The Cellist: A Novel
From Daniel Silva, the internationally acclaimed #1 New York Times bestselling author, comes a timely and explosive new thriller featuring art restorer and legendary spy Gabriel Allon.
Viktor Orlov had a longstanding appointment with death. Once Russia’s richest man, he now resides in splendid exile in London, where he has waged a tireless crusade against the authoritarian kleptocrats who have seized control of the Kremlin. His mansion in Chelsea’s exclusive Cheyne Walk is one of the most heavily protected private dwellings in London. Yet somehow, on a rainy summer evening, in the midst of a global pandemic, Russia’s vengeful president finally manages to cross Orlov’s name off his kill list.
Before him was the receiver from his landline telephone, a half-drunk glass of red wine, and a stack of documents.…
The documents are contaminated with a deadly nerve agent. The Metropolitan Police determine that they were delivered to Orlov’s home by one of his employees, a prominent investigative reporter from the anti-Kremlin Moskovskaya Gazeta. And when the reporter slips from London hours after the killing, MI6 concludes she is a Moscow Center assassin who has cunningly penetrated Orlov’s formidable defenses.
But Gabriel Allon, who owes his very life to Viktor Orlov, believes his friends in British intelligence are dangerously mistaken. His desperate search for the truth will take him from London to Amsterdam and eventually to Geneva, where a private intelligence service controlled by a childhood friend of the Russian president is using KGB-style “active measures” to undermine the West from within. Known as the Haydn Group, the unit is plotting an unspeakable act of violence that will plunge an already divided America into chaos and leave Russia unchallenged. Only Gabriel Allon, with the help of a brilliant young woman employed by the world’s dirtiest bank, can stop it.
Elegant and sophisticated, provocative and daring, The Cellist explores one of the preeminent threats facing the West today—the corrupting influence of dirty money wielded by a revanchist and reckless Russia. It is at once a novel of hope and a stark warning about the fragile state of democracy. And it proves once again why Daniel Silva is regarded as his generation’s finest writer of suspense and international intrigue.
In "The Cellist", Daniel Silva delivers a gripping and action-packed thriller that takes readers on a high-stakes journey through the world of international espionage and political intrigue.
The story revolves around Gabriel Allon, a legendary Israeli intelligence operative known as "The Cellist", who is pulled out of retirement to investigate a series of deadly attacks targeting high-profile figures. As Gabriel delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a sinister plot that threatens the very foundation of Western civilization.
With his signature blend of intrigue, suspense, and meticulous research, Silva weaves a complex and intricate tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. From the opulent concert halls of Europe to the back alleys of the Middle East, Gabriel's relentless pursuit of the truth leads him to confront formidable enemies, navigate treacherous alliances, and unravel a web of deception that spans continents.
"The Cellist" is a masterfully crafted thriller that showcases Silva's exceptional storytelling abilities. With its well-developed characters, tightly plotted narrative, and thought-provoking themes, this novel is a must-read for fans of espionage fiction and anyone seeking a gripping and immersive reading experience.
Join Gabriel Allon on his perilous mission as he races against time to prevent a catastrophic event that could change the course of history forever. "The Cellist" is a captivating and unforgettable tale that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.
Rating: