I am usually not really into political thrillers. However, Need to Know by Karen Cleveland took my breath away! The reader is introduced to Vivian, a wife to Matt, mother of 4 children and a CIA analyst. She works extremely hard to balance her home life and her job. One day while looking through files on Russian Sleeper Spies, she opens a folder and finds a photo of her husband. Stunned, she immediately confronts him and her worst fear is confirmed. Her husband is a Russian Spy. Now she must make the extremely difficult choice, her country or her family.

My book synopsis may sound typical or predictable, no. I just don’t want to give spoilers. The book starts off pulling the reader in right off the bat. There is no skipping a beat. There is a constant change of events that kept me awake. I could not put this book down. Vivian is an incredible character, not just as a CIA Analyst. She is a mother, first and foremost. The author really knows the depths of motherhood; the struggles, pregnancy loss and the sacrifice. This book really dives into how a mother will do absolutely anything for her children. Anyone who is a parent will be able to relate to Vivian.

There is already quite a lot of buzz about this book. Before the book was even published there was a bidding war for the rights of the book. This book is now scheduled to be made into a movie starring Charlize Theron! (Who is exactly who I picture as Vivian!) I am so excited for this adaptation and any more possible books from Karen Cleveland. This is Karen Cleveland’s first novel and who used to be an actual CIA Analyst, which makes the feel of this novel so realistic! I definitely recommend this book to those who like thrillers, spy novels or just reading in general. There is something for everyone to appreciate in this story. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!

Thank you, Goodreads, Karen Cleveland, and Ballantine Books for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review