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Charles Jenkins #3
The Silent Sisters
In this pulse-racing thriller by the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Agent, an American sleeper cell in Russia goes silent—and it’s one man’s duty to find them.
After a harrowing escape from Russian agents on his last mission, Charles Jenkins thinks he’s finally done with the spy game. But then the final two of the seven sisters—American assets who have been deep undercover in Russia for decades—cut off all communication with their handlers. Are they in hiding after detecting surveillance? Or have they turned and become double agents? It’s Jenkins’s duty to find out, but he’s been added to a Russian kill list. It will require all of Jenkins’s knowledge of spycraft—and an array of disguises—to return to the country undetected.
But plans go awry his first night in Moscow when Jenkins gets involved in an altercation that ends in the death of the son of one of Russia’s most powerful organized crime leaders. Pursued by mafia henchmen, Russian agents, and a particularly dogged Moscow police detective, Jenkins is determined to track down the final two sisters and get them to America—or die trying. As various forces close in, Jenkins fears this time he might’ve pushed his luck too far.
After a harrowing escape from Russian agents on his last mission, Charles Jenkins thinks he’s finally done with the spy game. But then the final two of the seven sisters—American assets who have been deep undercover in Russia for decades—cut off all communication with their handlers. Are they in hiding after detecting surveillance? Or have they turned and become double agents? It’s Jenkins’s duty to find out, but he’s been added to a Russian kill list. It will require all of Jenkins’s knowledge of spycraft—and an array of disguises—to return to the country undetected.
But plans go awry his first night in Moscow when Jenkins gets involved in an altercation that ends in the death of the son of one of Russia’s most powerful organized crime leaders. Pursued by mafia henchmen, Russian agents, and a particularly dogged Moscow police detective, Jenkins is determined to track down the final two sisters and get them to America—or die trying. As various forces close in, Jenkins fears this time he might’ve pushed his luck too far.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2022
3015 people are currently reading
10162 people want to read
About the author
Robert Dugoni
75 books32.9k followersRobert Dugoni is the critically acclaimed New York Times, and #1 Amazon bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite police series set in Seattle, which has sold more than 11 million books worldwide. He is also the author of The Charles Jenkins espionage series, the David Sloane legal thriller series, and The Keera Duggan legal thriller series. He has written several stand-alone novels including the historical novels A Killing on the Hill and Hold Strong, as well as the suspense novel The 7th Canon, and Damage Control. He has written the literary novels, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell - one of Newsweek Magazine's Best Books of All-Time and Suspense Magazine’s 2018 Book of the Year, for which Dugoni’s narration won an AudioFile Earphones Award. He has also written the critically acclaimed novel, The World Played Chess; as well as the nonfiction exposé The Cyanide Canary, a Washington Post Best Book of the Year. His novels have been optioned for movies and television series. Dugoni is the recipient of the Nancy Pearl Award for Fiction and a four-time winner of the Friends of Mystery Spotted Owl Award for best novel set in the Pacific Northwest. He has also been a finalist for many other awards including the International Thriller Award, the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction, the Silver Falchion Award for mystery, and the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award.
Robert Dugoni’s books are sold in more than thirty-five countries and have been translated into more than thirty languages.
Visit his website at www.robertdugoni.com, and follow him on twitter @robertdugoni and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorRobertDugoni
Robert Dugoni’s books are sold in more than thirty-five countries and have been translated into more than thirty languages.
Visit his website at www.robertdugoni.com, and follow him on twitter @robertdugoni and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorRobertDugoni
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 634 reviews
November 19, 2021
4.5 STARS
Code name "Red Gate"
The third installment in Dugoni's Charles Jenkins espionage series (a trilogy). Dugoni's website says that this series has been acquired by Roadside Attractions for a television series. I'd love to cast it!
He is a favorite author and this series has been impressive and fast-paced. The characters are complex and always evoke strong emotions, whether good or bad, often blurring the line of good vs. evil. Here we have the exfiltration plan, code name is "Red Gate". Jenkins returns to Russia to complete the mission - 2 of the remaining eight sister spies need to get out. These were women trained from birth to spy on the Soviet Union.This is Jenkins third mission and he is on the Russian kill list so he must beware of the many facial recognition cameras that line the streets.
I was immersed from page one and it was impossible to put down. I was all wrapped up in the heated chases, baddies looking for retribution, lots of action, and some fun moments that added humor. There is a beauty shop named Do or Dye Salon, and a husband who acts like Inspector Clouseau.
If you enjoy a good espionage story, with a strong femme fatale with a story to tell, lots of edge of your seat moments, this one is fantastic! Recommend starting with #1 to follow the whole nail biting adventure. Enjoyed the entire series!
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my early copy. OUT February 22, 2022
Code name "Red Gate"
The third installment in Dugoni's Charles Jenkins espionage series (a trilogy). Dugoni's website says that this series has been acquired by Roadside Attractions for a television series. I'd love to cast it!
He is a favorite author and this series has been impressive and fast-paced. The characters are complex and always evoke strong emotions, whether good or bad, often blurring the line of good vs. evil. Here we have the exfiltration plan, code name is "Red Gate". Jenkins returns to Russia to complete the mission - 2 of the remaining eight sister spies need to get out. These were women trained from birth to spy on the Soviet Union.This is Jenkins third mission and he is on the Russian kill list so he must beware of the many facial recognition cameras that line the streets.
I was immersed from page one and it was impossible to put down. I was all wrapped up in the heated chases, baddies looking for retribution, lots of action, and some fun moments that added humor. There is a beauty shop named Do or Dye Salon, and a husband who acts like Inspector Clouseau.
If you enjoy a good espionage story, with a strong femme fatale with a story to tell, lots of edge of your seat moments, this one is fantastic! Recommend starting with #1 to follow the whole nail biting adventure. Enjoyed the entire series!
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my early copy. OUT February 22, 2022
December 6, 2021
I’m not a fan of spy thrillers, with the exception of this series. I find Charles Jenkins an engaging spy, with a strong moral compass. In this, the third and final book in the series, Jenkins is tasked with bringing the final two of the Seven Sisters sleeper cell out of Russia.
As a 6’5” black man, Jenkins stands out in Washington State, let alone Russia. But off he goes, with a few disguises. On his first night in Moscow, he gets involved trying to help a young prostitute and the son of a Russian Mafiya leader gets killed. Before you know it, he’s got everyone and their brother looking for him.
Dugoni knows how to tell a fascinating tale. I loved learning about the Russian Mafiya. And unlike other authors who invent characters based on Putin, he calls out Putin as the bad guy he is. The characters, both good and bad, come across as realistic. And as before, what side of the political divide you’re on doesn’t make you a good or bad guy. I also enjoyed that there were several characters that were over 60, all dealing with how they might handle retirement.
The book will work best if you have read the prior two. And I highly recommend the whole series.
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.
Woohoo! I just read that this series has been sold as a tv series.
As a 6’5” black man, Jenkins stands out in Washington State, let alone Russia. But off he goes, with a few disguises. On his first night in Moscow, he gets involved trying to help a young prostitute and the son of a Russian Mafiya leader gets killed. Before you know it, he’s got everyone and their brother looking for him.
Dugoni knows how to tell a fascinating tale. I loved learning about the Russian Mafiya. And unlike other authors who invent characters based on Putin, he calls out Putin as the bad guy he is. The characters, both good and bad, come across as realistic. And as before, what side of the political divide you’re on doesn’t make you a good or bad guy. I also enjoyed that there were several characters that were over 60, all dealing with how they might handle retirement.
The book will work best if you have read the prior two. And I highly recommend the whole series.
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.
Woohoo! I just read that this series has been sold as a tv series.
February 10, 2022
This is a superb ending to Dugoni’s ‘Seven Sisters’ trilogy. The Seven Sisters is the US code name for the seven native born Russian women raised from birth to be American spies for decades. Now with only two left in place, both in their sixties in high ranking positions with access to top secret information, and the Kremlin search closing in on them, the CIA needs to get them out of Russia fast. Despite agent Charles Jenkins having narrowly escaped twice after being sent into Russia (and being African American so that he can't pass as Russian!), he is asked to make a final trip to bring the last two sisters out. Already on Putin’s ‘kill’ list and with difficulty in camouflaging his skin colour, Jenkins knows this won’t be easy especially with facial recognition cameras everywhere.
Jenkins’ mission unfortunately becomes even more complicated when he becomes entangled in an accidental shooting at a bar and subsequently has not only the Kremlin but also the Moscow police and the Russian Mafiya hunting for him. This leads to a lot of high tension situations, chases, violence, torture and danger. Just what we’ve come to expect and enjoy in this series! It’s great to see some old fashioned spycraft in the mix and to meet a character who can still see things as they are even after spending all his life in the Russian police. Overall, a very enjoyable spy thriller with some great characters, not least Jenkins himself, however I definitely recommend starting from the beginning of the series for full enjoyment.
With many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for a copy to read
Jenkins’ mission unfortunately becomes even more complicated when he becomes entangled in an accidental shooting at a bar and subsequently has not only the Kremlin but also the Moscow police and the Russian Mafiya hunting for him. This leads to a lot of high tension situations, chases, violence, torture and danger. Just what we’ve come to expect and enjoy in this series! It’s great to see some old fashioned spycraft in the mix and to meet a character who can still see things as they are even after spending all his life in the Russian police. Overall, a very enjoyable spy thriller with some great characters, not least Jenkins himself, however I definitely recommend starting from the beginning of the series for full enjoyment.
With many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for a copy to read
February 22, 2022
4 ☆
These moles are now women in their 60s who have attained positions which have allowed them unprecedented access to top secret information. Three of the seven sisters have met terrible fates, and now the CIA is scrambling to ex-filtrate the remaining four. As the FSB's original source of intel to expose the seven sisters is no longer available, the FSB prepares to launch Operation Herod to find the remaining four. Some of the sisters have gone silent; ie. they're unwilling to meet with their CIA handlers to pass along information. They know that they're close to facing the consequences of betraying Putin's government - interrogation under torture and then death. Time is running out.
Charles Jenkins, also in his mid-60s, is very interested in following the CIA's progress since he had unwittingly become involved nearly two years ago.
In The Silent Sisters, Jenkins is willing to risk his life once more on behalf of the seven sisters even though his multiple prior visits to Russia have earned him a spot on Putin's kill list. And because of an error in judgment, Jenkins inadvertently catches the attention of both the very violent Russian mafiya and the police, in particular an appealing Hercule Poirot-like figure. Both parties possess compelling motivation as the former lost a family member and the latter - Senior Investigator Arkhip Mishkin - wants to retire with his impeccable case resolution rate.
Dugoni deftly juggles the multiple plot strands as Jenkins once again throws himself into CIA intrigue in Moscow. Readers get to see some of the sisters in action and how they've survived for decades. Internal politics within the FSB hierarchy are portrayed as well as the corruption within the government of a society run by oligarchs and mafiya. The Silent Sisters is the best installment of the trilogy as humor, suspense, and unexpected alliances conclude the tale of the seven sisters. It can be read as a standalone but it would be best to read the entire trilogy in order to fully appreciate Jenkins' role and character arc.
In addition to these deadly games of matching wits among spies, Dugoni has emphasized one other theme in this trilogy -- age is just a number. Jenkins isn't the only hero who is at the age in which retirement is the usual occupational status. This has been true in the preceding installments but this theme is supported by a larger cast of characters in this novel.
Thank you to the author, Thomas and Mercer, and Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC. My review reflects my candid assessment and feelings. Quotations in this review are from an uncorrected proof (ISBN 13-9781542029919) and may differ from the final version. Publication date is February 22, 2022.
#1 The Eighth Sister almost 4 ☆
#2 The Last Agent 3.5 ☆
The CIA operation had been named "the seven sisters" ... taking a page from the KGB playbook, seven Russian women had been raised from birth to be American spies, what the KGB referred to as "illegals" -- deep-cover agents who blended in seamlessly with the target country's citizenry.
These moles are now women in their 60s who have attained positions which have allowed them unprecedented access to top secret information. Three of the seven sisters have met terrible fates, and now the CIA is scrambling to ex-filtrate the remaining four. As the FSB's original source of intel to expose the seven sisters is no longer available, the FSB prepares to launch Operation Herod to find the remaining four. Some of the sisters have gone silent; ie. they're unwilling to meet with their CIA handlers to pass along information. They know that they're close to facing the consequences of betraying Putin's government - interrogation under torture and then death. Time is running out.
Charles Jenkins, also in his mid-60s, is very interested in following the CIA's progress since he had unwittingly become involved nearly two years ago.
Jenkins fought his emotions. Every time he had left, he asked himself why he had done so. He had everything he needed on his little farm--a woman he loved and who loved him, two beautiful children, a home, a place to call his own. And yet he had that longing. That need to be needed, to help those who asked for help.
In The Silent Sisters, Jenkins is willing to risk his life once more on behalf of the seven sisters even though his multiple prior visits to Russia have earned him a spot on Putin's kill list. And because of an error in judgment, Jenkins inadvertently catches the attention of both the very violent Russian mafiya and the police, in particular an appealing Hercule Poirot-like figure. Both parties possess compelling motivation as the former lost a family member and the latter - Senior Investigator Arkhip Mishkin - wants to retire with his impeccable case resolution rate.
Dugoni deftly juggles the multiple plot strands as Jenkins once again throws himself into CIA intrigue in Moscow. Readers get to see some of the sisters in action and how they've survived for decades. Internal politics within the FSB hierarchy are portrayed as well as the corruption within the government of a society run by oligarchs and mafiya. The Silent Sisters is the best installment of the trilogy as humor, suspense, and unexpected alliances conclude the tale of the seven sisters. It can be read as a standalone but it would be best to read the entire trilogy in order to fully appreciate Jenkins' role and character arc.
In addition to these deadly games of matching wits among spies, Dugoni has emphasized one other theme in this trilogy -- age is just a number. Jenkins isn't the only hero who is at the age in which retirement is the usual occupational status. This has been true in the preceding installments but this theme is supported by a larger cast of characters in this novel.
Thank you to the author, Thomas and Mercer, and Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC. My review reflects my candid assessment and feelings. Quotations in this review are from an uncorrected proof (ISBN 13-9781542029919) and may differ from the final version. Publication date is February 22, 2022.
#1 The Eighth Sister almost 4 ☆
#2 The Last Agent 3.5 ☆
January 30, 2023
Is the third time, the charm or is the third time being in Russia spell the end of Charles Jenkins as he once again tries to rescue the last two of the seven sisters?
Part three and the last of the series, has the intrepid Charles, back where he is a wanted man. The situation in Moscow is dire for the remaining sisters, (spies who have infiltrated the highest levels of the Russian government). As Charles again answers the call, he places himself in immense danger and drawing attention to himself (even in disguise) can open him up to torture and possible death. However, Charles goes back into the fire, and one night seated in a lonely bar in Moscow, he witnesses the abuse of a woman, a prostitute and his strong moral code compels him to intervene. Little did he know that the man who winds up being killed is the son of a powerful Mayifa leader, leading her to aggressively finding Charles. Now Charles has both the government, the police and the Mayifa searching for him.
Both of the women he needs to rescue are women in her sixties. Trained by birth to being a spy, these ladies live their lives under the umbrella of fear. Charles is able to easily get the first woman out but the second one, Maria Kulikova, proves to be a much harder task. She has become a very close confidant and lover to a vile man, Dmitry Sokalov who is director of the FSB’s Counterintelligence Department, a higher up in the government who not only shares sex with her but also governmental secrets.
How Charles and the rest of the characters handle this challenge makes the book intensely interesting and one any lover of spy novels would appreciate. The lines between good and bad, moral and immoral are blurred and we come to see through Robert Dugoni the acceptable versus the unethical ways of doing business for a spy agency. This is the last of the series and for those interested, it is recommended that you read the other two that precede this one.
How interesting that Dugoni chose to make his characters people who were in their sixties showing age is just a number.
Happy to recommend all the books that make up the Charles Jenkins series with a thank you to Robert Dugoni, Thomas and Mercer, and NetGalley. This book is scheduled to be published on February 22, 2022.
Part three and the last of the series, has the intrepid Charles, back where he is a wanted man. The situation in Moscow is dire for the remaining sisters, (spies who have infiltrated the highest levels of the Russian government). As Charles again answers the call, he places himself in immense danger and drawing attention to himself (even in disguise) can open him up to torture and possible death. However, Charles goes back into the fire, and one night seated in a lonely bar in Moscow, he witnesses the abuse of a woman, a prostitute and his strong moral code compels him to intervene. Little did he know that the man who winds up being killed is the son of a powerful Mayifa leader, leading her to aggressively finding Charles. Now Charles has both the government, the police and the Mayifa searching for him.
Both of the women he needs to rescue are women in her sixties. Trained by birth to being a spy, these ladies live their lives under the umbrella of fear. Charles is able to easily get the first woman out but the second one, Maria Kulikova, proves to be a much harder task. She has become a very close confidant and lover to a vile man, Dmitry Sokalov who is director of the FSB’s Counterintelligence Department, a higher up in the government who not only shares sex with her but also governmental secrets.
How Charles and the rest of the characters handle this challenge makes the book intensely interesting and one any lover of spy novels would appreciate. The lines between good and bad, moral and immoral are blurred and we come to see through Robert Dugoni the acceptable versus the unethical ways of doing business for a spy agency. This is the last of the series and for those interested, it is recommended that you read the other two that precede this one.
How interesting that Dugoni chose to make his characters people who were in their sixties showing age is just a number.
Happy to recommend all the books that make up the Charles Jenkins series with a thank you to Robert Dugoni, Thomas and Mercer, and NetGalley. This book is scheduled to be published on February 22, 2022.
February 9, 2022
I was a little disappointed in this third book which I felt pushed the boundaries of belief a bit too far. Charles Jenkins is black, over six foot tall, has a wife and two children and is on the Kremlin kill list. Yet he goes into Russia anyway. The Government must have been very short of spies that day.
I highly recommend reading the first two books before this one because it is a continuing story and it is necessary to understand previous events to get the big picture. There is a lot of action, secrecy and danger. Also a large amount of brutality even as the book opens with a very unpleasant prologue.
I must admit to not really enjoying this book much at all but it seems nearly everyone else is giving it five stars so please do not let me put anyone off reading it!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I highly recommend reading the first two books before this one because it is a continuing story and it is necessary to understand previous events to get the big picture. There is a lot of action, secrecy and danger. Also a large amount of brutality even as the book opens with a very unpleasant prologue.
I must admit to not really enjoying this book much at all but it seems nearly everyone else is giving it five stars so please do not let me put anyone off reading it!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 9, 2022
Dugoni never disappoints.
If he writes it, I am going to read it.
Charlie Jenkins has been called upon once again when an American sleeper cell in Russia goes silent, it is his job to go in and find them. But first, there is that opening scene in the prologue! Holy Moly! I mean, come on, that was brutal and instantly had me sitting up a little straighter in my chair, eyes glued to the pages, pulse pounding, and heart thumping in my chest.
Just when Jenkins thought he was done and could relax with his family at their farm, the CIA comes knocking. Assumed identity in place, Jenkins goes to Russia where he gets caught up in some nastiness at a bar that ends with the death of the only son of a powerful organized crime leader. Because when Charlie does danger - he goes all in! But this time he may have stepped in the you-know-what a little too much.
I really think you need to read the first two books in this series prior to reading this one. They really set the stage and readers will not feel as if they are missing out on information. Plus, the previous books are amazing so why not, go back and read them.
Fans of spy books, espionage books will not be disappointed. Plus, Charlie Jenkins is a very likeable main character who is no spring chicken. Nope, he wants to retire. But he is just so good at his job, the CIA keeps calling. Plus, there are other characters who are in their 60's. It was refreshing to read a book where most of the characters are middle age or above.
As with all his books, The Silent Sisters was well written and kept me on my toes. There is action, there is danger, there is retribution, there is intrigue, and there are complications. You will like some characters, dislike some characters, be amused by some characters, and shake your head at others.
If you have not read Dugoni, what are you waiting for????? He has so many amazing books, you may have difficulty choosing what to read first!
Dugoni once again explains in his author's note about spending 3 weeks in Russia and how that inspired this series.
Gripping, dangerous and hard to put down!
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
If he writes it, I am going to read it.
Charlie Jenkins has been called upon once again when an American sleeper cell in Russia goes silent, it is his job to go in and find them. But first, there is that opening scene in the prologue! Holy Moly! I mean, come on, that was brutal and instantly had me sitting up a little straighter in my chair, eyes glued to the pages, pulse pounding, and heart thumping in my chest.
Just when Jenkins thought he was done and could relax with his family at their farm, the CIA comes knocking. Assumed identity in place, Jenkins goes to Russia where he gets caught up in some nastiness at a bar that ends with the death of the only son of a powerful organized crime leader. Because when Charlie does danger - he goes all in! But this time he may have stepped in the you-know-what a little too much.
I really think you need to read the first two books in this series prior to reading this one. They really set the stage and readers will not feel as if they are missing out on information. Plus, the previous books are amazing so why not, go back and read them.
Fans of spy books, espionage books will not be disappointed. Plus, Charlie Jenkins is a very likeable main character who is no spring chicken. Nope, he wants to retire. But he is just so good at his job, the CIA keeps calling. Plus, there are other characters who are in their 60's. It was refreshing to read a book where most of the characters are middle age or above.
As with all his books, The Silent Sisters was well written and kept me on my toes. There is action, there is danger, there is retribution, there is intrigue, and there are complications. You will like some characters, dislike some characters, be amused by some characters, and shake your head at others.
If you have not read Dugoni, what are you waiting for????? He has so many amazing books, you may have difficulty choosing what to read first!
Dugoni once again explains in his author's note about spending 3 weeks in Russia and how that inspired this series.
Gripping, dangerous and hard to put down!
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Read
February 3, 2022First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Robert Dugoni, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Long a fan of Robert Dugoni and his work, I turned to the latest instalment of his espionage series. Reviving all that was tense during the Cold War, Dugoni has fashioned a wonderful series around sleeper agents and one American’s duty to protect those involved. Still smarting from his latest Russian prison break, Charles Jenkins is enjoying life with his family. That is, until he’s approached by his CIA handler to return to Russia on a mission. It will be harrowing and dangerous, but necessary to ensure American intel is not lost. As Jenkins makes his way there, people are still hunting for him and will stop at nothing to see him dead. Dugoni does well spinning this tale of depravity and ruthlessness, but it’s all for the greater good!
Still feeling the aches and pains of a Russian prison, Charles Jenkins is happy to be with his family on their farm in the States. All that changes when, during a routine meeting with his CIA handler, Jenkins is told that he will need to help extricate the last of a sleeper cell that is being hunted by the Russian authorities. These women, deemed the Seven Sisters, have been providing America with wonderful intel, but there is a (wo)manhunt for them and the consequences are dire.
With only two left in the country, Jenkins will have to hunt them down and ensure they are safe, before trying to get them stateside for added protection. The trouble is, Jenkins is also a fugitive from the Russian authorities and they are on the hunt for him, sure to skin him alive when he is caught. It’s a precarious balance, but surely one that is needed to keep America safe from its renewed enemy.
As Jenkins makes a splash back in Russia, he tries to locate the two women and makes plans to get them out. However, there are those who have been anxiously awaiting his return, so much so that they will stop at nothing to bring Jenkins to justice once again, as well as a mafia don with revenge in his blood. As the tension mounts, Jenkins will have to formulate a plan to get out of Russia and back on American soil, or die protecting the silent sisters as they flee! Another well-paced novel that shows how versatile Robert Dugoni can be!
While I came to know the work of Robert Dugoni through his crime thrillers, he has surprised me with some great pieces that push the boundaries and take things in other directions. This Charles Jenkins espionage thriller seemed to come out of nowhere and has been gaining momentum for a while. It has all the elements of a stunning thriller, hinting at Cold War situations in a new and technological world. The rise of the new Russian enemy is the perfect backdrop for this piece, which has something for everyone.
Charles Jenkins remains a great protagonist in this piece, serving both as a CIA operative and family man. He has been forced to return to danger, putting his family at risk, but does so for the country he loves. There are surely some strains found within, but Jenkins knows what he has to do and is made out to be the only one who can do it. There are harrowing moments throughout, testing his mettle, but Jenkins seems always keen to do what he can, even if it puts him in excruciating pain.
As with all other Dugoni novels I have read, there is much going on and a need to keep things straight. I loved the back and forth offered by the narrative, as it kept me on my toes and wondering what would happen next. Dugoni offers up a masterful array of options in his narrative, which gains speed as the tension mounts. Strong characters and a plausible story help move things along as well, while short chapters keep the reader coming back for more. There is a real sense of ‘new Cold War’ with these pieces and Dugoni hits the nail on the head. He gives the reader a true sense of the urgency, the slow revelations, and the need to always stay one step ahead of the enemy, if only to ensure one’s own safety. The added benefit of a regular peppering of Russian throughout the text gave it a sense of realism. While I cannot be sure if the scheduled trilogy will end now (some authors seem not to be able to rid themselves of a character, even after they have promised a handful of books), I know I will keep my eyes open for possibilities and exciting new avenues.
Kudos, Mr. Dugoni, for a wonderful story that held my attention throughout. You have a way with words that I thoroughly enjoy and I cannot wait to see what’s next.
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/th...
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Long a fan of Robert Dugoni and his work, I turned to the latest instalment of his espionage series. Reviving all that was tense during the Cold War, Dugoni has fashioned a wonderful series around sleeper agents and one American’s duty to protect those involved. Still smarting from his latest Russian prison break, Charles Jenkins is enjoying life with his family. That is, until he’s approached by his CIA handler to return to Russia on a mission. It will be harrowing and dangerous, but necessary to ensure American intel is not lost. As Jenkins makes his way there, people are still hunting for him and will stop at nothing to see him dead. Dugoni does well spinning this tale of depravity and ruthlessness, but it’s all for the greater good!
Still feeling the aches and pains of a Russian prison, Charles Jenkins is happy to be with his family on their farm in the States. All that changes when, during a routine meeting with his CIA handler, Jenkins is told that he will need to help extricate the last of a sleeper cell that is being hunted by the Russian authorities. These women, deemed the Seven Sisters, have been providing America with wonderful intel, but there is a (wo)manhunt for them and the consequences are dire.
With only two left in the country, Jenkins will have to hunt them down and ensure they are safe, before trying to get them stateside for added protection. The trouble is, Jenkins is also a fugitive from the Russian authorities and they are on the hunt for him, sure to skin him alive when he is caught. It’s a precarious balance, but surely one that is needed to keep America safe from its renewed enemy.
As Jenkins makes a splash back in Russia, he tries to locate the two women and makes plans to get them out. However, there are those who have been anxiously awaiting his return, so much so that they will stop at nothing to bring Jenkins to justice once again, as well as a mafia don with revenge in his blood. As the tension mounts, Jenkins will have to formulate a plan to get out of Russia and back on American soil, or die protecting the silent sisters as they flee! Another well-paced novel that shows how versatile Robert Dugoni can be!
While I came to know the work of Robert Dugoni through his crime thrillers, he has surprised me with some great pieces that push the boundaries and take things in other directions. This Charles Jenkins espionage thriller seemed to come out of nowhere and has been gaining momentum for a while. It has all the elements of a stunning thriller, hinting at Cold War situations in a new and technological world. The rise of the new Russian enemy is the perfect backdrop for this piece, which has something for everyone.
Charles Jenkins remains a great protagonist in this piece, serving both as a CIA operative and family man. He has been forced to return to danger, putting his family at risk, but does so for the country he loves. There are surely some strains found within, but Jenkins knows what he has to do and is made out to be the only one who can do it. There are harrowing moments throughout, testing his mettle, but Jenkins seems always keen to do what he can, even if it puts him in excruciating pain.
As with all other Dugoni novels I have read, there is much going on and a need to keep things straight. I loved the back and forth offered by the narrative, as it kept me on my toes and wondering what would happen next. Dugoni offers up a masterful array of options in his narrative, which gains speed as the tension mounts. Strong characters and a plausible story help move things along as well, while short chapters keep the reader coming back for more. There is a real sense of ‘new Cold War’ with these pieces and Dugoni hits the nail on the head. He gives the reader a true sense of the urgency, the slow revelations, and the need to always stay one step ahead of the enemy, if only to ensure one’s own safety. The added benefit of a regular peppering of Russian throughout the text gave it a sense of realism. While I cannot be sure if the scheduled trilogy will end now (some authors seem not to be able to rid themselves of a character, even after they have promised a handful of books), I know I will keep my eyes open for possibilities and exciting new avenues.
Kudos, Mr. Dugoni, for a wonderful story that held my attention throughout. You have a way with words that I thoroughly enjoy and I cannot wait to see what’s next.
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
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February 24, 2022
The Silent Sisters by Robert Dugoni is the third instalment in the Charles Jenkins series but it holds up well as a stand-alone although I now wish to read the two preceding novels. The silent sisters are Russian women who have dedicated their lives to passing on secrets to the U.S. After two of them have not been heard from for an unrealistic length of time, Charles Jenkins is dispatched to Russia to find out what happened to the women and, if possible, bring them to America in order for them to begin a safe new life. Charles is on a death list in Russia and will be in grave danger while there. And then the action heats up. This is a well-paced cat-and-mouse thriller. What I found especially fascinating are the varied Russian settings. The characters are convincingly well-drawn and the plot moves at a break-neck pace. It keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the conclusion. This is a definite bad-guy, good-guy yarn. As usual, a Robert Dugoni novel never disappoints and I look forward to his next novel. This is a thriller well worth the time. Highly recommended. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2022
If you enjoy intricate espionage and complex politics this one is for you. I have to admit I enjoyed this one (and spy novels are not my favorite genre). This is the third book in the Charles Jenkins series and Charles is back in Russia trying to extricate some spies who have been in place for decades. His risk is extremely high and the spies he is trying to extricate are in a precarious situation. Danger is everywhere. The CIA is involved as well as the Russian FSB, but then the Russian mafia gets involved and the Russian police. Tension is high throughout and Charles Jenkins has to use all his wits and resources to not only help the two spies, but to try to keep himself alive.
Lots of political intrigue, mafia violence, and a very human factor. I love the character Charles Jenkins and find his determination to help admirable.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on February 22, 2022.
Lots of political intrigue, mafia violence, and a very human factor. I love the character Charles Jenkins and find his determination to help admirable.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on February 22, 2022.
September 27, 2021
This is the 3rd book in the Charles Jenkins spy thriller series by author Robert Dugoni.
This is one series I feel really needs to be read in order to fully understand what is going on. Charles Jenkins is back after escaping Russian agents in the previous book ‘The Last Agent’ and once again is determined to lead a quieter life away from spying. But once again Jenkins needs to put his pipe and slippers dream on hold so that he can hunt down the final two of the seven sisters who have been working under cover in Russia for the Americans. It is not known whether the women are in hiding or now working as double agents, Jenkins who the Russians have now put a target on his back must uncover the truth and track down the final two sisters to bring them back on American soil.
Another exciting spy thriller that is again written at such an high standard.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This is one series I feel really needs to be read in order to fully understand what is going on. Charles Jenkins is back after escaping Russian agents in the previous book ‘The Last Agent’ and once again is determined to lead a quieter life away from spying. But once again Jenkins needs to put his pipe and slippers dream on hold so that he can hunt down the final two of the seven sisters who have been working under cover in Russia for the Americans. It is not known whether the women are in hiding or now working as double agents, Jenkins who the Russians have now put a target on his back must uncover the truth and track down the final two sisters to bring them back on American soil.
Another exciting spy thriller that is again written at such an high standard.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2022
The Silent Sisters
Out of the frying pan and into the fire! That seems to be the way things go with Charles Jenkins when he travels to Russia to find and exfiltrate the last two of the “seven sisters” from Russia. These native Russian women have been American assets for decades. They have been deep undercover in highly placed positions but have recently cut off communication with their handlers. Who you gonna call? The best Kremlin buster of all – Charles Jenkins!
Jenkins is not on his own, of course. While not CIA, he has all the training, support, and backing of the CIA to help him achieve his mission. Getting back into Russia is no easy task, particularly for a six-foot-five Black man. He can’t exactly blend in. Also, the Russians have put him on a “kill list” because of his prior “adventures” there. I highly suggest reading The Eighth Sister and The Last Agent before diving into this one. With the help of CIA disguise experts, Charlie has a repertoire of masks, wigs, and disguises as well as training on how to “act” like a totally different person.
Unfortunately, he nearly blows his cover the night of his arrival when he attempts to help a damsel – a prostitute – in distress. A man is killed – the son of a Russian mafiya comare, a woman known as “Catherine the Great.” Unbeknowst to him, Charlie is now wanted on two fronts…with more to come.
Most important was the task at hand. Locate the women and get them safely out of Russia. Both women are in their 60s. Would they even want to leave? The first of the two women, Zenaida Petrekova, a widow with grown children living in other parts of the world. This mission proved relatively easy, at least for a man with Jenkins’ experience and skills. The second sister, Maria Kulikova, would prove to be a much more difficult challenge.
Kulikova works for the deputy director of the FSB’s Counterintelligence Department, Dmitry Sokalov. In order to gain his confidence and therefore more access to government secrets, she is also his mistress. Ugh! She’s a beautiful woman with a greedy, unpleasant man!
The plot seems confusing and complex while Dugoni sets the stage. Adding to the fact that most names are Russian and Russian government is something I’m not all that familiar with, was the matter of jurisdiction in the murder of the mafyia character and all the shady dealings to cover up the facts. Dugoni throws in some very probable, yet fictional, political situations, and things grow more suspenseful by the page.
Mr. Dugoni, do you play chess? Yes, I seem to recall reading a fabulous book called The World Played Chess, so I suspect you know a thing or two about trying to outsmart an opponent. There’s a lot of that in this book. Oh, and there is so much more! Since the Russian Mafyia is involved, you can expect lots of unpleasantries in the form of violence. There were scenes where, had I been watching a movie, I’d have covered my eyes. Okay, yes, I would have peeked.
The planning is brilliant. The execution – not so much. But when Plan A doesn’t work, go to Plan B. Or ad lib. Do whatever it takes. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, both good and bad. Jenkins, while large and imposing, is a man of integrity and morals. I loved Marie Kulikova’s grit and determination. Sokolov is the epitome of the corrupt government official. Dugoni doesn’t hesitate to mention Putin or to demonstrate the negative aspects of Russian government and the underworld. While Charles Jenkins may have had his last covert operation in Russia, there are hints that his undercover adventures are not over. That won’t make his wife Alex happy, but readers should be thrilled.
I wish to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the author for providing me with an ARC of The Silent Sisters in exchange for my unbiased review.
4-1/2 stars rounded up
Out of the frying pan and into the fire! That seems to be the way things go with Charles Jenkins when he travels to Russia to find and exfiltrate the last two of the “seven sisters” from Russia. These native Russian women have been American assets for decades. They have been deep undercover in highly placed positions but have recently cut off communication with their handlers. Who you gonna call? The best Kremlin buster of all – Charles Jenkins!
Jenkins is not on his own, of course. While not CIA, he has all the training, support, and backing of the CIA to help him achieve his mission. Getting back into Russia is no easy task, particularly for a six-foot-five Black man. He can’t exactly blend in. Also, the Russians have put him on a “kill list” because of his prior “adventures” there. I highly suggest reading The Eighth Sister and The Last Agent before diving into this one. With the help of CIA disguise experts, Charlie has a repertoire of masks, wigs, and disguises as well as training on how to “act” like a totally different person.
Unfortunately, he nearly blows his cover the night of his arrival when he attempts to help a damsel – a prostitute – in distress. A man is killed – the son of a Russian mafiya comare, a woman known as “Catherine the Great.” Unbeknowst to him, Charlie is now wanted on two fronts…with more to come.
Most important was the task at hand. Locate the women and get them safely out of Russia. Both women are in their 60s. Would they even want to leave? The first of the two women, Zenaida Petrekova, a widow with grown children living in other parts of the world. This mission proved relatively easy, at least for a man with Jenkins’ experience and skills. The second sister, Maria Kulikova, would prove to be a much more difficult challenge.
Kulikova works for the deputy director of the FSB’s Counterintelligence Department, Dmitry Sokalov. In order to gain his confidence and therefore more access to government secrets, she is also his mistress. Ugh! She’s a beautiful woman with a greedy, unpleasant man!
The plot seems confusing and complex while Dugoni sets the stage. Adding to the fact that most names are Russian and Russian government is something I’m not all that familiar with, was the matter of jurisdiction in the murder of the mafyia character and all the shady dealings to cover up the facts. Dugoni throws in some very probable, yet fictional, political situations, and things grow more suspenseful by the page.
Mr. Dugoni, do you play chess? Yes, I seem to recall reading a fabulous book called The World Played Chess, so I suspect you know a thing or two about trying to outsmart an opponent. There’s a lot of that in this book. Oh, and there is so much more! Since the Russian Mafyia is involved, you can expect lots of unpleasantries in the form of violence. There were scenes where, had I been watching a movie, I’d have covered my eyes. Okay, yes, I would have peeked.
The planning is brilliant. The execution – not so much. But when Plan A doesn’t work, go to Plan B. Or ad lib. Do whatever it takes. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, both good and bad. Jenkins, while large and imposing, is a man of integrity and morals. I loved Marie Kulikova’s grit and determination. Sokolov is the epitome of the corrupt government official. Dugoni doesn’t hesitate to mention Putin or to demonstrate the negative aspects of Russian government and the underworld. While Charles Jenkins may have had his last covert operation in Russia, there are hints that his undercover adventures are not over. That won’t make his wife Alex happy, but readers should be thrilled.
I wish to thank NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the author for providing me with an ARC of The Silent Sisters in exchange for my unbiased review.
4-1/2 stars rounded up
April 25, 2022
Dugoni’s third offering in the Charles Jenkins trilogy benefits from reading the previous two (‘The Eighth Sister’ and ‘The Last Agent’). The CIA agent barely escaped Russia with his life on his previous two trips, but there are two more American moles that need his help. These two women, now in their 60’s, were trained from childhood to be agents and pass critical information on to the United States. Jenkins has a heroic flaw—a desire to be needed, and to rescue those in danger. Jenkins is tough to hide with his Black heritage and 6-foot frame, but he accepts the assignment anyway.
Unfortunately, his desire to help a woman from an abusive encounter in a Moscow dive bar, results in the abuser being killed. The victim is Eldar Velikaya, the grandson of Alexei Vilikaya, the head of a vicious crime family. The murder also causes Senior Investigator Arkhip Mishkin to be put on the case. Mishkin is relentless in his efforts to solve his cases—he hasn’t failed yet. This results in three separate groups determined to find Charles Jenkins—the Kremlin, the Russian police and the mafiya.
As for the two women spies, Zenaida Petrekova proves to be fairly easy to track down and help escape; but Maria Kulikova proves to be a real challenge. It provides the main narrative arc in Dugoni’s tale. She is the lover of Dmitry Sokalov, the director of the FSB’s Counterintelligence Department and has provided the CIA with key intelligence.
Dugoni has clearly done careful research into Russia’s history and background, and particularly its surveillance state technology, providing excellent authenticity for this spy thriller.
Unfortunately, his desire to help a woman from an abusive encounter in a Moscow dive bar, results in the abuser being killed. The victim is Eldar Velikaya, the grandson of Alexei Vilikaya, the head of a vicious crime family. The murder also causes Senior Investigator Arkhip Mishkin to be put on the case. Mishkin is relentless in his efforts to solve his cases—he hasn’t failed yet. This results in three separate groups determined to find Charles Jenkins—the Kremlin, the Russian police and the mafiya.
As for the two women spies, Zenaida Petrekova proves to be fairly easy to track down and help escape; but Maria Kulikova proves to be a real challenge. It provides the main narrative arc in Dugoni’s tale. She is the lover of Dmitry Sokalov, the director of the FSB’s Counterintelligence Department and has provided the CIA with key intelligence.
Dugoni has clearly done careful research into Russia’s history and background, and particularly its surveillance state technology, providing excellent authenticity for this spy thriller.
September 19, 2024
This is the third and final book in the Charles Jenkins trilogy written by the prolific and talented, Robert Dugoni. I really enjoyed Book #1, The Eighth Sister, and Book #2, The Last Agent. This book, The Silent Sisters is equally as suspenseful and gripping.
In this fast-paced spy thriller former CIA agent, Charles Jenkins, returns to Russia to extract the last two remaining members of a deeply imbedded spy cell known as The Eight Sisters. Jenkins must use all of his experience and skill to execute his plan because he is already on a Russian kill list. He is also being chased by the FSB (KGB), the Russian mafia, and the Moscow police. Will Jenkins be able to complete his mission and make it out of Russia alive? You'll have to read the book to find out.
Dugoni's books are always super exciting, fast moving, and electrifying. I highly recommend this book (which can be read as a standalone) and this series to fans of other books by Dugoni, as well as readers who love great espionage novels.
In this fast-paced spy thriller former CIA agent, Charles Jenkins, returns to Russia to extract the last two remaining members of a deeply imbedded spy cell known as The Eight Sisters. Jenkins must use all of his experience and skill to execute his plan because he is already on a Russian kill list. He is also being chased by the FSB (KGB), the Russian mafia, and the Moscow police. Will Jenkins be able to complete his mission and make it out of Russia alive? You'll have to read the book to find out.
Dugoni's books are always super exciting, fast moving, and electrifying. I highly recommend this book (which can be read as a standalone) and this series to fans of other books by Dugoni, as well as readers who love great espionage novels.
September 30, 2021
“The Silent Sisters” completes Dugoni’s Charles Jenkins espionage trilogy, the story of the Seven Sisters, spies embedded in Russia for decades, strategically placed at the upper echelons of Russian bureaucracy. This series, and in particular this latest addition to the story, returns Jenkins to Russia when the last two sisters go silent. Someone has to rescue them and, although all the new surveillance cameras throughout Moscow are enabled with face recognition and he’s a wanted man, its again up to Jenkins to pull off the impossible. It’s not a story of secret gadgetry, but an old fashioned action packed espionage story of secret drops and code words and a race to escape the Russian secret service. Of course, to complicate matters, Jenkins manages to become the chief suspect in a murder of a mafia leader’s son and also has that entire organization after him as well as the head of the secret service’s private assassin.
In short, this novel is everything you could want out of an espionage story from a seductress with the goods on the spy chief’s extracurricular activities to a chase across all of Russia, an incredible area to operate in since its borders are not necessarily porous and there’s no escaping a secret service armed with modern surveillance technology. A terrific read!
In short, this novel is everything you could want out of an espionage story from a seductress with the goods on the spy chief’s extracurricular activities to a chase across all of Russia, an incredible area to operate in since its borders are not necessarily porous and there’s no escaping a secret service armed with modern surveillance technology. A terrific read!
August 26, 2025
`The Silent Sisters is Book 3 in the Charles Jenkins series by author, Robert Dugoni. In this international spy adventure, Jenkins is asked to return to Russia -- despite his earlier harrowing escape from Russian agents -- and find out what has happened to the last two of the so-called seven sisters, Americans who have been deep undercover for decades but who have cut off all communication with their handlers. He must find out whether they are just in hiding or have turned and become double agents. As with his previous adventures in Russia, his mission is fraught with danger. He is well and truly on the radar of Russian intelligence and if he is discovered and caught, he knows what the outcome will be.
While Dugoni has kept up the mystery and intrigue of his two earlier books in the series, this one doesn’t quite match their edginess. And some may find it difficult keeping up with who’s who, given the plethora of Russian names. That said, there are plenty of complex characters, an interesting plot that keeps the reader guessing and it is indeed a well thought out spy tale. And, as with all of this gifted author’s novels, they are carefully researched, intelligently written and full of mystery and suspense.
While Dugoni has kept up the mystery and intrigue of his two earlier books in the series, this one doesn’t quite match their edginess. And some may find it difficult keeping up with who’s who, given the plethora of Russian names. That said, there are plenty of complex characters, an interesting plot that keeps the reader guessing and it is indeed a well thought out spy tale. And, as with all of this gifted author’s novels, they are carefully researched, intelligently written and full of mystery and suspense.
September 10, 2021
The Silent Sisters is the third book in the Charles Jenkins trilogy, an ex CIA agent who is asked to help with the escape of American moles inside the Russian government. The Sisters, who have been spying for the Americans for 30+ years, are being hunted after a Russian mole in the CIA disclosed of the top secret Sisters program although no names are given.
After finishing the second book, before I knew it was a trilogy, I thought there was no way there would be third book. I couldn't see a path forward. I thought Dugoni had written two outstanding spy thrillers and he couldn't top them. And then he went and topped the previous books with The Silent Sisters.
The Silent Sisters is a tension filled espionage thriller with impossibly great characters and is a fitting end to the Sisters trilogy. To get the entire experience I would not read The Silent Sisters until I read the first two books.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the privilege of reviewing an advanced copy of The Silent Sisters.
After finishing the second book, before I knew it was a trilogy, I thought there was no way there would be third book. I couldn't see a path forward. I thought Dugoni had written two outstanding spy thrillers and he couldn't top them. And then he went and topped the previous books with The Silent Sisters.
The Silent Sisters is a tension filled espionage thriller with impossibly great characters and is a fitting end to the Sisters trilogy. To get the entire experience I would not read The Silent Sisters until I read the first two books.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the privilege of reviewing an advanced copy of The Silent Sisters.
December 30, 2021
Age is just a number.
The Silent Sisters is the final installment of the Charles Jenkins espionage series. Charles has been a fantastic main character. A 6'5" black man in his 60s who is an old school spy having to learn and work with new spy techniques. He's devoted to his family and has a strong moral compass. Most importantly for the Sisters (Russian moles for U.S.), Charles is willing to risk it all to protect them.
In my opinion, The Silent Sisters is the best of the three books. Here Dugoni gives us a more in depth glimpse into how the sisters have been operating as moles and how they avoided detection. Dugoni is a master at creating tension as he meticulously details out every cloak and dagger encounter. You feel it when you walk with Petrekova as she is trying to avoid being followed. Or in Kulikova's response to her husband about how odd the wrong number calls to their house are. I'm nervous even when she says she's taking the dog out for a walk. This time the story focuses on more than the escape out of Russia. The Sisters, Russian mafia, local police, FSB internal dynamics, Russia/U.S. relations... Dugoni weaves the multiple plot lines together seamlessly, while keeping the pacing tight.
I am sad to see the story end. Thankfully, the books have been picked up by Roadside Attractions to turn into a major television series. Hopefully, this won't be the last we see of Charles Jenkins.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced ready copy.
The Silent Sisters is the final installment of the Charles Jenkins espionage series. Charles has been a fantastic main character. A 6'5" black man in his 60s who is an old school spy having to learn and work with new spy techniques. He's devoted to his family and has a strong moral compass. Most importantly for the Sisters (Russian moles for U.S.), Charles is willing to risk it all to protect them.
In my opinion, The Silent Sisters is the best of the three books. Here Dugoni gives us a more in depth glimpse into how the sisters have been operating as moles and how they avoided detection. Dugoni is a master at creating tension as he meticulously details out every cloak and dagger encounter. You feel it when you walk with Petrekova as she is trying to avoid being followed. Or in Kulikova's response to her husband about how odd the wrong number calls to their house are. I'm nervous even when she says she's taking the dog out for a walk. This time the story focuses on more than the escape out of Russia. The Sisters, Russian mafia, local police, FSB internal dynamics, Russia/U.S. relations... Dugoni weaves the multiple plot lines together seamlessly, while keeping the pacing tight.
I am sad to see the story end. Thankfully, the books have been picked up by Roadside Attractions to turn into a major television series. Hopefully, this won't be the last we see of Charles Jenkins.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced ready copy.
February 5, 2022
The Silent Sisters is the third book in the Charles Jenkins series by American author, Robert Dugoni. When the CIA becomes aware of a Kremlin program to expose the remaining two of the Seven Sisters, and the women go silent, they decide to send Charles Jenkins in to ascertain if the women need to be exfiltrated from Moscow, or have turned.
It’s dangerous for Charlie: he’s on a Kremlin kill list, and his wife isn’t happy that he is going to risk his life yet again, but he managed to extract a woman from the notorious Lefortovo prison, so if the women will trust anyone, it will be him. The CIA upskills him in tech and devices and equips him with disguises and the necessary papers, and he enters Moscow very much under the radar.
But before he can even connect with either woman, his deeply-ingrained sense of human decency gets in the way of his common sense, a Mafiya son is shot dead, and Charlie is soon being sought by Police, a Mafiya Godmother and Russia’s FSB. By the time he is ready to extract the seventh sister, they have a ruthless assassin on their trail.
When Arkhip Mishkin, a Senior Investigator with the Department of Criminal Investigations due for retirement is called to a shooting at a dive bar, he’s not phased by the status of the victim, and determined to close his last case and maintain his perfect record, whatever it takes. There’s not much else to interest him now he’s a widower.
But then the CCTV footage of the shooting is wiped and Akhip, having seen the body, knows the Medical Examiner’s report is a fabrication: the bystander did not kill Eldar Velikaya. When the bystander’s prints turn up a surprise, he concludes something more complicated is going on. But Arkhip can’t rest until he tracks down this Charles Jenkins to get the truth. If that means a train trip to Vladivostok, so be it.
As the prologue indicates, all does not go as planned and Charlie is subjected to quite a beating in the Irkutsk Meat Market. But he does have some very able people in his corner, and not just the CIA. Once they locate Charlie, they set up a neat sting that seems to satisfy all concerned, except a certain deputy director who has been gunning for Charlie from the start.
Dugoni manages to include a nail-biting chase through Moscow tunnels, numerous disguises, clever switches and a rather grisly revenge that will probably put some readers off eating sausages. Senior Investigator Arkhip Mishkin is an utter delight, and there’s plenty of black humour in the action-packed final book of this brilliant spy trilogy.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer.
It’s dangerous for Charlie: he’s on a Kremlin kill list, and his wife isn’t happy that he is going to risk his life yet again, but he managed to extract a woman from the notorious Lefortovo prison, so if the women will trust anyone, it will be him. The CIA upskills him in tech and devices and equips him with disguises and the necessary papers, and he enters Moscow very much under the radar.
But before he can even connect with either woman, his deeply-ingrained sense of human decency gets in the way of his common sense, a Mafiya son is shot dead, and Charlie is soon being sought by Police, a Mafiya Godmother and Russia’s FSB. By the time he is ready to extract the seventh sister, they have a ruthless assassin on their trail.
When Arkhip Mishkin, a Senior Investigator with the Department of Criminal Investigations due for retirement is called to a shooting at a dive bar, he’s not phased by the status of the victim, and determined to close his last case and maintain his perfect record, whatever it takes. There’s not much else to interest him now he’s a widower.
But then the CCTV footage of the shooting is wiped and Akhip, having seen the body, knows the Medical Examiner’s report is a fabrication: the bystander did not kill Eldar Velikaya. When the bystander’s prints turn up a surprise, he concludes something more complicated is going on. But Arkhip can’t rest until he tracks down this Charles Jenkins to get the truth. If that means a train trip to Vladivostok, so be it.
As the prologue indicates, all does not go as planned and Charlie is subjected to quite a beating in the Irkutsk Meat Market. But he does have some very able people in his corner, and not just the CIA. Once they locate Charlie, they set up a neat sting that seems to satisfy all concerned, except a certain deputy director who has been gunning for Charlie from the start.
Dugoni manages to include a nail-biting chase through Moscow tunnels, numerous disguises, clever switches and a rather grisly revenge that will probably put some readers off eating sausages. Senior Investigator Arkhip Mishkin is an utter delight, and there’s plenty of black humour in the action-packed final book of this brilliant spy trilogy.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer.
April 12, 2022
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE SILENT SISTERS (Charles Jenkins Book #3) by Robert Dugoni is the non-stop high-octane conclusion of the Seven Sisters trilogy featuring ex-CIA agent Charles Jenkins. I believe this trilogy should be read in order to really enjoy it.
Having barely escaped Russia on his last mission, Charles is once again approached by the CIA when the two remaining Seven Sisters have gone silent. This time if he returns, he is on the Russia kill list, but he feels a sense of duty to assist in the efforts to find out if the two remaining sisters are still alive and need to be extracted.
When he gets to Moscow, he involves himself in saving a young prostitute being abused by a man in the bar where he stops to eat. His moral code will not allow him to just walk away. The man ends up being killed and Jenkins is blamed. To make matters worse it is the only son of the leader of the Moscow mafia. Now he is being chased by a matriarch out for revenge, a Moscow police investigator, a high-level assassin and the FSB as he attempts to helps the two sisters escape. This time though, he may have run out of luck.
This book was impossible to put down with everything that happens from the moment Charles returns to Russia. I did feel a few times you have to suspend belief, but no more than other spy/espionage fictional thrillers. Even when the stakes are high and the danger a step behind, the author was still able to intersperse a few moments of humor. Some of the Russian government leaders’ discussions felt very realistic and could have been right from current headlines. There are old friends from the previous book included and just the hint that they all may meet again.
I have really loved this entire trilogy and highly recommend it!
THE SILENT SISTERS (Charles Jenkins Book #3) by Robert Dugoni is the non-stop high-octane conclusion of the Seven Sisters trilogy featuring ex-CIA agent Charles Jenkins. I believe this trilogy should be read in order to really enjoy it.
Having barely escaped Russia on his last mission, Charles is once again approached by the CIA when the two remaining Seven Sisters have gone silent. This time if he returns, he is on the Russia kill list, but he feels a sense of duty to assist in the efforts to find out if the two remaining sisters are still alive and need to be extracted.
When he gets to Moscow, he involves himself in saving a young prostitute being abused by a man in the bar where he stops to eat. His moral code will not allow him to just walk away. The man ends up being killed and Jenkins is blamed. To make matters worse it is the only son of the leader of the Moscow mafia. Now he is being chased by a matriarch out for revenge, a Moscow police investigator, a high-level assassin and the FSB as he attempts to helps the two sisters escape. This time though, he may have run out of luck.
This book was impossible to put down with everything that happens from the moment Charles returns to Russia. I did feel a few times you have to suspend belief, but no more than other spy/espionage fictional thrillers. Even when the stakes are high and the danger a step behind, the author was still able to intersperse a few moments of humor. Some of the Russian government leaders’ discussions felt very realistic and could have been right from current headlines. There are old friends from the previous book included and just the hint that they all may meet again.
I have really loved this entire trilogy and highly recommend it!
January 28, 2022
This is the last of a trilogy; I have read all three. I started reading them because I really enjoy Dugoni’s Tracy Crosswhite series; he does know how to spin a good tale.
Charles Jenkins, retired CIA agent, is called back to duty yet another time to return to Russia to try to rescue the last two of the Seven Sisters, Russian women raised from childhood to spy for the Americans.
Spy stories are not my favorite, but once again Dugoni lured me in with an easy to follow, suspenseful, engrossing, fast read, albeit a bit violent. As with many stories in this genre, I found some of the action a bit of a stretch and a little too convenient, but enjoyed this read, Although this can be read as a standalone, reading The Eighth Sister first will provide much more context.
Charles Jenkins, retired CIA agent, is called back to duty yet another time to return to Russia to try to rescue the last two of the Seven Sisters, Russian women raised from childhood to spy for the Americans.
Spy stories are not my favorite, but once again Dugoni lured me in with an easy to follow, suspenseful, engrossing, fast read, albeit a bit violent. As with many stories in this genre, I found some of the action a bit of a stretch and a little too convenient, but enjoyed this read, Although this can be read as a standalone, reading The Eighth Sister first will provide much more context.
October 24, 2025
A great ending to this trilogy. It’s intense and terrifying. I found the timeline quite interesting as it starts in a place that you think everything is all over and then jumps back a few weeks. It makes the reader wonder how in the world things are going to end well but, just like staring at a car wreck, it’s impossible to look away. I have to wonder at the type of person who can be a spy and manage to pretend to be someone else that goes against who they really are. I know that I could never, ever do it but I am very thankful that some can and have when our country needed it. Well done, Mr Dugoni!
February 19, 2022
This book brings closure to the trilogy of the "seven sisters" - Russian women who for years have been engaged in spying activities in their country for the benefit of America. The first two, both of which I read, were outstanding - as is this one. Here, American Charles Jenkins, who led the exfiltration of others in the uber-secret group, has been called back into action to retrieve the final two.
Problem is, Jenkins almost bit the dust during his last foray into Russia, and now he's on a kill list. A much-loved wife, a couple of [ditto] kids and a relatively satisfying life render him reluctant to take on the assignment - but the lure of action (and his sense of responsibility) reels him in and off he goes. He's been outfitted with multiple disguises to help him get past those pesky Russian face-recognition cameras, but that doesn't cut down much on the potential for discovery; Jenkins is, after all, a very tall Black man - not easy attributes to cover up, especially in Russia.
Another attribute he finds hard to conceal is his sense of fair play and concern for the underdog; his first night in Moscow, he can't resist intervening to save a helpless person and ends up on the wrong side of a particularly ruthless Russian Mafia boss. So now, he's got two factions to steer clear of - and much as they despise each other, both are determined to capture and have their way with him. Under these circumstances, going it alone would be tough enough; a couple of on-the-run females added to his baggage put Jenkins's skills to the ultimate test and considerably reduce his chances of returning to his family.
Needless to say, it's the thrill of the chase - and the complexity of the well-developed characters - that make this book (all three of them, actually) very hard to put down. And in the end, I was a little sad that there are no more sisters left to save. But I look on the bright side; although that series seems to have ended, I saw no evidence that it's the last readers will see of Charles Jenkins - and that's a very good thing in my book. I'll keep my fingers crossed that we'll see him again soon; meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to once again read and review a pre-release copy. Another one well done!
Problem is, Jenkins almost bit the dust during his last foray into Russia, and now he's on a kill list. A much-loved wife, a couple of [ditto] kids and a relatively satisfying life render him reluctant to take on the assignment - but the lure of action (and his sense of responsibility) reels him in and off he goes. He's been outfitted with multiple disguises to help him get past those pesky Russian face-recognition cameras, but that doesn't cut down much on the potential for discovery; Jenkins is, after all, a very tall Black man - not easy attributes to cover up, especially in Russia.
Another attribute he finds hard to conceal is his sense of fair play and concern for the underdog; his first night in Moscow, he can't resist intervening to save a helpless person and ends up on the wrong side of a particularly ruthless Russian Mafia boss. So now, he's got two factions to steer clear of - and much as they despise each other, both are determined to capture and have their way with him. Under these circumstances, going it alone would be tough enough; a couple of on-the-run females added to his baggage put Jenkins's skills to the ultimate test and considerably reduce his chances of returning to his family.
Needless to say, it's the thrill of the chase - and the complexity of the well-developed characters - that make this book (all three of them, actually) very hard to put down. And in the end, I was a little sad that there are no more sisters left to save. But I look on the bright side; although that series seems to have ended, I saw no evidence that it's the last readers will see of Charles Jenkins - and that's a very good thing in my book. I'll keep my fingers crossed that we'll see him again soon; meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to once again read and review a pre-release copy. Another one well done!
February 21, 2022
The Silent Sisters is the third book in the Charles Jenkins spy trilogy, about a former CIA operative charged with rescuing long-established sleeper agents from the Russian Government. I think this one makes a lot more sense if you’ve read the previous two, to understand the various characters, but ironically I would probably have enjoyed this more as a stand-alone, as knowing what had gone before made the premise of this one all the more preposterous.
The Seven Sisters are a group of Russian spies, raised from birth to work for the CIA from within the government. Betrayed by an embittered agent, three of them were tortured and executed, so the CIA convince Jenkins, a very tall 60-something Black man, to enter Russia undercover and get them out, at huge personal risk, and with no consideration for his much younger wife and two children, not once, not twice, but three times! This time he’s better prepared, with Mission Impossible style disguises and having become fluent in Russian (I don’t think he was before), but an unfortunate encounter in a bar puts him in the crosshairs of a very dangerous gangster. Can Jenkins rescue the fair damsels and escape the Russian Secret Service, Police and Mafiya - who all want him for different reasons - without someone turning him into sausage meat?
This trilogy has been a bit strange for me - I was unimpressed by The Eighth Sister, loved The Last Agent, and so had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately I was put off by the opening scene - I really don’t like reading about torture even if we don’t actually see it happening - then struggled to keep track of all the different Russian Bad Guys and found it all too drawn out and repetitive. None of the characters’ behaviours or motivations made any sense to me. I liked the Kulikova plot line but did not find it remotely believable than man after man would lust uncontrollably over a woman in her 60s, no matter how slim and well preserved. While things got better in the second half, with an exciting series of escape sequences, the outcome was never really in doubt and I just longed for the end.
Most of my GoodReads friends have given this 4 or 5 stars, so if you enjoyed the first book you probably will get more out of this one than I did, but it’s a 2.5 rounded up for me and I have to conclude that this series is not one I want to continue - but I still can’t wait for the next Tracy Crosswhite book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily.
The Silent Sisters is published tomorrow.
The Seven Sisters are a group of Russian spies, raised from birth to work for the CIA from within the government. Betrayed by an embittered agent, three of them were tortured and executed, so the CIA convince Jenkins, a very tall 60-something Black man, to enter Russia undercover and get them out, at huge personal risk, and with no consideration for his much younger wife and two children, not once, not twice, but three times! This time he’s better prepared, with Mission Impossible style disguises and having become fluent in Russian (I don’t think he was before), but an unfortunate encounter in a bar puts him in the crosshairs of a very dangerous gangster. Can Jenkins rescue the fair damsels and escape the Russian Secret Service, Police and Mafiya - who all want him for different reasons - without someone turning him into sausage meat?
This trilogy has been a bit strange for me - I was unimpressed by The Eighth Sister, loved The Last Agent, and so had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately I was put off by the opening scene - I really don’t like reading about torture even if we don’t actually see it happening - then struggled to keep track of all the different Russian Bad Guys and found it all too drawn out and repetitive. None of the characters’ behaviours or motivations made any sense to me. I liked the Kulikova plot line but did not find it remotely believable than man after man would lust uncontrollably over a woman in her 60s, no matter how slim and well preserved. While things got better in the second half, with an exciting series of escape sequences, the outcome was never really in doubt and I just longed for the end.
Most of my GoodReads friends have given this 4 or 5 stars, so if you enjoyed the first book you probably will get more out of this one than I did, but it’s a 2.5 rounded up for me and I have to conclude that this series is not one I want to continue - but I still can’t wait for the next Tracy Crosswhite book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily.
The Silent Sisters is published tomorrow.
March 16, 2022
This is the third installment in Dugoni's Charles Jenkins series and, in my opinion, the best. Dugoni is a terrific writer.
December 12, 2021
“My mother used to tell me that life is a lot like reading a book. You don’t know what is going to happen next unless you turn the page and read to the ending. That’s the beauty of reading. The journey.”“ Robert Dugoni (The Silent Sisters)
The Silent Sisters is the third book in the Charles Jenkins series by Robert Dugoni. I was told by friends that to fully appreciate this book one must read the series in order. That may be true, however; this was my first book to read in the series and I absolutely loved it! It will definitely stand alone if you have not read the other two.
Charles Jenkins works for the CIA. He is sent to Russia on a mission. His job is to find the missing final two (of the seven sisters) who have been working undercover in Russia. He is to safely bring the two sisters back home to the United States. This is a dangerous mission for Charles because he has been placed on a kill list (targeted) by the Russians.
Wow! Robert Dugoni has scored big again! The Secret Sisters is to be published February 22, 2022. You won't want to miss a word of this unique spy thriller!
Thank you Robert Dugoni and NetGalley for providing me with this e-book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The Silent Sisters is the third book in the Charles Jenkins series by Robert Dugoni. I was told by friends that to fully appreciate this book one must read the series in order. That may be true, however; this was my first book to read in the series and I absolutely loved it! It will definitely stand alone if you have not read the other two.
Charles Jenkins works for the CIA. He is sent to Russia on a mission. His job is to find the missing final two (of the seven sisters) who have been working undercover in Russia. He is to safely bring the two sisters back home to the United States. This is a dangerous mission for Charles because he has been placed on a kill list (targeted) by the Russians.
Wow! Robert Dugoni has scored big again! The Secret Sisters is to be published February 22, 2022. You won't want to miss a word of this unique spy thriller!
Thank you Robert Dugoni and NetGalley for providing me with this e-book in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 9, 2022
The third in the series and yet again another hit.
Here we have Charles Jenkins again go back to Russia after the last two of the Seven Sisters go quite.
Already wanted by the Russian authorities, his mission is to slip back in unnoticed and extract the sisters. However a chance encounter with the biggest crime family in Russia finds him not only running from the Russian authorities and the police but also the crime gang. Can he get the sisters out and survive himself and slip out of the country?
I’ve said it many times and I’ll say it again, Dugoni is one of the most readable authors out there today. I’ve read many of his books, in different genres and I’ve yet to read a bad one. This is no exception. A kind of Cold War feel but set in modern day the whole trilogy is fantastic.
It’s a real page turner. An intricate story beautifully told with interesting well rounded characters, theres little not to love about this book.
He’s up there now with my favourite authors. When I see a book of his being released I want to read it purely on his name alone.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC though Netgalley.
Here we have Charles Jenkins again go back to Russia after the last two of the Seven Sisters go quite.
Already wanted by the Russian authorities, his mission is to slip back in unnoticed and extract the sisters. However a chance encounter with the biggest crime family in Russia finds him not only running from the Russian authorities and the police but also the crime gang. Can he get the sisters out and survive himself and slip out of the country?
I’ve said it many times and I’ll say it again, Dugoni is one of the most readable authors out there today. I’ve read many of his books, in different genres and I’ve yet to read a bad one. This is no exception. A kind of Cold War feel but set in modern day the whole trilogy is fantastic.
It’s a real page turner. An intricate story beautifully told with interesting well rounded characters, theres little not to love about this book.
He’s up there now with my favourite authors. When I see a book of his being released I want to read it purely on his name alone.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC though Netgalley.
March 14, 2023
In this third book in the spy thriller series featuring Charles Jenkins, Charlie returns to Russia one more time to exfiltrate the last two 'silent sisters,' top-level spies who have been place for years but are now in grave jeopardy. This CIA mission is also particularly dangerous for Charlie because the Russian government has a 'kill order' in place if he is spotted and the likelihood of that is high since he's a 6'5" black man.
Charlie is an interesting character. He is in his 60s and is a family man but has a driving need to still feel useful and complete this mission, even though he knows he could die doing it. He is brave, smart and has a complex moral sense which gets him in a tight spot in this story. The action of this thriller is non-stop with brilliant plotting. Charlie gets some help from 'friends' in unexpected places. It seems no one is utterly good or evil--there's some bit of humanity in all of us.
One quibble: The use of a 'prologue' to the story disappointed me. It depicts a scene three weeks in the future and even gives the exact location where it will take place. I felt that gave too much away, leaving the reader waiting for that 'scene' to happen eventually. These books are exciting enough without the teaser.
I received an arc of this thriller from the author and publisher via NetGalley for which I am grateful. My review is voluntary, though I must apologize for the delay in getting it read and reviewed. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Charlie is an interesting character. He is in his 60s and is a family man but has a driving need to still feel useful and complete this mission, even though he knows he could die doing it. He is brave, smart and has a complex moral sense which gets him in a tight spot in this story. The action of this thriller is non-stop with brilliant plotting. Charlie gets some help from 'friends' in unexpected places. It seems no one is utterly good or evil--there's some bit of humanity in all of us.
One quibble: The use of a 'prologue' to the story disappointed me. It depicts a scene three weeks in the future and even gives the exact location where it will take place. I felt that gave too much away, leaving the reader waiting for that 'scene' to happen eventually. These books are exciting enough without the teaser.
I received an arc of this thriller from the author and publisher via NetGalley for which I am grateful. My review is voluntary, though I must apologize for the delay in getting it read and reviewed. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
July 3, 2025
This is book #3 in the Charles Jenkins trilogy....I don't know if the author is writing more or if it will stay a trilogy. But...I liked this one. I like the MC. He has purpose, strong family ties, a strong moral compass and a few skills useful in back allies. All things that bind a story together.
There were other characters too, that were just as solid. The endings are also filled with karma which is satisfying. So 4 stars.
There were other characters too, that were just as solid. The endings are also filled with karma which is satisfying. So 4 stars.
October 16, 2021
The final(?) book in the Charles Jenkins series has Jenkins once again going to Russia for the Sisters.
The last two Sisters - sleeper agents for the American CIA - have gone radio silent. Jenkins is once again recruited to head to Russia. The mission this time: get the two remaining women exfiltrated and back to the US.
I've mentioned in previous reviews my major issue with this series. It's just fantastically difficult for me to see an over six foot tall, over 200 pound, black spy in Russia able to move around as he was, in a country that is predominantly white. That is (partially) solved, at least at the beginning here, by Jenkins assuming a disguise that involves making him white: mask on the face, long gloves on the hands, and so on. He also enters the country under an assumed ID of a British textile salesman (and hilariously, gets asked by a guard to give the uniform manufacturers something breathable, like cotton, as Moscow is in the throes of a late heat wave).
Jenkins checks in at an out of the way hotel, then goes to a really out of the way dive of a bar, where he does something monumentally stupid: he involves himself in the business of two locals and a woman who is obviously a prostitute. In the alley, he steps in when one of the guys is about to sexually assault the woman. One of the men accidentally shoots the other dead, then runs away, and the prostitute asks Jenkins, "What have you done?"
Good question. As it turns out,the dead guy is the son of the woman who runs one of the most powerful organized crime families in Moscow. Jenkins realizes he's left a fingerprint behind at the scene.
So now, Jenkins has the mob boss, a cop on the verge of retirement (who is a widower with a perfect record of closing cases, of course), and the head of a division who is looking for a promotion on his tail. But not, amazingly, the FSB, who has a kill order for Jenkins. It would be inconvenient for all these other parties if Jenkins was knocked off.
He manages to get away fro his hotel before anyone comes looking, and gets the first Sister passed on to the person who will then pass her on to another person, etc., until she's out of the country. There's very little about her, as the other Sister - Maria, assistant to the head of the division - is the more interesting one.
Quite a good chunk of the middle is taken up by narrative from Maria's POV, and it is absolutely fantastic. It's the best part of the entire book, in my opinion.
Eventually, Jenkins and Maria are on the run - there's an assassin working to eliminate her and capture him, the mob family, the cop, our old friend Federov who used to be FSB, and a heroin dealer whose nickname is The Fly involved and a nice comeuppance at the end for a particularly slimy party.
Overall: a solid four out of five stars, and a good closing to the series. Maybe. Dugoni puts in the afterward that he's heading to Egypt, so who knows what the future holds for Jenkins. I sense Jenkins might fit in a little better there, but still, 6'+ and 200+ pounds? I suppose we'll see.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the reading copy.
The last two Sisters - sleeper agents for the American CIA - have gone radio silent. Jenkins is once again recruited to head to Russia. The mission this time: get the two remaining women exfiltrated and back to the US.
I've mentioned in previous reviews my major issue with this series. It's just fantastically difficult for me to see an over six foot tall, over 200 pound, black spy in Russia able to move around as he was, in a country that is predominantly white. That is (partially) solved, at least at the beginning here, by Jenkins assuming a disguise that involves making him white: mask on the face, long gloves on the hands, and so on. He also enters the country under an assumed ID of a British textile salesman (and hilariously, gets asked by a guard to give the uniform manufacturers something breathable, like cotton, as Moscow is in the throes of a late heat wave).
Jenkins checks in at an out of the way hotel, then goes to a really out of the way dive of a bar, where he does something monumentally stupid: he involves himself in the business of two locals and a woman who is obviously a prostitute. In the alley, he steps in when one of the guys is about to sexually assault the woman. One of the men accidentally shoots the other dead, then runs away, and the prostitute asks Jenkins, "What have you done?"
Good question. As it turns out,the dead guy is the son of the woman who runs one of the most powerful organized crime families in Moscow. Jenkins realizes he's left a fingerprint behind at the scene.
So now, Jenkins has the mob boss, a cop on the verge of retirement (who is a widower with a perfect record of closing cases, of course), and the head of a division who is looking for a promotion on his tail. But not, amazingly, the FSB, who has a kill order for Jenkins. It would be inconvenient for all these other parties if Jenkins was knocked off.
He manages to get away fro his hotel before anyone comes looking, and gets the first Sister passed on to the person who will then pass her on to another person, etc., until she's out of the country. There's very little about her, as the other Sister - Maria, assistant to the head of the division - is the more interesting one.
Quite a good chunk of the middle is taken up by narrative from Maria's POV, and it is absolutely fantastic. It's the best part of the entire book, in my opinion.
Eventually, Jenkins and Maria are on the run - there's an assassin working to eliminate her and capture him, the mob family, the cop, our old friend Federov who used to be FSB, and a heroin dealer whose nickname is The Fly involved and a nice comeuppance at the end for a particularly slimy party.
Overall: a solid four out of five stars, and a good closing to the series. Maybe. Dugoni puts in the afterward that he's heading to Egypt, so who knows what the future holds for Jenkins. I sense Jenkins might fit in a little better there, but still, 6'+ and 200+ pounds? I suppose we'll see.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the reading copy.
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