This was my first book in Gabriel Allon series. I randomly picked up this book. I did not know there where other books in this series but it did not stop me from getting along the books. Even though there is a lot of history for the character it will not stop us from enjoying this book. Even though most of the things are predictable in my opinion it happened not in the order I anticipated so for me that is a big thing. It is a very good read. I am planning to get other books in the series.