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Novak and Mitchell #2
Capitol Spy
Novak and Mitchell are close to exposing a Russian spy in Congress. But a ruthless assassin and a deep-state organization will do anything to stop them. In Washington, D.C., Russian reporter Andrei Rublov has uncovered the biggest story of his a US congressman is spying for the Kremlin. But before Rublov can reveal who, he dies in a seemingly tragic accident. As Tom Novak and Stella Mitchell investigate, a woman from Novak’s past offers a chance at breaking the story. But now Russia’s ruthless FSB have her in their sights, and time is running out. With a powerful deep-state organization pulling strings across the globe, and an expert assassin closing in, Novak and Mitchell must lay everything on the line to identify the mole – and unlock a conspiracy decades in the making. Take a deep breath and hold on for Capitol Spy ’s breathless action sequences and Andrew Raymond’s trademark diabolical twists, in Novak and Mitchell’s most personal investigation so far. If you like David Baldacci, Stieg Larsson, and BBC’s Line of Duty and Bodyguard , this addictive series will leave you telling yourself ‘just one more page’.
What readers say about Andrew Official Secrets and its sequel Capitol Spy chosen as BOOKS OF THE YEAR by Chris Patten, former Member of Parliament . ‘A cracking good thriller.’ ★★★★★ ‘Truly spectacular. One of the best thrillers I have read in a long time.’ ★★★★★ ‘Unbelievably fast, entertaining & you cannot put it down.’ ★★★★★ ‘So good I had to set aside work I should be doing just to finish the story.’ ★★★★★ ‘If half of what Andrew Raymond writes about is true we live in a very scary world.’ ★★★★★ ‘So many twists and turns, I seriously didn’t figure it all out until the end.’ ★★★★★ ‘Incredible...unputdownable...Can’t wait for the next instalments.’
What readers say about Andrew Official Secrets and its sequel Capitol Spy chosen as BOOKS OF THE YEAR by Chris Patten, former Member of Parliament . ‘A cracking good thriller.’ ★★★★★ ‘Truly spectacular. One of the best thrillers I have read in a long time.’ ★★★★★ ‘Unbelievably fast, entertaining & you cannot put it down.’ ★★★★★ ‘So good I had to set aside work I should be doing just to finish the story.’ ★★★★★ ‘If half of what Andrew Raymond writes about is true we live in a very scary world.’ ★★★★★ ‘So many twists and turns, I seriously didn’t figure it all out until the end.’ ★★★★★ ‘Incredible...unputdownable...Can’t wait for the next instalments.’
297 pages, Paperback
Published July 12, 2019
386 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Raymond
15 books255 followersI've been a fan of thrillers ever since watching All the President's Men when I was far too young to understand what was going on. Now every day I get to indulge in my passion for fast-paced stories, characters you really care about, and to bring you behind the scenes of the intelligence agencies and the most secretive parts of the political world (the parts they don't want you to know about).
It's often said that I write cinematically, which isn't a coincidence, as my influences are as much in cinema as literature: Daniel Craig's Bond films, Glengarry Glen Ross, Spartan. TV has also been a major factor in my writing. From the original BBC miniseries State of Play, David Simon's The Wire, and Aaron Sorkin, writer of The West Wing; and the US version of House of Cards.
I have worked in the book industry since I was 21.
It's often said that I write cinematically, which isn't a coincidence, as my influences are as much in cinema as literature: Daniel Craig's Bond films, Glengarry Glen Ross, Spartan. TV has also been a major factor in my writing. From the original BBC miniseries State of Play, David Simon's The Wire, and Aaron Sorkin, writer of The West Wing; and the US version of House of Cards.
I have worked in the book industry since I was 21.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 26, 2023
The second installment in the Novak and Mitchell series by Andrew Raymond is yet another nail-biting cliffhanger full of action, twisted plots, political espionage, and conspiracy that will keep readers wondering what’s gonna happen next and gasping for more. A strong word of recommendation - Read the first book in the series, if you are to have a clear understanding of the characters in the book, and keep track of them as they are bound to confuse you. I keep wondering why I did not lay my hands on this series before.
This sequel opens in Washington DC where a Russian reporter, Andrei Rublov has received a dossier of incriminating evidence, that a US Senator is spying for the Kremlin. However, just before he is killed in a bizarre accident, he calls his wife, Natalya Olgarova in Moscow and 911, but his line goes off without leaving a name. Natalya calls Tom Novak to help her locate the dossier, as he is the one whom she trusts due to their past relationship. Meanwhile in London, after the Downing Street attack, Angela Curtis has taken over the reign as the Prime Minister and revamped the echelons of the intelligence agencies. Rebecca Fox is promoted to the Director of Ghost Divison, a wing dedicated to the Internal Affairs of the Intelligence Agencies, and as a close aide of the Prime Minister.
Just then an MI6 agent, Colin Burleigh, carefully handpicked by Rebecca’s Deputy Ant Macfarlane goes rogue and is being chased by the agencies for supplying confidential Strap Three documents to the Russians. Under pressure from MI5, MI6, and GCHQ, Angela is forced to shut down Ghost Division and suspend Rebecca. However, this is only a cover-up, as she has an inkling that the new heads of intelligence cannot be fully trusted. Meanwhile, in a posh residence of Kensington Palace Gardens, Russian billionaire and CEO of Gazrus, Yevgeny Belchov, dials a number to a hired assassin Gasper Noel, to retrieve the dossier from Andrei’s belongings. In a parallel timeline, Andrei’s informer, Senator Adams Tucker is planning a solo trip for a secret meeting in Germany and in Moscow, Natalya is killed by unknown assailants.
In Germany, a shadowy and powerful organization called the Hilderberg group is planning their annual meeting at the Grand Hotel at Hoffenheim located in the Black Forest and middle of nothing. A secret group of the wealthiest elites in politics, business, finance, and media are discussing international problems, and controlling political regimes the world over. Adams Tucker confesses to Novak and Stella that Bill Rand, the Secretary of Defense was chosen by the Hilderberg group to be the next president of the United States. Amidst this secret meeting, Gasper Noel infiltrates the security protocol and assassinates Bill Rand.
Someone in Moscow does not want Bill Rand in the White House. Who is pulling the strings? - Is it truly the Russians or Hilderberg group? To find out more, read this spine-chilling anecdote as Novel and Mitchell unlock a conspiracy that has evolved over decades of planning. Once again, the ending has been left at a cliffhanger where a new face has been unveiled who has been a part of the Helderberg group and is now within the echelons of power in the government, who could bring about a new world order. I have already downloaded the 3rd and 4th installments of this anecdote and the web of conspiracy gets deeper and murkier. A fantastic read for all political thriller fans.
This sequel opens in Washington DC where a Russian reporter, Andrei Rublov has received a dossier of incriminating evidence, that a US Senator is spying for the Kremlin. However, just before he is killed in a bizarre accident, he calls his wife, Natalya Olgarova in Moscow and 911, but his line goes off without leaving a name. Natalya calls Tom Novak to help her locate the dossier, as he is the one whom she trusts due to their past relationship. Meanwhile in London, after the Downing Street attack, Angela Curtis has taken over the reign as the Prime Minister and revamped the echelons of the intelligence agencies. Rebecca Fox is promoted to the Director of Ghost Divison, a wing dedicated to the Internal Affairs of the Intelligence Agencies, and as a close aide of the Prime Minister.
Just then an MI6 agent, Colin Burleigh, carefully handpicked by Rebecca’s Deputy Ant Macfarlane goes rogue and is being chased by the agencies for supplying confidential Strap Three documents to the Russians. Under pressure from MI5, MI6, and GCHQ, Angela is forced to shut down Ghost Division and suspend Rebecca. However, this is only a cover-up, as she has an inkling that the new heads of intelligence cannot be fully trusted. Meanwhile, in a posh residence of Kensington Palace Gardens, Russian billionaire and CEO of Gazrus, Yevgeny Belchov, dials a number to a hired assassin Gasper Noel, to retrieve the dossier from Andrei’s belongings. In a parallel timeline, Andrei’s informer, Senator Adams Tucker is planning a solo trip for a secret meeting in Germany and in Moscow, Natalya is killed by unknown assailants.
In Germany, a shadowy and powerful organization called the Hilderberg group is planning their annual meeting at the Grand Hotel at Hoffenheim located in the Black Forest and middle of nothing. A secret group of the wealthiest elites in politics, business, finance, and media are discussing international problems, and controlling political regimes the world over. Adams Tucker confesses to Novak and Stella that Bill Rand, the Secretary of Defense was chosen by the Hilderberg group to be the next president of the United States. Amidst this secret meeting, Gasper Noel infiltrates the security protocol and assassinates Bill Rand.
Someone in Moscow does not want Bill Rand in the White House. Who is pulling the strings? - Is it truly the Russians or Hilderberg group? To find out more, read this spine-chilling anecdote as Novel and Mitchell unlock a conspiracy that has evolved over decades of planning. Once again, the ending has been left at a cliffhanger where a new face has been unveiled who has been a part of the Helderberg group and is now within the echelons of power in the government, who could bring about a new world order. I have already downloaded the 3rd and 4th installments of this anecdote and the web of conspiracy gets deeper and murkier. A fantastic read for all political thriller fans.
January 16, 2024
Action packed and full of plot, plot twists, action, more action, and a good ol' handful of espionage tropes - if you're a fan of the genre then you might enjoy this. The book romps through London, Washington and Moscow, with a few pan-European diversions thrown in for good measure. I didn't really know what was going on a lot of the time but I listened to an excellent audiobook version and found it overall to be jolly good fun.
July 15, 2021
This second book in the series is no let down. If anything the pace is notched up further and the situations even more unbelievable. The characters work really were and make you wish there really is people with their conviction and determination to clean up politics and government worldwide. Once again the clever ending leaves the reader hungry for the next episode.
April 16, 2021
A great page turner
Second in the series, this book is just as good as the furst, conspiracy, plot twists, you never know what's going to happen next! Highly recommend the series.
Second in the series, this book is just as good as the furst, conspiracy, plot twists, you never know what's going to happen next! Highly recommend the series.
March 4, 2022
The second book gets even better! Love the characters and really wonder how much of this story or fact! Can’t wait to start in the next book!
April 20, 2021
Didn’t hit the mark
I quite enjoyed Official Secrets, the first Novak and Mitchell book, but lost all interest in this one. The plot was weak and didn’t really make sense, but I stopped caring. The book would benefit from some good editing and a bit more character development and depth.
I quite enjoyed Official Secrets, the first Novak and Mitchell book, but lost all interest in this one. The plot was weak and didn’t really make sense, but I stopped caring. The book would benefit from some good editing and a bit more character development and depth.
August 17, 2023
Struggled with this one. I listened to the audio book and, after having to sort out a few technical difficulties, found that I didn't much care for narrator's style. The writing was good, pacey and action-packed and I am old fashioned enough to love the good guys beating the bad.
January 14, 2024
Contemporary political / spy thriller following main protagonists, journalists Tom Novak and Stella Mitchell in the second of the series.
This was another international wild ride as Novak and Mitchell along with various characters from the first book including Rebecca Fox of British Intelligence, investigate a mole in US congress spying for Russia. Their investigation takes them across the globe as they try to unmask the mole, attempting to infiltrate a deep state organisation while chased by a legendary assassin.
I really enjoyed this second instalment, never a boring moment in this action packed novel. I listened to this on audible (wonderful narration) and with the big cast of characters and so much going on I did occasionally find myself having to go back and re listen to parts. As in the first there is a main plot with lots of subplots to follow. This can feel a little disjointed but generally I thought the flow very good.
Book 2 opens and closes its own storyline while also closing off loose ends from Book 1 and introducing a new storyline for Book 3 so I’d recommend reading this in series order.
I almost knocked one star off because it can occasionally veer too far into implausible but it was super enjoyable and highly recommended so stuck with a 5*.
This was another international wild ride as Novak and Mitchell along with various characters from the first book including Rebecca Fox of British Intelligence, investigate a mole in US congress spying for Russia. Their investigation takes them across the globe as they try to unmask the mole, attempting to infiltrate a deep state organisation while chased by a legendary assassin.
I really enjoyed this second instalment, never a boring moment in this action packed novel. I listened to this on audible (wonderful narration) and with the big cast of characters and so much going on I did occasionally find myself having to go back and re listen to parts. As in the first there is a main plot with lots of subplots to follow. This can feel a little disjointed but generally I thought the flow very good.
Book 2 opens and closes its own storyline while also closing off loose ends from Book 1 and introducing a new storyline for Book 3 so I’d recommend reading this in series order.
I almost knocked one star off because it can occasionally veer too far into implausible but it was super enjoyable and highly recommended so stuck with a 5*.
April 20, 2021
Good series this
Really enjoyed the first book and this one carried on in the same vain, Really good over arching story with brilliant sub lots. I think the first book was better in untangling the story with Stella and Tomas they investigated where as this one felt more that they were just there to report particularly Stella who wasn't as involved. Sharp is a great character and be great for a prequel book about him. I find it hard to invest in Rebecca as the head of intelligence when she is quite dumb but that is knitpicking. The Russian science are great as is the whole global inter connected story at large. Great page turned and perfect by the beach reading.
Really enjoyed the first book and this one carried on in the same vain, Really good over arching story with brilliant sub lots. I think the first book was better in untangling the story with Stella and Tomas they investigated where as this one felt more that they were just there to report particularly Stella who wasn't as involved. Sharp is a great character and be great for a prequel book about him. I find it hard to invest in Rebecca as the head of intelligence when she is quite dumb but that is knitpicking. The Russian science are great as is the whole global inter connected story at large. Great page turned and perfect by the beach reading.
November 12, 2022
Capitol Spy -
I read the first book back in 2020 and I am not sure why I have left it so long to read the second in the series. This book is full of twists, turns and is a real page turner. Not knowing who you should trust, with a nice little twist at the end, which I didn’t see coming. I did pre-guess who the spy was and I also guessed that one person maybe wasn’t quite what they seemed to be. Like many books, Novak and Mitchell escaped from life threatening situation maybe unrealistically, but who cares? It’s any enjoyable book that kept my interest from start to finish. Another 5 out of 5. I’ve already downloaded book 3.
I read the first book back in 2020 and I am not sure why I have left it so long to read the second in the series. This book is full of twists, turns and is a real page turner. Not knowing who you should trust, with a nice little twist at the end, which I didn’t see coming. I did pre-guess who the spy was and I also guessed that one person maybe wasn’t quite what they seemed to be. Like many books, Novak and Mitchell escaped from life threatening situation maybe unrealistically, but who cares? It’s any enjoyable book that kept my interest from start to finish. Another 5 out of 5. I’ve already downloaded book 3.
April 6, 2020
I devoured this book. Its not quite as good as the first but still really a smart and gripping novel. The reason its just not as good as the first is because the first had an absolutely standout character in it, that isn't quite present in this book. This one goes more into depth with the protagonists - Novak and Mitchell.
Its just so weird that it kind of preys on conspiracy theories a bit. But I love the American Psycho like attention to detail. It really adds to the atmosphere.
Its just so weird that it kind of preys on conspiracy theories a bit. But I love the American Psycho like attention to detail. It really adds to the atmosphere.
November 9, 2020
I’m sure reading this you know by now this is book 2 in the series, and this one really gripped me from start to finish. I should state that unit this year I’ve never been much of a reader however I’ve very much enjoyed my time in this series so far and took me just under 5 days to finish (long for most but, quick for me) which is a testament to this book. Jumped straight into book 3 and can’t wait to see the story unfold.
March 24, 2021
Another outstanding read by Andrew Raymond, the second in a trilogy, I really worried that this book would not live up to the quality of his first novel 'Official Secrets', I hadn't needed to worry it did...!! He is an amazing author, this book like his first was spellbinding, it was completely enthralling, and like Official Secrets when I finished it I had to purchase the third in the trilogy 'Traitor Games'. I pray he will write another, a forth in the series...
November 27, 2021
Successfully establishing a series
Having enjoyed the first in a series,often the successor disappoints.
A speedy reestablishment of the principal charactersty allowed the plot to develop consistently.The strengths and weaknesses of the free worlds security services,rapidly become apparent.The author has cleverly combined to produce a feeling of eagerly awaiting the next book.
Having enjoyed the first in a series,often the successor disappoints.
A speedy reestablishment of the principal charactersty allowed the plot to develop consistently.The strengths and weaknesses of the free worlds security services,rapidly become apparent.The author has cleverly combined to produce a feeling of eagerly awaiting the next book.
February 15, 2020
Fast paced
You probably should read book one first as stories and characters link. Both are fast paced political thrillers which are fantastic reads. Interesting range of characters which have depth to their personalities. I read both books back to back. Looking forward to number 3.
You probably should read book one first as stories and characters link. Both are fast paced political thrillers which are fantastic reads. Interesting range of characters which have depth to their personalities. I read both books back to back. Looking forward to number 3.
March 21, 2021
Another page turner
Once again Novak, Mitchell, Sharp and Rebecca Fox uncover an intricate web of lies and deceit in the heart of governments and security services at home and across the pond. As fast paced as any Mission Impossible or Jason Bourne this series deserves its place on the big screen.
Once again Novak, Mitchell, Sharp and Rebecca Fox uncover an intricate web of lies and deceit in the heart of governments and security services at home and across the pond. As fast paced as any Mission Impossible or Jason Bourne this series deserves its place on the big screen.
May 9, 2021
Preferred this to this first one, possibly because I understood what the stories are about having never read spy novels before. Like the characters and that there are some females as it doesn't make it 'boy and toys.'
Looking forward to Book 3.
Thank you Andrew for introducing me to the world of spies!!
Looking forward to Book 3.
Thank you Andrew for introducing me to the world of spies!!
August 7, 2021
Scarily plausible
2nd book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed both.
The characters are believable and the plots too. The last page in this one surprised me, I didn’t see it coming.
Only thing not so keen on is the scale of some of the battles on public streets. Not so believable.
2nd book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed both.
The characters are believable and the plots too. The last page in this one surprised me, I didn’t see it coming.
Only thing not so keen on is the scale of some of the battles on public streets. Not so believable.
September 5, 2021
Brilliant and engrossing
Another great story of political intrigue across three continents with Novak and Mitchell uncovering secrets and threats that could change the shape of the world. Again, clever and devilish plot, excellent characters, twists and turns throughout to what I thought was an unexpected ending. Can’t wait to read Traitor Games!
Another great story of political intrigue across three continents with Novak and Mitchell uncovering secrets and threats that could change the shape of the world. Again, clever and devilish plot, excellent characters, twists and turns throughout to what I thought was an unexpected ending. Can’t wait to read Traitor Games!
November 17, 2022
A smashing read!
I'm new to this author but about to move onto book 4. Very interesting and twisty plot with engaging and somewhat dodgy characters - good and bad. Thoroughly enjoying the political shenanigans, laced with betrayal and danger against which our intrepid journalists fight the good fight against corruption. Looking forward to my next read.
I'm new to this author but about to move onto book 4. Very interesting and twisty plot with engaging and somewhat dodgy characters - good and bad. Thoroughly enjoying the political shenanigans, laced with betrayal and danger against which our intrepid journalists fight the good fight against corruption. Looking forward to my next read.
July 28, 2023
Surprising Twists and Turns
The second book of the trilogy with characters moving seamlessly onwards.
A complicated plot/s with many twists and turns.
Waiting to begin book 3 but might wait a day or two as I'm also watching Jack Ryan on Amazon Prime and I'm so immersed in the book a forget if I'm reading or watching.
Unexpected ending.
The second book of the trilogy with characters moving seamlessly onwards.
A complicated plot/s with many twists and turns.
Waiting to begin book 3 but might wait a day or two as I'm also watching Jack Ryan on Amazon Prime and I'm so immersed in the book a forget if I'm reading or watching.
Unexpected ending.
July 22, 2024
great follow up from Raymond
Novak and Mitchell are a strange pair. Chemistry is there but is it really. However, Andrew Raymond has created a great duo. They could be cops, but their journalistic snooping creates mayhem in the middle of chaos. A complete page turner and one not to miss.
Novak and Mitchell are a strange pair. Chemistry is there but is it really. However, Andrew Raymond has created a great duo. They could be cops, but their journalistic snooping creates mayhem in the middle of chaos. A complete page turner and one not to miss.
September 26, 2024
A real blockbuster
Super-exciting - fast-paced - terrifically complex plot - credible spy tradecraft - geographically diverse - fully fleshed out characters - conspiracy actuality - the Hilderberg Group (ha ha) - sophisticated prose - a satisfying denouement - a final hook. Recommended.
Super-exciting - fast-paced - terrifically complex plot - credible spy tradecraft - geographically diverse - fully fleshed out characters - conspiracy actuality - the Hilderberg Group (ha ha) - sophisticated prose - a satisfying denouement - a final hook. Recommended.
January 22, 2020
Another masterpiece
The netbook had better come up with how the Republic got the cash to carry on and how it's owner never did jail time. This is a nurseries the making and i, for one, cannot wait until the next episode.
The netbook had better come up with how the Republic got the cash to carry on and how it's owner never did jail time. This is a nurseries the making and i, for one, cannot wait until the next episode.
June 18, 2020
Great sequel
The plot thickens as Stella and Novak bring down the Americans. Realistic plot, fast paced and everyone gets their just rewards. However, don’t forget those who hold the real power.
The plot thickens as Stella and Novak bring down the Americans. Realistic plot, fast paced and everyone gets their just rewards. However, don’t forget those who hold the real power.
November 21, 2020
It's a rollercoaster of a story
The characters are all believable, it's a hugely entertaining read; like a Bond story without a Bond, in its place are a group of people that you desperately want to win and survive.
The characters are all believable, it's a hugely entertaining read; like a Bond story without a Bond, in its place are a group of people that you desperately want to win and survive.
July 9, 2021
Good read, bit shocking how believable the story is in this day age, highlights how BIG, big brother really is. Worth the patience at the beginning to get everyone in their right place, quite a few players in the story but come together quite soon into the read.
February 27, 2023
fast paced and topical
I enjoyed official secrets so I followed the story into this book and was not disappointed. Fast paced and a proper page turner, although some of the plots and twist are a little far fetched it is a very good read.
I enjoyed official secrets so I followed the story into this book and was not disappointed. Fast paced and a proper page turner, although some of the plots and twist are a little far fetched it is a very good read.
May 9, 2024
Excellent!
This book is so well written it keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through. Never a dull moment. I love the two main characters who work so well together. Highly recommended,you won't be disappointed!
This book is so well written it keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through. Never a dull moment. I love the two main characters who work so well together. Highly recommended,you won't be disappointed!
June 21, 2025
Great read.
A real page turner, that continues on from book one. It is certainly worth reading these in order to get the maximum enjoyment out of some very clever plotting and story lines.
A real page turner, that continues on from book one. It is certainly worth reading these in order to get the maximum enjoyment out of some very clever plotting and story lines.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews