This is one of those books that you just can’t put down. I’m in awe of an author (or two) who can create something that completely consumes the reader. I couldn’t think of anything else while I was reading it. 

I loved all the snarky references to our previous president, his character, and his behavior. However, this book shows just how close to disaster we could have (did?) come with someone so malleable. I can certainly see how some of the actions in the book could have really happened. 

My quibbles are minor: the terms “state of terror” and “great silence” are repeated far too often. The identity of the HLI was clear to even me which means it was too obvious. 

The strengths were the strong female main characters, the friendship between Ellen and Betsy, and the clear love Ellen had for her kids. Most (all?) spy thrillers are about men with women in minor roles - this was a refreshing difference. And for the heroines to be middle-aged women was, for this older woman, a delight.