An American Spy: A Novel (Milo Weaver, 3)

This was my first read of one of this author's books. And my last, if this one is any indication. The plot, characters and action were beyond complex; they were nonsensical, with at least 5 levels of cross and double cross. I know this is fiction but it comes across so bewildering and impossible that, in the end, you not only don't understand, you don't care.

The Milo Weaver series was built on one good idea: graft LeCarre's George Smiley-era Circus onto the CIA, make the Chinese and not the Russians the bad guys and see what happens. Well, the answer turns out to be, who knows and who cares? Each book in this series has declined markedly in quality from its predecessor. The characters get muddier, the action more incomprehensible, and the plot more ridiculous. Steinhauer lacks LeCarre's insider's view, as well as his humor and his gift for making his characters real. That makes for a tedious read. And the ending is mind-numbingly, throw-the-book away awful. Don't waste your time on this one.

“An American Spy” is the eighth novel written by Olen Steinhauser and another installment in the Milo Weaver saga. You might know Steinhauser for The Tourist; made into a blockbuster movie. Based on the previous bestsellers I jumped at the opportunity to review the book. I really wanted to be blown away but sadly, for me, the book fell short.

Carrying over from The Nearest Exit, the CIA is reeling from Xin Zhu’s systematic destruction of the Department of Tourism. Former department director Alan Drummond hell bent on revenge for the killings sets out to hunt down Xin Zhu and bring him down and in the process vanishes. Milo, after being forcefully dragged into locating Alan after threats leveled against his family, finds himself aligned with, and against, agencies working toward the same goal.

The first part of the book was focused on Chinese Intelligence surrounding Xin Zhu’s actions. The overwhelming number of Chinese characters with names that were hard to keep track of was inevitably confusing. The book is touted as a “Milo Weaver” novel but he doesn’t factor into the story until the second part of the book. When the action finally kicks it comes in dribs and drabs. Sure there are some of the usual spy novel qualities like being chased by enemy agents, murders and harrowing escapes but there seems to be more lulls in the plot than Steinhauser’s previous Weaver novels.

One thing going for the book is that Steinhauser has brought back players from the previous two installments. The introduction of new characters is done well in that each is developed enough to create cohesiveness in the story. However, the plot isn’t laid out in a straight order fashion but rather goes off into several directions and that leads to a disjointed, confusing read. The ending felt cut short. There were too many threads left hanging and ultimately failed to reach my expectations.

Final thought: Although the book wasn’t to my taste, there are many 4 and 5 star reviews here and Goodreads. I urge you to check those out before discrediting the book, as it may be right up the espionage thriller’s alley.

Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

#An American Spy by Olen Steinhauer
Right up front, I must mention I loved this book. I can’t wait to back track and read the first two ‘Tourist’ books—which makes me aggravated that I didn’t start with the first one.
The CIA runs a Department of Tourism, a secret ops within their secret organization. Milo Weaver, a former Tourist at the point this story starts, has been gut shot and is recovering at home with his wife and daughter. And he’s happy to be there. Milo wants no more to do with his job. He’s loaded with emotional baggage, enough to last several lifetimes. His friend and boss, however, is also retired, but forcibly. He wants several things, including his job back, therefore he’s not happy about anything. China figures into this intricate web of a plot. Everything in this story unfolds a tiny piece at a time, and masterfully.
Mr. Steinhauer’s style of writing is both tightly wound and dense with detail. It took me about a chapter to get in synch with his rhythm, but it was worth the effort. Some compare this author with John LeCarre’s Smiley spy books, but I consider the pacing of this book to be much faster, although the depth and detail seems comparable to me.
I recommend this book to anyone! I can’t wait to read more of this author’s work. This review was written for a book provided free to me courtesy of #NetGalley.

just started reading this author after a recommendation by a poolside stranger. i owe him as so far I've completed four of Steinhauer's books and am in the middle of another. Can't wait to read more. Only veat would be it helps to have a great memory to keep the characters straight. Like Ludlum, I am lost until about 2/3 through the story before I can pull it all together. The author does a good job of keeping the reader in the loop.

Moved right along. lets have another in the story line a good enjoyable experience

I love Steinhauer's Milo Weaver character and will continue to purchase books of this series.

Another excellent spy novel with my favorite tourist

Have trouble getting to sleep?

The third "tourist" novel took advantage of the preconceptions already in place from previous story lines and wound them into a nearly foolproof page turner. The manipulations within manipulations were terrific. I kept finding myself saying "OH!!." I bought this book in paperback so I could read in the tub...bad idea with tablets...and found myself finishing it on the plane yesterday in lieu of reading Shantaram on tablet. That's saying something!