Book Review: The Blood of Patriots and Traitors by James A. Scott

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James Scott delivers another gripping installment in the Max Geller Spy series with The Blood of Patriots and Traitors. Explosive and rife with conspiracy, this second book kept me on the edge of my seats from start to finish. What sets this installment apart is its timely backdrop, unfolding against the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Former CIA Russia expert Max Geller finds himself thrust into a dangerous game after being ousted from the agency for exposing the President’s ties to the Kremlin. Now residing in Australia and enjoying a brief respite with his girlfriend, Vanessa, Max’s tranquillity is shattered when he becomes embroiled in a deadly plot orchestrated by his former CIA boss.

Forced to confront his past and confront the demons that haunt him, Max returns to Moscow, tasked with smuggling out a defector possessing critical knowledge of a secret Kremlin war plan. With danger lurking at every turn and his old nemesis, FSB Colonel Zabluda, hot on his trail, Max must navigate a treacherous landscape of deception and betrayal.

James Scott masterfully weaves a narrative brimming with tension and intrigue, drawing readers into Max’s world of high-stakes espionage and moral ambiguity. As Max grapples with his own demons and confronts the shadows of his past, the story unfolds with unexpected twists and turns that will leave readers breathless.

One of the strengths of this installment is its nuanced portrayal of characters and their development, particularly Max’s journey amidst chaos and uncertainty. Scott’s expert storytelling and skilful plot development keep the momentum flowing, culminating in a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends while leaving room for future adventures.

While I found the abundance of side plots overwhelming, particularly in the latter part of the book, the overall narrative remained compelling and engaging.

In summary, The Blood of Patriots and Traitors by James A. Scott is a thrilling addition to the Max Geller Spy series. Whether this marks the conclusion of the series remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: James Scott has crafted a gripping tale of espionage and betrayal that will captivate readers until the final page.

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I received an ARC from Oceanview Publishing and Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.