What do you think?
Rate this book
Raines: Crimson Waters
A deadly mission. A buried secret. A brother betrayed.
CIA operative Gabriel Raines is sent to dismantle a global criminal syndicate led by the elusive figure known only as The Shark. But in counterintelligence, nothing is ever simple — and no one is who they claim to be.
As the mission unravels, Raines is caught between traffickers, assassins, and rival intelligence players. With his former partner Chloe Laurent at his side and surveillance tightening around them, they navigate rising blood-red waters.
From Brussels to Tangier, Virginia to the Aegean Sea, Crimson Waters introduces Gabriel Raines' world of brutal secrets and unforgiving truths.
Loyalty is a weapon — and trust cuts the deepest.
CIA operative Gabriel Raines is sent to dismantle a global criminal syndicate led by the elusive figure known only as The Shark. But in counterintelligence, nothing is ever simple — and no one is who they claim to be.
As the mission unravels, Raines is caught between traffickers, assassins, and rival intelligence players. With his former partner Chloe Laurent at his side and surveillance tightening around them, they navigate rising blood-red waters.
From Brussels to Tangier, Virginia to the Aegean Sea, Crimson Waters introduces Gabriel Raines' world of brutal secrets and unforgiving truths.
Loyalty is a weapon — and trust cuts the deepest.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2025
3 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Nina Trays
1 book24 followersNina Trays writes fiction the way rainfall coats the roads on a summer afternoon—
drop by drop, an insidious force that overwhelms in its passing.
She doesn’t appear at book festivals. She doesn’t do selfies.
But she knows how to make a character disappear.
Writes in Shadows. Lives in Fiction.
@writesinshadows
drop by drop, an insidious force that overwhelms in its passing.
She doesn’t appear at book festivals. She doesn’t do selfies.
But she knows how to make a character disappear.
Writes in Shadows. Lives in Fiction.
@writesinshadows
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 3, 2026
This was a solid, well written entry into the world of espionage and counterintelligence, but it ultimately wasn’t quite my genre sweet spot. The story follows CIA operative Gabriel Raines as he dives into a dangerous mission involving traffickers, assassins, and a shadowy criminal figure known as The Shark. The stakes are high, the locations are vivid, and the sense of danger is constant.
I did find it hard to fully sink into the story at first, mostly because detective style narratives and heavy investigative detail are not usually my favorite to read. There are a lot of clues, moving parts, and careful unraveling of secrets, which slowed the pacing for me personally. That said, the plot is clearly well thought out and the author does a great job building a tense, intricate web of deception.
Gabriel Raines is an interesting lead, and I enjoyed the dynamic with his former partner Chloe Laurent. Their shared history adds emotional weight and complexity to the mission, especially as trust becomes harder and harder to define. The globe hopping settings were also a highlight, adding atmosphere and realism to the story.
Overall, this is a good read for fans of secret police, intelligence operations, and puzzle heavy thrillers. While it wasn’t fully for me, I can absolutely see readers who love detailed espionage stories really enjoying this one.
I did find it hard to fully sink into the story at first, mostly because detective style narratives and heavy investigative detail are not usually my favorite to read. There are a lot of clues, moving parts, and careful unraveling of secrets, which slowed the pacing for me personally. That said, the plot is clearly well thought out and the author does a great job building a tense, intricate web of deception.
Gabriel Raines is an interesting lead, and I enjoyed the dynamic with his former partner Chloe Laurent. Their shared history adds emotional weight and complexity to the mission, especially as trust becomes harder and harder to define. The globe hopping settings were also a highlight, adding atmosphere and realism to the story.
Overall, this is a good read for fans of secret police, intelligence operations, and puzzle heavy thrillers. While it wasn’t fully for me, I can absolutely see readers who love detailed espionage stories really enjoying this one.
November 1, 2025
From the very first line, Raines: Crimson Waters grips you like classified intel you shouldn’t be reading. Nina Trays writes with the confidence of someone who understands both sides of power those who wield it and those who bleed for it. The story moves from Moroccan heat to European chill, each location rendered in striking, tactile detail. The pacing never falters chapters flow like silent gunfire, each leaving a mark. What sets this book apart is its emotional weight. Behind all the action and intrigue lies a deep meditation on betrayal, loyalty, and obsession. The editing is clean, and the prose feels like poetry written under duress. A masterclass in modern thriller writing.
November 1, 2025
Nina Trays doesn’t just write espionage she engineers it. Raines: Crimson Waters is a razor-edged blend of covert operations, moral complexity, and emotional ruin. The story opens with an explosive mission in Morocco that sets the tone for everything that follows brutal, chaotic, and deeply personal. Gabriel Raines is the kind of protagonist that lives in the gray. He’s haunted, intelligent, and almost frighteningly composed under pressure. The pacing is relentless but never rushed; the quiet moments feel heavier than the gunfire. Trays’ prose is cinematic yet disciplined, balancing realism and emotion with precision. The editing is tight, the world-building immersive, and the dialogue brims with tension. Easily one of the sharpest modern spy novels I’ve read in years.
November 19, 2025
Raines: Crimson Waters is an impeccably crafted espionage narrative that blends emotional depth with razor-sharp thriller pacing. Nina Trays introduces Gabriel Raines as a man shaped by the ghosts of missions gone wrong, particularly a devastating betrayal in Morocco that haunts him throughout the novel. His relentless search for the mysterious “Shark” becomes a textured exploration of loyalty and vengeance. Trays’s prose is polished and atmospheric, drawing readers through dimly lit European corridors and tense, high-stakes safehouse encounters. The addition of Chloe Laurent adds emotional complexity and strategic tension. The novel excels at balancing action with introspection, making it both gripping and meaningful.
November 1, 2025
Gabriel Raines is one of the most intriguing operatives I’ve met in fiction. Haunted by failure, driven by revenge, he’s the kind of man who never walks into the light because he knows it doesn’t belong to him anymore. Nina Trays builds a world of intelligence and deceit that feels both vast and claustrophobic. The tension never dips, and the pacing has a heartbeat of its own. The relationship between Raines and Chloe Laurent adds emotional depth without softening the tone it’s partnership laced with mistrust. This book doesn’t just tell a story; it builds a pulse you can feel in your fingertips.
November 19, 2025
Nina Trays delivers an intense, emotionally charged spy thriller with Crimson Waters. From the explosive opening in Morocco to the labyrinthine pursuit across Europe, the book keeps readers firmly in its grasp. Gabriel Raines is portrayed as a man battling not only external enemies but the weight of his past decisions. His alliance with Chloe Laurent—an enigmatic figure with her own scars—brings new layers to the unfolding mystery. The writing is immersive and cinematic, with every scene infused with texture and mood. Trays masterfully paces suspense, ensuring that each revelation feels earned and impactful.
November 1, 2025
What struck me most about Raines: Crimson Waters was how deeply emotional it felt for a spy thriller. Trays doesn’t just focus on the mission she dives into what the mission does to the people who live it. The writing is clean, immersive, and purposeful. The editing choices are surgical, and the pacing mirrors the precision of military timing. Every betrayal lands with emotional force. The European backdrops are described with cinematic clarity from art auctions to safehouses, everything feels alive and dangerous. This is spy fiction written with a heart that still remembers how to ache.
November 19, 2025
Nina Trays has created a gripping, multilayered thriller in Crimson Waters. Gabriel Raines is a protagonist defined by grit and vulnerability, and his character drives the story with compelling force. The novel’s opening casualty sets the tone for a journey filled with moral conflict and sharp suspense. As Raines hunts the elusive “Shark,” the narrative expands into a broader conspiracy that feels both intricate and grounded. Trays’s descriptive style transforms each location into a vivid backdrop for covert operations, emotional confrontations, and dangerous revelations.
November 19, 2025
In Raines: Crimson Waters, Nina Trays weaves a sophisticated tale of espionage marked by betrayal, psychological tension, and international intrigue. Raines emerges as a fully realized character whose strength is balanced by the emotional cracks beneath the surface. The Moroccan prologue is gripping, establishing motivations that resonate through the story. Across Europe, Raines joins forces with Chloe Laurent, a partner whose skills and secrets add depth to every interaction. Trays maintains a careful balance between action and introspection, making the novel both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
November 1, 2025
This book feels like a movie you shouldn’t look away from. The pacing is unflinching, and Nina Trays wastes not a single word. Her dialogue cuts like wire. The Shark the unseen antagonist is written so cleverly that his absence becomes presence. What impressed me most was the balance between technical realism and emotional storytelling. It’s not just bullets and codes it’s a story about what obsession does to the human spirit. Spy thrillers often blur together, but Crimson Waters stands apart for its precision and purpose.
November 19, 2025
This novel excels in blending spycraft with character-driven storytelling. Gabriel Raines is haunted by past missions, and his mission to confront “The Shark” feels profoundly personal. Nina Trays renders each city with a cinematic touch—gritty, elegant, or foreboding depending on the moment. The chemistry between Raines and Chloe Laurent is understated but powerful, reinforcing the story’s tension. The pacing is tight without being rushed, making space for meaningful character development amid the unfolding danger.
November 1, 2025
The tone of this novel is intoxicating cold, elegant, and soaked in danger. Nina Trays writes with restraint, and that’s what makes her prose so powerful. Raines: Crimson Waters isn’t about saving the world; it’s about surviving it. The Morocco sequence is a cinematic masterpiece in print, and the fallout is haunting. Each chapter feels like a classified file clean, confidential, and devastating. I loved the balance between clarity and chaos; it mirrors Raines himself.
October 8, 2025
Okay so real talk: this book DESTROYED my sleep schedule and I regret nothing
⚡ QUICK HIT
Gabriel Raines hunts The Shark. Missions explode. Trust shatters. Bodies drop. Nobody's safe.
💭 MY HONEST TAKE
Started this thinking "another spy book whatever" and ended up physically unable to stop reading. Raines isn't your typical action hero. He THINKS. He bleeds. He makes mistakes that cost him everything.
The whole CIA vs global syndicate setup could've been generic but Trays makes it feel suffocatingly real. Chloe Laurent? Obsessed. Can't tell if she's ally or threat and that tension is CHEF'S KISS.
🌍 SETTING GOALS
Brussels corruption. Moroccan chaos. Aegean desperation. Every location switch feels like entering a new nightmare.
⚠️ CONTENT NOTES
Heavy on violence. Betrayal that actually hurts. Zero happy shortcuts.
✨ BOTTOM LINE
If you love thrillers that refuse to hold your hand and protagonists who earn every survival, grab this immediately.
Currently staring at my ceiling at 2am thinking about that ending.
⚡ QUICK HIT
Gabriel Raines hunts The Shark. Missions explode. Trust shatters. Bodies drop. Nobody's safe.
💭 MY HONEST TAKE
Started this thinking "another spy book whatever" and ended up physically unable to stop reading. Raines isn't your typical action hero. He THINKS. He bleeds. He makes mistakes that cost him everything.
The whole CIA vs global syndicate setup could've been generic but Trays makes it feel suffocatingly real. Chloe Laurent? Obsessed. Can't tell if she's ally or threat and that tension is CHEF'S KISS.
🌍 SETTING GOALS
Brussels corruption. Moroccan chaos. Aegean desperation. Every location switch feels like entering a new nightmare.
⚠️ CONTENT NOTES
Heavy on violence. Betrayal that actually hurts. Zero happy shortcuts.
✨ BOTTOM LINE
If you love thrillers that refuse to hold your hand and protagonists who earn every survival, grab this immediately.
Currently staring at my ceiling at 2am thinking about that ending.
November 19, 2025
Richly atmospheric and expertly paced, Raines: Crimson Waters is a standout espionage thriller. The story opens with a mission gone catastrophically wrong, leaving Raines both traumatized and fiercely motivated. His pursuit of “The Shark” spans continents and alliances, drawing him into a complex web of deception. Trays excels at crafting locations that feel alive—from bustling markets to shadowy alleys—and her attention to detail heightens the novel’s realism. The interplay between Raines and Chloe Laurent adds tension and nuance, making this not only a spy story but a deeply human one.
November 19, 2025
Raines: Crimson Waters stands out as a meticulously structured espionage thriller. Raines is a protagonist defined by his scars—physical, emotional, and moral—and these layers make him magnetic to follow. Nina Trays begins with a disastrous mission that sets the stakes sky-high. From there, the narrative moves fluidly through covert meetings, encrypted communications, and European intrigue. Chloe Laurent’s introduction elevates the story further, adding unpredictability and depth. Trays’s ability to merge atmosphere, action, and psychological weight is admirable.
November 19, 2025
Nina Trays’s Crimson Waters is a triumph of tension and storytelling discipline. Gabriel Raines’s pursuit of “The Shark” is more than a mission—it’s a reckoning. The novel’s opening paints Morocco with urgency and danger, pulling the reader into Raines’s emotional spiral. As the plot transitions into Europe’s shadowy underbelly, Trays’s descriptive precision brings every scene to life. Chloe Laurent matches Raines in intelligence and resolve, creating a partnership that feels organic and complex. The result is a thriller that keeps readers invested from start to finish.
November 1, 2025
It’s been a long time since a thriller left me genuinely tense. Raines: Crimson Waters kept me on edge from start to finish. Nina Trays’ control over pacing is masterful she builds momentum, breaks it at the perfect moment, and then blindsides you again. Gabriel Raines is the perfect modern spy hero: broken, brilliant, and believable. The prose is lean, the editing immaculate, and the design mirrors the tone sleek, dangerous, and haunting.
August 31, 2025
This book had a bit of a rough start but picked up speed in the middle and didn’t stop until the very end.
Despite the action-rich prologue hooking me into the story, the first third wasn’t very engaging. Chapter one was an info dump, introducing five suspects at once with case files, making it hard to know what information was important to the plot. I wanted a bigger sense of stakes and objective beyond identify/eliminate the Shark, the leader of various criminal activities.
The POV shifts were confusing at times, jumping back in time and repeating action before moving forward on the timeline. The writing was repetitive in places, with more exposition than unfolding action, which made it hard to engage and get to know the characters closely.
There were too many characters introduced too fast—multiple bad guys in multiple locations, multiple agencies on the scene without knowing why or meeting any of them, and not enough time with Raines and his team. The drama within the Shark’s organization got more page time than Raines.
Things picked up when all that groundwork from the first third was set aside and Raines went home to investigate his brother’s death. From then on, the writing was more engaging, the pace improved and tension was high. I finally felt like I was getting to know Raines since it was mostly unfolding action and stayed in only his POV for a long time. But it was also a jarring shift, even as I expected future reveals would tie this side investigation into the larger plot. The tension stayed high to the end as Raines finally gained traction on the Shark mission. The climax didn’t resolve everything, but made progress in the chase for the Shark. The epilogue had a reveal and hook into the next book.
Overall, this spy thriller was enjoyable as a series starter.
ARC provided by the author. Opinions are my own.
Despite the action-rich prologue hooking me into the story, the first third wasn’t very engaging. Chapter one was an info dump, introducing five suspects at once with case files, making it hard to know what information was important to the plot. I wanted a bigger sense of stakes and objective beyond identify/eliminate the Shark, the leader of various criminal activities.
The POV shifts were confusing at times, jumping back in time and repeating action before moving forward on the timeline. The writing was repetitive in places, with more exposition than unfolding action, which made it hard to engage and get to know the characters closely.
There were too many characters introduced too fast—multiple bad guys in multiple locations, multiple agencies on the scene without knowing why or meeting any of them, and not enough time with Raines and his team. The drama within the Shark’s organization got more page time than Raines.
Things picked up when all that groundwork from the first third was set aside and Raines went home to investigate his brother’s death. From then on, the writing was more engaging, the pace improved and tension was high. I finally felt like I was getting to know Raines since it was mostly unfolding action and stayed in only his POV for a long time. But it was also a jarring shift, even as I expected future reveals would tie this side investigation into the larger plot. The tension stayed high to the end as Raines finally gained traction on the Shark mission. The climax didn’t resolve everything, but made progress in the chase for the Shark. The epilogue had a reveal and hook into the next book.
Overall, this spy thriller was enjoyable as a series starter.
ARC provided by the author. Opinions are my own.
September 5, 2025
Highly recommend if you enjoy shows like The Night Agent (Gabriel Basso) or The Bodyguard (Richard Madden)!
I’ll admit, I wasn’t totally sure about this one when I first started. I really liked how descriptive the prologue was, it painted such a clear picture of the mission, which got me excited. But after that, things got a little confusing. This was my first spy novel, so maybe it’s just me, but I wasn’t familiar with some of the terminology and expressions. I had to pause and Google a bunch of things. Plus, a lot of characters (both good and bad) were introduced really quickly, and I wasn’t sure where the story was going or whether they were gonna be relevant at all, since we didn't know much about anyone other than the shark at that point. It also took me a while to connect with our main character, Gabriel. I’m the kind of reader who needs to get to know a character before I can really get emotionally invested in what's happening to them and what they're going through (not relate to them, I don't care if I do or don't, but definitely learn about them on a more personal level). Those early chapters were tough to push through because there was so much happening without a clear direction, so instead of being hooked, I just felt a bit lost.
ALL THAT BEING SAID!!
I’m so glad I stuck with it, because once things picked up, it just kept getting better and better. Everything started to come together and finally made sense. I don’t want to spoil anything, but once Gabriel’s family came into play, I sat up straighter and thought, “Okay, now we're talking!". That’s when the real plot began, and from then on I was completely hooked. Each chapter got more and more engaging. The mission became clear, the stakes were higher, and I couldn’t put the book down. Gabriel and Chloe had more purpose, and I was on the edge of my seat every time they got closer to the shark. I even found myself trying to connect the dots right along with them. Funny enough, all the things I struggled with at the beginning ended up making sense later, they really did set the stage for what was coming. The action scenes were written very vividly and felt like I was watching a movie.
I audibly gasped when I read the ending, I so did not see it coming!!! Perfect cliffhanger to set up the next book.
I’ll admit, I wasn’t totally sure about this one when I first started. I really liked how descriptive the prologue was, it painted such a clear picture of the mission, which got me excited. But after that, things got a little confusing. This was my first spy novel, so maybe it’s just me, but I wasn’t familiar with some of the terminology and expressions. I had to pause and Google a bunch of things. Plus, a lot of characters (both good and bad) were introduced really quickly, and I wasn’t sure where the story was going or whether they were gonna be relevant at all, since we didn't know much about anyone other than the shark at that point. It also took me a while to connect with our main character, Gabriel. I’m the kind of reader who needs to get to know a character before I can really get emotionally invested in what's happening to them and what they're going through (not relate to them, I don't care if I do or don't, but definitely learn about them on a more personal level). Those early chapters were tough to push through because there was so much happening without a clear direction, so instead of being hooked, I just felt a bit lost.
ALL THAT BEING SAID!!
I’m so glad I stuck with it, because once things picked up, it just kept getting better and better. Everything started to come together and finally made sense. I don’t want to spoil anything, but once Gabriel’s family came into play, I sat up straighter and thought, “Okay, now we're talking!". That’s when the real plot began, and from then on I was completely hooked. Each chapter got more and more engaging. The mission became clear, the stakes were higher, and I couldn’t put the book down. Gabriel and Chloe had more purpose, and I was on the edge of my seat every time they got closer to the shark. I even found myself trying to connect the dots right along with them. Funny enough, all the things I struggled with at the beginning ended up making sense later, they really did set the stage for what was coming. The action scenes were written very vividly and felt like I was watching a movie.
I audibly gasped when I read the ending, I so did not see it coming!!! Perfect cliffhanger to set up the next book.
September 6, 2025
A Cinematic Masterpiece in Literary Form: 'Raines: Crimson Waters' by Nina Trays
★★★★★
Nina Trays has crafted something extraordinary with 'Raines: Crimson Waters', a spy thriller that reads like a perfectly choreographed blend of Mission: Impossible's impossible odds and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's psychological complexity. This isn't just another espionage novel; it's a masterclass in tension that would make Christopher Nolan proud.
The pacing reminds me of Mad Max: Fury Road: relentless forward momentum punctuated by moments of devastating quiet. Trays understands that true suspense comes not from constant action, but from the spaces between the explosions where characters confront their demons. Gabriel Raines carries the weight of his world like Tom Hardy's characters, with that same quiet intensity that speaks volumes without saying a word.
What sets this apart from typical genre fiction is its emotional intelligence. The relationship between Raines and Chloe Laurent feels as authentic and complicated as the partnership in True Detective's first season: two damaged people finding connection amidst chaos. Their chemistry crackles with the kind of tension you'd expect from a David Fincher film, where every glance carries multiple meanings and trust is a luxury neither can afford.
The Shark operates as the perfect invisible antagonist, reminiscent of Heath Ledger's Joker in The Dark Knight: a force of chaos that corrupts everything it touches without ever fully revealing itself. Trays builds this character's presence through absence, creating dread through suggestion rather than exposition. It's psychological horror disguised as spy fiction, and it's absolutely brilliant.
The global locations feel lived in and authentic, shot with the sweeping grandeur of a Skyfall while maintaining the gritty realism of a Bourne film. Morocco becomes a character itself, dusty and unforgiving, while Brussels transforms into a maze of political intrigue that would fit seamlessly into All the President's Men. Each setting shift brings with it a complete tonal transformation that keeps readers constantly off balance.
Trays writes action sequences with the precision of John Wick choreography: every move calculated, every consequence earned. But she's equally skilled at crafting quieter moments that echo the intimate character work of Her or Lost in Translation. The result is a novel that operates on multiple frequencies simultaneously, satisfying both adrenaline junkies and those seeking deeper psychological exploration.
The betrayal that drives the central plot unfolds with the methodical inevitability of a No Country for Old Men scenario: you can see disaster approaching but feel powerless to prevent it. When it finally arrives, the impact is devastating precisely because Trays has invested so much in making us care about these characters' relationships.
Gabriel Raines himself embodies the best elements of modern action heroes: the tactical brilliance of Ethan Hunt, the emotional depth of James Bond's most recent incarnations, and the moral complexity of characters from Zero Dark Thirty. He's neither invincible nor infallible, making his victories feel earned and his failures genuinely heartbreaking.
The novel's exploration of loyalty and betrayal channels the paranoia of Three Days of the Condor while maintaining the sleek professionalism of Heat. Every alliance feels temporary, every revelation opens new questions, and the line between friend and enemy blurs until it disappears entirely. This is espionage fiction that understands the real world rarely offers clear moral choices.
The climax builds with the mechanical precision of a Heat bank robbery sequence: multiple moving parts, escalating stakes, and the constant threat that everything could fall apart at any moment. When the final confrontations arrive, they hit with the emotional weight of The Departed's finale, leaving readers simultaneously satisfied and devastated.
What impressed me most was Trays' restraint. In lesser hands, this material could have become a mindless action spectacle, but she maintains the intellectual rigor of Sicario while delivering the visceral thrills of Casino Royale. Every element serves the larger narrative, nothing feels gratuitous, and the violence carries real emotional consequences.
The writing itself deserves special mention: prose that's as precise as a Collateral Michael Mann sequence, with dialogue that crackles like the best of The Conversation. Trays has an ear for how people actually speak under pressure, and her characters feel like real human beings rather than genre archetypes.
'Crimson Waters' succeeds because it treats its genre seriously while never taking itself too seriously. It's The French Connection reimagined for a global audience, Ronin with deeper character development, Munich with more satisfying closure. Nina Trays has announced herself as a major talent in espionage fiction, and I can't wait to see where Gabriel Raines goes next.
This is essential reading for anyone who appreciates intelligent action, complex characters, and storytelling that respects its audience's intelligence. Like the best spy films, it works on multiple levels: as pure entertainment, as character study, and as meditation on the costs of living in shadows. Highly recommended.
★★★★★
Nina Trays has crafted something extraordinary with 'Raines: Crimson Waters', a spy thriller that reads like a perfectly choreographed blend of Mission: Impossible's impossible odds and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's psychological complexity. This isn't just another espionage novel; it's a masterclass in tension that would make Christopher Nolan proud.
The pacing reminds me of Mad Max: Fury Road: relentless forward momentum punctuated by moments of devastating quiet. Trays understands that true suspense comes not from constant action, but from the spaces between the explosions where characters confront their demons. Gabriel Raines carries the weight of his world like Tom Hardy's characters, with that same quiet intensity that speaks volumes without saying a word.
What sets this apart from typical genre fiction is its emotional intelligence. The relationship between Raines and Chloe Laurent feels as authentic and complicated as the partnership in True Detective's first season: two damaged people finding connection amidst chaos. Their chemistry crackles with the kind of tension you'd expect from a David Fincher film, where every glance carries multiple meanings and trust is a luxury neither can afford.
The Shark operates as the perfect invisible antagonist, reminiscent of Heath Ledger's Joker in The Dark Knight: a force of chaos that corrupts everything it touches without ever fully revealing itself. Trays builds this character's presence through absence, creating dread through suggestion rather than exposition. It's psychological horror disguised as spy fiction, and it's absolutely brilliant.
The global locations feel lived in and authentic, shot with the sweeping grandeur of a Skyfall while maintaining the gritty realism of a Bourne film. Morocco becomes a character itself, dusty and unforgiving, while Brussels transforms into a maze of political intrigue that would fit seamlessly into All the President's Men. Each setting shift brings with it a complete tonal transformation that keeps readers constantly off balance.
Trays writes action sequences with the precision of John Wick choreography: every move calculated, every consequence earned. But she's equally skilled at crafting quieter moments that echo the intimate character work of Her or Lost in Translation. The result is a novel that operates on multiple frequencies simultaneously, satisfying both adrenaline junkies and those seeking deeper psychological exploration.
The betrayal that drives the central plot unfolds with the methodical inevitability of a No Country for Old Men scenario: you can see disaster approaching but feel powerless to prevent it. When it finally arrives, the impact is devastating precisely because Trays has invested so much in making us care about these characters' relationships.
Gabriel Raines himself embodies the best elements of modern action heroes: the tactical brilliance of Ethan Hunt, the emotional depth of James Bond's most recent incarnations, and the moral complexity of characters from Zero Dark Thirty. He's neither invincible nor infallible, making his victories feel earned and his failures genuinely heartbreaking.
The novel's exploration of loyalty and betrayal channels the paranoia of Three Days of the Condor while maintaining the sleek professionalism of Heat. Every alliance feels temporary, every revelation opens new questions, and the line between friend and enemy blurs until it disappears entirely. This is espionage fiction that understands the real world rarely offers clear moral choices.
The climax builds with the mechanical precision of a Heat bank robbery sequence: multiple moving parts, escalating stakes, and the constant threat that everything could fall apart at any moment. When the final confrontations arrive, they hit with the emotional weight of The Departed's finale, leaving readers simultaneously satisfied and devastated.
What impressed me most was Trays' restraint. In lesser hands, this material could have become a mindless action spectacle, but she maintains the intellectual rigor of Sicario while delivering the visceral thrills of Casino Royale. Every element serves the larger narrative, nothing feels gratuitous, and the violence carries real emotional consequences.
The writing itself deserves special mention: prose that's as precise as a Collateral Michael Mann sequence, with dialogue that crackles like the best of The Conversation. Trays has an ear for how people actually speak under pressure, and her characters feel like real human beings rather than genre archetypes.
'Crimson Waters' succeeds because it treats its genre seriously while never taking itself too seriously. It's The French Connection reimagined for a global audience, Ronin with deeper character development, Munich with more satisfying closure. Nina Trays has announced herself as a major talent in espionage fiction, and I can't wait to see where Gabriel Raines goes next.
This is essential reading for anyone who appreciates intelligent action, complex characters, and storytelling that respects its audience's intelligence. Like the best spy films, it works on multiple levels: as pure entertainment, as character study, and as meditation on the costs of living in shadows. Highly recommended.
August 31, 2025
A Heart-Pounding Journey Through Shadows and Betrayal ~ 'Raines: Crimson Waters' by Nina Trays
★★★★★
From the moment I cracked open 'Raines: Crimson Waters', I knew I was in for something special. The opening chapter hit me like a sucker punch to the gut, and I found myself immediately invested in Gabriel Raines' world of impossible choices and deadly consequences.
What struck me most was how Nina Trays made me feel like I was right there beside Raines, my heart hammering as he navigated each treacherous situation. During those intense Morocco scenes, I caught myself holding my breath, genuinely worried about what would happen next. The betrayal that costs Raines his brother-in-arms left me stunned and angry on his behalf. I remember thinking, "How can anyone trust anyone in this world?" Yet somehow, Trays made me understand why these operatives keep going despite everything.
Gabriel Raines became more than just a character to me; he felt like someone I genuinely cared about. His pain over losing his partner resonated deeply, and I found myself rooting for him with an intensity that surprised me. When he struggles with the weight of his decisions, I felt that burden alongside him. There's something profoundly human about how he carries his scars, both physical and emotional.
Chloe Laurent absolutely captivated me. Every time she appeared on the page, I felt this electric tension that kept me glued to the story. Her relationship with Raines felt authentic and complex, and I loved watching their partnership evolve. I kept wondering about her secrets, piecing together clues alongside Raines, feeling that same mix of attraction and wariness he experienced.
The Shark haunted my thoughts even when I wasn't reading. Trays created this masterful sense of dread around this invisible enemy, and I found myself looking for him in every scene, analyzing every character interaction for signs of his influence. The way this antagonist operates from the shadows made me feel genuinely unsettled in the best possible way.
The global settings transported me completely. I could practically taste the dust and danger in Morocco, feel the cold sophistication of Brussels, sense the undercurrents of threat beneath seemingly civilized surfaces. Each location change brought fresh excitement and new layers of tension that kept my pulse racing.
What amazed me most was how Trays balanced the action with genuine emotional depth. During the quieter moments between Raines and Chloe, I felt the weight of their shared history and uncertain future. These scenes provided perfect breathing space that made the explosive action sequences even more impactful.
The mission complexity had me constantly second-guessing everything, just like Raines himself. I loved how nothing was straightforward, how every victory came with a price, how trust became the most dangerous currency. It made me think about the real cost of intelligence work and the people who sacrifice everything for causes that remain forever hidden.
By the final chapters, I was completely absorbed, turning pages with sweaty palms and a racing heart. The climactic sequences left me breathless and emotionally drained in the most satisfying way possible. When I finished the book, I immediately wanted to start over, knowing I'd catch details and nuances I'd missed the first time.
'Crimson Waters' reminded me why I fell in love with spy thrillers in the first place. Nina Trays has created something truly special here: a story that thrills, moves, and haunts you long after you've closed the cover. I'm already counting down the days until the next Gabriel Raines adventure.
This is espionage fiction at its finest, written by an author who understands that the best thrillers don't just entertain they transform you. I emerged from this crimson tide changed, exhilarated, and desperate for more.
★★★★★
From the moment I cracked open 'Raines: Crimson Waters', I knew I was in for something special. The opening chapter hit me like a sucker punch to the gut, and I found myself immediately invested in Gabriel Raines' world of impossible choices and deadly consequences.
What struck me most was how Nina Trays made me feel like I was right there beside Raines, my heart hammering as he navigated each treacherous situation. During those intense Morocco scenes, I caught myself holding my breath, genuinely worried about what would happen next. The betrayal that costs Raines his brother-in-arms left me stunned and angry on his behalf. I remember thinking, "How can anyone trust anyone in this world?" Yet somehow, Trays made me understand why these operatives keep going despite everything.
Gabriel Raines became more than just a character to me; he felt like someone I genuinely cared about. His pain over losing his partner resonated deeply, and I found myself rooting for him with an intensity that surprised me. When he struggles with the weight of his decisions, I felt that burden alongside him. There's something profoundly human about how he carries his scars, both physical and emotional.
Chloe Laurent absolutely captivated me. Every time she appeared on the page, I felt this electric tension that kept me glued to the story. Her relationship with Raines felt authentic and complex, and I loved watching their partnership evolve. I kept wondering about her secrets, piecing together clues alongside Raines, feeling that same mix of attraction and wariness he experienced.
The Shark haunted my thoughts even when I wasn't reading. Trays created this masterful sense of dread around this invisible enemy, and I found myself looking for him in every scene, analyzing every character interaction for signs of his influence. The way this antagonist operates from the shadows made me feel genuinely unsettled in the best possible way.
The global settings transported me completely. I could practically taste the dust and danger in Morocco, feel the cold sophistication of Brussels, sense the undercurrents of threat beneath seemingly civilized surfaces. Each location change brought fresh excitement and new layers of tension that kept my pulse racing.
What amazed me most was how Trays balanced the action with genuine emotional depth. During the quieter moments between Raines and Chloe, I felt the weight of their shared history and uncertain future. These scenes provided perfect breathing space that made the explosive action sequences even more impactful.
The mission complexity had me constantly second-guessing everything, just like Raines himself. I loved how nothing was straightforward, how every victory came with a price, how trust became the most dangerous currency. It made me think about the real cost of intelligence work and the people who sacrifice everything for causes that remain forever hidden.
By the final chapters, I was completely absorbed, turning pages with sweaty palms and a racing heart. The climactic sequences left me breathless and emotionally drained in the most satisfying way possible. When I finished the book, I immediately wanted to start over, knowing I'd catch details and nuances I'd missed the first time.
'Crimson Waters' reminded me why I fell in love with spy thrillers in the first place. Nina Trays has created something truly special here: a story that thrills, moves, and haunts you long after you've closed the cover. I'm already counting down the days until the next Gabriel Raines adventure.
This is espionage fiction at its finest, written by an author who understands that the best thrillers don't just entertain they transform you. I emerged from this crimson tide changed, exhilarated, and desperate for more.
October 10, 2025
I've been analyzing how modern thrillers handle narrative perspective, and Crimson Waters offers surprisingly rich material. Trays constructs Gabriel Raines through action rather than introspection, letting behavior reveal character in ways that challenge conventional protagonist development.
The interplay between past trauma and present mission creates dual narrative threads that comment on each other thematically. Memory becomes unreliable weapon, shaping Raines' perception of current threats through lens of previous betrayal. This psychological layering elevates the work beyond simple plot mechanics.
What intrigues me most is Trays' treatment of language itself. Dialogue stays clipped and guarded, reflecting the professional paranoia inherent to intelligence work. Characters communicate through what they withhold as much as what they reveal, a linguistic strategy that mirrors espionage tradecraft. The Shark functions as absent center, his invisibility forcing other characters to project meaning onto empty space. It's almost Beckettian, this antagonist who shapes everything while remaining fundamentally unknowable. Definitely citing this in my paper on contemporary villain archetypes.
The interplay between past trauma and present mission creates dual narrative threads that comment on each other thematically. Memory becomes unreliable weapon, shaping Raines' perception of current threats through lens of previous betrayal. This psychological layering elevates the work beyond simple plot mechanics.
What intrigues me most is Trays' treatment of language itself. Dialogue stays clipped and guarded, reflecting the professional paranoia inherent to intelligence work. Characters communicate through what they withhold as much as what they reveal, a linguistic strategy that mirrors espionage tradecraft. The Shark functions as absent center, his invisibility forcing other characters to project meaning onto empty space. It's almost Beckettian, this antagonist who shapes everything while remaining fundamentally unknowable. Definitely citing this in my paper on contemporary villain archetypes.
October 10, 2025
Gabriel Raines works alone mostly, even with Chloe beside him. That solitary operational mindset, trusting yourself when everyone else might betray you, feels familiar. Not only the spy part obviously, but that comfort in your own company while the world expects constant social performance.
The book gave me exactly what I needed, complete absorption without human interaction demands. No group discussions required, no explaining why I'd rather read than attend another cafe hangout where everyone's performing their college experience for Instagram.
Raines hunts The Shark through quiet observation and patient strategy, not loud confrontation. There's power in that reserved approach my extroverted peers don't understand. When they ask what I'm always reading, I just smile. They wouldn't get it anyway. Some of us recharge differently. Trays wrote the perfect companion for people like me.
This book offers a perfect blend of thrill, plot, character sketching and setting. Can't wait to this author's next book.
The book gave me exactly what I needed, complete absorption without human interaction demands. No group discussions required, no explaining why I'd rather read than attend another cafe hangout where everyone's performing their college experience for Instagram.
Raines hunts The Shark through quiet observation and patient strategy, not loud confrontation. There's power in that reserved approach my extroverted peers don't understand. When they ask what I'm always reading, I just smile. They wouldn't get it anyway. Some of us recharge differently. Trays wrote the perfect companion for people like me.
This book offers a perfect blend of thrill, plot, character sketching and setting. Can't wait to this author's next book.
November 19, 2025
A deeply atmospheric and sharply written espionage thriller, Raines: Crimson Waters captivates with its emotional stakes and masterful world-building. Raines is a protagonist carved from trauma and purpose, and his narrative arc is gripping. Trays’s writing is vivid, transporting readers from Moroccan dust storms to European art auctions with seamless ease. Every reveal feels impactful, and the tension never slackens. Chloe Laurent’s presence adds intrigue, forming a balanced counterpoint to Raines’s intensity.
November 1, 2025
Every once in a while, a spy thriller comes along that reminds you why the genre exists. Raines: Crimson Waters is that book. From the first page, the writing demands attention sharp, controlled, and brimming with menace. The pacing is swift but never careless, the editing tight, and the tone consistently dark. Nina Trays understands atmosphere like few others. If you love morally gray characters and smart, calculated tension, this is essential reading.
November 1, 2025
Nina Trays turns espionage into poetry. Raines: Crimson Waters isn’t about spectacle it’s about scars. The way she handles betrayal and obsession feels terrifyingly human. The prose is measured, almost rhythmic, and the pacing flawless. Every chapter ends like a slow exhale after holding your breath too long. It’s rare to find a thriller this intelligent and this emotionally grounded.
September 29, 2025
This was a fantastic start to a series. The writing is tight, the action is heart-pounding, and the mystery of The Shark adds a layer of suspense that kept me guessing. I especially enjoyed how the book used real-world elements money laundering, cartels, and covert intelligence to build a story that feels grounded in reality while still being exciting fiction. By the end, I was fully invested in both Raines and the larger shadow war he’s walking into. Highly recommended for fans of espionage fiction.
September 29, 2025
Nina Trays delivers a thriller that feels modern yet timeless in its espionage roots. I liked how the novel didn’t shy away from showing the emotional consequences of missions gone wrong, rather than just glossing over them. Raines is a protagonist who carries scars, both physical and psychological, and that makes him easy to connect with. While there were a few slower parts in the intel briefings, the payoff in the action scenes was absolutely worth it. A solid and memorable read.
September 1, 2025
4.5 stars! an amazing read, different to what i usually read but i got so hooked!
August 23, 2025
✨ ARC Review ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Raines: Crimson Waters by Nina Trays (Book 1 in the Gabriel Raines series)
This read had me hooked right until the very last page! From the beginning, mystery threads its way through the storyline, pulling you deeper and deeper into Gabriel Raines’ world. What I loved most was how the plot refused to let go—each twist brought more questions, and not all of them had neat answers.
The intertwining storylines gave it an edge, and while not everything wrapped up, that only added to the intrigue. The cliffhanger ending was perfectly placed, leaving me desperate to dive into the next installment.
If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps its secrets close and leaves you wanting more, this is one to watch out for!
📚 Thank you to Nina Trays and BookFunnel for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Raines: Crimson Waters by Nina Trays (Book 1 in the Gabriel Raines series)
This read had me hooked right until the very last page! From the beginning, mystery threads its way through the storyline, pulling you deeper and deeper into Gabriel Raines’ world. What I loved most was how the plot refused to let go—each twist brought more questions, and not all of them had neat answers.
The intertwining storylines gave it an edge, and while not everything wrapped up, that only added to the intrigue. The cliffhanger ending was perfectly placed, leaving me desperate to dive into the next installment.
If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps its secrets close and leaves you wanting more, this is one to watch out for!
📚 Thank you to Nina Trays and BookFunnel for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews