Customer Reviews

The Spy Who Came for Christmas

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The title of David Morrell's newest book, THE SPY WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS does somewhat resemble the wording of LeCarre's THE SPY WHO CAME FROM THE COLD, and at just over 200 pages, it's about the same size. But does it have what it takes to become a classic? It certainly has all the ingredients, not least of which is the book's originality.

The first surprise of The Spy Who Came For Christmas is... the book's design... It's absolutely beautiful. Hardly ever does a book's physical appearance get mention, but this time it's worth it. The hardback has non-standard dimensions -- it's smaller than a typical hardback, but larger than a mass market paperback. Given the novel's length, this format is perfect to hold in the reader's hands.

I must note that David Morrell's current publishers are seemingly giving him the attention he deserves. The book's layout is wonderful, with nice little clipart illustrations. It feels like a Christmas book.

And that's what it actually is.

David Morrell's previous two books were a bit of a letdown for me. While a good book in its own right, Creepers was only above average by Morrell's own mind-blowing standards. And Scavenger was an utter disappointment.

So does Morrell get back into full stride with "Spy Who Came For Christmas"? His first true spy thriller since the 1990s? Yes he does indeed -- but in a different way than expected, a unique way. Is this book as good as the afore-mentioned LeCarre, Ludlum, or the best by Morrell himself (insert favorite here, like The Covenant of the Flame in my case)...?

No.

Why not?

Because it is special. First and foremost, "The Spy Who Came For Christmas" is a Christmas story - but told from a spy thriller perspective. Here lies David Morrell's masterstroke in writing this book. There is no other novel like it. Morrell's own HUNDRED-YEAR CHRISTMAS comes to mind for a more direct comparison, but to the best of my knowledge, it's not a spy thriller by a long shot (a very limited-edition book, that one). Knowing that, everything clicks into place -- the lovely format, the word count (a 700-page Christmas tale is an oxymoron), and even the somewhat simplistic plot.

Speaking of the plotline -- if you've read the blurb or editorial reviews, you pretty much know most of it (don't gear up for an epic saga). But not ALL of it -- Mr Morrell, as usual, has several dazzling twists up his sleeve to satisfy the readers right until a very sweet ending. What I loved about The Spy Who Came For Christmas is that, having an important Biblical subplot in its core, it does not take out Christ from Christmas -- in fact, it goes to the very origins of the holiday season, and reflects on the nativity story in an exciting and unusual way.

Technically, David Morrell is as good as ever. His writing flows like a torrential river, picking up the reader and carrying him along to the very end, leaving almost no time for gulps of air between the pages. I finished the novel in just a few hours. The descriptions and setting are strikingly vivid -- I felt I was part of the Christmas procession, snow on my boots -- and the characters are portrayed convincingly. Even when the story requires the reader to learn something new, it's not done as trivial info-dumping; everything comes naturally. Even when you think you know what David Morrell is doing, and how he's going to do it, you just can't help but get hooked by every trick, twist and cliffhanger, as the author weaves his story like a magician. The flashbacks -- always a hazardous technique in writing -- are done expertly, never dragging the story down. My only gripe is the possible overuse of the word "whimpered" throughout, but I'm picky here, trying to find fault with an otherwise perfect book.

A Morrell fan with a keen eye will undoubtedly spot some easter eggs left here and there. These are almost tongue-in-cheek references to elements in David Morrell's earlier novels (e.g. The Protector, The Brotherhood of the Rose, Scavenger).

The bottom line is, The Spy Who Came For Christmas is a book to keep everyone happy. Morrell fans will love it, thriller fans will love it, even people looking for the perfect Christmas gift will love it (especially the Scrooge types: ten bucks for a hardback is a steal). There is absolutely no reason not to get it, and enjoy the breathtaking ride with a great festive feel.

-- Ian Kharitonov

Did you know the three wise men were spies? Did you know Jesus' disciples could have been operatives? No? Well, then let Paul Kagan, also known as Pyotyr, tell you all about this creative version of the original Christmas story. You can listen in as Kagan tells Meredith and her twelve-year-old son, Cole, on a snowy Christmas Eve in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Unfortunately for the threesome, their being together on this night has nothing to do with celebrating the season in comfort and joy. Kagan is holed up with them to hide from three savage criminals who aim to kill him (and any witnesses) and take back the "package" he grabbed and escaped with.

David Morrell, the author of 1972's FIRST BLOOD (you remember: Rambo!), presents another cinematic thriller entitled, THE SPY WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS. His star character, Kagan, has a bit of Rambo in him, but his is a different story. He maims and kills to fight terrorism both aboard and domestically. He wants out of his long undercover assignment, but his handlers won't pull him. Kagan's soul is being consumed by the brutalities he's committed to work his way into the U.S. Russian mafia, but, at his center, he steadfastly remains a man who greatly values life and seeks peace.

THE SPY WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS begins scenically in Santa Fe, putting on a bit of the tour guide and surrounding the reader with Christmas sights and sounds. In staccato chapters the hunted and hunters move through the holiday throngs and into quiet neighborhoods. Soon, Kagan's back story begins being doled out. As the novel, written in very short chapters and plotted with precision, revs up for the action-packed denouement, the spirit of Christmas both clashes and merges with the characters and whether they have futures. Kagan relates the thought-provokingly revisionist story of King Herod, the Magi, Mary, Joseph and Jesus. A child became the hope of the world two thousand years ago and was protected from Herod's murderous soldiers then. Kagan, Meredith, and others could be the only hope for another child who might affect world affairs.

Morrell delivers entertaining thrills and suspense and some genuinely-won emotional moments in busy Christmas wrapping. Although the scenario invites the skeptic's comment, "The likelihood of all this happening is pretty doggone low," hey, the world has seen stranger things. So celebrate this spy's version of Christmas on its own terms.

I had seen rave reviews about this book & decided I needed a change from some of the other Christmas tales out there in book world. This one was entertaining, but I'm not sure lived up to the raves I read. Interesting way to explain the 3 Wise Men-I will always think of them in a different way now, and that is the only thing that made the book so special. I could have done without some of the gorier details of the "good" spy's "tests" to admit him into the bad guys' world-took some of the Christmas joy from the tale. Overall I had a nice time reading it. Ending?? I will leave that to decide for yourself.

This is one of those books that's great to read around Christmas. Anytime of the year is good, but Christmas around Christmas is best.

Right from the start you're thrust into action. A man running away from others with a baby under his coat. The man is shot, bleeding and loosing strength. And it's Christmas Eve in the streets of Santa Fe, New Mexico. And it's snowing. NO, I did not give much away, other than the first few pages, so don't worry on the story being spoiled.

It's important that I wrote the above, because the author jumps around a bit with things that happen in the past and are currently happening. But please do not let that bother you as I came so close to dropping this book as I wanted so much to things (I'm not going to write what) that I was starting to figure the book was bad. However thinking back I believe it's done in a way to show redemption on multiple characters.

However, Morell does a great job giving true details on baby Jesus and the 3 Magi. But he does it in such a way that you're getting the whole story being told from the spy and how it was told to him. I really think Morrell did his research in this book regarding the 3 Magi and Santa Fe, NM. And it all starts as the "spy" is looking at the creche (yes the right spelling), thinking of he past professor talking about this, all while talking to Cole.

I really liked the character Cole, but wish he was involved more. I don't know how Morrell would of, but Cole was my favorite character.

This is not a large book, easy reading. I heard the audio book on Satellite radio and the voices were great. Again, a great read anytime, but if you can there's a special effect around the holidays, especially with the themes in the book revolving around family and redemption.

Although I liked the ending of this tale, there really wasn't much meat to this story. I was surprised by how much fat (back story) was included, especially since anything we learn there could easily have been mentioned without the flashbacks.

If you're looking for a quick Christmas read that has some action and excitement, this may be worth your time and money.

I would not recommend it to someone looking for an exciting spy thriller.

It was the night before Christmas, and all through the town (of Sante Fe, New Mexico), several creatures were stirring, all wearing frowns (especially the seriously wounded double agent Paul Kagan, and his pursuers, ruthless killers bent on taking the life of Paul's special cargo, an infant). The townspeople went about their activities with care (celebrating with a festival of lights), in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there (hopes that will be disappointed--what they do get though is an unexpected night of thrills and danger, as Kagan engages in a desperate battle of wits with his ex-comrades, all to preserve the hope embodied in the person of an innocent child).

OK, enough with trying to paraphrase Clement C. Moore. As you might expect, Morrell's latest is chock full of action, suspense and surprises, a winning combination any of his myriad readers comes to expect after sampling any of his enthralling canon of expertly crafted action and adventure stories. What makes this short novel truly special, however, are Morrell's embellishments to the traditional story of the Three Magi, told from the perspective of a professional spy, the details of which you're almost guaranteed to repeat at least once each Christmas season from now on, if only to observe the look of surprise and wonder dawning on your listener's faces. Morrell's additions stand that staid and stolid tale on its head, suffusing it with totally plausible but unexpected elements of danger, pathos and intrigue.

The snow coming down on Christmas Eve in Santa Fe makes for a picturesque site, but two men, once friends, know otherwise that one or both of them will turn the pure white snow red with blood. Raging Russian Mafiosi Andrei feels betrayed by Pyotyr, whom he mentored; he personally will kill him, but must act fast because if he fails to retrieve and deliver the package Pyotyr stole, his superior will assassinate him.

Pyotyr gave away his cover inside the Russian mafia to save the so-called peace baby whose popular religious father proclaimed him to be the bringer of world peace. Pyotyr is Paul Kagan who kidnapped the baby because he could not watch idly an infant being sold. He is hurt, tired and alone when he meets Meredith Brody and her twelve year old son Cole. They are planning to flee into the night to escape from abusive violent family patriarch Ted before he kills one of them in an alcoholic rage. Mother and son help the spy who has not quite come in from the cold carrying a baby.

This is an exciting Santa Fe Christmas thriller with an interesting cast developed just enough to make the events plausible. The plot is on the slender side, but fans of David Morrell and anyone who appreciates a fast-paced Yuletide action tale will enjoy this fun entry even if the baby seems too peaceful.

Harriet Klausner

David Morrell once again delivers with a story that flies from the beginning, develops nicely, and ends with a powerful statement. The juxtaposition of elements that contrast abruptly would be an assault on the senses if not handled by a master writer such as Morrell. The brutal violence and action are an integral part of the story and give the story more credence plus allowing the reader a desire for a positive conclusion.

Having read every book Morrell has written, I have high regard for his writing style and his ability to make the reader sympathize and connect with the protagonists which in this case include a spy, a family, and a small baby. The fast-pace is interrupted by a historical look at the Christmas story and the hints of descriptions of the life of a spy. Morrell's characters are well-defined but not narrow and are given an opportunity to grow and improve. The story has a 3-dimensional quality to it, allowing the reader to consider a higher purpose and a strong sense of positive destiny.

This is a solid read that could have been somewhat predictable in the hands of a poor writer, but in Morrell's hands the story has a thoughtfulness and an energy that is difficult to find in other writers. His ability to make action scenes vivid, people real, and geography exact creates a writing style that is enriching and vibrant for a reader. I recommend it for anyone seeking for a holiday book with a punch.

I was a little bummed when I saw how small this book was compared to all of Morrell's other books but as soon as I started reading it I had to scold myself for doubting the master. Once again Morrell has written another great book. He describes the location of the book so well that it always makes you want to go there and visit..or in the case of this book, live. His knowledge of what he writes about is always refreshing.

The Spy Who Came for Christmas by David Morrell is about undercover agent, Paul Kagan, who is trying to save himself and a squirming bundle held tightly against his chest. The bundle is a baby. He is being chased by his former co-workers, members of the Russian mafia who will do anything to take the child. Now Kagan is a spy on the run who must make sure the baby survives, even if he dies saving it.
I would give this book a five star rating. It is a very good book, considering that it is a mystery book. This book has many exhilarating action scenes. But these scenes aren't very violent. This book brings with it a sense of mystery and secrecy. But despite the fact that it is a mystery book, I never found myself confused by the plot or lost in the text. The characters are very well developed, and I loved the ending. This book is a must have.