"The Vanishing Spy": A Three-in-One Thriller by Alma Katsu

Yuri Kozlov is a man with a two-part mission. First, he must convince the CIA that he is legitimately abandoning Russia’s Vladimir Putin and his longstanding work with the Russian spy service and seeking asylum in the United States. Second, he must transmit everything he learns back to Russia, creating a colossal embarrassment for the United States. 

There’s a third aspect as well – extricate himself. 

 

In the slippery, constantly changing world of international espionage, Yuri knows he’s reaching the end of his useful life. His minders back in Russia may not be terribly saddened if he’s caught, or if he fails, or if he dies. Some might prefer it. But he’s enough of a theoretical prize for the CIA that the mission might just work.

 

Alma Katsu

Yuri’s story is told in a three-part series of short stories by Alma Katsu under the general title of The Vanishing Man, which also serves as the title for the first story.  The Vanishing Man introduces us to Yuri , his mission, and his CIA handlers. On Enemy Ground explains what happens when Yuri is taken to a safe house in rural Virginia. Shaken, Not Stirred explains what happens when everything begins to go wrong, and not only for Yuri.

 

Together, the three stories might form a novella. They’re certainly not standalone. And for someone like me, who isn’t generally a fan of spy thrillers, it was difficult not to read the three stories straight through. Katsu is an engaging writer who knows the espionage business.

 

Katsu worked in intelligence for more than 30 years, a work experience reflected in what is clearly a deep understanding of how spies and intelligence operations work. She’s published novels and stories reflecting that experience, including Red Widow and Red London. She’s also published historical novels with supernatural and horror elements. A bestselling author, she’s received several genre literary awards. She’s also a reviewer for Washington Post Book World. She lives in West Virginia.

 

The Vanishing Man is a relatively short, fast read. And a terrific one.