Matt McAvoy Book Review

I’ve already read (and reviewed here) Reborn, the first in this superb spy series, and I do recommend that you do the same before reading this fine sequel.  Whilst it is not particularly necessary to make sense of the standalone Moscow Honey, reading the predecessor does give the characters and their respective backstories greater context, particularly that of Fairchild, whose childhood features quite prominently in the underlying narrative throughout the series, and is as pivotal to events in this book as the first.

With this instalment, Parris has managed to achieve that elusive phenomenon: a first sequel which is better than the opener.  You can see that she is improving with every chapter she writes, and this is an altogether more accomplished book, written by a high-quality author in the espionage genre.  Parris crafts her work with authority and professionalism.  As well as knowing her stuff in regards to her socio-political commentary on the Russian power structure, and the diplomatic relations between them, their closest neighbours and the international community, she also excels at the human touch, putting forth the reality of the warzone deftly: the fear, brutality and desensitization to violence.  With an intelligent narrative which brings the political intricacies of this book to a level relatable to all, with simple themes of love and revenge, Parris is undoubtedly a talented writer of many strengths.

There is potential for slight confusion in the timeline about midway, when a significant and very eventful period passes within the space of an inconsistently short word count, but other than this it is well timed and hugely engaging.  Personally, too, I would have liked to see much more of the arch villain, who appears only very briefly, which I felt was a missed opportunity.  But, overall it was an intriguing, engrossing and superbly written book, which hints at an exciting second sequel, and I very much look forward to reading where it takes us next.