The Book of Spies

Here's yet another twist on THE DA VINCI CODE. This one focuses on the secret Library of Gold and one of its key volumes, THE BOOK OF SPIES, both of which are connected to international terrorism. The plot focuses on rare-books expert Eva Blake, who pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter in the death of her husband, Charles. But Charles is alive--and is leaving Eva clues that lead to discovery of the book and library. Narrator Kate Reading gives a well-paced performance that conveys the emotions tormenting Eva as she searches for the book, the library, and the ruthless men behind them. Reading never intrudes on the story. Rather, her style complements Eva's intensity, allowing the listener to share in the book's surprising, if somewhat unfulfilling, conclusion. D.J.S. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

May 31, 2010
Rare-book expert Eva Blake is pulled into a frantic search for the Library of Gold—a collection of illuminated manuscripts thought to be lost in the 15th century—and embroiled in a conspiracy that reaches to the mountains of Afghanistan. As in the novels of Robert Ludlum, with whom Lynds has collaborated, the pace is unrelenting and the villains unbelievably efficient and prescient. While the story is tense and exciting in some places, the protagonists are too thinly drawn to invite emotional investment. Still, Kate Reading wrings every last drop of drama from the story; she handles the characterizations exceedingly well, creates plausible female and male characters of all age and accents, and keeps her audience enraptured. A St. Martin's hardcover (Reviews, Feb. 15).

February 15, 2010
A legendary library, containing written works dating back to ancient Rome and Greece, forms the tantalizing background of this winning thriller from bestseller Lynds (The Last Spymaster
). When The Book of Spies
, one of the bejeweled volumes of the Library of Gold (a rare book archive people have sought for centuries) surfaces, the CIA links a terrorist plot with the library and a cabal of powerful men who have been its keepers. Rare-book expert Eva Blake and former intelligence agent Judd Ryder have personal reasons for joining in the hunt for the library. Eva, released from prison for vehicular manslaughter in the death of her husband, learns that her husband, an authority on the library, is alive. A sniper shot Judd's father, a CIA agent, soon after the father claimed to have learned important information from the library. These two complicated, appealing characters complement the satisfying, conspiracy-laden plot that smoothly moves throughout Europe at breakneck speed.

Starred review from July 1, 2010
In "New York Times"best-selling author Lynds's (www.gaylelynds.com) sixth stand-alone novel, following "The Last Spymaster"(2006), rare-books expert/conservator Eva Blake must work with the CIA to find the Library of Gold, a legendary collection of rare, priceless books. Actress/narrator Kate Reading ("The Agency" brilliantly captures Lynds's colorful descriptions, employing multiple accents and conveying a wide range of emotions. The book closes with a time line illustrating the five-centuries-long real-life search for the Library of Gold. This thrilling tale of intrigue is perfect for audio and will appeal to listeners enjoying a complex story with roller-coaster turns. ["Readers of both espionage and artifact novels…will crave subsequent escapades with these characters," read the review of the St. Martin's hc, "LJ"2/1/10.—Ed.]—Susan G. Baird, formerly with Oak Lawn P.L., IL

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