Review of Kyd's Game

[Annabell Samuel]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Kyd's Game" by Marc Rosenberg.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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"Kyd's Game" by Marc Rosenberg is a book that explores the diplomatic relationship between the governments of Russia and the United States of America. Sometimes, the relationship becomes cordial, and the two nations work together as allies. However, most of the time, there's always a conflict of interest, especially involving the two nations' leaders at any particular time.

Maksim Garin has been the Russian president for almost two decades. Since he became president, Russia has not been on good terms with the United States. In the coming Russian elections, Nicoli Petrov is America's prefered candidate. To help Petrov dethrone Garin, the CIA needs to recover a video disk containing evidence that Garin's government is complicit in the killing of innocent people in Syria. The CIA, through Paul Wexler, picks Neil Kyd to go to Russia and retrieve the video disk. With a promise to give his sick daughter, Molly, access to the best medical care, Kyd is motivated to embark on this mission. A mission that seems to be a simple one becomes so complicated that Kyd is left to do whatever he can to survive.

I want to appreciate the author's objective approach to this book. There's a thin line between discussing the weird diplomatic relationship between the United States and Russia and saying things that can raise political tension. The author applies every caution in the book and ensures he sticks to the plot, which is Kyd's quest to retrieve the video disk and give his daughter a chance at getting the best medical attention. Although the author highlights the politics and deep corruption that can be found in both the American and Russian governments, he does not make the book about them. Through the actions of Paul Wexler, readers can see how government agents allow their selfish interests to jeopardize the safety of fellow agents. Also, Maksim Garin is a typical example of dictators who use democracy as a cover to remain in power through any means necessary. This book is an eye-opener, and this is one of the things I like about it.

The narrative was progressive. The story picked up pace as it progressed. It was not rushed, and it didn't slow down as soon as it picked up pace. After the incident in Nicoli Petrov's CPA office, the action accelerated. I appreciated the moments the author introduced some backstories without slowing down the pace of the narrative. The backstories were essential to understand some occurrences. For instance, the history Kyd shared with Irina Petrov explained why Kyd had to be chosen for the mission. 

"Kyd's Game" is a fantastic read. It has everything that makes for a great crime and mystery book. There is absolutely nothing to dislike. Even though the author gives a caveat that the copy I have is a somewhat unedited version, it looks like it has been professionally edited. Therefore, I rate it five out of five stars. I recommend this book to lovers of crime and mystery stories that have touches of espionage and diplomatic drama.

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Kyd's Game
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[Mark M Maxwell]

Kyd's Game" is a masterfully woven narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final page, offering a compelling glimpse into the shadowy world of international espionage and political maneuvering.