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Red Lies
She’s always followed orders. Now she wants out. The price of freedom may be her life.
Moscow, 1986. Soviet spy Sofiya Litvinova longs to end her days exclusively working sexpionage missions. But when she’s dispatched to Stockholm to deploy her honey-trap tactics against a suspected Russian traitor, she has no choice but to comply. Until the assignment goes awry after the diplomat pegs her as KGB during the attempted seduction.
With her cover blown and life in danger, Sofiya agrees to help the man carry out his own covert mission while secretly reporting to her superiors. But when his dangerous blackmail agenda coincides with a devastating explosion in Chernobyl, her hopes for deliverance vanish in a cloud of radioactive dust and political powerplays.
Can Sofiya escape the agency’s deadly clutches before she becomes expendable?
Moscow, 1986. Soviet spy Sofiya Litvinova longs to end her days exclusively working sexpionage missions. But when she’s dispatched to Stockholm to deploy her honey-trap tactics against a suspected Russian traitor, she has no choice but to comply. Until the assignment goes awry after the diplomat pegs her as KGB during the attempted seduction.
With her cover blown and life in danger, Sofiya agrees to help the man carry out his own covert mission while secretly reporting to her superiors. But when his dangerous blackmail agenda coincides with a devastating explosion in Chernobyl, her hopes for deliverance vanish in a cloud of radioactive dust and political powerplays.
Can Sofiya escape the agency’s deadly clutches before she becomes expendable?
- GenresFiction
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2020
6 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Cristelle Comby
16 books260 followersCristelle Comby was born and raised in the French-speaking area of Switzerland, in Greater Geneva, where she still resides.
She attributes to her origins her ever-peaceful nature and her undying love for chocolate. She has a passion for art, which also includes an interest in drawing and acting.
She is the author of the Neve & Egan Cases series, which features an unlikely duo of private detectives in London: Ashford Egan, a blind History professor, and Alexandra Neve, one of his students.
Currently, she is hard at work on her Urban Fantasy series Vale Investigation which chronicles the exploits of Death’s only envoy on Earth, PI Bellamy Vale, in the fictitious town of Cold City, USA.
She attributes to her origins her ever-peaceful nature and her undying love for chocolate. She has a passion for art, which also includes an interest in drawing and acting.
She is the author of the Neve & Egan Cases series, which features an unlikely duo of private detectives in London: Ashford Egan, a blind History professor, and Alexandra Neve, one of his students.
Currently, she is hard at work on her Urban Fantasy series Vale Investigation which chronicles the exploits of Death’s only envoy on Earth, PI Bellamy Vale, in the fictitious town of Cold City, USA.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 1, 2023
the sordid world of lies and spies
3.5 rounded up. What I loved: spying told from female point of view, Russian lens, gritty description and action.
What bothered me: lack of good rationale for the two relationships tracked in the book - one a sexual one with no apparent remorse for going behind the back of an alleged friend (but maybe spies can’t have such mores?) and then the illogical finale one with no emotional build up.
Otherwise I really enjoyed it.
3.5 rounded up. What I loved: spying told from female point of view, Russian lens, gritty description and action.
What bothered me: lack of good rationale for the two relationships tracked in the book - one a sexual one with no apparent remorse for going behind the back of an alleged friend (but maybe spies can’t have such mores?) and then the illogical finale one with no emotional build up.
Otherwise I really enjoyed it.
June 6, 2021
Amazing, but my opinion might be biased.
August 20, 2020
I had previously read the Neve & Egan series (which I absolutely loved and totally recommend), so I was very happy about this opportunity to read and review another book by the same author.
I also enjoyed reading this well researched book, but it cannot reach the enthusiasm (and 5 star rating) I felt for Neve & Egan.
On the pro side, this book is very easy to read in a straight-forward style and creates some pull to read on. Apart from all the alcohol drinking I liked Sofiya and cared for her well-being. Objectively, Sofiya is a Russian agent who can handle a fair share of alcohol without problems so it works for the description of her character, I just personally don’t like people who drink too much. I also really liked the maps on the first pages of the book. They helped to get a feeling for the location.
On the contra side, Sofiya has tendencies towards being a Mary Sue. She has all the skills (drinking, fighting, languages, grace and beauty) and doesn’t ever screw up. A few failed or nearly failed missions would have made her a little more human. Then again, she is a highly trained professional and her missions were well planned. Furthermore, the book would have been even more gripping if structurally some more concrete plot goals would have been established. The final goal of the story is for Sofiya to free herself of her life as an agent. This final goal is hazy and very far away on the horizon. There are not many concrete smaller goals in-between. I think the book would have been more gripping if her missions were planned beforehand and the reader could know „mission A has the goal of X, in order to accomplish X steps 1-4 are necessary, a successful mission A has the following positive impact on the final goal“. E.g. in the Neve & Egan detective novels one clue leads to the next and thus the different clues all serve as clearly structured way-points towards the final goal of solving the case. Without knowing what’s at stake I didn’t feel the anxiety and thrill I could have felt when Sofiya encountered any difficulties. On the other hand, this structure goes hand-in-hand with the plot itself. As an agent, Sofiya is dominated and ordered around by her employer down to the most personal elements in life. She has no agency at all. After she decides to want to leave the agency she simply exchanges the people ordering her around for other people ordering her around and still has little agency. Thus, when the reader is put into a structure of unclear goals, the reader parallels Sofiya who is thrown into situations and has to react appropriately.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I also enjoyed reading this well researched book, but it cannot reach the enthusiasm (and 5 star rating) I felt for Neve & Egan.
On the pro side, this book is very easy to read in a straight-forward style and creates some pull to read on. Apart from all the alcohol drinking I liked Sofiya and cared for her well-being. Objectively, Sofiya is a Russian agent who can handle a fair share of alcohol without problems so it works for the description of her character, I just personally don’t like people who drink too much. I also really liked the maps on the first pages of the book. They helped to get a feeling for the location.
On the contra side, Sofiya has tendencies towards being a Mary Sue. She has all the skills (drinking, fighting, languages, grace and beauty) and doesn’t ever screw up. A few failed or nearly failed missions would have made her a little more human. Then again, she is a highly trained professional and her missions were well planned. Furthermore, the book would have been even more gripping if structurally some more concrete plot goals would have been established. The final goal of the story is for Sofiya to free herself of her life as an agent. This final goal is hazy and very far away on the horizon. There are not many concrete smaller goals in-between. I think the book would have been more gripping if her missions were planned beforehand and the reader could know „mission A has the goal of X, in order to accomplish X steps 1-4 are necessary, a successful mission A has the following positive impact on the final goal“. E.g. in the Neve & Egan detective novels one clue leads to the next and thus the different clues all serve as clearly structured way-points towards the final goal of solving the case. Without knowing what’s at stake I didn’t feel the anxiety and thrill I could have felt when Sofiya encountered any difficulties. On the other hand, this structure goes hand-in-hand with the plot itself. As an agent, Sofiya is dominated and ordered around by her employer down to the most personal elements in life. She has no agency at all. After she decides to want to leave the agency she simply exchanges the people ordering her around for other people ordering her around and still has little agency. Thus, when the reader is put into a structure of unclear goals, the reader parallels Sofiya who is thrown into situations and has to react appropriately.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2020
Our heroine wants to escape her job as a spy, but fate and her controllers keep a firm grip. When a mission goes wrong, it only gets worse with her very survival on the line.
This is a spy adventure novel set in the Soviet Union and thereabouts. The story is very well written with a deep background sprinkled with actual historical details that both bring the story to life and make it chillingly familiar. The characters are well developed and solid, with strengths and flaws like real people. The plot is complex as befits a story of this type, and it is also very engaging. I was drawn into the story early and pulled along for the ride. And what a ride it was. Overall, highly enjoyable and I definitely look forward to more from this author.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is a spy adventure novel set in the Soviet Union and thereabouts. The story is very well written with a deep background sprinkled with actual historical details that both bring the story to life and make it chillingly familiar. The characters are well developed and solid, with strengths and flaws like real people. The plot is complex as befits a story of this type, and it is also very engaging. I was drawn into the story early and pulled along for the ride. And what a ride it was. Overall, highly enjoyable and I definitely look forward to more from this author.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
September 4, 2020
Generally, spy stories are told from the perspective of macho men who thrive on the excitement from that lifestyle. This one was from the perspective of a woman who was essentially given to the Russian government as a spy when she was a teenager. It wasn't her choice, and her role is very different from that of the men. It's an unusual angle, and it works very well. In the end I was still a bit confused about some of the actions of some of the characters, or their motivations. (Maybe I just don't think like them?) But overall, it was an engrossing story and I would recommend reading it. I will be looking for other books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, but this is my true and voluntary review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, but this is my true and voluntary review.
September 7, 2020
Cold war historical spy thriller
A female spy for the Soviet Union has to navigate a male dominated world. It is unusual that it was written from the perspective of the communist regime's operatives. It is very well written, and causes the reader to reevaluate long held assumptions about East vs. West. It is not just good vs. evil. The pawns trapped in the webs of deceit want to have lives also. It is very apparent why Russians drink so much vodka.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A female spy for the Soviet Union has to navigate a male dominated world. It is unusual that it was written from the perspective of the communist regime's operatives. It is very well written, and causes the reader to reevaluate long held assumptions about East vs. West. It is not just good vs. evil. The pawns trapped in the webs of deceit want to have lives also. It is very apparent why Russians drink so much vodka.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2020
Dramatic storytelling and suspenseful plotline. I enjoy the perspective of a woman and not of a male. It gives me Red Sparrow vibes, but much better. Completely engrossing here heroine. During the end of the Soviet Union,iron curtain a woman is forced to be a spy. When her life is in danger, how can she survive? Who can she trust? Only herself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2020
This well written espionage thriller is the first time I have read anything from this author. There is plenty of drama and suspense that keeps this story moving along at a nice steady pace. It’s a real joy to read a book such as this from the female point of view rather than a males. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2020
Red Lies is an intriguing thriller.
I really enjoyed this book and found the character of Soviet spy Sofiya Litvinova to be well depicted and realistic. The storyline is well written and starts in Russia with the Chernobyl explosion soon to occur. What happens to a spy who wants out of the game?
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I really enjoyed this book and found the character of Soviet spy Sofiya Litvinova to be well depicted and realistic. The storyline is well written and starts in Russia with the Chernobyl explosion soon to occur. What happens to a spy who wants out of the game?
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
July 20, 2022
I loved this old-school, Cold War spy thriller. Set in a pivotal period of the USSR, with Gorbachev and Chernobyl playing center stage, we have a kick-ass female Russian spy who decides to play by her own rules. No fancy weapons just good old spycraft and the tricks the State taught her. A story well told with plenty of twists and turns to keep you reading frantically to the last page.
August 1, 2020
An excellent international thriller that was well written and researched. Contains a good storyline with plenty of action and lots of suspense. A standalone thriller that was quite enjoyable and is highly recommended.
I received an ARC copy from the author and am writing this voluntary review.
I received an ARC copy from the author and am writing this voluntary review.
September 6, 2020
Allow a day for this chilling NC17 spy procedural moving between Moscow and Stockholm during 1989 with Chernobyl in the background.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2023
I loved it
I really enjoyed reading this book which was my first read by this author. I began to suspect the possible ending but was quite pleased with it. Looking forward to more by this author.
I really enjoyed reading this book which was my first read by this author. I began to suspect the possible ending but was quite pleased with it. Looking forward to more by this author.
September 9, 2020
Great spy story, with ties to Chernobyl. Reads like the inspiration for Red Sparrow though, with similar plotline. More down-to-earth, no James Bondsy stuff going around.
October 2, 2024
Imagine the the end f the Soviet Union is history. This story brings that slice to life. I liked it because of the way it ended. I must add that it was an adventure and a kick to read. Just enough history to keep me interested and enough action to keep it from being boring. I love the fact that the protaginist is a woman and that the men are pretty much hollow and predictable. Read this, its fun. Can't believe I did not remember reading it in 2021.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews