The Double Agent

Alexsi #2

by William Christie

From a modern master of the classic espionage novel comes William Christie's The Double Agent, featuring Alexsi Smirnoff - a Russian/German double agent loyal only to himself - in a desperate bid to protect himself, again becomes a double agent, this time for the English.

Alexsi Smirnoff - a Russian orphan - was trained as an agent by the Russian Secret Service and inserted into Nazi Germany, where he rose to a position in German intelligence services. As the war grinds on, trapped between two brutal dictatorships, Alexsi betrays both sides in a desperate ploy that succeeds...and fails. His false identities burned, his life at risk, Alexsi attempts to disappear in the hills - but is caught by the British.

Recruited by the SIS, and by "C" himself, Alexsi is once again a double agent. Initially betrayed by a Soviet agent inside the SIS (Kim Philby), Alexsi is sent beyond the reach of the Soviets, into Italy with a new identity as a sergeant in the German army. Settled into the headquarters of Field Marshall Albert Kesselring, Alexsi finds himself at the nexus at a critical point in World War II, balancing between the various forces vying for control in the Vatican, the Italian resistance, and the brutal German Army determined to maintain control of Northern Italy. And Alexsi, finally forced to choose sides over his own survival.

Sequel to the well-regarded A Single Spy, The Double Agent is a fast-paced, compelling novel of espionage in the most momentous and dangerous of times.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Espionage, World War II, Historical

352 pages, Hardcover

First published November 15, 2022

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

WILLIAM CHRISTIE is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and a former Marine Corps infantry officer who commanded a number of units and served around the world. In addition to A Single Spy, he has written several other novels, published either under his own name or that of F.J. Chase.

Reviews

[Dez the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying this is a sequel to A Single Spy, I did not read the first book unfortunately. Since there are a lot of other reviews describing the premise of this novel, I will dive right into what I thought about the book overall.

This book is fast paced with a touch of humor. The main character is a hoot despite his life and secrets constantly being in peril. We follow Alexsi who is a double agent during 1943 and I feel that the author did a good job of describing the historical time period. It is a decent historical suspense novel with classic 007 vibes. Not too lengthy and kept me entertained a majority of the time, the writing was witty and descriptive.

I was a little disappointed in the overall ending to the story, although I suspect the lack of closure was intended to leave room for a transition for the next novel in this series. In reading the excerpt, it seems as if we are going to be able to follow Alexsi and finally get a solid decision out of the secret double agent, but I felt like we just went around in one big circle to end up sort of where we started. Not that the story wasn’t fun along the way, but I would have liked a little more closure and finality to this novel.

If you like secret spy novels that are part of a series, you might enjoy this one.

Thank you to Minotaur Books for the GR giveaway!

[Maine Colonial · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a free advance digital ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

We first meet Aleksi Ivanovich Smirnov in Christie’s 2017 A Single Spy. That book takes Aleksi from his youth on the streets in Azerbaijan, to his being trained by the Soviet NKVD to be a deep uncover spy in Nazi Germany for seven years before being activated on a mission to assassinate the Allied leaders at their 1943 Tehran summit conference.

This new book opens just after the prior one finishes. Aleksi, having successfully thwarted the mission he was supposed to be a part of, is now with the British, who want him to return to Nazi Germany as their double agent. Thinking that’s a good way to die young, Aleksi has other ideas. It’s then a peripatetic adventure for him, trying to stay one step ahead of the NKVD agents on a mission to kill him. The result is his being given a false identity and sent to Italy. It’s 1944 by then, so his time in Italy is unsurprisingly packed with risk.

Christie delivers a seamless blend of fact and fiction, and a mix of highly detailed spycraft and 007-level action of both the violent and romantic kind, but without stinting on the grim realities of being on the ground in Nazi-occupied countries. A Single Spy is a terrific book, but if anything this is even more gripping.

[Star Gater · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for accepting my request to audibly read and review The Double Agent.

Author: William Christie
Narrator: Pete Cross
Published: 11/15/22
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers

Swamp land. It sounded good, but was disappointing. I didn't like the swearing, and liked it even less, if that is possible, listening to the audiobook. There is nothing in this book for me. It is trashy. The author does have a sense of humor that I liked, but I couldn't get comfortable with the narration. I did have to change from speaker audio to ear buds.

I found the narration odd, almost radio-like, as opposed to storytelling. One accent was disheartening, this was early on when I was still trying to commit, and sadly it didn't get any better.

At one point, I wondered if I was missing the punchline. For example, a diary is not going to read like a novel, leaving me asking what is The Double Agent?

[Michael Martz · Rating 3 out of 5]

'The Double Agent' continues the saga of the WWII spy-who-doesn't-really-have-a country, the multi-lingual and uber-talented Alexsi, following the conclusion of his exploits in 'A Single Spy' (though this book can be read as a standalone).

In this story, he finds himself in England and is rewarded for his previous work in thwarting an assassination attempt on Churchill with a job acting as a double agent for the Allies. He ends up in Italy at a regional outpost functioning as a supervisor of a communications team for the Germans and is then re-posted to Rome, which is where the fun begins. He ingratiates himself to his superiors wherever he's posted by using his operational efficiency and direct approach to communications. This provides some benefits to his spying activities, though as he gains the confidence of his German leaders he also ratchets up his risk.

William Christie's writing reminds me a bit of Alan Furst, though not at that level of competence. This is historical fiction, with lots of real characters mixed in with the fictional ones, and the narrative strives to paint an atmospheric picture of the action. Christie mostly succeeds and the story seems realistic enough although the conclusion is pretty hokey. The main fault I found was that the majority of the book involved Alexsi's efforts to establish his undercover identity and avoid detection with precious little discussion of his actual spying efforts and their impact. It's a worthwhile read, though.

[Sherry Chancellor · Rating 5 out of 5]

WWII Iran, 1943

The story opens with the hero in dire straits in Iran. He’s in a cell being held at the British embassy and he’s doomed if he doesn’t take action to protect himself.

The hero, Alexsi, warned the British about a plot to kill Churchill ordered by Stalin. As his ‘reward” for doing so, the British intend to send him right back into the fray as a spy for them. A sure fire way for Alexsi to be killed himself.

A clever man who has had a rough existence, he finds a way to survive. But fate has a way of chasing this man and it isn’t long until he’s back in peril. In fact, this whole book is basically him going from one perilous situation to another. Such is the life of a spy in WWII.

Excitement abounds, the story teems with edge of the seat scenarios, and the violence is sometimes stunning and off the charts.

I enjoyed this book for the storyline as well as the hero. He’s smart, industrious, witty and very likeable. Almost like a violent McGyver. He finds his way into scrapes and back out using the resources to hand.

Clearly, the writer of this story has a great way with words and figuring out a way to get his protagonist out of scrapes. I liked the sheer audacity of some of the hero’s actions.

This appears to be book two of a series and it seems there will be a book three since the war isn’t over in the timeline of the story (and even though the ending was satisfying, it is clear this character has more to do). I was pleased to find I didn’t need to have read book one to jump right into book two. There was no confusion about who this man was and why he was in the situation he was in. That being said, I’m planning to go back and read the first one since I’m intrigued by the character. And I eagerly await the next installment.

I would warn readers that the book is quite violent so if you’re squeamish, be wary. Otherwise, be ready for an interesting ride-along with Alexsi.

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an unbiased review. It comes out November 15, 2022.

[Poptart19 (the name’s ren) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A WWII spy story featuring an NKVD agent trying to survive the war. Lots of action & some humor made this an enjoyable story, though I was a bit disappointed with the ending.

[What I liked:]

•There is plenty of action & excitement to keep the story interesting. Along with the quick pace, we get to visit several different locations from Tehran to England to Italy.

•Alexei, the MC, is hilarious! I particularly enjoyed his consternation about British culture, & how much he secretly hated English tea.

•While definitely not an idealist, & mainly concerned with his own survival, Alexei has ethical lines he refuses to cross & isn’t a cruel person. He makes for a complex character, motivation wise.


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•The ending is extremely abrupt, & lands the MC back in the same dilemma he was in when the book started: a sitting assassination target for the Soviets within the Allied forces. Why not give even a hint of how he plans to get out of it?

•Likewise, Alexei’s decision at the end to abandon self preservation to help someone is pretty out of character—an abrupt decision, & his reasoning isn’t really explained.

CW: child abuse, domestic violence, murder, torture, racism, suicide

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]

[Toni Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sequel to “A Single Spy”

1943-1944

This is the story of Alexsi Smirnoff, a Russian, who was trained as an agent by the Russian Secret Agency Service and inserted into the Nazi Germany, where he rose to a position in German intelligence services. As the war goes on, feeling trapped between two brutal dictatorships Alexi betrays both sides and attempts to disappear but is caught by the British...Alexsi finds himself once again a double agent ..But deep down Alexsi is loyal only to himself.

No doubts this is a compelling novel of espionage set in the most momentous and dangerous of times. It is well-paced, very suspenseful and most of all engaging. The story explores the problems one faces as an agent to two masters: information fed to one agency without giving away too much and harming the other. Alexsi plays his role here beautifully.

Back in the field, assigned to the German SS headquarters in Rome there he transmits coded messages back to England, has a fling with an Italian princess, manages to avoid reprisal form Germans soldiers and partisans. The tradecraft is all-out and the portrayal of the Ardeatine massacre haunting. The violence is stunning and off the chart. All well-done

Mr. Christie has a way with words and knows how to pen a storyline that will capture his audience full attention. It surely got me hooked from the beginning. I simply couldn’t wait to see what troubles Alexsi will get into and how he will wiggle out of them.

Excellent and entertaining adventure

I received this ARC from St-Martin Press via Netgalley

[Jean Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite enjoyable espionage novel with plenty of derring do. I truly appreciate the take on early Soviet history and the scrabble to survive in a dangerous autocracy-both communist and fascist. I'm glad I read "A Single Spy" first, the background of Aleksi's life and career are essential. Hope there are more novels to come. My only quibble, and for which I left out a star, is the spelling "Aleksi". Better to use Alexei, or Oleg. I found it jarring and it took me out of the story at times.

[Patrick SG · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this novel by an author whose works I had never read but now plan to add to my list.

This is a sequel to another book but, unlike with some other authors, you don't need to have read that to get right into this one. He provides enough backstory throughout the book to bring the reader up to speed without spoiling it for those wanting to read the earlier one.

The story, set in the midst of WWII, tells of a young man whose "gifts" of thievery and delinquency are used by various European nations - Russian, German, British, Italian - to their own goals. Christie weaves real historical characters and events into his story in a believable way. His protagonist manages to get into a variety of predicaments where he has to use his wits and skills to extricate himself. Sometimes these escapes verge on the unlikely, but they are entertaining and the story moves along at a rapid, page-turning pace.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spy story, but not like any you've ever read. Not dense, dark, serious, but light and entertaining.

[Gwen]

This double spy story takes place in England and Germany. The main character is from Russia and we are told in no uncertain terms how Russia treats its people.
William Christie definitely did his research about espionage and other exciting aspects of being a double agent. He knew what he was talking about when he wrote this book, no guessing here.
I had never read this author and after reading this book, would like to read more from him.
I recommend this book. You really will enjoy it!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good spy, WWII thriller. More action than spy craft but good for an action thriller. Might be a good idea to read Christie’s first book in the series , A Single Agent. Christie keeps the plot moving and is a more than adequate writer. I enjoyed the book but didn’t love it. The actions of Alexi were just too unbelievable -sort of like a WWII Jason Bourne. Recommended but not highly.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely a cold, harsh book, just like the characters which fit the time and circumstances. All the characters are either black or gray, you either hate them or just dislike them- don't want to give any spoilers - they are just realistic to the plot. It was interesting to read the facts about the real life people in the back to see just how true this coldness and harshness was. The story plot itself was a little jumpy and did not always flow together and the later half was more interesting and had more action than the first half. I guess the best spies would be those that are mundane and emotionless which fits the characters, but there were also some faux pauxs. For being such a good spy at one point he says you cannot trust people who suddenly want to be your friend, nor trust women who sudden want to love you, and then a couple pages later he is following some women back to her apartment. At points the details and thoughts he followed made him see like a capable spy, but then at other points he seemed rather to get by just by dumb luck. Also if the British recruited (using that term loosely) him as a spy, why would they advertise by having him give speech to the troops about what he knows (a major point of being a spy - nobody or a very select few actually know you are a spy), so that plot theme also was off for me. Also, speaking on the spy point, the whole point of spying is to know what your enemy is doing before they do it and pass it along in time to stop or hinder it. In the case of this character, it seemed he was more reporting after the fact of why something happened or right when it happened - to me that makes for a rather poor and unhelpful spy for as much as he was made out to be a top spy. Also, at couple of times the main character kept saying that he just had to wait until 1945 for the war to end, which how would he know that. My final thought was there was not really an overall plot to the story - it was just someone trying to get by and more of incident reports than an all put together story, it felt like it was bunch of mess ups and incidents and then it just kind of suddenly ended. Overall it was not a bad read, but not as intriguing as it sounded in the blurb, and it definitely is on the darker, bloodier, sad side - realistic though if you read the true facts in the end (again fitting for the circumstances - I don't want to give too much away).

[Jean Kolinofsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Christie released A Single Spy several years ago, introducing Alexsi Ivanovich Smirnov, sent by the Russians to spy on Germany. His follow up, The Double Agent, encountered some delays but was well worth the wait. After foiling a plan to assassinate Churchill, Alexsi offers his services to Britain. He can not return to Berlin and Stalin supported the plan against Churchill, Alexsi knows that there will be repercussions for his actions and requests a transfer to England. He works with Intelligence to reveal what he learned in Berlin as well the training he received from the NKVD. When a Russian hit team makes an attempt on his life he knows that England is no longer safe. The only place to be safe from the Russians is back in Germany. When he volunteers to return to Germany he is hoping to be sent to Munich. Intelligence has other plans for him. Posing as a German sergeant, he is dropped into Italy with forged orders assigning him to Signals as an operator and repairman.

Alexsi is a survivor. By organizing his area and making himself indispensable to his commander, he is above suspicion as he inserts his transmissions for the British into daily communications. An unwelcome transfer to SS headquarters in Rome provides more opportunities, but also puts him in more danger. While his own survival is his goal, there are times that he feels morally obligated to refuse orders or take action. Christie’s story is filled with historical figures and events as well as a look at the enigma machine and Alexsi’s tradecraft as a spy. It is an historical thriller that will appeal to fans of Alan Furst and WWII fiction. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing this book for my review.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific read for fans of historical fiction. Alexsi - is this his real name?- is an Azeri born Russian who, at the beginning of the novel is sitting in the British Embassy in Tehran during WWII trying to sell himself to the UK after having worked for the Russians as a spy in the German Abwehr. The Brits eventually bring him to London where he reinvents himself for them as a signals expert named Peter Bauer and is parachuted into northern Italy. As Bauer, he insinuates himself into German army HQs while also sending coded messages back to London. And then he's sent to death with the Principessa, who, for what might be the first time for anyone, gets a bit under his skin - but that's never stated, its only for the reader to deduce. The brutality of the German occupation escalates as does the pressure on Alexsi until ...No spoilers from me. Christie has created a wonderful character in the cynical, thoughtful, relentless Alexsi. Know that he uses violence when needed (there's a scene with trocars that, well, it's impressive) as do the Germans in retaliation against the local population. There's impressive tradecraft, a suspenseful plot, great tensi0n. I missed the first book but this was a great read as a standalone and now I'm hoping for another. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A real page turner. And don't miss the afterword!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the series, and I think it held together even a little better than the first. The story was more cohesive and less a series of peripatetic anecdotes. Alexsi is a great character - ruthless and dedicated to self-preservation, but not completely amoral, as he makes choices that some spies wouldn't make to help save the lives of others, citizens who are victims of the chaos and suffering of war inflicted by the machinations of armies and governments. I really appreciate the way his training in the various services he has infiltrated or spied for (Russian, German, British) help him to analyze situations and people and keep him one step ahead of everyone else. Almost everyone in my book club loved the plot and the pacing, and I hope that author William Christie writes a third book in this series.
For history buffs, there is an author's note that explains all of the background about the Italy campaign and the presence of the SS in Italy. He clearly does his research and it shows, and it illuminated aspects of the book for members of the group who didn't know as much about the history of World War II in Italy as we do about Germany, Poland, or France.
The audio, narrated by Pete Cross, was excellent.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read his full review at Rosepoint Publishing.

Alexsi Ivanovich Smirnov was a deeply embedded agent in MI 6. He reported both to London and Moscow. Neither country knew that he worked for the other. His life was a tightrope with knives at both ends. The Nazis would shoot immediately if they knew that he reported to both sides. First, however, he could expect to be hanging from a meat hook in the basement of Gestapo headquarters.

The problem with being a dual agent is keeping both agencies satisfied. One slip and he would never see the light of day again. Their mutual enemy needed to be defeated by both countries. This book explores the problems faced by someone who is a slave to two masters. Information needs to be fed to the agencies without actually giving away something that could harm the other.

Well-paced and engaging. Empathetic MC. This well-written novel will entertain you and keep you in suspense. Enjoy! 4.5 stars – CE Williams

[Sudhagar · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a historical thriller, this book pales in comparison with the masters of the genre like Alan Furst or Kerr and others.

The hero comes across with super human powers and the action is slow and ponderous. The plot is implausible.

For example, how come there are NKVD agents were freely operating in the UK during war and able to act quickly and have very strong network to find the protagonist recovering in a hospital within days. As we know the USSR was in chaos and the NKVD was decimated during the war by the German attack on them (Operation Barbarossa). It took them many years to recover and even when they were at their peak they would never have the same level of operational freedom and efficiency in the UK.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Agent
By William Christie

This is the story of a Russian spy, Alexsi Ivanovich Smirnov, who, at the behest of his Russian masters, becomes a Nazi intelligence officer – in effect, a Double Agent. However his story goes from there through the many mishaps and changes of fortune - forces he cannot control - to having him work for allied intelligence and ultimately saving the life of Winston Churchill. Alexsi, while performing the tasks required by others, is simply trying to stay alive.

This is a high adventure story. It is an entertaining read about one man's ability to game the system. An enjoyable read.

[Weezy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize that this book was a sequel to a novel called A Single Spy until after I had finished it. I would love to read that one and see what led up to this novel. Of course, it wasn’t necessary to read that first. The author gives enough background information to keep you up to speed. I enjoyed every minute of this action packed spy thriller. It moves along at a great pace and keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen next. The antics of main character, Alexsi, weren’t always believable, but isn’t that how spy novels are supposed to be? Great read!

[Vickie Copelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugely enjoyable. This continuation of Alexis’s brilliant story of his abilities to understand people, situations and keep up with the British ( he finds their WWII spy craft inept) the Germans ( who preferred warriors to spies) and the Russians ( who have the spy craft nailed down) is an elegant story of bravery, cleverness and determination to survive. Alexis is a fascinating character brought up in the slums whose wit and ability to intimidate bullies, captivate generals and become useful is a lesson on it’s own

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book Alexsi Smirnoff has not two but three agencies poised to be either his savior or his executioner,depending on their mood and the day of the week: the Brits, the Germans and the Russians.Set in 1943, Alexsi has been captured in Iran by the British and recruited to infiltrate the German forces in Italy. I was informed that it wasn’t necessary to read this author’s first novel starring Alexsi, A Single Spy but after reading this book, I certainly want to. A well constructed spy story.
Highly recommended!

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Double Agent by William Christie is the very entertaining story of a quick-witted spy of opportunity with keen observational skills. The comparisons and contrasts of the various cultures the protagonist finds himself in over his career are enlightening, and his quick adaptations are exciting enough to want to watch him on screen!! I enjoyed this historical novel, and will definitely read the prequel, “A Single Spy”.

[Wdmoor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a rock solid four star book...highly enjoyable. The book is an intriguing blend of history with a modern day spy thriller format. Don't miss the very good Author's Note at the end of the book...it brings the characters to life in a way I hadn't expected. While this is the second book in the series, it's an excellent standalone book.

Librarians...highly recommended for your male patrons

[John Purvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Christie https://williamchristieauthor.com is the author of ten novels. The Double Agent was published in 2022. This was the 86th book I completed in 2022.

I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of delivering a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence, mature situations, and mature language, I categorize this novel as R. The primary character in the novel is Russian Alexsi Smirnoff.

Smirnoff grew up as an orphan. As a young man, the Russian NKVD recognized his abilities and recruited him. After training, he was sent to Nazi Germany. He was able to penetrate the German Intelligence services and rose in rank.

As the tide of the war becomes clear, and not wanting to return to Russia, Smirnoff attempts to disappear. To his misfortune, he is captured by British troops. Sensing his abilities, the SIS recruits him. After further training, he is dropped into Italy with credentials as a member of the Wehrmacht. The NKVD had learned that he still lived and was in Britain. A hit squad had been sent to find and execute him. War-torn Italy sounded like a good place to hide.

His new identity was as a German Sergeant. With the papers of a communications expert, he is able to take a post within the headquarters of Field Marshall Kesselring. There he has access to information critical to the Allies.

His past has led Smirnoff to bend and flex with the conditions he is faced with. Will he change his allegiance again?

I enjoyed the 8 hours I spent reading this 344-page WWII-era thriller. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

[Osman Raidhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down. I love the main character Alexsi Smirnoff. A man just trying to live a normal life but forced to carry out the commands of the higher ups. He has his wits and is generally one step ahead always looking out for his own survival. The book was great but got a little tedious near the end. Unfortunately I did not read the first book but it was not integral to this story.

[Diogenes · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual protagonist, he has served Russia, Germany and England, but mostly he serves himself.
The incredibly dangerous situations he gets himself into, and always finds a way out, is entertaining and action-packed, if not always tenable. Based on some fascinating episodes of actual history.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of suspense. Detailed character development allowing the reader to fully understand all of the activity. Clever writing and probably more true than fiction. A real page turner and a very, very good read. Well written story with a little bit of everything.

[Theresa McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Wish I would've realized it was a sequel, but I don't feel like there was anything that would spoil the first one. It was a great rad with plenty of plot twists and very real characters. It seemed historically accurate, at least from what I know about WW2.

[Lisa Oropollo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the book to be extremely well written! Very clever plot, with intriguing twists and turns. It was truly hard to put down. If you enjoy spy/suspense type novels, you’ll probably love this book!