Eyes to Deceit

As a book reviewer, I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher or author to facilitate this review. I received no other compensation, and all opinions are always 100% my own.

The year is 1953, and the CIA wants regime change in Iran. (I know, I know, the more things change…) As usual, this is all top-secret and things are rarely stated out loud. Walker has been doing this for a while, but this is the first time he’s been called the lead in an operation. However, he’s still working in the dark, amongst machinations from the head of the CIA Allen Dulles, the US ambassador to Italy Clare Booth Luce, and Britain’s MI6. Walker is called to Rome to coordinate between the US and the UK, which includes working with Leslie, his paramour who is formerly MI6 and now working with the Americans.

Things are rarely clear or clean in spy fiction. Walker is a decent guy who is focused on working as cleanly as possible and not worrying about the things beyond his control, and it’s interesting to watch his interactions with Allen Dulles. There’s also a side plot which takes place at a Jewish family camp in the Catskills, ostensibly included to explain how certain things are put in place in Tehran, but also providing an almost comic relief, as the unpopular girls get their own back at the reigning mean girl clique.

One thing I found frustrating about this book was that it assumed I had more details of historical times and people at my fingertips than I actually do–and frankly, I probably have more than most. The book is part of a series, and I suspect you should read the books in order. If you enjoy reading about the existential dread of geo-politics, authors like John le Carrè, or learning a bit more about American activities during the Cold War, you’ll love Eyes to Deceit.

Amazon – https://pictbooks.tours/Ee8fcwXe

Book Links: Eyes to Deceit: The Company Files: 4

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Author Bio:

Gabriel Valjan is the author of The Company Files, and the Shane Cleary Mysteries with Level Best Books. He has been nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, Derringer, and Silver Falchion awards. He received the 2021 Macavity Award for Best Short Story, and the Shamus Award for Best PI in 2023. Gabriel is a member of the Historical Novel Society, ITW, MWA, and Sisters in Crime. He lives in Boston and answers to a tuxedo cat named Munchkin.

Catch Up With Gabriel Valjan:

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