The Marionette

A Novel

De: Terry Fallis

Narrado por: Terry Fallis

Bestselling and beloved author Terry Fallis' tenth novel, The Marionette, introduces listeners to a new hero, James Norval: a world-famous thriller writer whose life takes an unexpected turn from the pages of his novels into the perilous world of espionage.

James Norval has built a successful career crafting the thrilling adventures of his fictional hero, Hunter Chase, a character admired by readers and movie-goers worldwide. But despite his fame and fortune, Norval has always harboured a secret dream of living the life he only writes about—a life as a field operative for CSIS, Canada's Security Intelligence Service. In fact, nearly thirty years earlier, he washed out of the CSIS recruitment program, and it's haunted him ever since.

But that long-held dream becomes a reality when a series of unfortunate events lands Norval in a foreign prison. Rescued by CSIS, he is given an unexpected opportunity: to use his unique position as the favourite writer of Mali's newly installed president to assist in a delicate and dangerous mission. With the help of agent Lauren Cooper, Norval must infiltrate the Malian government and execute a daring plan to exfiltrate fifteen Canadian nationals before the corrupt powers that control the country uncover their true intentions.

The Marionette is a comic thriller by a master of the craft. Full of Terry Fallis' signature wit and combined with an exhilarating high-stakes plot, this is a must-hear for fans of espionage and intrigue.

©2025 Terry Fallis (P)2025 McClelland & Stewart

Reseñas de la Crítica

"The Marionette is a funny, fast-paced romp of a thriller. Terry Fallis has given us an unforgettable new action hero in James Norval—a bestselling thriller writer and aspiring spy who finally gets his chance to go undercover. I loved every page. More Norval, please!"—Susan Juby, bestselling author of Contemplation of a Crime

“Seldom has a Canadian spy mission to the West African country of Mali been this much fun. Just like what Terry Fallis did with Canadian politics in his first novel, The Best Laid Plans, he does the impossible once again, making something inherently unfunny into an amazingly delightful adventure. Someday I want to grow up and write like Terry Fallis.”—Drew Hayden Taylor, author of Cold

"Canada’s favourite humourist returns with a high-stakes comic thriller that managed to make me both laugh out loud and gasp in suspense. Bright, savvy, and dangerously funny, The Marionette delivers from start to finish. Terry Fallis is a legend."—Ali Bryan, author of Coq, and two-time finalist for the Leacock Medal