Review: The Tourist by Olen Steinhauer

Title: The Tourist
Author: Olen Steinhauer
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Minotaur Books
ISBN: 0312369727


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Non Stop Intrigue. A True Spy Novel for the 21st Century (5 stars) - a book review

Brief Synopsis:
The protagonist, Milo Weaver, is a former Tourist from the CIA. As a tourist, he traveled from country to country learning information, protecting USA interests, eliminating threats, and other cool spy stuff. Since retiring, Weaver has become a husband and a step father. He is brought back into the world of espionage when one of his friends is believed to be a traitor selling USA secrets. Although he has a difficult time justifying his intent in setting up his friend he realizes that nothing is what it seems in the world of spies; including friendships. Naturally, a quick day trip for his assignment quickly derails when people start dying and he starts learning additional information.

Overall Impressions:
THE TOURIST was a wonderful espionage thriller. The author, Olen Steinhauer has crafted a believable world full of interesting characters, each with their own flaws. As with any good spy novel, there is intrigue at every corner, deception during every interaction, and a master plot that is unveiled one agonizing piece at a time.

The main character, Milo Weaver, is constantly struggling with depression and the life he thought he had left behind for a family. While globetrotting around the world, he is constantly left with the moral obligation to keep his family and friends out of harms way.

THE TOURIST is classic espionage reminiscent of THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE ROSE and other David Morrell books. It has been a long time since I read such a clever, fast paced, intriguing, and awe inducing espionage book. I applaud every aspect of this book and look forward to more publications by Steinhauer in the years to come.

Recommendations:
The Brotherhood of the Rose by David Morrell;
The Fraternity of the Stone by David Morrell; and,
The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John le Carre.

Good reading,

Plants and Books