Red Widow

By: Alma Katsu

Narrated by: Mozhan Marnò

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

“A wicked sharp spy novel…. Equal parts Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Killing Eve.” (S. A. Cosby, author of Blacktop Wasteland and Razorblade Tears)

An exhilarating spy thriller written by an intelligence veteran about two women CIA agents whose paths become intertwined around a threat to the Russia Division - one that's coming from inside the agency.

Lyndsey Duncan worries her career with the CIA might be over. After lines are crossed with another intelligence agent during an assignment, she is sent home to Washington on administrative leave. So when a former colleague - now chief of the Russia Division - recruits her for an internal investigation, she jumps at the chance to prove herself. Lyndsey was once a top handler in the Moscow Field Station, where she was known as the "human lie detector" and praised for recruiting some of the most senior Russian officials. But now, three Russian assets have been exposed - including one of her own - and the CIA is convinced there's a mole in the department. With years of work in question and lives on the line, Lyndsey is thrown back into life at the agency, this time tracing the steps of those closest to her.

Meanwhile, fellow agent Theresa Warner can't avoid the spotlight. She is the infamous "Red Widow", the wife of a former director killed in the field under mysterious circumstances. With her husband's legacy shadowing her every move, Theresa is a fixture of the Russia Division, and as she and Lyndsey strike up an unusual friendship, her knowledge proves invaluable. But as Lyndsey uncovers a surprising connection to Theresa that could answer all of her questions, she unearths a terrifying web of secrets within the department, if only she is willing to unravel it....

©2021 Alma Katsu (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

Finalist for the International Thriller Writers Award
A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice

One of:
Northern Virginia Magazine's Best Beach Reads
BookPage's Most Anticipated Mysteries and Thrillers of 2021
Writer's Digest's 71 Books and Authors to Check Out in 2021

“Katsu, a longtime intelligence analyst for the C.I.A. and N.S.A, writes what she’s most professionally familiar with after years in the paranormal and horror novel trenches. The plotting is sophisticated and laced with surprises, but what stands out most is the emotional core of Lyndsey and Theresa’s alliance, and whether there is room, in a nest of vipers, for true sisterhood.” –The New York Times Book Review

“Terrific…Fans of FX’s ‘The Americans’ will recognize a world where professionalism can fall prey to sexism, careerism, and garden-variety klutziness. Duncan’s job is a lot ‘like juggling knives,’ and Katsu makes us care that she doesn’t bobble.” –The Washington Post

“Red Widow is layered with inside knowledge of how CIA bureaucracy works; it is often a bleak workplace, it seems, where loyalty is in short supply and careers can be ended on a whim.” –Financial Times

Excellent spy thriller!

The plot and plot and it's develpoment kept me coming back. The performance was also veey good!

GREAT GREAT READ

WAS NOT SURE HOW THE END WAS GOING TO GO.... BUT RICHARD WAS BROUGHT BACK FROM RUSSIA PRISON AND REUNITES WITH HIS BADASS WIFE AND SON! THIS WAS A GREAT BOOK!

Well Performed

The narration was well done but the story itself wanted for real suspense or intrigue. The unraveling of the mystery felt forced and simultaneously under-developed. The characters had to make big leaps to further the plot.

First rate spy story

I’m a fussy listener and this is my favorite genre. Katsu has a rock hard, believable story. Well written and very nicely narrated. I look forward to book three of Linsey Duncan’s adventures in the CIA.

Great storytelling

It was hard to hit pause and get back to sleep for 3 nights because it was so intriguing. A nice performance and satisfying ending.

Well Done

Reminiscent of Cold War spy thrillers with twist and turns befitting a thriller. Well done.

A really enjoyable listen.

After a steady diet of Jack Reacher then Mitch Rapp this book was a welcome thriller without all the fights and killings. The character development was spot on and the mystery, although somewhat obvious, was still captivating. My main complaint is that Lindsey and Teresa spend too much time folding their arms across their chests. I thought the performance was excellent.
I definitely recommend Red Widow.

Not so Riveting..

Contrary to press reviews I found the narrative telegraphed where it was going leaving few events unforeseen, and those that did occur were of little consequential impact. I think sadly much of the overall 'meh' experience was due to the narrator who read the entire book with a narrow range of intonation and character and seemed angry throughout. This rendered all the characters not terribly likeable or worth caring about.

A series to look out for

This is one of the best espoionage books I have read in a lo mg time. I am looking forward to the series growing. It is deep, great strong line and relatable.

Not a big reveal

I listened to the author on the Lawfare podcast the other day. They were talking about this big huge reveal. It’s NOT. Title of book. The minute you meet the character. I mean who wouldn’t guess this right away, is not a mystery / spy reader. I found the main character compelling. But everything felt so post-post modern.