Star of the North

Star of the North / D. B. John, Narrated by Linda Park, 402 pages

Years after her twin sister disappeared from a South Korean beach, Professor Jenna Williams gets word that she may have been part of a North Korean program to kidnap outsiders and learn their secrets. Originally not too excited about it, she quits her University job and goes into training with the CIA.  We also meet Colonel Cho in North Korea, he too is a twin who keeps learning even more disturbing things about the government he serves.  Mrs. Moon is a former prisoner, recently freed who is trying to make her way in North Korea.  The intersection of these main characters is interesting. Sometimes an action thriller, sometimes a more intimate story, this political story will keep you interested.

The Middleman

The Middleman by Olen Steinhauer, read by Ari Fliakos 360 pgs.

If you have ever read and enjoyed some spy fiction in your life, I will insist that you start reading Steinhauer.  His earlier books are fabulous, this book is perhaps his best yet.  The young followers of the Massive Brigade are gaining power as more believers join.    What are they planning?  What is going to happen?  Charismatic leaders Martin Bishop and Ben Mittag are under observation by the F.B.I. and all are wondering what is coming. Then they disappear into the weeds with 400+ followers.  Agent Rachel Proulx has been investigating the group and is now looking for them.  The bureau  has an agent on the inside but aren't hearing from him.  Then there is action.  Four congresspeople are shot on July 4.  What happens next is so fast paced and full of intrigue that I won't even waste your time with a summary.  Suffice it to say, there is a LOT going on around the world and many intersecting governments, people, and movements.  Absolutely fabulous.  Ari Fliakos is perfect as narrator.

Gone Bamboo

Gone Bamboo by Anthony Bourdain  304 pp.

Chef and snarky television personality, Bourdain, once again tackles mobsters, denizens of the underworld, and government agents in his second novel. His first novel met with great acclaim but I haven't read it yet. This one is so-so. A semi-retired hitman and his wife are living the good life on the island of St. Martin until a new neighbor moves. This neighbor is Charlie Wagons, the now disabled mobster who was the victim of Henry's only botched hit. Charlie's compound is surrounded with federal agents who are guarding him while he awaits the time when he will turn on his colleagues in court. There are other hitmen and mobsters, a big shootout and a pretty unbelievable ending. The  mediocre story wasn't helped by the ridiculous number of typos in the Kindle version. I am a big fan of Bourdain's television and nonfiction work but this was disappointing.