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Wayward #2
The Wayward Assassin
Revenge knows no deadline.
Although told to stand down now that the Chechen rebel who killed her fiancé is dead, CIA analyst Maggie Jenkins believes otherwise and goes rogue to track down the assassin. Soon it becomes clear that failure to find Zara will have repercussions far beyond the personal, as Maggie uncovers plans for a horrific attack on innocent Americans. Zara is the new face of terrorism–someone who doesn’t fit the profile, who can slip undetected from attack to attack, and who’s intent on pursuing a personal vendetta at any cost.
Chasing Zara from Russia to the war-torn streets of Chechnya, to London, and finally, to the suburbs of Washington, D.C., Maggie risks her life to stop a deadly plot.
Although told to stand down now that the Chechen rebel who killed her fiancé is dead, CIA analyst Maggie Jenkins believes otherwise and goes rogue to track down the assassin. Soon it becomes clear that failure to find Zara will have repercussions far beyond the personal, as Maggie uncovers plans for a horrific attack on innocent Americans. Zara is the new face of terrorism–someone who doesn’t fit the profile, who can slip undetected from attack to attack, and who’s intent on pursuing a personal vendetta at any cost.
Chasing Zara from Russia to the war-torn streets of Chechnya, to London, and finally, to the suburbs of Washington, D.C., Maggie risks her life to stop a deadly plot.
416 pages, Paperback
Published March 14, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 17, 2022
2004, personal vendettas, national and International terrorism
“The Wayward Assassin” is book two in the “Wayward” series; many characters continue from the previous book, but pertinent background information is seamlessly woven into the current narrative. This story opens with a version of an actual event. On September 1, 2004, Chechen terrorists attacked a school in Beslan, in the Russian republic of North Ossetia, resulting in the deaths of 333 people, including 186 children, and 31attackers. The fictional interpretation then takes over.
Maggie Jenkins is a CIA analyst on assignment in Moscow. Her favorite mug announces “Not a Morning Person.” She has no “formal” training as a spy. When she tries to sneak into a house, her pant leg gets caught on a spike on top of the gate. When she tries to text for help, her cell battery is dead. When she jumps into a taxi, as spies are inclined to do, and yells “Follow that car,” she adds “Please.” However, she is intuitive, focused, and an expert on Chechen terrorism. Zara Barayeva is a Chechen terrorist; her assignment is to bomb the school and kill children. Killing these children is but a trial run. Her next mission will be even more spectacular. She will succeed, and she will survive. Then, the paths of these two diverse experts converge.
The narrative unfolds in alternating points of view showing the same events but from different perspectives. Details are revealed through conversations, what people say to each other and what they say to themselves. Things happen quickly, over just a few days, and chapters are clearly labeled for readers with the date and location. In the United States, a milestone date is fast approaching, September 11, 2004.
Ouellette puts readers in to the scenes with detailed descriptions. Readers feel the cool metal railing, know the coughing and stinging caused by black exhaust, and hear the flag’s snap hooks pinging against the metal pole, breaking the stillness in the parking lot.
I received a review copy of “The Wayward Assassin” from Susan Ouellette and CamCat Books. The book is fast-paced with action and intrigue page after page.
“The best you can do is hope that the bad stuff will lead to better things.”
“The Wayward Assassin” is book two in the “Wayward” series; many characters continue from the previous book, but pertinent background information is seamlessly woven into the current narrative. This story opens with a version of an actual event. On September 1, 2004, Chechen terrorists attacked a school in Beslan, in the Russian republic of North Ossetia, resulting in the deaths of 333 people, including 186 children, and 31attackers. The fictional interpretation then takes over.
Maggie Jenkins is a CIA analyst on assignment in Moscow. Her favorite mug announces “Not a Morning Person.” She has no “formal” training as a spy. When she tries to sneak into a house, her pant leg gets caught on a spike on top of the gate. When she tries to text for help, her cell battery is dead. When she jumps into a taxi, as spies are inclined to do, and yells “Follow that car,” she adds “Please.” However, she is intuitive, focused, and an expert on Chechen terrorism. Zara Barayeva is a Chechen terrorist; her assignment is to bomb the school and kill children. Killing these children is but a trial run. Her next mission will be even more spectacular. She will succeed, and she will survive. Then, the paths of these two diverse experts converge.
The narrative unfolds in alternating points of view showing the same events but from different perspectives. Details are revealed through conversations, what people say to each other and what they say to themselves. Things happen quickly, over just a few days, and chapters are clearly labeled for readers with the date and location. In the United States, a milestone date is fast approaching, September 11, 2004.
Ouellette puts readers in to the scenes with detailed descriptions. Readers feel the cool metal railing, know the coughing and stinging caused by black exhaust, and hear the flag’s snap hooks pinging against the metal pole, breaking the stillness in the parking lot.
I received a review copy of “The Wayward Assassin” from Susan Ouellette and CamCat Books. The book is fast-paced with action and intrigue page after page.
“The best you can do is hope that the bad stuff will lead to better things.”
March 21, 2022
I usually read literary fiction, historical fiction, or non-fiction. But, every so often when someone I know has written a book or I just feel like I need to take a break and read something light, I will read genre fiction. I enjoyed the first book in this spy thriller series, and I was looking forward to this second and final book in the series.
As the previous book The Wayward Spy ended, CIA analyst Maggie Jenkins has barely escaped with her life and is in deep trouble with her employer for breaking just about every one of their rules. But she did have an excuse. She was after her husband's murderer, a Chehen terrorist name Zara. Maggie and Zara shared one surprising moment of understanding, but it was short-lived.
This book starts where the first one left off. Maggie is still under a cloud at the CIA, and is allowed to resume her job only with great reluctance. Zara, meanwhile, is still at large in Russia, at the center of a terrorist plot that results in horrific bloodshed at a school. The two women will soon cross paths again. And Maggie, true to form, will go right back to breaking any rule she can't bend in her quest to stop Zara. She also guiltily begins to have feelings for a fellow CIA operative, a rogue very much like herself.
Like the first book in the series, this book is very tightly plotted and the action is non-stop. There are plenty of twists, turns and backstabbings, but not so much that the reader is dizzied or confused. It all unfolds at a fast but digestible pace, with a wrenching climactic scene and a satisfying ending.
My only small complaint about this book has to do with the relationship between Zara and her handler, Imran. Their conflicting motives added interest to the book, but their romantic attachment was confusing. At times, we get into her head and she seems to really love him. Other times, I got the impression that she was just using him. His feelings towards her were equally ambivalent. I expect ambivalence in literary fiction, but in a thriller I felt like I wanted their true motivations to be clearer.
Like my reviews? Check out my blog at http://www.kathrynbashaar.com/blog/
Author of The Saints Mistress https://camcatbooks.com/Books/T/The-S...
As the previous book The Wayward Spy ended, CIA analyst Maggie Jenkins has barely escaped with her life and is in deep trouble with her employer for breaking just about every one of their rules. But she did have an excuse. She was after her husband's murderer, a Chehen terrorist name Zara. Maggie and Zara shared one surprising moment of understanding, but it was short-lived.
This book starts where the first one left off. Maggie is still under a cloud at the CIA, and is allowed to resume her job only with great reluctance. Zara, meanwhile, is still at large in Russia, at the center of a terrorist plot that results in horrific bloodshed at a school. The two women will soon cross paths again. And Maggie, true to form, will go right back to breaking any rule she can't bend in her quest to stop Zara. She also guiltily begins to have feelings for a fellow CIA operative, a rogue very much like herself.
Like the first book in the series, this book is very tightly plotted and the action is non-stop. There are plenty of twists, turns and backstabbings, but not so much that the reader is dizzied or confused. It all unfolds at a fast but digestible pace, with a wrenching climactic scene and a satisfying ending.
My only small complaint about this book has to do with the relationship between Zara and her handler, Imran. Their conflicting motives added interest to the book, but their romantic attachment was confusing. At times, we get into her head and she seems to really love him. Other times, I got the impression that she was just using him. His feelings towards her were equally ambivalent. I expect ambivalence in literary fiction, but in a thriller I felt like I wanted their true motivations to be clearer.
Like my reviews? Check out my blog at http://www.kathrynbashaar.com/blog/
Author of The Saints Mistress https://camcatbooks.com/Books/T/The-S...
April 22, 2023
Name of Book: The Wayward Assassin
Author: Susan Ouelette
Series: This Book II of Three in the Wayward series
Audiobook Narrator: Erin Bennett
Publisher: Cam Cat Books
Genre: Espionage, Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date Was: March 15, 2023
My Rating: 4.3 Stars
Pages 371
My comment when I read The Wayward Spy
This story kept me interested but I am disappointed with the cliffhanger ending!
Now I have to read The Wayward Assassin which is Book #2 in this series.
So here I am with “The Wayward Assassin” book two in the “Wayward” series; many characters continue from the previous book. As you will remember from Book 1 -The Wayward Spy ended, CIA analyst Maggie Jenkins has barely escaped with her life as she was out to prove her fiancée Steve was killed by terrorist was not a traitor.
This story opens with the September 1, 2004 Chechen terrorist attack on a school in a Russian republic of North Ossetia; there are many deaths - 333, including 186 children, and 31attackers.
Zara Barayeva, a Chechen terrorist who was responsible for the school bombing is still at large in Russia.
CIA Analyst Maggie is an expert on Chechen terrorism, famous for stretching the meaning of some rules will do what she can to stop Zara before committing another terrorist attack as Zara is planning something more spectacular.
Zara is someone who doesn’t fit a terrorist profile, but can certainly can slip undetected from attack to attack, and who’s intent on pursuing a personal vendetta at any cost.
Chasing Zara from Russia to the war-torn streets of Chechnya, to London, and finally, to the suburbs of Washington, D.C., Maggie risks her life to stop the latest terrorism act~.
There is no doubt this story is heart pounding. The terrorist taking over a DC area elementary school had me on the edge of chair. School shootings by a deranged shooter with an assault weapon have happened too often ~ this fiction story was so close to being real.
Series has hooked now I have to read The Wayward Target Book #3
On the lighter side Maggie's romance with Roger also builds in the series.
Additionally narrator Erin Bennett did an excellent job performing the character. Her accent seems real to me.
Erin Bennett is one of my favorites!!! 💘
Interesting that ~ Susan Ouellette is a former intelligence analyst for the CIA. She majored in of international relations and Russian language and culture as an ungraduated as well as graduate at both Harvard University and Boston University.
If you like an excellent spy novel, you will enjoy this.
Want to thank NetGalley and Can Cat Books for this great Audio eGalley!
Publishing Release Date was March 15, 2023
Author: Susan Ouelette
Series: This Book II of Three in the Wayward series
Audiobook Narrator: Erin Bennett
Publisher: Cam Cat Books
Genre: Espionage, Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date Was: March 15, 2023
My Rating: 4.3 Stars
Pages 371
My comment when I read The Wayward Spy
This story kept me interested but I am disappointed with the cliffhanger ending!
Now I have to read The Wayward Assassin which is Book #2 in this series.
So here I am with “The Wayward Assassin” book two in the “Wayward” series; many characters continue from the previous book. As you will remember from Book 1 -The Wayward Spy ended, CIA analyst Maggie Jenkins has barely escaped with her life as she was out to prove her fiancée Steve was killed by terrorist was not a traitor.
This story opens with the September 1, 2004 Chechen terrorist attack on a school in a Russian republic of North Ossetia; there are many deaths - 333, including 186 children, and 31attackers.
Zara Barayeva, a Chechen terrorist who was responsible for the school bombing is still at large in Russia.
CIA Analyst Maggie is an expert on Chechen terrorism, famous for stretching the meaning of some rules will do what she can to stop Zara before committing another terrorist attack as Zara is planning something more spectacular.
Zara is someone who doesn’t fit a terrorist profile, but can certainly can slip undetected from attack to attack, and who’s intent on pursuing a personal vendetta at any cost.
Chasing Zara from Russia to the war-torn streets of Chechnya, to London, and finally, to the suburbs of Washington, D.C., Maggie risks her life to stop the latest terrorism act~.
There is no doubt this story is heart pounding. The terrorist taking over a DC area elementary school had me on the edge of chair. School shootings by a deranged shooter with an assault weapon have happened too often ~ this fiction story was so close to being real.
Series has hooked now I have to read The Wayward Target Book #3
On the lighter side Maggie's romance with Roger also builds in the series.
Additionally narrator Erin Bennett did an excellent job performing the character. Her accent seems real to me.
Erin Bennett is one of my favorites!!! 💘
Interesting that ~ Susan Ouellette is a former intelligence analyst for the CIA. She majored in of international relations and Russian language and culture as an ungraduated as well as graduate at both Harvard University and Boston University.
If you like an excellent spy novel, you will enjoy this.
Want to thank NetGalley and Can Cat Books for this great Audio eGalley!
Publishing Release Date was March 15, 2023
March 28, 2022
This was an amazing book that when I read the synopsis I did not see coming! It can be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading the first book titled “The Wayward Spy”. Not having read the first book, I can not speak to it but from what I gather, the terrorist character Zara killed Maggie’s fiancé. Zara has been presumed dead until Maggie thinks she recognizes her while viewing images of a school bombing. This sets the stage for this book “The Wayward Assassin”
This book was written and based on an actual terrorist event that happened at a school in Beslan, in the Russian Republic of North Qssetia …the date Sept. 1, 2004
Maggie is a strong protagonist who is a CIA analyst on an assignment in Moscow. She is a centered and perceptive expert on Chechen terrorism. Zara, also a strong terrorist character, was hired to bomb a school which entailed killing children. How, when and why do these totally distinct opposites cross paths?
The author did a great job narrating both points of view of opposing sides. The plot of this book takes place in only a few short days and is detailed so well you can picture the scenes and what may have been happening. Maggie did across as somewhat arrogant but almost like she had a sixth sense to interpret and predict some situations.
This book has over 400 pages but it reads so smoothly….. a book so enticing you hate to put it down because you are always in the middle of some type of action. The sequence of events and continuous suspense will keep you on your toes as Maggie tries to stay ahead in her thinking of what the terrorists are planning next.
This book is well put together, thoughts are cohesive, non choppy, and the details are amazing. I would definitely recommend this book.
Many thanks to #partnersincrimevbt and the author, Susan Ouellette, for an ARC copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
This book was written and based on an actual terrorist event that happened at a school in Beslan, in the Russian Republic of North Qssetia …the date Sept. 1, 2004
Maggie is a strong protagonist who is a CIA analyst on an assignment in Moscow. She is a centered and perceptive expert on Chechen terrorism. Zara, also a strong terrorist character, was hired to bomb a school which entailed killing children. How, when and why do these totally distinct opposites cross paths?
The author did a great job narrating both points of view of opposing sides. The plot of this book takes place in only a few short days and is detailed so well you can picture the scenes and what may have been happening. Maggie did across as somewhat arrogant but almost like she had a sixth sense to interpret and predict some situations.
This book has over 400 pages but it reads so smoothly….. a book so enticing you hate to put it down because you are always in the middle of some type of action. The sequence of events and continuous suspense will keep you on your toes as Maggie tries to stay ahead in her thinking of what the terrorists are planning next.
This book is well put together, thoughts are cohesive, non choppy, and the details are amazing. I would definitely recommend this book.
Many thanks to #partnersincrimevbt and the author, Susan Ouellette, for an ARC copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 29, 2023
Setting the Scene: It is 2004. Less than a year ago, Maggie Jenkins, CIA analyst, lost her fiance to a terrorist attack lead by Chechen terrorist and assassin known as Zara. The CIA and the American government insist Zara died in the attack, but Maggie is certain she is still alive and planning more death and destruction. When Maggie spots Zara at a terrorist attack on a Russian school, she is determined to track her down and ensure that she pays for her crimes. As she does so, she will have to battle all the alphabet agencies of the United States government. Further complicating Maggie's efforts is Zara's apparent alliance with Jihadists. Only days before the 9/11 anniversary, Maggie must prove that not only has Zara reached Washington, D.C., but she has a plan that will shatter American lives, but it has nothing to do with 9/11.
What I Thought: This was a captivating read. Maggie Jenkins is a great protagonist, vulnerable but determined. Zara is also an intriguing character, so totally flawed, blaming every tragedy in her life on others, and continuing the pattern, spreading hate and death wherever she goes. Even so, the book manages to minimize the gruesome details, without minimizing the cost of a life or lives lost. The fact that Maggie is not operating in a vacuum also contributes to the appeal of this book. Warner and Roger, each in his own way, lends much needed support to the headstrong Maggie, and the book's overall message is one of hope, not destruction. I look forward to more books in this series.
Erin Bennett was an excellent narrator.
I received a copy of this audiobook from #CatCamBooks and #NetGalley for an honest review.
#thewaywardassassin #susanoullette #erinbennett #CamCatBooks #NetGalley #mysterysuspense #CIA #FBI #terrorism #Chechen #Russia #strongfemalelead #mysterybooks #bookreview #bookworm #bookaddict #booklovers #bookrecommendations #bookloversofinstagram #bookwormsofinstagram
What I Thought: This was a captivating read. Maggie Jenkins is a great protagonist, vulnerable but determined. Zara is also an intriguing character, so totally flawed, blaming every tragedy in her life on others, and continuing the pattern, spreading hate and death wherever she goes. Even so, the book manages to minimize the gruesome details, without minimizing the cost of a life or lives lost. The fact that Maggie is not operating in a vacuum also contributes to the appeal of this book. Warner and Roger, each in his own way, lends much needed support to the headstrong Maggie, and the book's overall message is one of hope, not destruction. I look forward to more books in this series.
Erin Bennett was an excellent narrator.
I received a copy of this audiobook from #CatCamBooks and #NetGalley for an honest review.
#thewaywardassassin #susanoullette #erinbennett #CamCatBooks #NetGalley #mysterysuspense #CIA #FBI #terrorism #Chechen #Russia #strongfemalelead #mysterybooks #bookreview #bookworm #bookaddict #booklovers #bookrecommendations #bookloversofinstagram #bookwormsofinstagram
March 15, 2022
This is a timely thriller. The plot centers on intermingling and somewhat confusing relationships between Russians and Chechen terrorists. There were so many duplicitous people on both sides, it was hard for me to establish how some of the people fit into the plot progression.
Two people fit very well, however. Maggie, the CIA analyst who thinks she is smarter than the agents assigned to the terrorist actions is one. I thought her a bit naïve, that she thought she could do more than field agents. I initially did not like her arrogance. In the end, however, she proved that her determination and ability to analyze situations overruled her reckless choices. She had a suitable opponent in a terrorist who has, above all, Maggie in her sites. Her concentration on vengeance was deadly.
There is a timely issue included in the plot. The Russians were motivated to action because they wanted to preserve their Russian heritage in the face of encroaching liberal influence from the west and religious radicalism from the Muslim south. There was a bit of irony in the novel. A U.S. agent says, “Things have changed. Russia and the United States have more in common now.” (1425/4889) Ah, how quickly that changed.
There is plenty of action in this novel. The suspense is nearly continuous as Maggie tries to stay a short step behind the terrorist she wants to stop and one step ahead of the CIA who wants to curtail her independent action. While the novel reads well on it's own, the major hatred the terrorist has for Maggie is rooted in the previous novel in this series. This novel would be best appreciated by reading The Wayward Spy first.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Two people fit very well, however. Maggie, the CIA analyst who thinks she is smarter than the agents assigned to the terrorist actions is one. I thought her a bit naïve, that she thought she could do more than field agents. I initially did not like her arrogance. In the end, however, she proved that her determination and ability to analyze situations overruled her reckless choices. She had a suitable opponent in a terrorist who has, above all, Maggie in her sites. Her concentration on vengeance was deadly.
There is a timely issue included in the plot. The Russians were motivated to action because they wanted to preserve their Russian heritage in the face of encroaching liberal influence from the west and religious radicalism from the Muslim south. There was a bit of irony in the novel. A U.S. agent says, “Things have changed. Russia and the United States have more in common now.” (1425/4889) Ah, how quickly that changed.
There is plenty of action in this novel. The suspense is nearly continuous as Maggie tries to stay a short step behind the terrorist she wants to stop and one step ahead of the CIA who wants to curtail her independent action. While the novel reads well on it's own, the major hatred the terrorist has for Maggie is rooted in the previous novel in this series. This novel would be best appreciated by reading The Wayward Spy first.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
May 23, 2023
I was fortunate enough to listen to the audio book “Wayward Assassin” written by Susan Ouellette and read by Erin Bennett.
In “Wayward Assassin”, CIA Analyst Maggie Jenkins believes that the Chechen rebel that killed her fiancé is still alive. She puts her career on the line to track down the assassin and discover the assassin’s next plans. Through her research and unexpected field work, Maggie believes she knows the plans for an attack against Americans. The story goes from Russia to Chechnya, to London, and the suburbs of Washington, DC, Maggie rushes to try to stop the next attack.
There is good scene and character development. Since Maggie is an analyst rather than a field agent, she is not taken seriously by CIA and the FBI leadership. Even with her proven track record, they are slot to act. This brings a lot of tension to the story since the attack is imminent and the stakes are high. The scenes are well thought out and build on each other. The plot is multifaceted and nuanced.
The narration was excellent and enjoyable. I recommend listening to the audio book.
In “Wayward Assassin”, CIA Analyst Maggie Jenkins believes that the Chechen rebel that killed her fiancé is still alive. She puts her career on the line to track down the assassin and discover the assassin’s next plans. Through her research and unexpected field work, Maggie believes she knows the plans for an attack against Americans. The story goes from Russia to Chechnya, to London, and the suburbs of Washington, DC, Maggie rushes to try to stop the next attack.
There is good scene and character development. Since Maggie is an analyst rather than a field agent, she is not taken seriously by CIA and the FBI leadership. Even with her proven track record, they are slot to act. This brings a lot of tension to the story since the attack is imminent and the stakes are high. The scenes are well thought out and build on each other. The plot is multifaceted and nuanced.
The narration was excellent and enjoyable. I recommend listening to the audio book.
March 20, 2022
Wow. This was one of the first books that hit an emotional level in me that I was just not expecting. Like always, I'm not going to give much away, but damn. I will say this, as much as the book was a don't you dare put it down and leave them in that situation kind of book. I had too sometimes, but just sometimes. Zara is the villain you love to hate, but Maggie and Roger are my absolute favorites. The chemistry and wittiness about them is electric. Susan did an amazing job with this book, and her characters that make me want to go out and buy all her books. I would absolutely recommend to go out and get this book. To warn you though, if 9/11 or the war with Russia is a very sensitive subject then be cautious with the book. It is for me, but the book was amazing and so worth the read!
May 16, 2023
This is my first exposure to this author and I was not disappointed. The author has delivered a fast paced and deliciously wicked tale. The characters are well rounded and come across as believable, whether you love them or hate them. This is a taut, character-driven psychological thriller, filled with suspicion and tension. Oullette has a wonderful imagination and creates very realistic and disturbing scenarios. This is a well-written, suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat thriller will leave you breathless at times in anticipation of the next twist in the plot. Don’t start reading this book if you are not prepared to stay up all night.
Thank you to NetGalley and CamCat Books who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and CamCat Books who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 8, 2023
While this is the second book in the Wayward series, I received an ARC and read it without reading The Wayward Spy first - and I still loved it!
Maggie Jenkins, a CIA analyst, sets out to hunt down the female Chechan terrorist who killed her fiance the year prior. Ouellette does a superb job at weaving in the background of Wayward Spy into this one, which allows the reader a seamless read if reading Wayward Assassin as a standalone.
Wayward Assassin has big thriller and action vibes, without being too much. I was absolutely captivated by the fast pace, smooth narrative, and wonderfully descriptive writing.
Very much looking forward to reading more of Ouellette's work!
Maggie Jenkins, a CIA analyst, sets out to hunt down the female Chechan terrorist who killed her fiance the year prior. Ouellette does a superb job at weaving in the background of Wayward Spy into this one, which allows the reader a seamless read if reading Wayward Assassin as a standalone.
Wayward Assassin has big thriller and action vibes, without being too much. I was absolutely captivated by the fast pace, smooth narrative, and wonderfully descriptive writing.
Very much looking forward to reading more of Ouellette's work!
May 9, 2023
The Wayward Assassin was outstanding! It was fast paced, took place in a very short time frame and had some traces of romance all the makings for a great book to read! I loved the hard headed, strong female lead character and how she didn’t listen to anyone except her own instincts. She took the lead based on her instinct and kicked butt the whole way. This book covered some very serious topics but still had a light hearted feel at times. There were two POVs and I found both very interesting and loved both sides of the story. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!! I will highly recommend this book to other readers!
July 5, 2023
This is the third book in the series. This one was as good as the previous two. The author writes beautifully, the book is fast-paced, and you identify with the plucky heroine and her would-be boyfriend, who is another CIA officer, as they try to stop the Chechen jihadis who have put a fatwa out on her head. The author is very convincing as a former CIA officer and congressional staffer in describing how the Agency operates and how Congressional hearings work. She does a good job of laying out the setting, whether Headquarters, the surrounding Tysons area, or the scrubby Caucasus region where the villains are operating.
May 7, 2023
I was completely captivated once again by this amazing author's writing style and story. It draws you in immediately and the short chapters inspire you to keep the rest of the world waiting as you attempt to solve this mystery too. I find the descriptions of life as a special agent intriguing and the unexpected romance was a pleasant surprise. I can't wait to read more!
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2023
Maggie Jenkins a CIA analyst Her husband has been killed and she is convinced his killer is still alive. Whilst she is involved in a terrorist plot she is convinced she has seen his assassin .She then chases the killer around the globe determined to get revenge.
This was a fast paced book with great characters. The narrator brought the story to life in the audiobook.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers so the chance to hear an ARC
This was a fast paced book with great characters. The narrator brought the story to life in the audiobook.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers so the chance to hear an ARC
July 26, 2023
Maggie is on the search for her fiancés assassin and will stop at no cost to find her. Even though everyone believes that the assassin has been killed, Maggie doesn't believe it and won't stop until she finds out the truth. Even if it means destroying her career at the CIA.
I wanted to know what was going to happen and if what Maggie suspected was true.
Thank you #NetGalley for the advance copy
I wanted to know what was going to happen and if what Maggie suspected was true.
Thank you #NetGalley for the advance copy
December 17, 2023
4.5/5 stars
I had a lot of fun listening to this book, Maggie at times annoyed me but I think for her character that's a good thing. She's stubborn and dedicated to stopping terrible people from doing terrible things.
The whole book is very memorable, despite it taking me a while to finish reading, I still remember nearly everything that happened.
I can absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good FBI/CIA team up story.
I had a lot of fun listening to this book, Maggie at times annoyed me but I think for her character that's a good thing. She's stubborn and dedicated to stopping terrible people from doing terrible things.
The whole book is very memorable, despite it taking me a while to finish reading, I still remember nearly everything that happened.
I can absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good FBI/CIA team up story.
May 22, 2023
A fast paced CIA thriller. Maggie Jenkins a CIA analyst is convinced her husband killer is still alive and when she sees her in a terrorist plot this leads to an across the globe chase. Good characterization and well plotted this novel leaves you wanting more. Erin Bennett does an excellent job narrating this book.
I received this audiobook from CamCat books and Netgalley for a review.
I received this audiobook from CamCat books and Netgalley for a review.
June 28, 2023
Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.
Good action and interesting characters! You could probably read this without having read the first one but would miss out on a lot so I wouldn't recommend. I would continue with this series if there is more. The narrator was good for this.
Good action and interesting characters! You could probably read this without having read the first one but would miss out on a lot so I wouldn't recommend. I would continue with this series if there is more. The narrator was good for this.
March 31, 2022
I loved the Wayward Spy when I read it but this one was even better. I raced through it and look forward to reading it again. I rarely read a book twice, but I'm looking forward to reading this again with my book club.
March 20, 2022
Very good follow up
August 2, 2026
A neighbor wrote this series. They are good books but not as easy a read as I prefer.
May 12, 2023
Maggie Jenkins is a CIA analyst, not a spy, as she is frequently reminded, but she’s not going to let that stop her!
I really enjoyed the non-stop action and continuous suspense. The plot is tight and the story quickly unfolds over just a few days.
As well as the drama you would expect from a CIA based thriller, there is also a good balance of insight into how the roles that the characters carry out in their professional lives impacts on their personal lives.
Absolutely a 5 ⭐️ read.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
January 1, 2023
Bigger and bolder than the series opener, The Wayward Assassin sees national security analyst Maggie Jenkins pursue the terrorist cell that killed her fiance, to prevent an even worse attack. The action moves from Russia to London to DC as Maggie is forced to evade the CIA's attempts to reign her in. The gripping finale is worthy of Baldacci or Silva. Great stuff.
April 22, 2023
4 ⭐️
i was HOOKED on this book
i was HOOKED on this book
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