Masterfully crafted by Richard Scott, ‘The Reluctant Assassin’ fuses razor-sharp intrigue with a gripping insight into the confusing chaos that exists between the United States and Russia. Having rapidly achieved bestseller status, readers are hailing Scott’s work as “like watching a movie” and “A refreshing approach to the age old USA vs. USSR story line”.
Salem, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/07/2014 -- While it has been almost a quarter of a century since the end of the Cold War, its effects still reverberate around the world. With Russia’s reputation currently hanging by a thread, readers are reveling in post-Cold War fiction like never before. Author Richard Scott has emerged as a major player in this arena, with his ‘The Reluctant Assassin’ staking its place as a clear readers’ favorite.
The narrative brings present-day tensions between the USA and Russia to light, proving that former members of the KGB could easily come out retirement if the case is right…
Synopsis:
A novel of intrigue, shadowy politics, and shocking surprises deftly navigates between the chaotic hope and confusion of post-Cold War Moscow and turn-of-the-Millennium Washington. The action is fast paced, and there’s enough hi-tech gadgetry to satisfy the most demanding fans of techno-thrillers.
Each chapter of The Reluctant Assassin pulls the reader deeper into the story as the author builds tension the way a carpenter builds a house—step by well-crafted step. But this brilliantly turned thriller—reminiscent of Ken Follett’s Eye of the Needle—is more than mindless action. The characters are developed, and the reader cares about them.
Vladimir Vyugin, a former KGB spy, is persuaded by a former colleague of his (and now a high-ranking official in the Russian government) to come out of retirement to take on the assignment of assassinating Mark Dantry, a major American banking official with the International Monetary Fund (I.M.F.). Vyugin is told that Dantry’s vote on an upcoming multi-billion-dollar loan to Russia could destroy the fragile democratic government that has finally been elected in his distressed and turbulent country.
The former spy has had enough of espionage and of the killing that sometimes goes hand-in-hand with the job, but his old colleague convinces him that, as distasteful as the assignment may be, it’s necessary, if the new democratically elected Russian government is to survive. The alternative, Vyugin is told, will be anarchy or a return to the despotic days of the past. Reluctantly, against his better judgment and his higher instincts, Vyugin accepts the assignment.
“Russia is hitting the news again, stirring up a lot of curiosity about the possibility of a new Cold War,” explains Scott. “This in turn is generating a lot of interest in events from the 1950s to the 1990s. Well, my book straddles both the Cold War and modern-day tensions, giving readers the best of both worlds.”
Readers appear to agree, flocking in their droves to leave a string of positive reviews. For example, one reader comments, “If you're a fan of Steig Larsson's espionage trilogy then you will be enthralled with The Reluctant Assassin. A well written, well thought through novel of CIA intrigue and Russian espionage. The plot unfolds to a fast paced page turner that kept me from putting the book down till the believable end! I'm hoping to see more from this author.... his intellect, insight and talent will keep me coming back for more.”
Wesley Rothermel adds, “Great story and very believable. As a former U.S. Peace Corps in Western Russia I am interested in stories about Russia. This story brought memories that I enjoyed about Russia. I highly recommend for people who want to know about Russia.”
Carol G. Pompelio believes Scott could become a literary force to be reckoned with, writing, “A refreshing approach to the age old USA vs.USSR story line. This fast paced and "cannot put it down" novel has wonderful character development and arresting intertwining sub plots. Those of us who enjoy espionage tales such as those written by Ken Follett will feel we have been there for the birth of a whole new contributor to our favorite genre.”
With two other Tony Dantry novels on the market, fans have plenty of reading to keep them satisfied as Scott continues to put pen to paper.
‘The Reluctant Assassin’ is available now: http://amzn.to/XDHals.
About Richard Scott
Richard Scott is a retired editor, writer, and publisher, having been president and publisher of the David McKay Company and president and publisher of Fodor's Travel Publications with offices in London and New York. He's also been managing editor of American Bookseller and Bookselling this Week. In the 70s Mr. Scott was co-host with Isaac Asimov, Brendan Gill and Nat Hentoff of a talk show called In Conversation. The show was nationally syndicated throughout the U.S.