The Patriot's Daughter

by Brittany Butler

Democracy is fracturing—and one woman may hold the key to saving it.

This electrifying debut from former CIA officer and TikTok sensation Brittany Butler is the perfect geopolitical thriller for fans of David McCloskey and Alma Katsu.

When a wave of Russian cyberattacks ignites a disinformation firestorm, the United States is pushed to the brink of a civil war. State governments defy Washington. Militias rise. As trust crumbles and chaos spreads, the CIA races to expose the source behind such unrest before democracy collapses from within.

Brilliant, relentless, and haunted by her mother’s disappearance, Ava was recruited for a moment like this. Dispatched to infiltrate Russia’s foreign intelligence service, her mission becomes personal when she locks onto her target, Konstantine, a charismatic SVR officer whose shadowed past intertwines with her own.

What Ava uncovers is more insidious than she feared. With the country unraveling, she must navigate a minefield of deception. Her only anchor is Ben, a veteran counterintelligence officer with complicated romantic feelings for Ava. But in a world where nothing is as it seems, trusting the wrong person could be fatal.

Ripped from tomorrow’s headlines, The Patriot’s Daughter is a fresh new take on the international spy genre.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

336 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 2026

About the author

Brittany Butler is a former CIA targeting officer with first-hand knowledge of the recruitment and handling of spies and dismantling terrorist networks abroad. She is a staunch advocate for women’s rights in the Middle East and works within her local community to resettle Afghan refugees. The Syndicate Spy is her first novel.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Patriot’s Daughter by Brittany Butler is a contemporary espionage thriller written by a former CIA targeting officer. It’s also a geopolitical thriller. A wave of Russian cyberattacks starts a disinformation campaign and the United States is pushed to the brink of a civil war. Trust crumbles, militias rise, violence and chaos spread. The CIA races to find and expose the source behind the unrest.

Ava Anderson is dispatched to Moscow, Russia to infiltrate Russia’s foreign intelligence service. She selects Konstantine as her target, a charismatic officer, whose own past intertwines with her own. What Ava uncovers is worse than initially thought. How can her navigate the deceptions and save her country? Her only anchor is Ben, a veteran counterintelligence officer with complicated romantic feelings for Ava.

Ava is brilliant, confident, guarded, unpredictable, has good instincts, and is fluent in Russian. She’s perceptive; seeing details that others miss and doesn’t have the patience for games. She’s also haunted by her mother’s disappearance.

The premise of the novel felt all too realistic and plausible with people being manipulated and divided. However, the transition from the prologue to chapter one felt abrupt and needed some explaining of the intervening 15 years. There was a partial explanation, but it felt inadequate. Despite this, I was pulled into the tense situations balanced with emotional scenes. The author does a great job of balancing the espionage story arc with Ava’s personal longing for family. She has crafted an intricate and multi-layered plot that has highs and lows that sometimes get quite dark. There’s plenty of action along with some twists and turns. Themes include family, belonging, secrets, trust, loyalty, deception, power, espionage, lies, geopolitics, romance, and greed.

Overall, this was an intense, fast-paced, and suspenseful thriller. While this book appears to be a standalone novel, there seems plenty of room for a series expansion. I’m looking forward to reading more novels by this author.

Crooked Lane Books and Brittany Butler provided a complimentary physical copy of this book received via a Goodreads Giveaway. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was April 26, 2026.
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My 4.0 star review is coming soon.

[Stacy L Phillips · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advance copy. I wanted to like this book. The prologue hooked me, and the premise of a CIA agent with a mission in Russia sounded intriguing. Unfortunately, I found the MC, Ava unlikeable. She vacillated between projecting (false) bravado and damsel in distress. The will they/ won't they build-up between Ava and Ben, the other intelligence officer, had me rolling my eyes. This is only Ava's second mission, but has she proven herself, or does the CIA have another reason for selecting her? There were just too many moments of, "Seriously?" to really enjoy this book.

[Natalie K · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another doozy. I've been on a kick of not-great books lately...

This "thriller" (there was nothing thrilling about it) was allegedly written by a former CIA officer, but you could have fooled me! There was a lack of knowledge of the Russian language—molodyozh (молодеж) means "youth" in the aggregate, such as "The youth voted for Vice President Gore." I think the author meant molodenkaya or something along those lines, which would be used as an affectionate term for a younger woman.

The writing was also quite bad. At one point, the author writes, "His eyes ping-ponged around the room." Sounds painful! Or how about this passage, describing a moment between the main character and her love interest: "She met Ben's eyes once more, deep pools where she could simultaneously loose [sic] and find herself at the same time." Really? What is this, a poorly written romance novel?

Plus, I was frustrated by the treatment of the "villains," the Liberty Coalition. Their sin? Thinking the federal government has too much power and surveils us. Um, it does! But in this book, people who think that way are terrorists supported by the Big Bad Russians.

Then, to make things even weirder, it takes a monarchical turn in the end. All of a sudden the characters want a constitutional monarchy for Russia! How random! (I say this as an avid White Russian supporter who also wants a return to monarchy. It just was kind of shoe-horned into the plot.)

Also, the Russian surname Голицын is properly transliterated as Golitsyn, not the horrible looking "Gallitzin" this book uses. Just saying.

Thank you to NetGalley for the free review copy.

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This electrifying new thriller from former CIA officer and TikTok sensation Brittany Butler is the perfect geopolitical thriller for fans of David McCloskey and Alma Katsu.

When a wave of Russian cyberattacks ignites a disinformation firestorm, the United States is pushed to the brink of a civil war. State governments defy Washington. Militias rise. As trust crumbles and chaos spreads, the CIA races to expose the source behind such unrest before democracy collapses from within.

Brilliant, relentless, and haunted by her mother’s disappearance, Ava was recruited for a moment like this. Dispatched to infiltrate Russia’s foreign intelligence service, her mission becomes personal when she locks onto her target, Konstantine, a charismatic SVR officer whose shadowed past intertwines with her own.

What Ava uncovers is more insidious than she feared. With the country unraveling, she must navigate a minefield of deception. Her only anchor is Ben, a veteran counterintelligence officer with complicated romantic feelings for Ava. But in a world where nothing is as it seems, trusting the wrong person could be fatal.

Ripped from tomorrow’s headlines, The Patriot’s Daughter is a fresh new take on the international spy genre.

This is a riveting look that explores betrayal, legacy, loyalty n the shady world of espionage. The fragile balance of modern times, brought to life my a real CIA agent and author Brittany Butler.

Intense, fast paced, with a lovely hint of a great strong relationship, filled with great strong characters.

A clear 4.5 stars for me.

[Christa Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good spy thriller but unfortunately I felt The Patriot's Daughter was lacking something. The premise was fine - CIA agent Ava is on a mission in Russia but is actually seeking to find out what happened to her mother who was also an agent who went missing. It just has too many plot holes and is so repetitive that I found myself skimming sections. The book starts with Ava running away from her aunt's and overhearing her aunt tell someone that Ava's mother was murdered but later in the book is a scene where officers show up at her aunt's house and tell them that she had been killed. Which was it? When Ava & her love interest are hooking up in her apartment he carries her over to....a conference table?? At one point there is a funeral for someone who is being buried next to her mother. Her mother has been missing for the whole book, but now they know there is a body? There were tons of little grammatical errors like "loose" instead of "lose" and "dissemble" instead of "disassemble" along with lots of run-on sentences and copious commas. I was never really hooked or invested and would not have finished it if I hadn't felt obligated to write a review.
#NetGalley #ThePatriotsDaughter

[Cheryl Hanzidiakou · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️This book was written by a former CIA officer so I thought I was in for a real treat, but this was just okay for me. There’s a lot of plot holes and I found it to be very convoluted. Ava was not likeable at all, and as a newbie CIA agent with a huge conflict of interest she is sent to Russia tasked with saving the US?! I can only suspend belief so much. In a nutshell, it was hard to find the story or characters very credible.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Patriot’s Daughter by Brittany Butler is an intelligent, fast-paced, and emotionally charged story that perfectly blends espionage, politics, and humanity. As a former CIA officer, Butler brings a rare authenticity to her writing—the kind that makes every twist feel grounded in reality.

I absolutely loved this book. From the very first chapter, I was pulled into the tension and moral complexity of the spy world. The main character, Ava, is strong, flawed, and deeply human. I appreciated how Butler balanced action and emotion, showing the toll that secrets, loyalty, and patriotism take on a person’s soul. It’s not just a spy thriller—it’s a story about identity, family, and what it truly means to serve your country. The addition of Ben as Ava’s handler was a good one.

What really stood out to me was how current and relevant it felt. The political and social undertones reflect real-world issues, yet the book never loses sight of its characters’ emotional journeys. Butler’s insider type perspective shines through in every detail, making it a rare read that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking. Nobody is telling the truth! Nobody is who they say they are and that makes a page turning book SO real!

If you love stories with strong female leads, like Ava, intricate plots, and moral depth, The Patriot’s Daughter is a must-read. It’s one of those books that stays with you long after you turn the last page.

[Ed Rabinowitz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advance reader’s copy, in exchange for an honest review. “The Patriot’s Daughter” is scheduled for release on April 21, 2026.
The book’s premise is both interesting and timely. Russian cyberattacks ignite a disinformation firestorm that pushes the United States to the brink of a civil war.
Sound familiar?
Unfortunately, the premise is the only positive comment I can offer on this novel from former CIA officer Brittany Butler. The narrative and flow are so convoluted I frequently stopped and questioned whether I had missed a chapter somewhere.
The Prologue gives us 11-year-old Ava Anderson living with her aunt. Her mother, Theresa, has been away for ‘work’ (which we soon learn is as a CIA agent) for the past two months, and there is no father in the picture. One night, small suitcase packed, Ava leaves home, ostensibly to search for her mother.
Then we fast-forward to 26-year-old Ava on assignment in Russia as a CIA agent.
First, that’s a huge leap in time. What happened during those 15 years? And do you really expect the reader to believe that an 11-year-old just walks out of the house one night and manages to survive unscathed to become a CIA agent at age 26?
Perhaps more importantly, despite her current assignment, Ava makes it clear that the real reason she became a CIA agent is to find what happened to her mother. Now, since the CIA knows Ava’s mother was an agent who ‘disappeared’ (though we soon find out that’s not necessarily the case), why would the CIA even take her on and train her? Isn’t there some sort of conflict-of-interest there?
We then learn that Ava’s aunt showed Ava a letter from the CIA indicating her mother was arrested for treason. But if Ava ran off at age 11, when did her aunt show her the letter? And later Ava says that the truth about her mother is “buried deep within Langley’s vaults.” So how did her aunt have a letter if ‘the truth’ is buried?
The entire narrative feels disjointed, and (in my opinion) would benefit from a significant re-write before being published. Way too many holes, and not enough character development or believability to pull me in and keep me interested.
One star for “The Patriot’s Daughter.”
And you can check out all of my reviews at my Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com) book blog.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished Patriot’s Daughter and loved it!! There were so many unexpected twists throughout the story, and the suspense carried all the way through to the end. The characters felt incredibly real and well developed.

What stayed with me most was how much the book made me think about cyberwarfare, propaganda, and how easily societies can be manipulated or divided by outside forces. It felt unsettlingly plausible at times and sparked a lot of reflection about the modern world and the ways conflict could unfold beyond traditional warfare. A gripping and thought-provoking read.

[Sl · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me five hours to read it because I didn't take any breaks. What a guilty pleasure it was to read this quiet yet simmering novel from Brittany Butler. I noticed her on FB and ordered the book for one simple reason: It was the story of a girl, very much like me in personality, who had an Agency mother, and secrets to unravel. Although I am not Ava, and her story is quite different, I could truly relate to this character. My own father was an Agency Cold Warrior, and he, too, was a specialist in "Soviet affairs." Dinner table discussions at our house were like pop quizzes for the Apocalypse.

Needless to say, I felt absolutely compelled to read Brittany's book, and I was not disappointed. Thoroughly on point, absolutely factual, and thoroughly engaging. Some things may not be apparent to all readers, but being "part of the family" gave me just enough insight to appreciate the level of insider knowledge and factual basis for the story. Nearly all of what Brittany touches upon in her book is quite real and not fiction at all. The USSR did, in fact, have moles within the Agency (I remember...), and likewise we had our own moles within the GRU and the KGB. Where Hollywood gets silly, Brittany gets serious and every word she writes has its basis in actual fact. It is also quite true that agents often develop somewhat "casual and friendly" acknowledgement between themselves and those who work for oppenents. It is born out of mutual respect for each others skills and sometimes their personal proclivities. They are often "mirrors" of each other after all, despite the enormous political, social, and ideological chasm between them.

Some readers have criticized the story for having "unbelievable" elements, such as Ava not understanding how to survive in the wilderness. This criticism derives from the fact that many people do not truly understand the nature of the agency. Firstly, there is little reason for the Agency to train all agents for wilderness survival when most of them operate in urban and populated locales. Frankly, Ava doesn't need that training since there are no people in the wilderness. Agents thrive on intelligence gathered from people, not squirrels. Unless Ava had a firmly rooted background in the military (which many agents don't) she would have no reason to know how to extract water from black walnut shells or make twine out of plants. Besides, Ben actually does know how to do all that.

And Ben actually is highly rooted in fact. His character is absolutely very typical of many guys in the Agency (and he did have that solid military training.) I can name at least 5 guys who sat at my mom's kitchen table who were just like him.

Another criticism seems to be that Ava has a somewhat conflicting and often confusing loyalty or something along those lines. Agents in reality go through this. They are human and often have to work through their biases, their personality traits, their opinions on a regular basis in a way that "normies" don't. Their lives depend on self-awareness, hyper-vigilance, and anxiety disorders. (yes, true.) Anxiety is what breeds survival mechanisms.

Thesse types of criticisms of the story are undeserved in my opinion, simply because they fail a "believability" test. It is more believable to me, within the context of the story, that Ava experiences these things. Because most people simply do, and her character reflects all the normal things that human beings go through in their lives, in general. (Who hasn't questioned their thoughts and feelings while going through strenuous and highly challenging work experiences and the crossroads of private life?)

If someone wants a fully fictionalized story with Ben playing Jason Bourne, there are plenty of writers who will give you that. But if you are looking for a factually based, reality driven story that accurately depicts life in the Agency, this is it. Also, everyone needs to understand that CIA and NSA people are much like themselves, and in many ways do not reflect Hollywood at all. Although their lives are fascinating, the real and rather shallow reality is that Agency folks are just not good looking enough to satisfy a shallow American audience. The vast majority of women in the Agency for example, are rather ordinary looking although some may be as gorgeous and glamourous as others would like - it depends on the mission needed. Frankly, the author herself happens to be "gorgeous" herself! :) (No inappropriate motive here on my part. She really is, and other women need to let go of their expections and petty envy.)


There are several insights that Brittany touches upon that I felt are more relevant today than they have ever been. The story clearly illustrates a very basic and human truth as the main backbone of Ava's story: spies have families. Specifically, they have kids. The children of agents all over the world pay a high price for being born at all. I know, because I am one. I am 60 years old now, but my childhood was full of the things that Brittany discusses in her book. (I think I ran away once, too, but the Marine detachment brought me home without delay with a stern warning from Embassy command.)

She gives us, the children of Agency employees, a voice, and lets us say, through Ava, what we want to say. I have never read another author of spy thrillers who has even bothered to do so. My deepest thanks to the author, Brittany Butler, for doing that. She hears us, through all the "noise" of agency life. Likewise, our "enemies" have families, children, and people they love also.

Things are less black and white than they might seem. Morality is often more as tones and shades of gray than people imagine, and nowhere is the political more personal, than in the Agency. And yet, life within it, as Brittany brilliantly describes is somewhat a sort of no-man's land, where personal opinion has no meaning. In the story, you will find that the characters on all sides of the conflict are rather apolitical on a personal level. (Except for obvious villains.) This is rooted in reality - no one at the Agency cares what religion you are, what political party you belong to (unless you are a pinko commie), or what orientation you have. What matters is one thing, and one thing only: The Mission.

And that is the crux of the story. When Ava's assignment, the Mission, begins to entwine with her own personal mission to discover the truth about her mother, the same determination within her drives both. Ava isn't just a heroine. She is courageous in a way that most people aren't anymore. She is both pilot and co-pilot of her own journey, and that is truly an accomplishment for the author. The story is extremely well written, and I felt that the editor might have been a bit heavy-handed and edited out vital elements. I could discern that parts of Ava's story were not fully allowed to blossom, and this was due only to the editor, not to the author. I reserve any and all criticism for the editors! (grin.)

I give Brittany Butler 5 stars, one each for: Story Arc, Story Telling/Writing, Character Depth and Development, Factual Detail, Philosophical Musings. I also award her 10 stars in my heart for being brave enough to face the committee with the manuscript.

I hope Ava wakes up and takes us on a new journey in a sequel. Brittany Butler is a brilliant writer, and I feel somewhat sorry for the people she helped to catch back in the day (but not much.) They didn't know who they were dealing with. ;) I think that really shined through the story too, and I'm thankful for that.

[Amy McClure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brittany Butler 's Patriot's Daughter is an exciting CIA espionage spy novel with additional elements of romance and a search for identity. Since Butler was a part of the CIA, the storyline feels authentic, although a bit far fetched.

Short, punchy chapters keep the action moving forward for the most part. Sometimes the pace slowed down for me, particularly at the beginning of the book where the author was setting up or deepening all the plot elements she eventually wove together. However, upon reflection, these quieter parts where not much happened, showed the pace of real spying: lots of tedious planning and asset cultivation, then incredible battles that require split second life or death decisions.

Multiple subplots ( romance with a co- worker, search for the fate of Ava's mother, discovering her father, etc.) humanized the main characters and made the story richer. However, sometimes there were errors as if the author forgot some of the details previously embedded in the plot. For example, at the beginning of the story when Ava, the protagonist, Is a young teen, her aunt casually tells someone her mother is dead. Then much later, representatives from the CIA come to the aunt's house with the same message. The aunt acts like this is new news.

I thought the romance with Ben added a good dimension to the story and served as a welcome break from the grim, terrifying action. However, some of the descriptions were a bit cringey, particularly since this is not really a romance novel. Following are some examples: " His mouth crashed against hers, rough and desperate, a collision of fear and something desperate." Or "He looked down at her, his eyes blazing, and there was a fraction of a second that she could feel the desire pulsing between them." This overwrought, florid writing seemed incongruent with the taut action and serious themes in the rest of the story.

The biggest take-away for me was that although the plot sometimes seemed a bit implausible, it Incorporated many contemporary events, political movements, and Cold War conflicts that we are experiencing right now. The scary scenario in which Russia attacks America from within could really happen. For this reason alone, the book is worth reading.

[Sandy Quill · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books/The Quick Brown Fox & Company for the ARC of "The Patriot's Daughter " in exchange for an honest review.

I expected to shower unconditional love on this book because it contains the mixture of everything I crave in a contemporary espionage thriller.......American and Russian spies facing off with the fate of U.S. and the entire civilized world hanging in the balance......suspenseful stealing of top secrets....double agents, triple agents, maybe even quadruple agents, none of whom trust each other for a single second (nor should they.)

Chases.....daring escapes......startling twists......bullet-riddled action a plot that corresponds to today's current events......and to top it all off, a fast boiling romance between Ava, our fearless lead CIA spy and Ben, a tradecraft-savvy battle hardened counterintelligence agent.

The stakes and the danger levels couldn't be higher here. And I was fully enthralled with Ava's combing her save-the-world-as-we-know-it mission with her clandestine agenda to discover the secrets surrounding the betrayal and death of her mother, also a CIA agent.

While I had an exciting time reading everything I've detailed above, the book's incredibly poor editing (or complete lack thereof) threatened to sabotage the novel even worse than what its Russian villains were trying to do to U.S. democracy..

I grew increasingly frustrated with the gaping plot holes, continuity gaps, jarring transitions from one scene to another, a last minute introduction of a formidable villain who then disappears altogether and twists with no rational explanation to back them up.

The overall effect was similar to watching a two hour movie thriller that looked like a half hour of footage was randomly chopped out of it, rendering parts of it senseless.

If all these grievous errors in story construction and plotting had been addressed, I would've easily given "The Patriot's Daughter" 2 more stars than its getting now. And yet I wouldn't mind seeing Ava take on more global adventures, but only if there's huge improvements made from this first one.

(My other reviews can be found at www.thesandyquill.blogspot.com)

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Patriot’s Daughter is a sharp, fast-paced, and emotionally charged thriller that weaves together espionage, politics, and humanity. Drawing from her experience as a former CIA officer, the author brings a level of authenticity that makes every twist feel believable and grounded.

I was immediately pulled into the tension and moral gray areas of the spy world. Ava is a compelling lead—strong yet flawed, and deeply human. I loved how the story balances high-stakes action with emotional depth, exploring the weight of secrets, loyalty, and patriotism. It’s more than just a spy thriller—it’s a layered story about identity, family, and the true cost of serving your country. And Ben, as Ava’s handler, was a great addition to the dynamic.

What stood out most was how timely and relevant the story feels. The political and social undertones mirror real-world issues, while never losing focus on the characters’ personal journeys. The author’s insider perspective shines through in every detail, making this both a gripping and thought-provoking read. No one is fully honest; no one is exactly who they seem—and that constant uncertainty makes it all feel strikingly real.

The audiobook experience elevated it even further. Marnye Young and Jonathan Waters brought the story to life in a way that made it feel immersive and cinematic—I’m not sure I would’ve connected with it the same way without their performances.

Even the acknowledgments added something special. I loved getting that glimpse into the author’s mindset, especially this line: “The Patriot’s Daughter is about legacy, what we inherit, what we question, and what we choose to protect…” - Brittany Butler Jennings

I can see why some reviews feel the way they do, spy thrillers aren’t universally appealing. Especially when grounded in real-world espionage, they bring a deeper, more complex kind of experience that sets them apart from typical thrillers. It’s a different reading experience altogether—one that’s best appreciated with that perspective in mind before diving in.

Thank you to NetGalley, Spotify Audiobooks and Brittany Butler for the ALC!

[Robyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book -- I really did. I dived into it with the same gusto I reserve for all the spy novels I read. The fact that the book is written by a former CIA officer really excited me. But, unfortunately, it disappointed me -- and after getting 35% through the book, I couldn't force myself to finish it.

First, as a fellow writer, I feel it's poorly written. It's wordy, and the constant (corny) similes made me roll my eyes. Second, there are inconsistencies throughout. At one point, they talk about Ava operating under an alias, but they introduced her to other characters using her CIA name -- Sloane -- instead. Third, the book needed an additional edit. At one point, Ben, the male CIA officer in the book, is looking at something on the floor of a bedroom, and the author said he was kneeling down to examine it. A few paragraphs later, Ben is in bed. Well, how did he get there? The author also mistook the names of her own characters in places -- at one point calling Nathaniel by Konstantine's name. In another part of the book, Ava and Ben are attending a swanky party, and she's wearing a slinky silk gown. They ultimately escape by climbing off a balcony and jumping to the ground. First, seriously? And second, how does a woman wearing a slinky silk gown lift her leg up high enough to climb over a balcony railing??

The main character, Ava, just isn't likeable. She's a relative newbie in the CIA -- and has a major conflict of interest -- but they send her to Russia for an important mission key to saving the United States of America. That makes no sense. Nor does their plan -- to board a supply train traveling from China to Russia in order to insert C4 explosives into computer equipment in the hope of blowing up that equipment when it reaches a warehouse in Russian. Seriously??

The tone of the book is also off. It is billed as a CIA story -- an exciting spy novel. But it reads more like women's fiction, focusing on the building attraction between Ava and her case officer, Ben. I obviously didn't care enough about either character, or the plot, to keep reading.

On to Daniel Silva's new book, which I know won't disappoint.

[Patricia N.]

​Review: The Patriot’s Daughter

​Rating: ★★★★★

Thank you, #NetGalley and publisher, #CrookedLaneBooks, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

​If you want a book that you can’t put down, you have to pick up
#ThePatriotsDaughter by Brittany Butler. This book really makes you think, and with the author being a past CIA agent herself, it makes the story come alive.

​The story follows Ava Anderson. She’s a CIA officer who is smart and tough, but she’s also dealing with some heavy family secrets about her mother. She gets pulled into some serious espionage involving secret agents and a Russian plot that could cause a lot of trouble back home. It’s exciting because it’s not just about the mission; it’s about Ava trying to find the truth while trying to stay out of trouble with her CIA boss.

The main character is ​Ava, she is a great lead because you really want to root for her. One of the best parts of the book is her relationship with Ben, a veteran officer she works with. The romance and the "will they or won't they" tension between Ava and Ben adds a really nice spark to the story. It’s not just all about the spy stuff; seeing their connection grow while they are in the middle of a dangerous mission makes the book feel much more personal. You also have the target, Konstantine, a Russian spy, who keeps you guessing about who you can actually trust.

​It’s easy to get into, and it's an action-packed story. The ending will surprise you, and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes, but it never gets confusing. It’s just a solid, five-star thriller with a great mix of action and heart. Highly recommended.

There will also be a sequel out in July or August 2026. I can't wait to read the sequel, I'm sure it will be great, too.

#NetGalley
#ThePatriotsDaughter
#BrittanyButler
#CrookedLaneBooks

https://www.patriciasreadingroom.com

[Jodee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brittany Butler’s The Patriot’s Daughter is a captivating historical novel that explores themes of family legacy, identity, and patriotism through a compelling and emotional narrative.

The novel follows a young woman as she discovers her family’s history and its connections to American history. As the story unfolds, she faces difficult truths about loyalty, sacrifice, and honoring the past. The author skillfully weaves historical details into a personal story, making it both relatable and meaningful.

A major strength of the book is the protagonist's emotional depth. Her growth seems genuine, and her search for answers drives the narrative forward. The pacing stays steady, skillfully combining historical details with her personal development. Readers interested in family histories and national identity will likely find it very compelling.

The writing style is clear and accessible. The author prioritizes storytelling over complex language, ensuring the book is easy to read and follow. The historical details add depth without overwhelming the narrative.

Sometimes, parts of the story feel a bit predictable, particularly how certain revelations unfold. Nevertheless, the emotional payoff and the strong sense of purpose make the experience worthwhile.

Overall, The Patriot's Daughter is a contemplative historical story centered on legacy, bravery, and roots exploration. It appeals to readers who enjoy character-driven historical fiction that emphasizes themes of heritage and self-growth.

[Guy Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I began this book really enjoying the plot, as the chapters came and went there was real enjoyment in the story of a newbie CIA agent on her first assignment in Moscow the use of a media platform sowing dissent and anger into the USA, the various political games, the emergence of a SVR source, who is tasked with investigating the various strands.The agent and her operational partner who she has serious hots for, the backstory of her late mother, labelled a traitor by the CIA who disappeared on a mission in Moscow.The shadowy Konstantin (her SVR source), then suddenly the book became a groaning romance novel, weird shadowy intelligence group made up of an old Russian noble family (funny, I actually knew a real member of the Galitzin family in London) then an action packed chapter of putting bombs on the Russian China express , then yet another jump to bodice ripper and beating hearts , heaving bodies between agents, then a very unsurprising reveal then capture , torture by the baddy, rescued by boyfriend , Konstantin killed and back to the USA, but more to come, showdown with everyone in a missile silo in Montana, all very exhausting , not only for them , but also the reader.Having now moved into Romance , armageddon, fiendish Russians dead daddy, but there is more.
All in all a contradictory jumble of genres, cinematic and dramatic , but I have to admit it left me rather exhausted.

[John Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Patriot’s Daughter by Brittany Butler is an interesting spy thriller. There are several intertwined plot lines. One plot line is that Ava Anderson is CIA officer assigned to the embassy in Moscow with an assignment to develop contacts within Russia and particularly with Nathaniel Grey of the social media firm of Vibrantria. He has moved his headquarters to Russia. Vibrantria is pushing a lot content that is leading to discontent in the United States. He is also funding the Liberty Coalition which is involved in anti-government protests in the United States. There is a question of how much influence the Russian government has on the content being published on Vibrantria and the algorithms that direct who sees what content and what is emphasized.

Another plot element is that Ava is the daughter of a former CIA officer who was accused of being a double agent in Russia. Due to her name change and being adopted this information is not widely known with the CIA. She is trying to find out what happened to her mother in Russia when she disappeared.

Another plot twist is the love interest that develops with Ben, a CIA counter-intelligence officer, assigned to watch over her in Russia.

All of these plot lines become quite entangled throughout the novel leading to some interesting plot twists. A very interesting novel, with some unique plot twists not seen in a lot of novels.

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an incredibly hard book to get through. The writing felt uneven throughout—areas that needed more description were glossed over, while scenes that didn't need much detail dragged on. It was also ridiculously repetitive, as if readers needed a plot recap every single chapter. On top of that, there were several inconsistencies, including confusing plot points and POV shifts that didn't follow the chapter structure the author established.

My biggest issue, however, was the portrayal of Ava and the CIA. The author seems to expect readers to believe that a CIA officer wouldn't know basic survival or field skills like building a fire or jumping from a train. Not only does this make Ava come across as oddly incompetent for someone who earned a position in the agency, but it also suggests the CIA doesn't provide even the most basic training to its officers.

I was initially leaning toward a 3-star rating because this is only the author's second novel. However, after learning that the author is a former CIA officer herself, those issues became much harder to overlook. Before I knew that, I assumed the author had little familiarity with intelligence work—or even with the conventions of a typical thriller or suspense novel. Finding out she actually had a CIA background made the disconnect between the story and its subject matter even more surprising, and ultimately dropped my rating to 2 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Patriot’s Daughter” has plenty of action and intrigue — disinformation campaigns, mistrust of the US government, Russian interference, double agents, lots of secrets and lies. The story contains numerous surprises.

However, there are occasions where the author seems to get confused by the complexity of her story. She has Konstantin and Dimitri meet at the Bolshoi Theatre in the present day and indicates this is the first time they met and lets the reader in on Konstantin’s plan to infiltrate Dimitri’s network and destroy him. Yet that is contradicted by much of the backstory for these characters, including why Konstantin wants revenge, which requires that these characters are already aware of each other. There are multiple times where the timeline is off — things happening too quickly or out of sync. In one of the critical scenes, Dimitri and Volkov and their henchmen surprise Ava and her associates. The author orchestrates a way for Ava to “turn the tables” on them but in the process Volkov just disappears. There is no indication that he leaves the room/scene or that he is killed or captured; rather, it seems like the author just forgot about him, too focused on the confrontation between Ava and Dimitri.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Patriot's Daughter by Brittany Butler is an action-packed spy thriller.

Ava Anderson joined the CIA in hopes of finding out what happened to her mother who disappeared when she was a young child. Now currently assigned in Russia, she hopes she can find out those answers. Ava is working on a case that involves social and political disruption in the United States that originates from Russia.

Joining her on the case is counterintelligence officer Ben Jennings. He was one of her trainers in the US so they already know each other. Their simmering attraction underlies their interactions throughout their search for the disrupters.

The Patriot's Daughter is a timely spy adventure that incorporates relevant issues from current events. Ava is a likable but flawed character who is sometimes distracted by her hunt for answers about her mother. Ben is a professional agent whose efforts to keep their attraction underwraps is mostly successful. The storyline moves at a brisk pace and requires a bit of suspension of disbelief to fully enjoy. Brittany Butler brings this suspenseful novel to an adrenaline-laced conclusion.

[Samantha Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Brittany Butler for sending me a finished copy of this book and allowing me to read and review it!

Man. I really wanted to like this book. I just… didn’t. The premise of this book was really intriguing, and as someone who has spent many years in law enforcement, and some of those working for a federal government agency (though not the CIA), I was really excited about reading this book.

The writing was a little all over the place, and the pacing wasn’t where it should be for a finished book. I have to wonder if the author ever utilized alpha or beta readers for this story, which could have helped not only with the pacing but also with some of the plot holes and grammatical errors as well. I honestly hate to leave reviews like this, especially because Brittany sent me one of the coolest PR boxes with this book. I can tell she put so much thought and effort into it and is really excited about this story. I honestly just think it needs some editing and revision. She has a good premise, it just needed some more work before publication.

[Sarah Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Patriot’s Daughter by Brittany Butler

Written by former CIA officer Brittany Butler, The Patriot’s Daughter is a fast-paced thriller that blends espionage, political intrigue, and family secrets. The story follows a young woman whose life is upended when she discovers her family’s history is far more complicated than she imagined, drawing her into a dangerous world of intelligence operations, hidden agendas, and powerful people working behind the scenes.

One of the novel’s strengths is Butler’s insider perspective. The espionage elements felt authentic, and I was invested in uncovering the truth alongside the main character. The premise was compelling and kept me engaged throughout.

However, the execution didn’t fully deliver for me. Several plot developments felt rushed, and some storylines seemed unresolved, leaving important questions unanswered. As a result, it was harder to stay emotionally connected despite the strong concept.

I also listened to the audiobook, and some production choices felt distracting. Random male-narrated chapters occasionally disrupted the flow rather than enhancing it.

Overall, this is an intriguing thriller with plenty of suspense and a unique perspective, but it didn’t quite live up to its potential. Still, fans of spy fiction, political thrillers, and conspiracy-driven stories may enjoy it.

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[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Patriot’s Daughter is an ambitious book that pits a young woman, Ava, against a vast Russian-backed organization bent on destroying the United States through disinformation campaigns that would kick off a civil war. This is a pretty big assignment for a someone pretty new to the CIA. Ava’s mother had been a CIA agent and went missing, presumed dead, when Ava was a young girl. She is intent on learning the truth about what happened to her. “It wasn’t just about revenge or ghosts of the past. It was about preventing the future from falling apart”.

The premise of Patriot’s Daughter was good but it suffered in the telling. At times it was mellow-dramatic and sometimes bordered on reading like a super hero story. The love story became an interference. Overall, it was hard to find the characters and the story credible. It was disappointing because it had potential. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance review copy.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Patriot's Daughter is a fast-paced thriller with short chapters to keep the action moving. It was refreshing to read a contemporary spy novel with a female protagonist, especially one written by a former CIA agent. Butler's novel features a young operative, Ava, who is working in Russia to investigate possible Russian cyberattacks. She is also trying to solve the mystery of what happened to her mother, who disappeared when Ava was a child. There is some romance and lots of twists throughout as Ava works to find answers to both problems. If you enjoy stories about espionage, you will enjoy this modern take on fighting terrorism. I think I would have enjoyed it more if there were a bit more character development, instead of non-stop plot, but I realize that the breakneck speed is a feature of this genre. Thank you to Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books, and author Brittany Butler for the librarian preview copy!

[Denice Langley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A political thriller with plenty of action and consequences to go around. Ava is a CIA agent with the skills to enter Russia to find the source of misinformation that has caused militia engagements in the US as conflicts between the states and the government grow. The home situations leave no time for slow integration; Ava must find her targets quickly. Brittany Butler has developed Ava into an intelligence officer who can quickly analyze her surroundings and make tough decisions. She has given her a soft side that is searching for her mother, another agent who has been reported missing. The combination builds a character readers care about while still setting a fast-paced thriller in the middle of some situations that will require her to depend on others who do not have her best interests. While I did enjoy this book, it seemed to cram a lot into each chapter, giving an overload that I had to keep turning back to figure out what was going on.

[Lori Cowden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. I tried twice. Unfortunately it just wasn't working for me. The subject was very relevant. However the lead character was supposed to be tough, and yet she was in a constant state of over powering emotions. According to the writing she was unable to see, hear, react, stand, breathe... I couldn't find sympathy or understanding for her. And I finally quit reading when I found myself cringing with every cliche. I actually stopped reading to see if the author was a real person. I thought it might have been an AI generated product. You know that sickly sweet feeling you get from AI generated images, overly produced, too much clarity, impossible lighting and color that a computer might think we want. That was the vibe I was getting. I read to the 50th of 62 chapters so I am only 80% qualified to judge. But I am pretty sure she stops the bad guys, saves the country and gets the boy.

[readwithsamy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up The Patriot’s Daughter expecting a political thriller, but what kept me reading was the constant feeling that nobody could be fully trusted.

The story combines espionage, politics and personal secrets in a way that kept me questioning every character’s motives. I especially enjoyed how the author gradually reveals information instead of giving easy answers.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is the atmosphere of uncertainty. Every conversation feels important, every revelation raises new questions, and the line between friend and foe becomes increasingly blurred.

While some political and intelligence-related details require attention, the story remains engaging because of its focus on trust, loyalty, and the consequences of hidden truths.

If you enjoy character-driven political thrillers with morally gray characters and plenty of intrigue, this is definitely worth picking

[Melissa Olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Patriot’s Daughter was a fun read overall. Once I suspended my disbelief and went with the story, I enjoyed the espionage plot, the family thread, and the broader geopolitical premise.

I did have some issues with the pacing and flow, and there were a few moments where I had to stop and reorient myself. Even so, I found the story entertaining, and I liked the characters. Konstantine was my favorite!

One thing I especially appreciated was that, after I finished reading, this book made me curious to learn more about Russian history and the former monarchy. While it was not a perfect read for me, it was still engaging.

I would recommend this book to readers who like fast-paced espionage stories with family secrets, international intrigue, geopolitical tension, and a plot that is more fun than strictly realistic.

Thank you, Crooked Lane Books, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

[Brittany Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t just write The Patriot’s Daughter. In many ways, I lived inside it.
Before becoming a novelist, I spent nearly a decade working at the CIA. It’s a life that asks a lot of you—secrecy, distance, the quiet understanding that parts of your story can never fully be told. What people don’t always realize is how isolating that world can feel. This book grew out of that feeling.
At its core, The Patriot’s Daughter isn’t just about espionage or geopolitics. It’s about something much more personal: the longing for family, the ache of abandonment, and the human need to belong somewhere in a world that can feel very lonely. Ava is strong, but she’s also searching—for truth, for love, for a place where she finally feels at home. In many ways, writing her story helped me understand parts of my own. Thank you for reading it. ❤️