The Bourne Treachery by Brian Freeman

"The Bourne Treachery" by Brian Freeman - The saga continues!

This book is published by Bloomsbury publishing in 2022 and has 432 pages. This is Book 16 of Jason Bourne series. 

Three years ago Bourne and Nova have tried to exfiltrate a Russian spy but the Russians manage to kill Jim in a boat explosion. Nova, Bourn's partner and lover, has died after that. Lennon is an assassin and master of disguise and is working for Russia. Clark Cafferty of USA and Gennady Sorokin of Russia are going to have a clandestine meeting in London. Tati, a Russian scientist, is invited for a seminar in London. Bourne and back from dead Nova are assigned to foil Lennon's attempt in the life of Cafferty.

How come Nova is alive? Will there be amorous relationship again? Why is Tati invited? What is the objective of the secret meeting? Will Bourne and Lenin meet?

Initial part of the story concentrates on Bourne and Nova and later the attention shifts to Tati. Lennon taunts Bourne that they knew each other before Bourne lost his memory. So Bourne had to find Lennon but not kill him. 

The story is semi complicated. The plot is there, but last part of the book is all about Bourne and Lennon. Nova's actions don't appear consistent with her character. Bourne appears to like Nova s as well as Abbey.

The book ends with a revelation. But Bourne can't say if it's true or a lie.

Why did I read this book? Have been reading the series.

What did I like? Enigma of Lennon .

What I didn't like? Beatles songs.

Read only if you plan to read the series.

Rasputin's shadow by Raymond Khoury

"Rasputin's shadow" by Raymond Khoury - Historical fiction!

This book is published by Orion in 2015 and has 480 pages. This is Book 4 of Templar book series.

A Russian Embassy staff dies by jumping out of the balcony of an apartment owned by a Russian immigrant (Leo Sakharov) in America. The immigrant and his American wife go missing. FBI agent Shane Reilly investigates. There is a connection to the infamous Russian mystic and the adviser to Tsar and Tsarina, Rasputin.

Why is everyone looking for the immigrant Russian school teacher? What does he have? What is the connection to Rasputin? Can Shane solve the mystery?

What appears to be a case of missing school teacher and mystery of death of a Russian embassy staff becomes a full blown crisis. The body count starts increasing at an alarming rate. A Russian special forces operative (Koshe) is on the loose in America. Everyone is after the invention that can change the world. The invention is potent and can be a boon or bane depending on the user.

The story toggles between present time and the time of Rasputin. It uses the mystery surrounding Rasputin, one of the most controversial personalities in Russia. The invention is Perl and can do great damage to the enemies of its possessor.

Character of Sakhalov is interesting. He wants to live a decent life but can't quell his scientific curiosity. Reilly, the hero of first three books, is you against all odds. At the same time he is also trying to find out who from CIA tried to brainwash his 4 year old son. So on one side he is duty bound and on another side he has a personal score to settle.

Book ends with solution to one of these two problems and leaves the readers excited about what's going to happen in book 5 because of what he discovered at the end of book 4.

Why did I read this book? Good series so far. 

What I didn't like? Can a single man outsmart alphabet soup agencies?

What did I like? The  invention.

Read, if you plan to read the series.