What do you think?
Rate this book
Russian Sleeper Cell
The mysterious death of a nun results in the closure of the homeless shelter she had devoted her life to. Now, decades later, Father Caspian is brought in to restore The Mission to its previous glory, but he quickly finds himself in over his head. How do you discern what is fact or fiction in a world dominated by addiction, mental illness, and misinformation?
When one of the shelter residents suddenly disappears after claiming he is a CIA operative hiding out on the streets, Caspian is forced to question if he has misjudged some of his clients. Is it possible that this was real, or is Caspian being brought into the delusion with him?
Caspian soon finds himself on a cross-country journey searching for answers because the question begs to be answered, “is there more than meets the eye?”
Bestselling author Nathan Monk's third novel delves deep into a world of intrigue with secret societies and powerful oligarchs, as the debut of Father Caspian helps uncover a treasonous plot that could have catastrophic results for the entire world. Join along as this new cast of characters searches for allies and discovers ancient enemies in this quest for the most elusive treasure of the truth.
When one of the shelter residents suddenly disappears after claiming he is a CIA operative hiding out on the streets, Caspian is forced to question if he has misjudged some of his clients. Is it possible that this was real, or is Caspian being brought into the delusion with him?
Caspian soon finds himself on a cross-country journey searching for answers because the question begs to be answered, “is there more than meets the eye?”
Bestselling author Nathan Monk's third novel delves deep into a world of intrigue with secret societies and powerful oligarchs, as the debut of Father Caspian helps uncover a treasonous plot that could have catastrophic results for the entire world. Join along as this new cast of characters searches for allies and discovers ancient enemies in this quest for the most elusive treasure of the truth.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2022
214 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 3, 2022
I must admit, this book started quite differently than I expected, both in plot and honestly, writing quality. I actually had to double check I was reading what I thought I was reading. Eventually, it took an exciting turn and got better all around. Some parts were over the top, but that’s a spy novel for you. And if you were a fan of The Americans, the TV show, maybe it wasn’t even over the top.
I am incredibly interested in the subject matter, so I kept going. And it had a great middle and end. I finished it in about 4 nights of before bed reading. Given what I know of the authors history, and the parts of the book that seemed possibly autobiographical plot points, it terrifies me regarding the “over the top” parts. I have a friend from Eastern Europe that has been talking about how scary Putin is for years, so it was super interesting to read some of the history behind the emotions.
I am incredibly interested in the subject matter, so I kept going. And it had a great middle and end. I finished it in about 4 nights of before bed reading. Given what I know of the authors history, and the parts of the book that seemed possibly autobiographical plot points, it terrifies me regarding the “over the top” parts. I have a friend from Eastern Europe that has been talking about how scary Putin is for years, so it was super interesting to read some of the history behind the emotions.
November 26, 2022
A handbook for saving our democracy
November 5, 2022
Truly enjoyed this book. I found it interesting how the author wove religious history into the narrative. Also if you’ve read his other novel, “ All Saints Hotel and Cocktail Lounge “ you will appreciate the ending.
August 2, 2024
The book starts off with the murder of a nun.
No, really.
And before you know it, Father Caspian, the priest at the Mission where Sister Mary Margaret did her work, is on the run -- because this book really is about a Russian sleeper cell.
I purchased this book a year or so ago and it languished in my to-be-read pile for far too long. Written in the wake of January 6, it eventually posits some ideas that may have seemed outlandish at the time but have sadly proven all too plausible.
The book is part fair play puzzle and part thriller, with a heaping side of information about religious diaspora (the author is a former Russian Orthodox priest).
Well worth the read.
No, really.
And before you know it, Father Caspian, the priest at the Mission where Sister Mary Margaret did her work, is on the run -- because this book really is about a Russian sleeper cell.
I purchased this book a year or so ago and it languished in my to-be-read pile for far too long. Written in the wake of January 6, it eventually posits some ideas that may have seemed outlandish at the time but have sadly proven all too plausible.
The book is part fair play puzzle and part thriller, with a heaping side of information about religious diaspora (the author is a former Russian Orthodox priest).
Well worth the read.
March 19, 2023
This was a fast-paced, fun thriller with engaging characters. I learned a lot about both the Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox Churches through the various plot twists and I'm now feeling rather paranoid about the state of our democracy.
Favorite quote: "Patriotism and nationalism are not the same evil. If Russia is to win this battle, it will not come by way of these far-right fools hoping to align with her but because those on the left roll over and say, 'Take our country, it is a stupid country, a bad country, we have no use for it. This can't possibly be worse than it already is.' This nihilism has been the devised plan of the Kremlin all along."
Favorite quote: "Patriotism and nationalism are not the same evil. If Russia is to win this battle, it will not come by way of these far-right fools hoping to align with her but because those on the left roll over and say, 'Take our country, it is a stupid country, a bad country, we have no use for it. This can't possibly be worse than it already is.' This nihilism has been the devised plan of the Kremlin all along."
October 19, 2022
captivating adventure
In a thrilling storyline, we learn of intrigue and a deception that we are currently living in . Crafted from the events that concern all humans , there are two directions of decisions to be made , one leads to freedom and the other to an assured dictatorship/oligarchy.
This book is entertaining, educational and emotional. I highly recommend it to everyone.
In a thrilling storyline, we learn of intrigue and a deception that we are currently living in . Crafted from the events that concern all humans , there are two directions of decisions to be made , one leads to freedom and the other to an assured dictatorship/oligarchy.
This book is entertaining, educational and emotional. I highly recommend it to everyone.
January 10, 2023
"Everything seemed fine in those moments; there would be peace until suddenly there wasn't."
This line is buried in the middle of this book but it has struck me to the core and I am going to be thinking on it for quite some time.
This seems the best way to summarise “Russian Sleeper Cell” without spoilers. Highly recommend.
This line is buried in the middle of this book but it has struck me to the core and I am going to be thinking on it for quite some time.
This seems the best way to summarise “Russian Sleeper Cell” without spoilers. Highly recommend.
November 4, 2022
SO GOOD
I absolutely love Nathan Monk's storytelling. This book was captivating from the very first sentence. The ending? 🤯 I can't explain how amazing it was, without giving something away. But wow wow wow. SO GOOD.
I absolutely love Nathan Monk's storytelling. This book was captivating from the very first sentence. The ending? 🤯 I can't explain how amazing it was, without giving something away. But wow wow wow. SO GOOD.
December 7, 2022
fast-paced and eye opening - a book that will change you
One of those books that will change you - new information in an entertaining format
We learn more about the main characters throughout the book
One of those books that will change you - new information in an entertaining format
We learn more about the main characters throughout the book
December 28, 2022
Contemporary Parable
This book is an excellent parable based on the experience of the author. It has a dark warning for the whole world.
This book is an excellent parable based on the experience of the author. It has a dark warning for the whole world.
February 20, 2024
Phenomenal read!
Wonderful story - well paced, excellent character development. In some ways, a heart-wrenching read, because of the state of Russian relations today, but a read that is well worth the heartache. I cannot recommend this novel enough!
Wonderful story - well paced, excellent character development. In some ways, a heart-wrenching read, because of the state of Russian relations today, but a read that is well worth the heartache. I cannot recommend this novel enough!
March 31, 2024
i support monk’s activism and as such can find no faults in this book. not because there aren’t any, but because they’re part of the activism. i am horrified, even if just half of what i read might actually be based on real life experiences of monk.
December 31, 2022
Holy moley
Father Nathan Monk has written a chilling "fictional" tale of the Russian influence that is taking over the conservative political movement in the US. While its roots are in the fiction section of the bookstore, the words he has written feel very much real and current. It is the last book I'm reading for 2022, and I'm so glad that this was the last story of a tumultuous year. I can't wait to read the Father's next tome. This one will stay with me for a long time until then.
Father Nathan Monk has written a chilling "fictional" tale of the Russian influence that is taking over the conservative political movement in the US. While its roots are in the fiction section of the bookstore, the words he has written feel very much real and current. It is the last book I'm reading for 2022, and I'm so glad that this was the last story of a tumultuous year. I can't wait to read the Father's next tome. This one will stay with me for a long time until then.
May 13, 2023
The author, in real life, does so much good work. He has written a compelling story based on a thought-provoking premise, and he’s probably a pretty entertaining storyteller in the oral tradition. In book form, however, this story would have benefited from quite a bit of aggressive editing.
July 16, 2024
I get that people want to like this book… just didn’t think it was good at all… kept going waiting for it to improve…
August 30, 2024
I really wanted to love this book after reading all the great reviews and knowing Nathan Monk’s other work on social media. I don’t think it lived up to the potential it had in my head. Part of that might be that a spy novel is not something I’d typically pick up - I only did so because of the author.
It’s is very USA-centric which, as a Canadian, made it a bit less appealing. It made reference to events/people that are not well known outside of the US. There is mention of “January 6” which I do know, but 10 years down the road someone who isn’t from the US might not know.
I liked the characters and I did like the journey, despite some parts feeling rushed or too slow. I think the overall message of the book is valid and thought provoking but the execution didn’t hit it for me.
It’s is very USA-centric which, as a Canadian, made it a bit less appealing. It made reference to events/people that are not well known outside of the US. There is mention of “January 6” which I do know, but 10 years down the road someone who isn’t from the US might not know.
I liked the characters and I did like the journey, despite some parts feeling rushed or too slow. I think the overall message of the book is valid and thought provoking but the execution didn’t hit it for me.
October 28, 2025
An exciting story wrapped around what feels like an expository self insert character, telling us all about Nathan Monk's fears about Russia's plans and the complicity of the church. And yet I love him for it.
The writing style was better than I expected. I think Monk's honesty about his struggles with dyslexia and how he feels about people's comments about it, led me to believe there would be much to "allow" or forgive. How patronising of me. But the easy, friendly, warm and engaging voice he converses beautifully with online, also translates fantastically into this format too.
I enjoyed the book thoroughly. Did I believe it? Bits of it, certainly. I was glad to have been swept along for this ride with Caspian and Nadya.
The writing style was better than I expected. I think Monk's honesty about his struggles with dyslexia and how he feels about people's comments about it, led me to believe there would be much to "allow" or forgive. How patronising of me. But the easy, friendly, warm and engaging voice he converses beautifully with online, also translates fantastically into this format too.
I enjoyed the book thoroughly. Did I believe it? Bits of it, certainly. I was glad to have been swept along for this ride with Caspian and Nadya.
February 2, 2023
Part philosophical musing, part spy-thriller, this tale is not exactly a page turner, but will reward the patient, attentive reader. At times funny, at times maddening, or riveting, this novel delivered on nearly every page. I wish there was a 4.5 rating because "Sleeper Cell" isn't quite 5-star read, but it's better than a 4-star outing. Granted, the philosophical and/or political asides aren't every reader's cup of tea. However they generally offer a clear and well spoken view that deserves consideration. And fans of Fr. Monk's other novels will love the ending. Highly recommended.
March 22, 2023
Riveting!
I can’t say enough good things about this book. I recommended it to 3 people before I was even halfway through. The writing style is a little different than I’m used to, but it added to the storytelling.
I took my time enjoying this book. There were several passages that were especially poignant. I’ve saved several quotes to reflect on in the future. I appreciate the way the story allowed me to look at similar events through different lenses, giving me a glimpse into someone else’s thought process.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. I recommended it to 3 people before I was even halfway through. The writing style is a little different than I’m used to, but it added to the storytelling.
I took my time enjoying this book. There were several passages that were especially poignant. I’ve saved several quotes to reflect on in the future. I appreciate the way the story allowed me to look at similar events through different lenses, giving me a glimpse into someone else’s thought process.
September 30, 2024
This book will be on my mind for a long time in the future. The best novel I have read in years. Really needs to be made into a movie. It’s fiction….or is it?? I will say that the first third of the book or so felt a bit slow. Stick with it. Plenty of tongue in cheek humor throughout though. Honestly, this book is scarier than any of the thrillers. I have read recently. REALLY makes you think. The story has action, adventure, history, crime/police/law elements, humor…..something for everyone. Highly recommend!
December 5, 2022
Highly Recommend.
I enjoyed the fact that this story pulls directly on current affairs (circa 2022) to present the overall premise of the plot. I wonder at the presentation of the history as it’s fascinating to see how plausible the whole ‘conspiracy’ actually is.
I follow the author in social media and can’t help but see his personal story woven through some of the characters. Making the storyline that much more authentic and the characters real.
I enjoyed the fact that this story pulls directly on current affairs (circa 2022) to present the overall premise of the plot. I wonder at the presentation of the history as it’s fascinating to see how plausible the whole ‘conspiracy’ actually is.
I follow the author in social media and can’t help but see his personal story woven through some of the characters. Making the storyline that much more authentic and the characters real.
January 11, 2023
Interesting look into the different types of Orthodox churches and priests and especially how Russian Orthodox priests and churches in America but with ties to Russia, could impact American political issues, written as a spy/mystery/thriller.
Satisfies #21 of the #the52bookclub2023 challenge: City or country name in title
Tie-in: self-published, 52 Book Challenge, Russia, Russian Orthodox, spy
Satisfies #21 of the #the52bookclub2023 challenge: City or country name in title
Tie-in: self-published, 52 Book Challenge, Russia, Russian Orthodox, spy
February 23, 2023
I loved this spellbinder! While classified as political fiction, it more often resembles reality than fiction. It is rich with historical references to the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, as well as the current political landscape. The author provides deep and thoughtful commentary on social justice issues and the frailty of our flawed humanity. The author’s writing style is interesting and well researched.
February 28, 2023
Slow start, but eventually I couldn’t put it down
The characters are appealing. The story has so many surprises that I couldn’t put it down. All the angst I feel about current and not-so-current events is in this novel. So, yes, a good thriller. It’s only 4 out of 5 stars because I was a proofreader in my working life and the errors drove me crazy. Read this book and join me in greedily anticipating the next one.
The characters are appealing. The story has so many surprises that I couldn’t put it down. All the angst I feel about current and not-so-current events is in this novel. So, yes, a good thriller. It’s only 4 out of 5 stars because I was a proofreader in my working life and the errors drove me crazy. Read this book and join me in greedily anticipating the next one.
June 9, 2024
A Parable of Disaster and Hope
This is a recursive story, one of those that starts and ends in the same place. Much like my latest novel, it starts and ends small with a ramping up higher and wider as it progresses, to fall back again to the same small place.
Good stuff! Art mirrors life, to mirror art.
I hope more people listen to the story within the story in time to make a difference.
This is a recursive story, one of those that starts and ends in the same place. Much like my latest novel, it starts and ends small with a ramping up higher and wider as it progresses, to fall back again to the same small place.
Good stuff! Art mirrors life, to mirror art.
I hope more people listen to the story within the story in time to make a difference.
November 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this book….in that it was an intriguing story that had me hooked early. I really liked the plot, character development, learning more about history, and I learned a lot that I didn’t know about the Catholic and Orthodox churches. It was a little alarming at times. Let’s hope it remains in the fiction category and doesn’t truly represent where we are headed.
January 2, 2023
I found the first third of the book to be laborious but the moment we hit the hieromonk i was hooked. This has a very profound message about radicalized Christianity and offers a frighteningly believable glimpse of what Russian misinformation has been doing in the US (and Ukraine). I also though the message about Patriotism was very powerful and thought provoking.
February 12, 2023
Read in a day. Will ponder for weeks.
I follow Father Nathan Monk on Facebook and read how he was writing a nonfiction book but then figured that would never take off and get the info he wanted to share out there so he switched to putting his knowledge into a fictional work. I could not stop reading and read from 10:30 am until 9:00 pm.
I follow Father Nathan Monk on Facebook and read how he was writing a nonfiction book but then figured that would never take off and get the info he wanted to share out there so he switched to putting his knowledge into a fictional work. I could not stop reading and read from 10:30 am until 9:00 pm.
April 5, 2024
An engaging and interesting mystery that shares some interesting history of the Russian Orthodox Church and the probable connections and close relationship with the Russian government. Though a work of fiction, the postulations regarding the current political connections and threats to our democracy are theoretically possible.
January 29, 2025
A timely read. I got emotional several times realizing how even more plausible some scenarios have become since January 20.
Beyond that, Monk is an amazing storyteller and this is a compelling read. I'm not usually into the spy/intrigue genre but I really enjoyed this book. A definite page-turner, I couldn't put it down.
Beyond that, Monk is an amazing storyteller and this is a compelling read. I'm not usually into the spy/intrigue genre but I really enjoyed this book. A definite page-turner, I couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews