Isabella's Reading Corner: Need to Know

Need to Know

Author: Karen Cleveland

Publication Date: January 23rd, 2018

Publisher: Doubleday Canada/Ballantine Books

Vivian, a CIA counterintelligence analyst, is working to uncover a highly secretive network of Russian sleeper agents. When she comes across a file of potential agents on a suspected handler's computer, she's hoping the pay off will come in the form of a promotion. She's shocked and horrified when she clicks open the file to see her husband Matt's photo, alongside four other faces, staring back at her. Is he really a Russian spy or has he been set up because she is getting too close to the truth?

Vivian is an extremely relatable character, even if her situation is not. She struggles with her decisions but justifies them as being for the protection of her family, who she loves above all else. It's easy to sympathise with her as she expresses confusion over how much Matt is involved with the Russians. After almost ten years of marriage and four children, she questions everything she thought she knew about her husband, wondering if she can trust him or if she's being manipulated. Themes of suspicion, trust, loyalty, betrayal and deception are prevalent throughout the story.

Need to Know is compulsive reading at its finest. Full of shocks and twists, this is a true rollercoaster of a novel, with intense edge of your seat excitement. Once I started reading, it was almost impossible to stop until I reached the electrifying conclusion. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for the finished copy provided for review.

From the publisher:

In pursuit of a Russian sleeper cell on American soil, CIA analyst Vivian Miller uncovers a dangerous secret that will threaten her job, her family—and her life. On track for a much-needed promotion, she’s developed a system for identifying Russian agents, seemingly normal people living in plain sight.

After accessing the computer of a potential Russian operative, Vivian stumbles on a secret dossier of deep-cover agents within America’s borders. A few clicks later, everything that matters to her—her job, her husband, even her four children—is threatened.‎

Vivian has vowed to defend her country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. But now she’s facing impossible choices. Torn between loyalty and betrayal, allegiance and treason, love and suspicion, who can she trust?

You can read my original Isabella's Reading Corner posts on Need to Know here and here.