The Cormorant Hunt: A Novel

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: Mystery, Espionage

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication 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

[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

[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.

[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

[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.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great suspense in this book with plenty of interesting characters.

[J R · 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.