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Lance Spector #2
The Russian
Moscow, Russia
The Kremlin activates a deadly assassin. Across the city, a massive bombing kills hundreds.
Washington DC, USA
The President believes the Kremlin is preparing for a new Cold War.
Langley, USA
With the world on the brink, the CIA has only one Asset capable of preventing catastrophe, but that man is AWOL. They have to find him.
But some men don't want to be found.
The Kremlin activates a deadly assassin. Across the city, a massive bombing kills hundreds.
Washington DC, USA
The President believes the Kremlin is preparing for a new Cold War.
Langley, USA
With the world on the brink, the CIA has only one Asset capable of preventing catastrophe, but that man is AWOL. They have to find him.
But some men don't want to be found.
566 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
4546 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
December 29, 2021
When I began this series of Lance Spector thrillers, I firmly expected each book to be an entity unto itself. And, to a certain extent they are. But now, as I begin book three in the series I can see that each book is a continuation of the one before it. I'm enjoying that aspect of these novels, the cast of characters grows occasionally and the relationships between them evolves as the story unfolds. What began as a small little scenario to bring the retired Lance Spector back into the espionage game has now evolved into the veritable brink of world war 3, with Lance on the run from his own government and the close-knit cast of characters split up to parts unknown. I'm smiling as I write this because I'm very much looking forward to seeing how it progresses from here. This will very likely be my final book of the year, I have failed my reading challenge, but also look forward to making a new challenge for myself. I wish all the Goodreads members the happiest of new years.
March 12, 2023
The president in here needs to grow a pair.
June 3, 2021
Well I have just read the most bezarr fairy tale the author must have read the Bourne books and the greyman, pike logan, David Rivers, javin pierce, James bond and a dozen other books. Then came up with this super hero named lance Spector. I have to say most of the characters were like Donald Daffy Trump
January 25, 2023
Love this guy!
I love how the author weaves the characters into the plot! This series reads as smooth as silk! On to book 3: The Target!
I love how the author weaves the characters into the plot! This series reads as smooth as silk! On to book 3: The Target!
May 11, 2025
Great read! I am enjoying this series!
January 2, 2023
Series Review
I started this series after seeing it on KU and finished all five published books.
It would seem there are two yet left to publish.
The story in and of itself is very ripped from the headlines with enough research done to give characters a backstory. I don’t dislike the writing style and despite the jump from storyline to storyline within each book…it actually works.
This isn’t a bad series. It’s actually quite interesting and quick reading. The problem lies with the author’s decidedly negative view of women.
They exist in this author’s mind as either whores or mothers regardless of their accomplishments or rank within the organization they work within.
All dialog and descriptions are of women who are seen by the author as nothing more than plot devises of his belief that women are only good for reproduction or bed partners.
Even the “good” female characters who exist to work toward justice are given unlikable attributes and attitudes which severely limit the audience.
As a devotee of Lee Child, David Baldacci, Vince Flynn and other authors of this genre, which is widely read by women, I spent the majority of the time rage reading this series as a result of the author’s choice to depict women as catty, petty incompetents.
To be honest, there are zero likable characters in the series and the author’s keen ability to set a tempo for the storyline with interesting history and current events is the real star of the writing.
The writing is good. The topical storylines are interesting. The choice to use every female character (there are many) as a punching bag is disappointing which is why I’ve given it three stars rather than four.
I started this series after seeing it on KU and finished all five published books.
It would seem there are two yet left to publish.
The story in and of itself is very ripped from the headlines with enough research done to give characters a backstory. I don’t dislike the writing style and despite the jump from storyline to storyline within each book…it actually works.
This isn’t a bad series. It’s actually quite interesting and quick reading. The problem lies with the author’s decidedly negative view of women.
They exist in this author’s mind as either whores or mothers regardless of their accomplishments or rank within the organization they work within.
All dialog and descriptions are of women who are seen by the author as nothing more than plot devises of his belief that women are only good for reproduction or bed partners.
Even the “good” female characters who exist to work toward justice are given unlikable attributes and attitudes which severely limit the audience.
As a devotee of Lee Child, David Baldacci, Vince Flynn and other authors of this genre, which is widely read by women, I spent the majority of the time rage reading this series as a result of the author’s choice to depict women as catty, petty incompetents.
To be honest, there are zero likable characters in the series and the author’s keen ability to set a tempo for the storyline with interesting history and current events is the real star of the writing.
The writing is good. The topical storylines are interesting. The choice to use every female character (there are many) as a punching bag is disappointing which is why I’ve given it three stars rather than four.
October 4, 2021
finished yesterday 3rd october 2021 good read really liked it kindle owned second from herzog and one should read this series in order as one follows the other not like some series where it does not matter.
February 23, 2023
I'm reading this series because it's topical: Herzog is cogent and vivid when writing about Russian or CIA history and both rural and urban geography, but his storyline, with the reluctant Lance Spector entering the fray and repeatedly saving the day, is absurd. I speed read most of this one, which took me to Book Three, in which Russia decides on a blitzkrieg in Latvia, to rebuild its lost USSR empire, quite plausible given its brutal invasion of Ukraine. Herzog makes the geopolitics and spycraft plausible but loses his way with his assortment of sadistic, crazed Russian freaks and assorted CIA operatives either easily played and used or climbing up from a cliffhanger to rescue, revive, and resuscitate America. As I said when I reviewed book one, The Asset, he finally seems to be writing for an audience willing to swallow almost anything with weapon porn, grisly torture, and gunplay involved. If this series was more authentic all the way through, with the spies more like Le Carre's creatures than cartoon heroes and villains, I'd recommend it for the care he seems to take at times with his settings and situations. Instead three stars, and be prepared to skim a lot.
December 16, 2023
Could have be great
I wanted to like this series, but unfortunately I won't be continuing. The storyline has been solid, with plenty of action and intrigue. Sadly, the characters and strong undercurrent of misogyny killed it for me. None of the characters are likeable, they are catty and lack integrity. While a spy thriller is going to be filled with devious characters, it would be nice if there was at least one character (maybe the hero?) who actually came across as someone you wanted to cheer on. The female characters are atrocious and not remotely like any women I know in character, thoughts, or actions - they are all characterised as mindless, sex machines who have little to contribute other than they're amazing good looks and ability to be used as a punching bag. And of course, every single female character is in love with the "hero" with way too many scenes and story time spent with them fighting about him. 2.5 stars.
I wanted to like this series, but unfortunately I won't be continuing. The storyline has been solid, with plenty of action and intrigue. Sadly, the characters and strong undercurrent of misogyny killed it for me. None of the characters are likeable, they are catty and lack integrity. While a spy thriller is going to be filled with devious characters, it would be nice if there was at least one character (maybe the hero?) who actually came across as someone you wanted to cheer on. The female characters are atrocious and not remotely like any women I know in character, thoughts, or actions - they are all characterised as mindless, sex machines who have little to contribute other than they're amazing good looks and ability to be used as a punching bag. And of course, every single female character is in love with the "hero" with way too many scenes and story time spent with them fighting about him. 2.5 stars.
May 12, 2022
More politics but still nice
I read this in the middle of the night while feeding my baby. This one wasn't as good at the first in my opinion. There was enough action to keep me going, but not too much mystery...it felt pretty predictable but still was engaging. The NSA director irked me and I don't feel like there was enough follow-up on that situation. I was bored sometimes, especially near the beginning and also during all the war and political conversation. Some of that felt very realistic and made me think, considering what's been happening in Ukraine. Sometimes it feels like this author could predict the future a little. I did enjoy the interwoven Russian history, if not the waxing politics of threats to the USA. I am also not super nationalistic and don't feel like we have to be the world's greatest superpower, so I guess that turns me off to a degree.
I read this in the middle of the night while feeding my baby. This one wasn't as good at the first in my opinion. There was enough action to keep me going, but not too much mystery...it felt pretty predictable but still was engaging. The NSA director irked me and I don't feel like there was enough follow-up on that situation. I was bored sometimes, especially near the beginning and also during all the war and political conversation. Some of that felt very realistic and made me think, considering what's been happening in Ukraine. Sometimes it feels like this author could predict the future a little. I did enjoy the interwoven Russian history, if not the waxing politics of threats to the USA. I am also not super nationalistic and don't feel like we have to be the world's greatest superpower, so I guess that turns me off to a degree.
November 20, 2025
A solid read like his debut novel. I am on a hiatus from reading novels as I an writing my own suspense thrillers at this time. Another reason is that I wanted my content to be original and not conscious or subconsciously influence by his or any other writers' work. Also, while writing it's tough to read thrillers while in writing mode because I was being distracted about my own books while reading this novel and others. I liked the character development, the pace of the plot and the overall direction of the story. If I wasn't writing, I'd immediately go into book #3. Lance Spector is a flawed yet principled and strong character which is what I look for in a protagonist. Once I get a book deal and get my books in motion I will resume my reading with the hopes that mine will get the praise and reviews that Mr. Herzog's books are receiving. Recommended.
October 12, 2020
A fairly strong 3 stars. This is a real improvement from Spector Book 1. As long as it's free, I'll try Book 3 to see if the author's writing continues to improve. But it's not yet good enough to pay for.
Much better writing than in Book 2. Herzog obviously spent some real time researching the subject matter and locations- and it shows. One of the better "self-published" freebies from Kindle Unlimited of this genre I've read. Most are pure crap.
Note to author: Don't try to out "Mitch Rapp" Mitch Rapp. Your protagonist really doesn't have to kill 12 spec-op trained, armored up guys with a rusty, broken nail clipper. A high body count doesn't have anything to do with quality. Unless you are just writing for teenage wannabes and those with IQs under the temperature of warm spit.
Much better writing than in Book 2. Herzog obviously spent some real time researching the subject matter and locations- and it shows. One of the better "self-published" freebies from Kindle Unlimited of this genre I've read. Most are pure crap.
Note to author: Don't try to out "Mitch Rapp" Mitch Rapp. Your protagonist really doesn't have to kill 12 spec-op trained, armored up guys with a rusty, broken nail clipper. A high body count doesn't have anything to do with quality. Unless you are just writing for teenage wannabes and those with IQs under the temperature of warm spit.
May 24, 2025
Lance spectator
Much more of a tale about Lady boss power women feminist trope than about Lance who’s a bit character in his own story, until the end when everything blows up. this is about 3 chicks beating the odds and swooning over a bad boy. The escapes are pretty implausible and the bad russians over the top and samey. The first half of the first book (TheAsset) was wonderful but they’ve got stereotypical mission impossible with high heels. This isnt really about Lance. Not Le Carre by any means. clearly written for TV. Its trashy snd entertaining in parts but well worn beaten to death storylines. If he could lay off the sex a bit and the coffee. That’s just tedious. Fun but ho hum.
Much more of a tale about Lady boss power women feminist trope than about Lance who’s a bit character in his own story, until the end when everything blows up. this is about 3 chicks beating the odds and swooning over a bad boy. The escapes are pretty implausible and the bad russians over the top and samey. The first half of the first book (TheAsset) was wonderful but they’ve got stereotypical mission impossible with high heels. This isnt really about Lance. Not Le Carre by any means. clearly written for TV. Its trashy snd entertaining in parts but well worn beaten to death storylines. If he could lay off the sex a bit and the coffee. That’s just tedious. Fun but ho hum.
June 19, 2022
Just finished Book Two in the series and this thriller continued where Book One left off in unpredictable ways - couldn't put it down! I couldn't predict anything about the plot ahead of time and was always taken by surprise at how the story unfolded, especially how the plot ties in to current world events. The plot develops in surprising ways through the final page - and rivets your attention page after page. The author explains background and historical information in ways that doesn't leave the reader in the dark wondering about the hows and whys of what's going on, while providing extremely readable text that makes for a very entertaining read!
December 12, 2022
This is the second book in a series following “The Asset” which I read a little while ago. It’s a thriller featuring a CIA assassin named Lance Spector. The last book ended on a cliffhanger and this one picks up with an injured Lance hiding out in Moscow as he comes upon another plot to do the USA wrong.
I think I liked this one even better than the first book. The tension and action started early and never let up. Lots of betrayal and shenanigans follow as Spector and his crew try to stop a bombing and make some more allies and enemies along the way. There is another book in the series and I’ll probably check that one out soon.
I think I liked this one even better than the first book. The tension and action started early and never let up. Lots of betrayal and shenanigans follow as Spector and his crew try to stop a bombing and make some more allies and enemies along the way. There is another book in the series and I’ll probably check that one out soon.
February 4, 2023
fascinating run through Russia
Another great spy thriller with Lance Spector and crew. Lance gets out of so many tight spots you wonder how this guys has any adrenals left at all!
Lost a star because the women all seemed to cry a lot and everyone smoked. Honestly, the smoking really got to me. Do spies really smoke? Seems like a weird habit to have as a spy. I know this is a weird reader quirk, and maybe not fair to dock a star because of it, but there was so much smoking I really did find it distracting.
Still, I thoroughly enjoyed it and am heading over to book 3 in the series.
Another great spy thriller with Lance Spector and crew. Lance gets out of so many tight spots you wonder how this guys has any adrenals left at all!
Lost a star because the women all seemed to cry a lot and everyone smoked. Honestly, the smoking really got to me. Do spies really smoke? Seems like a weird habit to have as a spy. I know this is a weird reader quirk, and maybe not fair to dock a star because of it, but there was so much smoking I really did find it distracting.
Still, I thoroughly enjoyed it and am heading over to book 3 in the series.
February 10, 2023
Intense
This espionage, treason and overcoming adversity KILS ME. I flew through this book like the grasshoppers through Kansas City. 5 hours of reading? Idk but I love it. I LOVE the fact that we learn oh so slowly about Lance and his past. There's not a huge info dump to digest. No, once must gather details and link together crumbs to thread a story that is Lance. Also enjoy the fact the romance is but a simmering bed of coals compared to the huge forest fires that most books have. Wasn't sure until to end who he'd part with. Just finished the book and immediately diving into the next.
This espionage, treason and overcoming adversity KILS ME. I flew through this book like the grasshoppers through Kansas City. 5 hours of reading? Idk but I love it. I LOVE the fact that we learn oh so slowly about Lance and his past. There's not a huge info dump to digest. No, once must gather details and link together crumbs to thread a story that is Lance. Also enjoy the fact the romance is but a simmering bed of coals compared to the huge forest fires that most books have. Wasn't sure until to end who he'd part with. Just finished the book and immediately diving into the next.
February 22, 2025
Best thriller adventure!
I had just read the ASSET and couldn’t wait for the next chapter of Lance Spector’s story. The characters are basically what your imagination would expect them to be and Lance Spector is the complex man you’d want him to be. He is not a simple 2 dimensional character, he has a personal code of ethics and tries to be true to it. He is trapped in his beliefs and his perception of his role in life. I highly recommend this series especially for those of us who don’t trust governments and who enjoy action packed narratives. I appreciate how rapidly the story unfolded and found it truly was impossible to put down.
I had just read the ASSET and couldn’t wait for the next chapter of Lance Spector’s story. The characters are basically what your imagination would expect them to be and Lance Spector is the complex man you’d want him to be. He is not a simple 2 dimensional character, he has a personal code of ethics and tries to be true to it. He is trapped in his beliefs and his perception of his role in life. I highly recommend this series especially for those of us who don’t trust governments and who enjoy action packed narratives. I appreciate how rapidly the story unfolded and found it truly was impossible to put down.
May 13, 2025
This does a surprisingly good job at being incisive about psychology and introspective analysis but then goes on to shit all over itself by coming up with batshit stupid fight/action scenes and sequences.
This has the potential to be a tour de force of a political thriller and action series but he keeps cocking it up with the absolutely dreadful executions.
This was some wild ass bullshit. How does she lose her shoes running? What is it with this dumb bitch and running through dangerous terrain barefoot?
Also, President Molotov?!? Hahahahahahahaha. The absurd and racist tones are so ridiculous.
This has the potential to be a tour de force of a political thriller and action series but he keeps cocking it up with the absolutely dreadful executions.
This was some wild ass bullshit. How does she lose her shoes running? What is it with this dumb bitch and running through dangerous terrain barefoot?
Also, President Molotov?!? Hahahahahahahaha. The absurd and racist tones are so ridiculous.
May 14, 2025
Didn’t enjoy this as much as the first one…it wasn’t a bad read, but I felt like I never had the time to properly get into the plot…the pacing was a bit too quick and the characters never really got a chance to dwell on what was happening, and by extension, neither did I. Lance getting the shaft by the president after doing all that he did for his country also left a rotten taste in my mouth. Kind of makes me actually want to see him go rogue…why keep sacrificing so much only to get thrown to the wolves when your commander in chief needs to save face? Don’t know if I want to continue the series now…we’ll see.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
The Russian (2020), the second installment in Saul Herzog’s Lance Spector thriller series, thrusts readers into a high-stakes geopolitical standoff. When a catastrophic bombing rocks Moscow and Beijing threatens to ignite a new Cold War, the President suspects the Kremlin is orchestrating the chaos. The CIA scrambles, knowing only one asset—Lance Spector—can defuse the ticking time bomb of global catastrophe. But Spector is missing, and locating him becomes a race against time as alliances unravel and loyalties are tested in a pulse-pounding espionage saga.
Like the first book, very slow starting but picks up speed.
Like the first book, very slow starting but picks up speed.
December 16, 2025
Headline: A Fast, Intense Thriller That Pulls You Straight Into the Series
The Russian: A Lance Spector Thriller by Saul Herzog delivers a great pace from beginning to end. The story really hits its stride in the intense middle section, building momentum that carries through to a finish strong enough to keep me fully invested in the series.
This was my first Lance Spector novel, even though it’s the second book in the series, and it worked surprisingly well on its own. That said, it definitely made me want to go back and start from the beginning to get the full experience.
Overall, this is a very brisk, edge-of-your-seat read—tight, engaging, and hard to put down. A strong entry that hooked me on both the character and the series.
The Russian: A Lance Spector Thriller by Saul Herzog delivers a great pace from beginning to end. The story really hits its stride in the intense middle section, building momentum that carries through to a finish strong enough to keep me fully invested in the series.
This was my first Lance Spector novel, even though it’s the second book in the series, and it worked surprisingly well on its own. That said, it definitely made me want to go back and start from the beginning to get the full experience.
Overall, this is a very brisk, edge-of-your-seat read—tight, engaging, and hard to put down. A strong entry that hooked me on both the character and the series.
July 19, 2021
Transformative
The level of understanding of American and Russian politics - no, the very essence of how each country thinks and operates - goes beyond a normal author. The first two books terrify yet fascinate me and I can’t seem to put them down. I can’t fathom what Lance & Laurel will face now. The perspective of what russian women face from the evil of powerful men makes me wonder exactly who Saul
herzog is. Whoever he/she is, please keep writing and keep Lance fighting for whatever good is left in this world.
The level of understanding of American and Russian politics - no, the very essence of how each country thinks and operates - goes beyond a normal author. The first two books terrify yet fascinate me and I can’t seem to put them down. I can’t fathom what Lance & Laurel will face now. The perspective of what russian women face from the evil of powerful men makes me wonder exactly who Saul
herzog is. Whoever he/she is, please keep writing and keep Lance fighting for whatever good is left in this world.
February 24, 2022
One of my criteria for an excellent novel is the novel has to be somewhat plausible and believable. This book was not. The last half of the book bordered on the absurd. Does anyone believe a rogue CIA agent would not only brush off the US govt but also be able to infiltrate and capture the Russian President, at his highly fortified residence. And then execute the Russian #2 guy in front of the Russian President ..... and then be able to escape the compound. Give me a break. Good writing, good story line, but MAKE THE BOOK BELIEVABLE.
June 2, 2022
The Villain is a Super-Villain
The story was good. The hero is still Superman, not like Jack Reached is, but is more likable than in the first novel. He still pulls off incredible (or should I say, incredulous) stunts. The president faced unthinkable dilemmas. He made political decisions that were in many ways rational, but unworthy of the office. In the end, the author takes literary license but it is a small error. Most readers won't catch it.
It was good enough to move on to best one in the series.
The story was good. The hero is still Superman, not like Jack Reached is, but is more likable than in the first novel. He still pulls off incredible (or should I say, incredulous) stunts. The president faced unthinkable dilemmas. He made political decisions that were in many ways rational, but unworthy of the office. In the end, the author takes literary license but it is a small error. Most readers won't catch it.
It was good enough to move on to best one in the series.
September 24, 2023
Brilliant book
Really good read, so true to the geo-political reality of our world that is very scary if you think about it, but sticking head in a sand won't help anybody to survive.
The author has done enormous job to research facts to give us, the readers, clear understanding of changes of what is happening in the world, how power is playing.
Heros, like Lance Spector, are our little hope that evil won't succeeds. It is a case fetched that Lance can survive so much battles, but that's way he is a hero and I absolutely loved him.
Really good read, so true to the geo-political reality of our world that is very scary if you think about it, but sticking head in a sand won't help anybody to survive.
The author has done enormous job to research facts to give us, the readers, clear understanding of changes of what is happening in the world, how power is playing.
Heros, like Lance Spector, are our little hope that evil won't succeeds. It is a case fetched that Lance can survive so much battles, but that's way he is a hero and I absolutely loved him.
April 9, 2024
honestly disappointed…
I read the first of the Lance Spector books and was looking forward to more.
But alas, to borrow the Queen of curmudgeonly quips, Dorothy Parker’s, terse summary of an equally bad read, “This book should not be set aside lightly, it should be hurled away with great force!”
Perhaps I expect too much of modern authors and their publishers. It seems a fair exchange-my time, and money for a story well told and well presented. I guess they are cutting costs and relying on software tools….(sigh)…On the plus side, I can move on to another book.
I read the first of the Lance Spector books and was looking forward to more.
But alas, to borrow the Queen of curmudgeonly quips, Dorothy Parker’s, terse summary of an equally bad read, “This book should not be set aside lightly, it should be hurled away with great force!”
Perhaps I expect too much of modern authors and their publishers. It seems a fair exchange-my time, and money for a story well told and well presented. I guess they are cutting costs and relying on software tools….(sigh)…On the plus side, I can move on to another book.
October 10, 2020
This book was very well written and impossible to put down. I read the prequel long ago, and remembered little of it, so a very brief recap to the characters would've been nice, as this book reads like you just finished reading its predecessor. I did find the very end of the book to be a bit quirky- not really sure where that relationship, or more like infatuation came from- but perhaps I just need to read the first book again...
May 14, 2021
The first book in this series was very good. Saul is an excellent writer the plot of this novel is intricate and satisfying, although somewhat unbelievable in places.
There is a lot of “filler” in the book, with lengthy descriptions of characters and their backgrounds.
I’m going to press on with the series, but with a little hesitation because I think the characters might get a little stale - and how many more monsters can the Kremlin have who are bosom buddies of Vladimir?
There is a lot of “filler” in the book, with lengthy descriptions of characters and their backgrounds.
I’m going to press on with the series, but with a little hesitation because I think the characters might get a little stale - and how many more monsters can the Kremlin have who are bosom buddies of Vladimir?
December 17, 2021
The Russian, is fairly well written but lacks authenticity and Lance Spector is still a poorly defined character. However, the plot is interesting, the action is fast paced, and the dialog (especially that of characters other than Spector) is believable.
This, the second book of a series, is much improved over the first. One major flaw is that Herzog leaves the reader hanging at the end of the novel. I hope he gets over this.
This, the second book of a series, is much improved over the first. One major flaw is that Herzog leaves the reader hanging at the end of the novel. I hope he gets over this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews