Review: The Helsinki Affair by Anna Pitoniak
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Exciting international locations, mysterious Russians, and the American CIA might be enough to satisfy you in a spy thriller and you will find all of that in The Helsinki Affair by Anna Pitoniak. Add in the double and even triple agents you’ll also find along with some major spy intrigue, and you’ve got a spy-thrilling winner.
Contents
Review In A Nutshell
I gave this book a 4/5 stars. I love spy thrillers, and I thought this one was more than worthwhile. You can catch my full review below, but here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect from The Helsinki Affair.
- Globetrotting spy thriller
- Engaging and riveting
- Packed with tradecraft
Publisher’s Synopsis Of The Helsinki Affair
Amanda Cole is a brilliant young CIA agent, following in the footsteps of her father, Charlie Cole, but feels unchallenged in her Rome posting. Her life takes a turn when a Russian informant claims a US Senator will be assassinated in Cairo.
Despite her belief, her superiors dismiss the threat. Shockingly, the assassination happens, propelling Amanda into a complex international conspiracy. She questions why the Senator was targeted by the KGB and Kremlin. Teaming with Kath, a seasoned and outspoken spy, they embark on a journey to find the truth. From Rome to Helsinki to Washington, they work at unraveling the mystery.
Amidst their investigation, Amanda stumbles upon her father Charlie’s name in the Senator’s notes, which he compiled shortly before his death. This revelation forces Amanda to question her father’s loyalty to the CIA and confront a web of blackmail, murder, and deception. Torn between her country and her family, Amanda faces a dilemma of loyalty and truth.
My Review – The Helsinki Affair by Anna Pitoniak
I love a good spy thriller. But, to be honest, my favorite authors in that genre are really hard acts to follow.
So, I was prepared to be disappointed with this book. I’m happy to say that I didn’t need to worry 🙂
What I Liked
The setting: From Finland to Italy, to Russia, to the U.S., and back again to Europe, this book has everything that you want from an international spy thriller.
The characters: Charlie and Amanda, two of the main characters and also father-daughter characters were likeable. Amanda was definitely a character I could relate to, while Charlie – although likable – seemed a bit sketchy from time to time. This, of course, was all necessary to the plot. So it was all good.
Another main character, Kath Frost, was actually one of my favorites. Kath is a legendary CIA analyst who swoops in to help Amanda out in the investigation she is involved in. What I loved about Kath is that she’s an older, outspoken, completely irreverent, do-as-she-pleases type of woman and I absolutely loved her character.
The Plot/Story Lines: Anna Pitoniak’s story, involving a complex web of double and triple agents, is told through multiple overlapping narratives. Amanda’s current investigation is interwoven with the past events that culminated in her father’s ruin. The convergence of these narrative threads occurs only towards the end of the book. Meanwhile, the uncertain allegiances of Amanda’s informant emerge as the central danger she must urgently address.
What I Didn’t Like
There wasn’t anything that I disliked about this book
A potential critique of the book might relate to its ending, depending on your taste for how tightly you like the ending to be wrapped up. I can’t say much so as not to include any spoilers. But, some scenes at the end present an unusual character decision and leave some open-ended suggestions about what lies ahead.
My Review Rating for The Helsinki Affair
I gave this book 4 stars (Thoroughly Enjoyable) out of 5.
Conclusion – The Helsinki Affair by Anna Pitoniak
Well, I must admit that I was a little skeptical about The Helsinki Affair by Anna Pitoniak before I read it. Because I love a good spy thriller mystery! And I already have a rather impressive list of favorite authors in that genre.
I’m glad I didn’t allow my skepticism to get the best of me though, because I wouldn’t have wanted to miss out on The Helsinki Affair.
Expect authentic and engaging storytelling in this work, showcasing Pitoniak’s finely honed skills. This is a solid choice if you like fast-paced spy fiction. I polished this book off in just a day and a half.
