Russia's leadership, aided by the elite KGB unit Department S, is bent on pulling Ukraine back into the Russian empire. As their intelligence forces put plans into action that will undermine the stability of Ukraine, the private American intelligence company Cougar is watching. Unlike the U.S. government, Cougar doesn't believe Russia will back off now that its presidential choice has taken the election in Ukraine, and remains vigilant in its efforts to deflect Russian plans. Cougar's secret weapon is Russia's nightmare: Anna Resnikov, a defected KGB agent who now uses her knowledge and skills against former employers. Wanted by the Russian government, she continues to fight the evils of Russia's dark underside.
The Blind Spy is Alex Dryden's third novel featuring Anna Resnikov, but it astutely works as its own narrative; readers can easily pick up The Blind Spy whether they've read Dryden previously or not. Anna is a refreshing addition to the traditionally male-dominated role of spy. She's believably crafted, maintaining her femininity without emphasizing her physical appearance and simultaneously exhibiting strength and intelligence.
Readers will likely notice the story's length, as Dryden's plot moves slower than the average thriller; the titular "blind spy" doesn't truly come into play until well into the second half. However, Dryden more than makes up for the slower pace with rich, distinct characters and timely subject matter. The time invested in reading The Blind Spy is definitely time well spent. --Jen Forbus of Jen's Book Thoughts