The Spy Among Us 10242019
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The Spy Among Us

Christie Cole, Book 3

Release Date: 10/24/2019

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about The Spy Among Us

In this gripping international thriller, FBI Special Agent Christie Cole-McCarren must leave behind her family and assume a new identity in Moscow to investigate a series of assassinations targeting allied intelligence agents. Working undercover as Eva Durov, she joins forces with Russian Colonel Pyotr Popov to untangle a deadly conspiracy involving a French computer hacker, corrupt diplomats, and the Russian mafia.

As Christie delves deeper into Moscow’s dangerous underworld, she discovers that nothing is as it seems. A seemingly innocent computer specialist holds the key to multiple murders, while a respected diplomat harbors dark secrets that could shatter international relations. With every step forward, Christie finds herself caught between duty and morality, forced to make impossible choices that could cost more lives – including her own.

From the elegant hotels of Moscow to clandestine meetings in abandoned Soviet-era buildings, “The Spy Among Us” delivers a pulse-pounding tale of international intrigue, betrayal, and the true cost of living a double life. Author Thomas J. Nichols draws on his deep understanding of modern Russia to create an authentic, suspenseful thriller that will keep readers guessing until the final page.

Fans of Daniel Silva will love the Christie Cole series.

Editorial Review ★★★★★

“The Spy Among Us” by Thomas J. Nichols is a masterfully crafted espionage thriller that hooks readers from the very first chapter and doesn’t let go until the final page. At its heart is FBI Special Agent Christie Cole-McCarren, a complex and compelling protagonist who must navigate the shadowy world of international espionage while struggling to maintain her identity as a wife and mother.

Nichols demonstrates an impressive command of tradecraft and technical details while keeping the story accessible and engaging. The plot is intricately woven, following Christie as she goes undercover in Moscow to investigate the murders of fellow intelligence agents. The author skillfully builds tension through carefully placed reveals and red herrings, leading to a satisfying yet nuanced conclusion.

What sets this thriller apart is its exploration of the psychological toll that espionage takes on its practitioners. Through Christie’s internal struggles, Nichols examines profound questions about identity, loyalty, and the moral compromises required by covert operations. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, from the complex Colonel Popov to the tragic figure of Anouk Girard.

The novel’s pacing is exceptional, alternating between intense action sequences and quieter character moments. Nichols brings Moscow and its environs vividly to life, immersing readers in the world of post-Soviet Russia. His attention to detail in describing locations, procedures, and technologies lends authenticity to the narrative without overwhelming it.

This is a sophisticated spy thriller that delivers both intellectual and emotional satisfaction. Nichols has created a worthy addition to the espionage genre that will appeal to fans of John le Carré and Daniel Silva while maintaining its own distinct voice. “The Spy Among Us” is a gripping exploration of the personal costs of living a life in the shadows.

About This Author

Thomas J. Nichols brings a rare blend of law enforcement expertise and storytelling prowess to his literary works. His journey as a writer began with bedtime stories for his children in the 1970s, spinning tales beneath the starlit Santa Catalina Mountains of Arizona. While serving as Chief of Police for both Tucson and Lubbock Police Departments, Nichols honed his writing skills crafting policies, procedures, and groundbreaking research on Community Oriented Policing. After a distinguished career in law enforcement, Nichols channeled his deep understanding of criminal justice and national security into crafting compelling fiction. His debut novel, "Color of the Prism," achieved remarkable success and was optioned for a motion picture. His biblical novel, "The Third Dawn," continues to captivate readers, particularly during the Easter and Christmas seasons. Nichols is perhaps best known for his Christie Cole Trilogy—"Voices in the Fog," "Arrows of Allah," and "The Spy Among Us"—which draws heavily from his law enforcement background to create gripping narratives of international intrigue. "Arrows of Allah," with its startlingly accurate portrayal of al-Qaeda operations, garnered attention across the Middle East, Russia, and China. His standalone thriller "Sweet Emily" showcases his expertise in criminal investigation through a chilling exploration of serial killer cases. A master of fact-based fiction, Nichols weaves real-world events and law enforcement expertise into page-turning narratives that blur the line between reality and fiction. His Border War series, including "Color of the Prism" and "We Were Young Once...," tackles the complex issues of drug and human trafficking along the U.S. border, demonstrating his commitment to addressing contemporary challenges through the lens of compelling storytelling. Nichols resides in Lubbock, Texas, where he continues to craft meticulously researched thrillers that draw from his decades of experience in law enforcement and his natural gift for storytelling.

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