The Cellist by Daniel Silva (Review by Lara Ferguson)
Rating: 5/5
Daniel Silva has delivered yet another gripping tale of intrigue to his readers. Set in Europe, against the backdrop of COVID-19 and the January 6th attack on the Capitol building in Washington D.C., this novel weaves a modern tale of financial markets, spies, and the ever-tense relationship between Russia and the rest of Western world.
When prominent Russian exile, Viktor Orlov, is found murdered in his London home, ostensibly by a Russian poison, by one of his employees, a chain reaction begins within the Israeli and British intelligence worlds. As they work to discover how it happened and to protect the innocent, a complex plan is constructed that, if successful, could disrupt the Russian financial machine permanently.
Using familiar characters along with new ones, Silva furthers his creation of a complex and fascinating world of spies and spycraft, by deepening relationships, continuing and expanding on old rivalries, and setting the narrative in current events making it feel relevant and plausible. The story twists and turns are tighter with every page, making it difficult to put the book down for fear of missing one detail. The characters are unusual, diverse, and equally treated but could still be anyone’s next door neighbor.
The author’s attention to detail and extensive research are readily apparent and contribute to the reader’s ability to suspend disbelief and wonder….is this what is truly going on behind the scenes? As always, with The Cellist, Daniel Silva, brings a well-told, intriguing story that leaves the reader longing for the next adventure.
GBC Reader Reviews
1 Comment
Well written story and plot until chapter 61 which takes place in Washington DC.
Sylva begins to embarrass himself by sounding like a CNN or MSNBC reporter parroting ridiculous conspiracy theories like Q Anon, white supremecists, Russia election interference etc!
And then claims that everything that he wrote was a product of the authors imagination and has been used fictitiously.
From chapter 61 on, you will read a left wing hit piece that has no connection with the preceding story.
I wonder what his opinion of the Biden administration is now after 4 years of absolute destruction has taken place in the US.
And Donald Trump proving to be the greatest friend that Israel has ever had. Yet, openly writing in the story how much Gabriel Allon hated Trump without mentioning his name.
Terrible ending of a book since it has no relevance whatsoever to the story told in the book!!