The Reluctant Spy: A geo-political thriller in the style of John Le Carre.

by Karen Hagestad Cacy

The Reluctant Spy, a geo-political thriller, formerly titled Return to Ismailia, by Karen Hagestad Cacy is a complex, modern geopolitical thriller that explores the cyclical nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is an action-oriented espionage thriller that explores how trauma, family secrets, and national identity collide in the Middle East. Cacy’s writing style has been compared to that of John Le Carre, and the book itself has been favorably compared to "Cry the Beloved Country."

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2026

About the author

Growing up in Portland, my parents were bohemian with my father an award-winning architect who practiced with Bellusci, I studied ballet for 15 years, which passion informs by novel, "R.S.V.P."

I have a B.A. in Russian and a certificate in Middle East Studies. I attended American University in Cairo, which informs my novel, "The Reluctant Spy, In the Style of John Le Carre."

I was a cabinet-level speechwriter and lobbyist in Washington, D.C. for 23 years, which informs my novel, "The President's Assassin, A Deep State Thriller."

I lived for eight years in Aptos, CA near Carmel, which informs my novel, "Murder at Pebble Beach."