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Alex Kovacs #9
Adrift in Istanbul
In a city perched between East and West, and with the Cold War growing colder every day, people are still getting killed because of the last war.
Hitler is dead, Germany is dismembered, the entire Western intelligence operation is focused on the growing Soviet threat — and yet, there are people in Istanbul who remain fixated on a war that was supposed to be over. Fixated, and firing away. It is in this maelstrom that Alex Kovacs finds himself in a new thriller by author Richard Wake.
Alex is doing his best to settle into the life he has chosen, or that has chosen him. He is an espionage agent for the Gehlen Organization, a shadowy group of former German military officers who are being funded by the United States because of their ability to gather information about the Soviets in the East. Istanbul, then as now, was a crossroads between civilizations and ideologies, and Alex expected his job to revolve around that East vs West standoff. He never could have expected it would be the place where a continuing blood feud between Nazis and their opponents was still being played out, and that he would be drawn into the middle of it.
And yet, there he was. One day, Alex would negotiate with a Turkish industrialist determined to keep the Nazi cause alive with an underground army he wanted to build. The next day, he would fence with the Turkish secret police, a brutal organization tasked with keeping some sense of balance as the East vs West confrontation played out on its soil. And then, when an acquaintance of his ends up dead in a brutal attack, Alex is forced to confront again all of the emotions that have driven him for years — specifically, the tension between revenge and justice. It is a tension that nearly tore him apart earlier, and now he is forced to confront it again, this time in the ancient city divided by the half in Europe, half in Asia, entirely in the shadows of history.
Adrift in Istanbul is the ninth novel in the Alex Kovacs thriller series. In a relatively short time, author Richard Wake has sold more than 150,000 copies of his works, earning hundreds of 5-star reviews from readers who compare his books to those of a couple of Wake’s writing heroes, Philip Kerr and Alan Furst. See for yourself if you agree!
Hitler is dead, Germany is dismembered, the entire Western intelligence operation is focused on the growing Soviet threat — and yet, there are people in Istanbul who remain fixated on a war that was supposed to be over. Fixated, and firing away. It is in this maelstrom that Alex Kovacs finds himself in a new thriller by author Richard Wake.
Alex is doing his best to settle into the life he has chosen, or that has chosen him. He is an espionage agent for the Gehlen Organization, a shadowy group of former German military officers who are being funded by the United States because of their ability to gather information about the Soviets in the East. Istanbul, then as now, was a crossroads between civilizations and ideologies, and Alex expected his job to revolve around that East vs West standoff. He never could have expected it would be the place where a continuing blood feud between Nazis and their opponents was still being played out, and that he would be drawn into the middle of it.
And yet, there he was. One day, Alex would negotiate with a Turkish industrialist determined to keep the Nazi cause alive with an underground army he wanted to build. The next day, he would fence with the Turkish secret police, a brutal organization tasked with keeping some sense of balance as the East vs West confrontation played out on its soil. And then, when an acquaintance of his ends up dead in a brutal attack, Alex is forced to confront again all of the emotions that have driven him for years — specifically, the tension between revenge and justice. It is a tension that nearly tore him apart earlier, and now he is forced to confront it again, this time in the ancient city divided by the half in Europe, half in Asia, entirely in the shadows of history.
Adrift in Istanbul is the ninth novel in the Alex Kovacs thriller series. In a relatively short time, author Richard Wake has sold more than 150,000 copies of his works, earning hundreds of 5-star reviews from readers who compare his books to those of a couple of Wake’s writing heroes, Philip Kerr and Alan Furst. See for yourself if you agree!
228 pages, Paperback
Published July 23, 2022
539 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Richard Wake
30 books101 followersRichard Wake's first career was as a newspaper reporter, columnist, and editor. Writing fiction was always an aspiration, especially historical fiction set in Europe during the inter-war period, and now it has become a reality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 25, 2024
Another solid book in the series. I really enjoyed the visit to Istanbul via the descriptions and Google Street View. Coincidentally, I’ve been listening to the History of Byzantium podcast and learning the history of Constantinople, which would eventually become known as Istanbul.
In the previous book, Alex had the opportunity to kill his longtime nemesis, Werner Vogl, but when it came right down to it, he couldn’t just murder him in cold blood. In this book, Alex meets Ana Radu, a Romanian Jewish woman. He has drinks and dinner with her a few times. Alex is also friendly with a British attaché named Gibbs in a drinking-buddy sort of way.
One night Alex and Gibbs are walking home to their respective apartments after an evening of drinking. Gibbs enters his apartment and Alex turns to walk away when there is an explosion near the door of the apartment building. He sees Ana leaving the area on a motorcycle. Gibbs was the only person killed in the explosion.
Later, Alex confronts Ana and she admits she set the explosive device. A year or so before, her fiancé had been on an ancient ship trying to reach Palestine. The British wouldn’t issue visas to let them in; the Turks wouldn’t allow them to enter Istanbul. Something on the ship blew up and nearly everyone on board was killed, including Ana’s fiancé.
Alex agrees to help her escape from Istanbul and get to Cyprus, where she hopes to bribe her way into Palestine. Like Rachel in the last book, many of the surviving members of the European Jewish community can no longer feel safe anywhere in Europe and most hope to get to either Palestine or America.
Alex has known all along the Turkish secret police have been watching him. They do not, however, know whom he is working for, but after he helps Ana escape, he is escorted onto the Orient Express with a one-way ticket to Paris.
In the previous book, Alex had the opportunity to kill his longtime nemesis, Werner Vogl, but when it came right down to it, he couldn’t just murder him in cold blood. In this book, Alex meets Ana Radu, a Romanian Jewish woman. He has drinks and dinner with her a few times. Alex is also friendly with a British attaché named Gibbs in a drinking-buddy sort of way.
One night Alex and Gibbs are walking home to their respective apartments after an evening of drinking. Gibbs enters his apartment and Alex turns to walk away when there is an explosion near the door of the apartment building. He sees Ana leaving the area on a motorcycle. Gibbs was the only person killed in the explosion.
Later, Alex confronts Ana and she admits she set the explosive device. A year or so before, her fiancé had been on an ancient ship trying to reach Palestine. The British wouldn’t issue visas to let them in; the Turks wouldn’t allow them to enter Istanbul. Something on the ship blew up and nearly everyone on board was killed, including Ana’s fiancé.
Alex agrees to help her escape from Istanbul and get to Cyprus, where she hopes to bribe her way into Palestine. Like Rachel in the last book, many of the surviving members of the European Jewish community can no longer feel safe anywhere in Europe and most hope to get to either Palestine or America.
Alex has known all along the Turkish secret police have been watching him. They do not, however, know whom he is working for, but after he helps Ana escape, he is escorted onto the Orient Express with a one-way ticket to Paris.
August 14, 2022
Fabulous, as always….
This Alex Kovacs series is definitely as good, but probably better than you’ve ever read. Very humble and extremely clever and smart and such a great sense of humor- he’s able to laugh at himself and knows his limitations. Kovas is one of my favorite characters ever. The stories and adventures he and his best friend, Leon, tell throughout these books are heartfelt and heartbreaking, but also funny as hell. Richard Wake has created something extraordinary with these books and if you enjoy spy thrillers then you will mot want to miss reading this series- absolutely fantastic!
This Alex Kovacs series is definitely as good, but probably better than you’ve ever read. Very humble and extremely clever and smart and such a great sense of humor- he’s able to laugh at himself and knows his limitations. Kovas is one of my favorite characters ever. The stories and adventures he and his best friend, Leon, tell throughout these books are heartfelt and heartbreaking, but also funny as hell. Richard Wake has created something extraordinary with these books and if you enjoy spy thrillers then you will mot want to miss reading this series- absolutely fantastic!
November 6, 2024
Historical fiction woven in actual events
I have read nine of Wake’s books in the Alex Kovacs series and each one has encompassed factual events I did not know about prior to reading. Each book has caused me to research one or more elements only to find out there are actual historical events behind the story. In “Adrift in Istanbul,” is the story of the Jewish refugee ship, Sturma, and also of American-backed secret armies in Europe after WWII. Wake’s characters are interesting and the plots inventive. Settings across Europe are a virtual travelogue set in recent history. An engaging series.
I have read nine of Wake’s books in the Alex Kovacs series and each one has encompassed factual events I did not know about prior to reading. Each book has caused me to research one or more elements only to find out there are actual historical events behind the story. In “Adrift in Istanbul,” is the story of the Jewish refugee ship, Sturma, and also of American-backed secret armies in Europe after WWII. Wake’s characters are interesting and the plots inventive. Settings across Europe are a virtual travelogue set in recent history. An engaging series.
September 26, 2022
The Alex Kovacs series is well researched and good story telling. Alex is a convincing character who we follow through the series. I have read them all and hope for more. This last one in Istanbul is the least interesting and has the least action and danger for Alex. It also has little about Alex's friend, Leon. Readers have grown to like Leon. Like previous books it just ends with no real satisfactory denouement. But the series is very well done. Don't miss it.
September 29, 2022
surprise this is a winner
Well written, author has great Voice. Reader immediately dumped into plot with no wasted back flashes. I thought the hero was a self effacing winner to follow, and since I haven’t read the earlier books, he was a new spy guy. Not arrogant, not all knowing, but we figured it out with him as story progressed. I a definitely going back and getting earlier books.
Well written, author has great Voice. Reader immediately dumped into plot with no wasted back flashes. I thought the hero was a self effacing winner to follow, and since I haven’t read the earlier books, he was a new spy guy. Not arrogant, not all knowing, but we figured it out with him as story progressed. I a definitely going back and getting earlier books.
November 5, 2025
dragged down by bad narration
The plot of these books is very good. I’ve read seven or eight of them, and I found myself constantly frustrated by the occasionally inane and bizarre internal and external dialogues of Alex Kovats’s. He doesn’t sound like a European. He sounds like an American teenager from the 60s. I’ve been to Europe enough to know how Europeans talk and it ain’t like this. It really distracts from the otherwise outstanding plot.
The plot of these books is very good. I’ve read seven or eight of them, and I found myself constantly frustrated by the occasionally inane and bizarre internal and external dialogues of Alex Kovats’s. He doesn’t sound like a European. He sounds like an American teenager from the 60s. I’ve been to Europe enough to know how Europeans talk and it ain’t like this. It really distracts from the otherwise outstanding plot.
August 15, 2022
Mr. Wake has developed his gift for story telling.
I started with his first book and have read all of his work. I do not tire of his stories and he has avoided being repetitious. I studied at the University of Vienna in 1958, and over the years wandered around many of the locations he writes about. I shall continue to do so. Life in Colombia!
I started with his first book and have read all of his work. I do not tire of his stories and he has avoided being repetitious. I studied at the University of Vienna in 1958, and over the years wandered around many of the locations he writes about. I shall continue to do so. Life in Colombia!
August 16, 2022
goodish but slow going
Layered, complex and very moody. A clever follow on novel for our lead and fading hero Alex Kovacs. But just not sure it really grabbed my attention and passion the way earlier instalments. However a good setting in Istanbul with some very descriptive passages on Turkish history, politics, geography and food.
Layered, complex and very moody. A clever follow on novel for our lead and fading hero Alex Kovacs. But just not sure it really grabbed my attention and passion the way earlier instalments. However a good setting in Istanbul with some very descriptive passages on Turkish history, politics, geography and food.
October 21, 2022
Loved it!
Great read!!! I'm read them all, and please don't ask me to rank them. My response would be all #1!! Great character development, he knows the city and history and tells it in a balanced way.. as I've already said, great read, and that goes for any of the Alex Kovacs books!
Great read!!! I'm read them all, and please don't ask me to rank them. My response would be all #1!! Great character development, he knows the city and history and tells it in a balanced way.. as I've already said, great read, and that goes for any of the Alex Kovacs books!
February 19, 2023
Couldn’t put it down
I accidentally stumbled upon this book. Although it is number nine in the Alex Kovacs series, it was the first one that I have read, it is a complex and fascinating story of post World War II, Istanbul. It kept my interest from start to finish, and I was sorry when it ended.
I accidentally stumbled upon this book. Although it is number nine in the Alex Kovacs series, it was the first one that I have read, it is a complex and fascinating story of post World War II, Istanbul. It kept my interest from start to finish, and I was sorry when it ended.
March 20, 2023
Another instalment in the Alex Kovacs story
As with the other books in the series, there is a refreshing honesty in this story that illustrates the reality that people are people and motives are rarely straightforward. The main character is very relatable and human and is subject to fear and confusion as well as bravery.
As with the other books in the series, there is a refreshing honesty in this story that illustrates the reality that people are people and motives are rarely straightforward. The main character is very relatable and human and is subject to fear and confusion as well as bravery.
March 1, 2024
A good spy novel.
I gave this four stars only due to some more modern language seeping through. I thought it well researched and enjoyed the character and plot line. This particular time in history I find compelling and Istanbul is a city I find compelling for its own special reasons. If you like Alan First you will likely enjoy Mr. Wake.
I gave this four stars only due to some more modern language seeping through. I thought it well researched and enjoyed the character and plot line. This particular time in history I find compelling and Istanbul is a city I find compelling for its own special reasons. If you like Alan First you will likely enjoy Mr. Wake.
August 29, 2024
it just keeps getting better!
Book 9 of Richard Wake’s Alex Kovacs thriller series continues the fascinating adventures of his semi-professional spook. In a new setting (Istanbul) after the end of World War II we get a glimpse of the post war rivalries of the allied forces who “won” the war. The excitement persists.
Book 9 of Richard Wake’s Alex Kovacs thriller series continues the fascinating adventures of his semi-professional spook. In a new setting (Istanbul) after the end of World War II we get a glimpse of the post war rivalries of the allied forces who “won” the war. The excitement persists.
August 7, 2022
Look forward to these books.
Characters have real strengths and weaknesses.
Narrative has turns, failure and success, then consequences of both. Suspenseful, artful, seems to bean authentic representation of the period.
Characters have real strengths and weaknesses.
Narrative has turns, failure and success, then consequences of both. Suspenseful, artful, seems to bean authentic representation of the period.
August 12, 2022
Good book
I have read all of Alex's book and I thoughly enjoy him. Looking forward to the next one. I can tell that alot of research goes into these books. The 1st book of the other series was good will check out the rest. If a person enjoys a thiller these books are for you.
I have read all of Alex's book and I thoughly enjoy him. Looking forward to the next one. I can tell that alot of research goes into these books. The 1st book of the other series was good will check out the rest. If a person enjoys a thiller these books are for you.
August 14, 2022
Well plotted Cold War tale
I have read all the books in the Alex Kovacs series, and they are all reliable, easy to recommend ‘good reads.’ Well plotted, fast paced with engaging characters. Just the thing for relaxing with at the end of a long day or reading in the sun.
I have read all the books in the Alex Kovacs series, and they are all reliable, easy to recommend ‘good reads.’ Well plotted, fast paced with engaging characters. Just the thing for relaxing with at the end of a long day or reading in the sun.
August 27, 2022
I have read the entire series and would rate the effort as entertaining but lacking substance. These are airplane books or beach reading when full attention is not a requirement. I have read the Philip Kerr series starring Bernie Gunther and that had more gravitas.
September 12, 2022
I have enjoyed this whole series and was wondering how it could continue after the end of the war. Am very pleased with the way it developed and am looking forward to further volumes.
Certainly recommended.
Certainly recommended.
October 31, 2022
Different take on ww2
I have thoroughly enjoyed this very in depth series, and am quite despondent to have read the last. Alex Kovacs is a very interesting character... I'm now looking forward to starting his next series. Just hope there's more Alex coming along!
I have thoroughly enjoyed this very in depth series, and am quite despondent to have read the last. Alex Kovacs is a very interesting character... I'm now looking forward to starting his next series. Just hope there's more Alex coming along!
November 2, 2022
The 9th in a great series
I have read all the Alex Kovacs books and all have been great. The secondary characters shift and change from book to book but several run through the whole series. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of them.
I have read all the Alex Kovacs books and all have been great. The secondary characters shift and change from book to book but several run through the whole series. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of them.
November 10, 2022
Istanbul introduction
Enjoyed the pace of the story. Good characters and sense of cu!ture.
Relied a bit much on drinking as an activity. Liked the liberal use of
Common swearing. Look forward to reading more Alex Kovacs series.
Enjoyed the pace of the story. Good characters and sense of cu!ture.
Relied a bit much on drinking as an activity. Liked the liberal use of
Common swearing. Look forward to reading more Alex Kovacs series.
November 26, 2022
Adrift-well named
One of the most nothing books, I have ever read. Istanbul is a beautiful exotic city with it's physical geography and many multi nationalities. It was always mystifying and enjoyable
One of the most nothing books, I have ever read. Istanbul is a beautiful exotic city with it's physical geography and many multi nationalities. It was always mystifying and enjoyable
December 9, 2022
Intrigue
I appreciate Mr Wakes writing. He has introduced me to regions of the world I'm not familiar with and populated them with well developed characters. I look forward to going on more adventures with him.
I appreciate Mr Wakes writing. He has introduced me to regions of the world I'm not familiar with and populated them with well developed characters. I look forward to going on more adventures with him.
March 11, 2023
Adrift in Istanbul. a fun read
Only my second read in the series, I thought it was well researched and informative of the time and culture.
Most enjoyable plot twists and as before, an ambiguous ending.
Highly recommend.
Only my second read in the series, I thought it was well researched and informative of the time and culture.
Most enjoyable plot twists and as before, an ambiguous ending.
Highly recommend.
March 30, 2023
This series is one of the most entertaining I've discovered. Great character development and evocative of the time and place. The hero is low key and has enough character flaws to make him human, not the super-hero variety.
April 16, 2023
very good writing and strong story
I’ve read several of the Richard Wake novels and have enjoyed them all clear concise style and the right mix of moral ambiguity and moral outrage. Really well done.
I’ve read several of the Richard Wake novels and have enjoyed them all clear concise style and the right mix of moral ambiguity and moral outrage. Really well done.
June 20, 2023
Alex dares to swim in deep waters and there are none deeper than Istanbul's. I'll give nothing away by saying that he's often in deeper than he knows. I've spent time in Istanbul and it was most enjoyable for me to accompany Alex down Istiklal and across the Bosporus on the amazing ferries. My preferred ferry voyage beverage was Efes, however, not tea. My only minor disappointment was that we never got to visit the Pierre Loti Cafe.
Read
February 6, 2024Intrigue between two continents.
I liked the descriptions of Istanbul streets and neighborhoods. The interconnections between different interest groups, criminal, political, business, religious, police, intelligence. Sex, violence, drugs, national interests. Good Wake again.
I liked the descriptions of Istanbul streets and neighborhoods. The interconnections between different interest groups, criminal, political, business, religious, police, intelligence. Sex, violence, drugs, national interests. Good Wake again.
February 11, 2024
Holds Your Interest!
Nice easy read that keeps the reader interested and turning the pages. I enjoy the Alex Kovaks books because you are never sure how Alex will escape but he always does.
Nice easy read that keeps the reader interested and turning the pages. I enjoy the Alex Kovaks books because you are never sure how Alex will escape but he always does.
February 19, 2024
Good series
I have read, and enjoyed, nine of the Alex Kovacs novels. This one was not as action-filled as the first eight, but was still a fulfiling read. I look forward to Mr. Wake's next work!
I have read, and enjoyed, nine of the Alex Kovacs novels. This one was not as action-filled as the first eight, but was still a fulfiling read. I look forward to Mr. Wake's next work!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews