Codename Eisvogel – »The Kingfisher Secret«

by Anonymous

Wem gehört der mächtigste Mann der Welt?

Ihr Codename ist Eisvogel. Ihre Mission: einen wohlhabenden, politisch einflussreichen Mann zu heiraten.

Oktober 2016: In Amerika stehen die Wahlen an. Die Journalistin Grace Elliott ist einem Knüller auf der Spur, der zum Sprungbrett ihrer Karriere werden könnte. Ein Pornostar ist bereit, über die Affäre mit dem Mann auszupacken, der der nächste Präsident der Vereinigten Staaten werden könnte. Aber niemand will das heikle Thema anfassen. Stattdessen schickt man Grace auf Reportage nach Europa. Dort stößt sie auf eine noch größere Story, die so explosiv ist, dass sie die Präsidentschaftswahlen entscheiden könnte. Wenn Grace lange genug am Leben bleibt, die Story an die Öffentlichkeit zu bringen.

Spione, Mord und eine der größten Verschwörungen der Gegenwart – um die Quelle zu schützen, die den Thriller motiviert hat, bleibt der Autor anonym.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Book Club, Mystery, Audiobook, Espionage, Mystery Thriller

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2018

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:

* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author

Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.

See also: Anonymous

Reviews

[Elizabeth Cantor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this from a book blogger friend who didn't say a thing about it, just said read it. It's well-written, a page turner, and like a cup of hot wine at the end of a day of political news. I know it's only a novel but it's made me see everything that's going on in the white house differently. Great to learn about Czechoslovakia. Really fun. Fast read. Can't say much more almost everything is a spoiler!

[Stef L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fact or Fiction?

‘He was the most ambitious, least disciplined man in New York. There were no secrets with him. He said aloud every thought that arrived in his brain, to anyone, and a good number of these thoughts were lies.’ (The Kingfisher Secret)

A week ago I first heard about a book called The Kingfisher Secret and immediately my interest was piqued. I’ve just turned the final page and I am absolutely blown away.

The heady blurring of fact and fiction make this a book that is just impossible to put down. The parallels with world events over the last two years result in a fascinating and adrenaline filled read. I found myself at times stopping to research something to ensure that I understood, with absolute certainty, the story as it unfolded before my eyes.

We journey back to 1968 Czechoslovakia, to a country that has recently become a Communist state, here we meet Elena and we quickly realise that her story is one that could turn everything on its head - it is a story that could explain everything. Shift forward to 2016 and Grace Elliott embarks on an almost accidental path that could reveal a truth so explosive that it would rock the world as we know it.

The plot is fast-paced, the writing assured, the contents are incendiary. As I learnt more about Anthony Craig, his voice began to pick up a distinctive timbre that is (although I have tried very hard not to listen to it almost daily) somewhat unforgettable.

The Kingfisher Secret has unequivocally catapulted itself into position as one of my books of the year. I’m left contemplating whether the only way that the truth will out is through fiction?

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was great. Read it in one day cover to cover and was left just wanting so much more!!

[Annabel Hodin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a day off work to finish this. What (scary) fun. "If even a hint of this were true," you're thinking, knowing that it certainly could be in these crazy times. Great double heroines in Grace and Elena, which we frankly don't see enough of in these sorts of books - a mash-up of James Bond, The Da Vinci Code, and maybe a Le Carré.

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Da Ivana Code!

[Orláith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at https://www.instagram.com/p/BpaL8tmnMvk/

4.5 stars

As soon as I saw the author of The Kingfisher Secret listed as "anonymous" I was intrigued. A quick search told me that they have decided to keep their identity secret in order to protect their sources as they are apparently a well respected former journalist.

It's not difficult to work out who the book is supposedly based on; a 2016 presidential candidate who lies as easily as he breathes and his Eastern European, ex-Olympic athlete, ex-wife.

The lines between fact and fiction blur so thoroughly in The Kingfisher Secret that it is almost impossible to put down. Numerous times while reading the book I found myself searching online to try to ascertain which parts are true and which are a figment of the author's imagination.

This alone makes the book a must read, and the fact the plot is actually enjoyable is simply a bonus.

Thank you so much to @penguinukbooks for sending me a free copy of The Kingfisher Secret.

[Ron Charles · Rating 2 out of 5]

There’s a wee bit of fun in the way various real-life characters are recast in “The Kingfisher Secret.” Stormy Daniels becomes Violet Rain, for instance, and Ivana Trump is obviously the reluctant agent Elena. We don’t see much of Anthony Craig, but when he appears, “struggling to keep his mop of hair in place,” the author mimics Donald Trump’s bombastic rhetoric with uncanny accuracy. “We invented luxury,” he tells a crowd in New York. “We did that. It never existed before us.”

In general, though, “The Kingfisher Secret” is a silly confection about Russian scheming spun within the broad outlines of Ivana’s life. Aside from a few car chases and thuggish murders, the author demonstrates neither the narrative ingenuity nor the stylistic vitality to make the story engaging. Admittedly, the confirmed and speculative details of the president’s malfeasant career are hard for fiction to match, but this plot doesn’t exert itself any more than Donald Trump lumbering around his golf course.

To read the rest of this review, go to The Washington Post:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entert...

[Christa Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on fact or is it fiction? Keeps one guessing all the way through the book. Easy read but enjoyable. With all that is happening in American politics, one does have to wonder if this could be true.

[Candice Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOU GUYS. THIS BOOK.

I cannot express loudly enough how much I think this particular book should be on literally every book lovers TBR this winter. This book is MIND BOGGLING good - and exceptionally terrifying.

This story is based on one of biggest conspiracies around right now, Russia's influence on the world, and more specifically, the US Election and current president - and OH MY GOD GUYS - if any of this is true (which much of it seems wildly probable and is backed up by existing proof) it is WILD to consider. Mind blowing, insanely, WILD.

I was sucked RIGHT INTO this and you will be too. It’s impossible to put down. With an added layer of suspense as the author of this book is being kept entirely anonymous.

I don’t want to spoil even one page of this for you, but PLEASE go read it!

[Sonica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada for gifting me a copy of this exciting read in exchange for my honest review. This book released October 16.

Grace Elliott is looking for a big break in her journalistic career when she stumbles upon a story so big, she herself isn’t sure if she can handle reigning it in on her own. Her revelation of a story so explosive, leads her on a deadly race against time fighting her inner desires to make it big, but also facing the risk of losing her life in the process. Will she survive the biggest story ever told and come out unscathed?

The story alternates between present day and a sequence of events leading up to the present, dating back to the late 1960s in the Communist state of Czechoslovakia, where we are first introduced to Elena, or rather Kingfisher. Elena has a secret to hide and one that could literally shake the world. Elena owns the most powerful man in the world, but was this on purpose or mere coincidence?

This book had me gasping at every page turned, and was literally too perfect of a reading choice given the most recent midterms south of the border. An anonymous author is spilling all the tea in this all too familiar sounding “fictitious” tale. With uncanny accuracy, the author truly nailed it with all characters in this entertaining piece of “fiction,” all while creating a very blurred line between fact and fiction. This book was impossible to put down once I got into it. This book has me shook.

I am still struggling with the thought that if even a HINT of this story is true, OH MAN!! A must read, do yourself and your TBR list a favor and go grab a copy ASAP. This book is sure to turn heads and ruffle lots of feathers.

Fact or Fiction?! You decide…

[Goodryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful fun! My favourite thriller of the year, like the best of Robert Harris's books and a new way to see the world. Love to have female protagonists.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to and from America, on a long-haul flight, and it was utterly perfect for that: politics, history, intrigue, travel... with very good characters and descriptions.

[Melanie Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did the KGB plant young girls as wives to men who would become politically powerful? Is their decades-long plan finally coming to friution. Is the US president a Russian operative? This thrilling novel explores how the Russians might have turned an American businessman into their best asset.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it was complicated by many jumps back and forth in time, this intriguing story really came through in the end. It will certainly change my perception of the political relationship between the US and Russia, adding a fanciful (but possible) explanation for the president's behaviour.

[Anne Mcmahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting parallels to present day - scary if even a hint of it is based on real events.

[Naiomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juicy read, makes you wonder who is really in control and power!

[glenn boyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

When fiction leads one to believe there is a lot more truth involved ...

[Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, sleep-robbing read. I can see it as a Neflix series.

[Aristotle · Rating 2 out of 5]

No.

This was a dull story told in a dull way.
The main character journalist for The National Enquirer Grace Elliot was dull and whiny. No.
The plot? Ivana Humpalot Trump was groomed from an early age as a commi spy in communist Czechoslovakia to seduce a wealthy man, the Donald, to help him become President of the USA. No.
Manchurian Candidate. No
I think Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, was the anonymous writer. Maybe he wrote it with Julian Assange of wikileaks fame. Yes?
My review has nothing to do with politics, only with the actual story which was barely readable. Just say no.

"Did you kill my cat? she shouted.

[Roman Clodia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I'd describe this as a book I'm more pleased to *have read* than I was actually reading it - its lax prose and superficial characterisation and page-turning pace all reminded me of The Da Vinci Code, along with the conspiracy plot, of course. It comes to life when the Trump-alike Craig comes on the scene, misspelling his first note to Elena/Ivana - ha!

This is a one-idea book and once that's established the rest is really just window-dressing. All the same, fact or fiction? Worth a fast read just to have an opinion.

Thanks to Random House for an ARC via NetGalley

[Ron S · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know who would call this "fake news," but this fictional story of a Russian sexpionage agent (a swallow) compromising a populist US president, feels all too sadly true.

[Beth Ann Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Read!!! Russia/US - The ties to modern day are all too real!!! Grabs you by the seat of your pants

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

*TW* sexual assault

Despite what the internet says, I think the author chose to remain anonymous due to the terrible writing. The writing felt sloppy and scattered. Grace is truly one of the dumbest characters I have ever read and I felt myself rolling my eyes at her every move.

- Being chased by the Russians because they want to murder her? "Oh just let me call up my ex-husband with his two new little girls and get him to pick me up at the airport!!"
- Finally comes face-to-face with said Russians? "WHY DID YOU KILL MY CAT?!?!?!?!"
- Is given a 3 month severance from her job? "I'm gonna fly first class to NYC, buy expensive food/alcohol and stay in a 5 star hotel, who needs money to last now that I have no income?"
- Man touches her arm? "Wow, I love him??"

Honestly, she truly annoyed me and despite being 41 she acted like a teenager 90% of the time. I also feel like this book is just one giant piece of propaganda. I really could not look past that... Like, the way it was hyped by the publisher - "the author met a Czech businessman who revealed that, near the end of the Cold War, there had been a rumour going around within the intelligence community suggesting the then-Mrs. Trump (Ivana) had been recruited as a young woman to be a KGB sexpionage agent" feels like it is taking advantage of the current headlines. I just don't buy it. I think I may have enjoyed the story more had it not been marketed like this.

I did like the switching in timelines, so that we were given insight into Elena's life as well as what was currently happening. I thought it was a good way to tell the story and allow the reader to have an understanding of the story, Elena's involvement with the Russians, and how they controlled her every move.

A note on the audiobook: The narrator was good, but it felt so choppy? There were so many parts where it sounded like the edited in a different voice to go over something? I know this description isn't making sense, but basically it felt like I was listening to the first draft of an audiobook, which was really distracting.

[Fred Klein · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basically it's "The Manchurian Candidate" set in the context of the Trump campaign (with the names changed to protect the innocent, I suppose). Nothing great, and sometimes silly.

[Alena Gotz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thinly veiled conspiracy theory about Trump and ex-wife Ivana that, well, hardly adds up. The Anonymous author picked a few facts about the methods of the Soviet and Czechoslovakian secret police during the communist era, a few facts about Trump and Ivana, and added a whole pile of BS to capitalize on the anti-Trump craze of present day.

I am a political refugee from communist Czechoslovakia and this is not worth the paper it is printed on, at least not if you are a self-respecting reader.

Should you like to read good literature about life in the regime of former communist Czechoslovakia, then I recommend you start with Milan Kundera's "The Joke" and "The Unbearable Lightness of Being". The latter was made into a film featuring unforgettable performances by Daniel Day-Lewis, Juliette Binoche and Lina Olin.

Or you may want to explore "The Engineers of Human Souls" by Nobel-prize-nominated Josef Skvorecky, which takes place at the University of Toronto and won the Canadian Governor General's Award. Skvorecky's wife Zdena Salivarova wrote two engaging books that are more accessible than Skvorecky's work, depending on your taste. Skvorecky wrote about 40 books, and together with Zdena they founded 68 Publishers in Toronto which, over the next 20 years, published Czech and Slovak books that were banned by the Communists.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I read this for my new book group and isn't something I would ever normally pick up, but it was really good. It had me looking things up to see what was real or what could have been real, and how much was complete fiction. The writing wasn't the best in the world but the story kept me hooked, even if parts did seem a little ridiculous. I'm looking forward to discussing it.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roman à clé, extrapolations on the truth, or pure fabrication? I simply could not resist that blurb, especially with an anonymous author. It grabbed my attention from the start but always wondering if it was real or imagined made it a bit distracting. Everything seemed so chillingly accurate, and based on everything I've read along the years on sleeper agents, it is how it's done. Then I thought of all those incredibly beautiful Eastern European models throughout the years... For a good while, I was pretty sure it was a thinly veiled biography because it sounded very convincing until the last pages had me reconsider what I had read. Then I realised that a very clever writer has taken me for a ride. Maybe?

THE KINGFISHER SECRET is a real cloak and dagger, and the author's sources and/or research are astoundingly impressive. The story takes place between 1968 and the present, the narrative flows smoothly back and forth in time, and the descriptions of the various countries and the political climate in all the timelines are impeccable. However, I resented Grace's - or the author's - depiction of Montreal, with the disparaging and unwarranted remarks on the city. I'm certainly not the only one who will see red when Grace/the author disses Montreal. Does Grace/the author realise that maybe if the hated tabloid she worked for had not relocated its offices to a more financially viable location - Montreal - that maybe she would have been out of a job altogether? That Grace/the author would never have had access to the kind of information that she purportedly gathered, and therefore would never have had the opportunity to write this book - even anonymously - for which, I'm sure, Grace/the author was paid a very handsome fee. I thought it petty of Grace/the author to criticise the city, when in fact she was dissatisfied writing for a tabloid she considered beneath her, unable to fulfil her dreams of being an investigative reporter. Montreal might not be NYC, Paris, or London, but it's no Podunk town either. If it had been just the once, I would have forgiven it.

When looking at the news, one cannot help but wonder what is true in this novel. I had to wait to write my review to digest the whole thing. What Grace does with the information she acquired, what did she expect in this sort of situation? That the spies would ignore her, that everyone would believe her story, and rush her material to publication? True or not, it doesn't change a thing. She didn't have the credentials to make her story stick; she behaved erratically - although it was perfectly understandable considering the circumstances - she looked delusional from the perspective of anyone not involved in the operation. Also an event towards the end was so highly improbable, way too convenient, and that's what tipped the scale.

The cleverest move was choosing not to write the book under certainly a "real" pseudonym, which former spies have done; "Anonymous" is more titillating. In any case, the writing is solid, direct, as befitting a journalist with no literary pretensions. Although I found a little disconcerting that Grace was a bit flat, while the other characters are thoroughly fleshed out. William is a delight, and Elena jumps off the page, all vibrancy and dynamism, and I thought her very sympathetic. THE KINGFISHER SECRET is a very enjoyable book, which took longer to read than it should have, with all the Googling I did! And until maybe one day someone confirms what is true and what isn't, only "Anonymous" knows for sure. If a sequel is planned, it must be a postapocalyptic novel...

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how the author incorporates just enough true and current events and rumours to make this book seem very realistic. To the point of I would not be shocked if it was all revealed tomorrow even though it’s a complicated plot through so many years. Very well written, released at the perfect time and connected through current events. Definitely a quick paced and engrossing thriller!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. The concept of international influence on political parties is definitely possible and I enjoyed the human element of this story.