plot follows disillusioned CIA officer Ari Falk, who is haunted by the consequences of his past. His fragile peace in exile is shattered when a complex mission drags him back into the world he tried to escape. The narrative thrives on sharp dialogue and complex character dynamics, setting the stage for danger at every turn. Throughout the storyline, I developed a fascinating love-hate relationship with the cast, which made the journey all the more intriguing.

I particularly enjoyed the blend of suspense, sophisticated wit, and stunning authenticity. Idov leans into the real-world consequences of betrayal and political maneuvering; the characters operate in moral gray areas, forcing you to question their motives as the plot unfolds at an unpredictable pace. I would highly recommend this to readers looking for an intellectually stimulating thriller that reflects today's tumultuous political climate.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review.

Although this is the second book in a trilogy, I definitely think you can read this as a standalone. All you need to know is that CIA officer Ari Falk exposed a massive conspiracy in the first book (The Collaborators), and now he’s on the run, hiding out in the Republic of Georgia. Brilliant, ambitious, neurodivergent Asha Tamaskar is the newly crowned head of Covert Activities at the CIA. She has a bee in her bonnet named Felix Burnham, a radical terrorist hellbent on changing the global balance of power. And the only person who can help her bring him down is Ari Falk.

This is a truly excellent fast-paced, non-stop thriller. There are charismatic evil villains, imperfect and relatable heroes, secret lairs, and even a little romance. I highly recommend it.

[Kris the retired librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens after you expose the CIA and manage to stay alive?

In The Cormorant Hunt, Michael Idov drops us back into the dangerous orbit of CIA operative Ari Falk, and he doesn’t ease up for a second. This is the second book in the Cormorant trilogy, and while Idov smartly provides enough backstory for new readers, the emotional and political stakes land harder if you’ve followed Ari from the start.

After blowing the lid off a massive conspiracy at CIA headquarters, Ari is lying low in the Republic of Georgia when a new mission finds him anyway. Enter Asha Tamaskar, a rising CIA officer with sharp instincts and her own carefully guarded agenda. She sends Ari undercover to infiltrate a European extremist group whose plans could tip the balance of power across the continent. What follows is a globe-trotting operation packed with surveillance, deception, and constant risk, where it’s never quite clear who’s using whom.

Idov keeps the pacing tight and relentless. The action moves fast and the spycraft is detailed without bogging the story down. Beneath the thrills, the book digs into themes of loyalty, moral compromise, institutional rot, and the personal cost of living in a world built on secrets. Trust is currency here and it’s always in short supply.

Santino Fontana’s narration is a perfect match for Idov’s prose. He gives Ari a weary edge, sharpens the suspense, and keeps the momentum high even in the more political moments. It’s a performance that pulls you in and makes this one especially hard to pause.

Smart and full of intrigue, The Cormorant Hunt is a sharp continuation of the series and a standout modern spy thriller. Huge thanks to Simon Audio for the complimentary early listen.

[Robin Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.


If you are not a fan of spy thrillers this will be a one star book. This is a spy thriller that will keep you on your toes, if for no other reasons than to keep the characters straight. Just when you think a character is gone, they turn up with important information for the story. The text is well written and flows nicely, although there is some skipping around between chapters but what spy thriller does not do that? This is the second in a trilogy and I do believe it would be advantageous to have read the first one before this since there is some reference to previous events but, if the reader missed the first installment this book is still a good read.

[David C Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in a trilogy of Nat Sec thrillers based on the premise that there’s a powerful, near omniscient figure (code named Cormorant) who has been manipulating things behind the scenes of great power conflict since the fall of the USSR. Here, fugitive CIA man Ari Falk (see vol. 1) is flushed out of hiding by a very smart CIA section chief in order to bring down a right wing influencer who is recruiting a private army. It’s a pretty good chase, with more physical action than the first book, in which the pursuit of the influencer dovetails with Ari’s search for the Cormorant. 3.5 stars because the conclusion (including the romance, which arrives and departs in about five minutes) is unsatisfactorily rushed and truncated; indeed it’s not entirely clear what happens.

[Kelley - rva_reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an action packed, interesting story. I think it might have been the wrong time for me to pick it up because with what’s happening in the US and the snow and ice storm hitting and not knowing when my kids will ever go back to school, I probably needed to read a fluffy, light romance. I think my husband would love this one. I liked the first book and this was a good stand alone sequel but I maybe need to try it again sometime to really take it all in. It was entertaining and a quick read but I maybe read it a little too fast and didn’t take in all that was happening.

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy. Opinions are my own.

[Scott Lovelace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent and fun spy thriller. This is a sequel to The Collaborators. Ari Falk is a burnt out CIA operative hiding out the Republic of Georgia. Ari is not your typical spook. The dialogue and banter is excellent. The action sequences are great to read. This was billed as a standalone but reading book one, The Collaborators, will make it more enjoyable. Some of the scenarios are ripped from today’s headlines.

[Robert Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding Spy Fiction!

Great story. Elegant writing. Sophisticated plot. Bought this the day it was released. Loved The Collaborators, the first in the series. With the same lead character in The Cormorant Hunt, I'm fully invested in the trilogy. Cant wait for the third. Way to go, Idov!

[Bob Woodley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in this trilogy.

Idov is a master of this genre. Very contemporary - refers to Drones, Wordle, Ukraine (but not to AI so I guess it was mostly written before 2023). Witty, intelligent and well written, with snappy pacing and dialog. Compelling - I read this in one day.

See 'highlights' that I have shared along with this review.

[Matthew Barmack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat interesting characters and premises and good writing but crazy and unbelievable plot that didn't really make sense and was hard to follow. Very topical. Covers Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Open Source Intelligence, crypto and especially Russian infiltration of right-and left-wing extremist groups in Europe. The most interesting character is a Steve Bannon/Jordan Peterson-like figure who leads on-line courses that cover their fascism with a patina of Western Civ. Involves different factions within both the CIA and the GRU who are potentially manipulating each other.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

as far as spy thrillers go, I enjoyed the little bits and pieces of tradecraft. the exposition seems like a disproportionately long subplot that goes nowhere, rather than a true plot twist. also there is literally zero character development. this was a fun one but it felt like a filler book in between book 1 and 3.

[Shirley Freeman]

This second book in the trilogy moves Ari Falk's story forward in another fast-paced nail biter. Someone is trying to flush Ari out from hiding, at the expense of other lives of course. Russia has invaded Ukraine. The geo-political situation is in turmoil and bad actors are needing to be stopped.

[Theodore Kinni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this a couple of months ago and I know I liked it enough to finish it. But now that I'm adding it to my latest batch of Goodreads reviews, I can't remember anything about it -- which, I guess, is something of a review in and of itself. Read an advance copy; forthcoming January 2026.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book until about 1/2 way through, then I just felt overwhelmed.

I hadn’t read the first book and think it would have helped my understanding of the plot. As it stands, I’m not sure I really understood all the nuances hence the 3 stars

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great suspense in this book with plenty of interesting characters.

[JXR · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun and thrilling spy thriller with some fantastic plotting and great vibes, though at points the perspective shifts are confusing. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Michele Knopp · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story. I should have read the first book before this one. A little hard to keep up with.

[TC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended.

Review posted at Tzer Island book blog:

https://www.tzerisland.com/bookblog/2...

[Philip Seib]

A terrific spy novel 90% of the way, until tying itself in knots at the end with political moralizing that lacks clarity. But the 90% is brilliant and the book is definitely worth reading.