Argylle by Elly Conway – Book Review

Argylle by Elly Conway – Book Cover

Young Aubrey Argylle is drifting through life in Thailand, unable to break free from the paralysis caused by the double shock of his parents’ death and the truth he uncovered about them. However, fate takes an unexpected turn when the young man’s remarkably brave act catches the CIA’s attention. At the Agency, they believe Argylle would be a perfect fit.

A Spy Novel—Possibly Written by Taylor Swift. Or Maybe a Waitress…

If you haven’t been following the media frenzy surrounding the Argylle movie, you might be happily reading Elly Conway’s spy novel under the impression that it was written by an unemployed waitress. If you have, however, you might have believed for a while that the one and only Taylor Swift, queen of one-size-fits-all pop songs, dashed it off between two suspiciously identical verses. That rumor made the rounds after it was revealed that “Elly Conway” was just a pseudonym.

For me, the “written by a waitress” theory held up until about a third of the way through the book. By then, it became obvious that Argylle could only be the work of some seasoned old pro. And not just because it lacks any featherlight emotions or dramatic spats. No, the real giveaway is that the author knows way too much—about Russian domestic politics, covert operations during the Vietnam War, the internal workings of the CIA, and the current situation in the infamous opium-producing region known as the Golden Triangle.

And, well, these aren’t exactly things you’d expect a waitress to be an expert on.

Much more likely for Terry Hayes (I Am Pilgrim) and thriller writer Tammy Cohen. Argylle is their joint creation. And—at least for the most part—it’s a perfectly respectable spy novel.

The Spy Who Came in from the Heat

Thailand is already unbearably hot to begin with. But things really heat up for Aubrey Argylle when he crosses paths with a particularly ruthless drug cartel. So he figures if he wants a quieter life, he’d better join the CIA.

Argylle follows how its emotionally scarred but good-hearted protagonist integrates into one of the Agency’s elite teams. However, two things complicate this process:

First, the team is in a high-stakes race against a ruthless Russian oligarch, Vasily Fedorov, to recover a legendary historical artifact, the Amber Room. Fedorov has his sights set on power. He’s running in the presidential election and is dead certain that the far-right rabble he’s building his voter base on won’t be satisfied with just reckless promises and nationalist propaganda. No, they’ll also need magnificent artifacts to drool over…

Second, Argylle’s new friends carry a heavy burden: a past betrayal that cost the lives of their own people. So now, every new face is met with suspicion.

Spying on Emotions

The reason the assumption that Argylle was written by a female author holds up for so long is its exceptionally deep character work. Spy novels don’t usually dig this deep into their heroes’ inner turmoil and self-reflection.

Like Aubrey Argylle, Frances Coffey also undergoes thorough analysis. As the CIA’s Operations Director and the epitome of a likable boss, she is one of Argylle’s key figures. She’s the classic strict-but-fair mentor figure—the kind who makes you want to sign up for the Agency on the spot just to help make this filthy world a better place.

But Argylle also takes its time with the supporting characters. When Woody Wyatt’s teammates declare him the heart of the team, you’d probably kick this clueless fool out of the group that very instant. But then… well, you might just change your mind later… So, all in all, Terry Hayes and Tammy Cohen do a pretty solid job with the characters in their spy novel.

And throughout it all, the novel keeps the necessary dose of humor—playful banter, plenty of teasing—alongside the high-stakes action we expect from the genre.

Relentless Action—With a Side of Puzzle-Solving

Argylle is just as much about non-stop action as it is about spy games. Frances Coffey and Vasily Fedorov’s teams are in constant pursuit of each other. And when they cross paths, you can bet bullets will start flying.

Luckily, the book isn’t that predictable. It also includes classic genre elements like infiltrating high society or sneaking into a heavily guarded facility. If you’ve ever watched Alias, the early-2000s spy show set in the CIA, you know exactly what to expect. Mainly, that something always goes wrong.

Well, in Argylle, multiple things always go wrong. Not just during the action scenes—where, of course, everything that can go wrong, does—but also at a deeper level. Frances Coffey doesn’t lay all her cards on the table, and behind the surface-level mission, a second game is being played in the shadows. One with its own fair share of surprising twists.

This adds plenty of variety and excitement.

On top of all that, the book includes a complex, detective-novel-style investigation. The last time the Amber Room was seen was during the Nazi era. Then, as the Allies closed in on Germany, it vanished—just like countless other priceless artifacts.

Frances Coffey’s team follows the faintest of leads, sometimes relying on sheer luck, other times on painstaking detective work, inching ever closer to their goal. And, of course, straight into the clutches of the ruthless Russian oligarch.

Argylle Was Finished By a Waitress. Or Taylor Swift.

By now, it’s clear that Terry Hayes and Tammy Cohen did an excellent job in many areas and can claim expert-level knowledge on a range of topics. But there’s one thing neither of them seems to understand: infantry tactics.

That might sound like a minor issue, but it really isn’t. Because thanks to this one flaw, Argylle often comes across as a shockingly stupid book.

Of course, it’s also possible that at some point, a real Elly Conway—an out-of-work waitress—actually did get involved, and Hayes and Cohen were generous enough to let her handle all the scenes where the outnumbered Russians corner the CIA team. Because in those moments, the Americans consistently run away like headless chickens—usually straight into some kind of trap—just so they can grab something mere seconds before the Russians do. (Or maybe, just maybe, the divine Taylor Swift herself tinkered with the manuscript here and there. And hey, we can’t exactly expect her to nail the perfect action thriller on her first try, can we?)

But for some reason, not once does the CIA team think to take up a defensive position in an advantageous spot. Nor do they seem to realize they’ll be way worse off once the Russians inevitably catch up. And mind you, we’re talking about former members of Delta Force and Navy SEALs here—some of the most elite operatives in the U.S. military.

So it’s really hard to feel sorry for them when their own stupidity—and Elly Conway’s inexplicable laziness—leads to predictably bloody consequences.

World War 3?

Of course, it’s also worth considering the odds that Poland, as a NATO member, might just sit back and watch as Russian Navy Ka-29 attack helicopters fly into its territory. Because that’s exactly what happens in the novel Argylle. Oh, and they’re even carrying Specnaz operatives on board.

“And what about the Russian TV crew?” you might ask. Oh, don’t worry! No thriller writer would be dumb enough to cram them into the Ka-29s. Nope! They get their own Mi-8 transport helicopter.

“- War?!” – exclaims the Polish Chief of Staff, slamming his hand on the table. – “World war?!”
“Chill,” replies Elly Conway calmly.
“Alright then, let the Ruskis just shoot in the Tatras,” the Chief of Staff concurs nonchalantly. “We’ll just watch it on TV—Russia Today is broadcasting the whole thing live anyway…”

So yes, it was a catastrophic mistake to let Elly Conway write the final roughly 80 pages of Argylle. She managed to mess up everything she possibly could, and in doing so, she irreparably wrecked the work that her two co-authors had built up until that point. On top of that, she treats her readers like complete idiots—constantly.

A prime example of this is Frances Coffey’s secret game mentioned earlier, which could have been neatly wrapped up with a simple ballistics test.

But since Ms. Conway essentially just lent her name to the collaborative work, the bulk of the blame naturally falls on Terry Hayes and Tammy Cohen.

Final Score: 7.2/10

Argylle by Elly Conway
384 pages, Hardcover
Published in 2024 by Bantam

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Red Queen by Juan Gómez-Jurado – Book Review

Red Queen by Juan Gómez-Jurado – Book Cover

Antonia Scott is the smartest person in the world. She’s a member of a special covert police unit designed to crack the most complex criminal cases. Her codename? Red Queen. But for the past three years, Antonia has been in a state of near-hibernation after an attack took away the one person she cared for most in the world…

The Red Queen Is Back in Action

With Red Queen, Juan Gómez-Jurado has broken through the nearly impenetrable barrier of international recognition after publishing numerous books in Spanish. Not an easy feat if you’re not writing in English. To pull it off, you need something truly extraordinary—something that grabs readers’ attention immediately.

And Antonia Scott is precisely that.

The superintelligent yet quirky and eccentric personality commands both your admiration and your sympathy, making her even easier to relate to. (Much like Lisbeth Salander, a.k.a. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.)

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The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman – Book Review

The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman – Book Cover

In the charming retirement community of Cooper Chase in southern England, there are numerous clubs designed to keep the residents entertained. There’s a crossword club, French conversation classes, Zumba sessions, and for those seeking a bit more excitement than puzzle-solving, there’s also the Thursday Murder Club. The Last Devil to Die is the fourth collaboration between the retired amateur detectives and the well-known English TV host, Richard Osman. This time, the club members are investigating a missing shipment of heroin, all while seeking revenge for the murder of a friend.

Investigation in a Laid-Back Atmosphere

One might think that the club members, all nearly eighty years old, would have a bit of a handicap when it comes to chasing down criminals, simply due to their age. But that’s not the case. (Of course, they always have hip replacements, walking sticks, and Cavinton on hand if needed!)

You might also expect that various deranged villains would quickly neutralize of the club members with a well-placed elbow to the jaw, and while the amateur detectives recover from concussions in the hospital or lie comatose, the criminals would easily wipe away all evidence.

But the criminals in The Last Devil to Die are as mild as lambs! And remarkably patient and respectful toward the seniors!

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You Like It Darker by Stephen King – Book Review

You Like It Darker by Stephen King – Book Cover

When it comes to short story collections, it’s always best to kick things off with the strongest story. Naturally, Stephen King does exactly that. You Like It Darker opens with Two Talented Bastids, a tale that hooks you almost instantly with its air of mystery and that trademark King melancholy, the kind that lingers with you long after you’ve finished the story.

And the rest? Well, it’s the usual grab bag of everything we’ve come to expect from the prolific American master: monsters, monstrous humans, the unfathomable secrets of the universe, and, of course, those everyday American heroes who often don’t even realize they’re heroes.

Oh, and don’t forget the usual dose of darkness. Whether you like it or not.

Two Talented Bastids

What is talent? Stephen King poses the question—and then, predictably, doesn’t give a straight answer. Or at least, he leaves you wondering. There’s definitely something not quite right with the two rural buddies who suddenly start cranking out masterpieces in their forties. Could they have made a deal with the devil at a crossroads at midnight?

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The Last Agent by Robert Dugoni – Book Review

The Last Agent by Robert Dugoni – Book Cover

Charles Jenkins, the aged former CIA agent, barely escaped from Russia with his life, pursued by half of the Russian intelligence services. After his arduous return home, instead of receiving gratitude for his efforts, the CIA wanted to deal with him harshly. Now, an officer from the American intelligence agency approaches him again. They think Jenkins would gladly return to Russia for another mission. Yet anyone with common sense knows that Charles Jenkins is the last agent they should send back there…

Why had he gone there?

To identify and neutralize Santa Claus? No, of course not! Jenkins was searching for the “Eighth Sister” (see review). It was a truly impossible mission, considering the Eighth Sister didn’t even exist. (Everyone knows there are only three in total.) So, unsurprisingly, he didn’t find her, no matter how hard he tried.

However, during his escape, Jenkins received help from Paulina Ponomayova, an IT specialist for the FSB. Unfortunately, Paulina, somehow managing to forget basic caution, ended up exposing herself to Russian counterintelligence. Let me tell you, that’s not exactly a recipe for a long life—even if some of those dreaded Russian counterintelligence agents turn out to be rather likable guys (as you’ll see later).

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In the Darkness by Mike Omer – Book Review

In the Darkness by Mike Omer – Book Cover

Being a serial killer isn’t easy. Take, for example, the one who buries their victims alive—an exhausting amount of digging is involved. And in the scorching heat of San Angelo, Texas, no less. Not to mention the hassle of dealing with that sticky clay soil. But don’t think I’m trying to drum up sympathy here—anyone who does this sort of thing is a total scumbag and deserves to suffer for it. Still, what about the victim (in this case, as is often the norm, a pretty young woman) who suddenly finds herself buried in the darkness? …

… Zoe Bentley and her partner, Tatum Gray, once again delve deep into the twisted mind of a serial killer in this second installment of the series.

Something’s Missing in In the Darkness

What’s most lacking is a distinctive voice—something truly original that would set Mike Omer’s writing apart from the dozens of other thrillers featuring serial killers.

In many ways, In the Darkness is an average piece of work. The characters aren’t particularly compelling, the plot lacks genuinely exciting twists or scenes, and the writing as a whole feels rather bland.

The acknowledgments at the end of the book give a telling glimpse into just how many collaborators it took to piece together something coherent. It gives the impression that Mike Omer might not be capable of putting a finished product on the table by himself. And maybe that’s the case.

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Deadly Class, Volume 8: Never Go Back by Rick Remender – Comic Book Review

Deadly Class, Volume 8: Never Go Back by Rick Remender - Comic Book

Deadly Class, a comic series with one of the most unbelievable storylines and some of the most downright unlikeable protagonists of all time, kicks off its eighth volume, Never Go Back, with an unusual opening: a lenghty drug trip.

Pls, Don’t Mess With Me, Mr. Remender!

If your protagonist is unreliable, unpredictable, unstable, a chronic backstabber, and endlessly whiny, a drug-induced hallucination is probably the last thing that will make them more relatable to your readers. Drug trips are like listening to someone describe their dreams in excruciating detail: nobody gives a damn except the dreamer. In fact, the more they share, the more irritating it becomes.

The entire first quarter of Never Go Back, which corresponds to issue 36, might as well be flushed down the toilet as a complete waste of ink.

Of course, if only a quarter of Never Go Back were just wasted space, you could count yourself lucky…

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The Winners by Fredrik Backman – Book Review

The Winners by Fredrik Backman – Book Cover

Fredrik Backman’s Beartown series is a love letter to the sport of ice hockey. In the fictional small town of Beartown, nestled deep in the northern Swedish forests, everyone is hockey-obsessed—just like in Hed, the eternal rival town next door. Using the sport as a backdrop, Backman paints an intensely emotional portrait of small-town identity and the unifying power of family and community. The Winners is the final installment of this trilogy.

What’s Left to Say About Beartown?

Truth be told, everything has already been said.

The first book delves into the fallout of a sexual assault. The star player thinks everything is his by right. A large part of the town agrees, since he’s their ticket to putting Beartown back on the map after decades of obscurity. But the Anderson family stands their ground—and in doing so, they split the town in two.

The second book, Us Against You, continues the story of the now-familiar characters but focuses primarily on the mass psychology of small-town sports. Specifically, the residents of the two neighboring towns go totally nuts over their rivalry and beef with each other. The tension rises. Then rises some more. And more. And more…until it boils over.

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No Mercy by Joanna Schaffhausen – Book Review

No Mercy by Joanna Schaffhausen – Book Cover

Ellery Hathaway, a police officer, shot a ruthless criminal under controversial circumstances, which got her put on mandatory leave. Now, the protagonist of No Mercy is being required by her psychiatrist to join a group therapy program designed for victims of violent crimes. Ellery, who survived being abducted by a serial killer in her youth, still can’t seem to escape her past.

But once a cop, always a cop. Group therapy is an ideal place to stumble upon numerous unsolved or puzzling cases. A particularly brutal rapist? Smoldering tensions in an old arson case? Ellery dives into the investigation, sparing no one – least of all herself.

A Distinctive Detective

Joanna Schaffhausen begins No Mercy in a way that’s almost misleading. Recently, there’s been a trend of books featuring slightly sociopathic anti-heroines, who takes down her own family or colleagues in a lighthearted way, or gets mistaken for a dangerous assassin. Well, the opening line of No Mercy seems to channel this same genre.

But it only takes a few pages to realize you’re mistaken. Schaffhausen quickly builds a heavy atmosphere, and before you know it, you’re drawn in by Ellery Hathaway, a character who carries both physical and emotional scars – and your sympathy along with them.

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The Thousand Eyes by A.K. Larkwood – Book Review

The Thousand Eyes by A.K. Larkwood – Book Cover

A.K. Larkwood’s The Thousand Eyes has one big flaw: it marks the end of the story. With this second book, Larkwood wraps up the Serpent Gates series. Other authors might fall to their knees, thanking the heavens for such a unique and brilliant concept, stretching the series across at least five books, knowing this could be the magnum opus of their career. After all, who can guarantee they’ll come up with anything even close to this good again?

The Thousand Eyes Hisses Ominously

Orc girls in love, crazed death-worshipping cults, divine incarnations roaming the earth, and countless worlds you can literally sail between through the Serpent Gates. The setup is monumental. But where Larkwood really shines is in her depiction of gods. In The Unspoken Name, her debut novel, she introduced three deities, any one of which would elevate any fantasy novel.

A goddess of serpents, shattered into a thousand pieces scattered throughout the universe; a terrifying dragon, banished to the cold of space, burning with eternal murderous rage; or an all-knowing entity that kurking in the mysterious depths of a mountain, forever hungry for human sacrifice. These gods create a fantastic foundation for Larkwood’s series.

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