The Travelers
I’m always weary of the hype. So last year, when everyone was talking about The Travelers, I ignored it. But as the hype has been going on, and I had a new opportunity to try it, I dared. And I’m glad I did. I had not read a spy novel for a while, and it was worth the time.
This is a long book, and the author takes the time to set the context, so it starts on the slow side. Actually, for at least 80 pages, I really had no clue what was going on. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, mind you.
I just suggest you take notes, as there are a lot of characters to keep track of, plus they operate in many different countries, from South America to Iceland! (New York and several states, Spain, France, Argentina, Italy, Sweden, England, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland).
Will and Chloe are journalists, more precisely travel writers. So they go to different countries, especially to write about why American expats have moved there and what their experience has been.
The couple could be going better, plus they are broke.
So when Will receives the promise of good money for a special assignment, he accepts. Actually, he didn’t have much choice!
However, he realizes quickly things are fishy. Who is he really working for? Why was he chosen for that special mission?
You basically won’t know until the very end of the book. In the meantime, you will get entangled in this web with Will, you will start suspecting everyone in the story, and will go through crazy suspenseful scenes.
I can’t tell you more of the plot, but it’s built on very neat premises related to journalism. It’s probably not a brand new idea, but I had not really thought about it nor encountered it yet in another novel, so I thought it was quite a cool idea.
It’s not what you do that defines you. It’s why you do it.
Page 120
A special note on the writing style:
Many times, a chapter goes back a bit in time to focus on a detail. For instance, Will plugs in a special device. Then next chapter shows how he got that device in the first place, and from whom. I have not read other books by the author, so I’m not sure if this is one of his style characteristics. For sure he uses it a lot in The Travelers. At first, it was a bit confusing, but then when you realize what he’s doing, it’s fine. It also makes you slow down when you want to rush and see what’s next in store for Will!
There are lots of chapters, sections and subsections. At one point, I tried to understand how they were organized. I could not. But it really does not matter to enjoy the story.
At this time when so much seems to be going on within our country and in between countries, it felt quite à propos to read this intricate spy novel.
VERDICT: Intricate novel, full of suspense. Built on fascinating premises, it will delight all spy novels lovers
Author: Chris Pavone
Publication: March 8, 2016
by Crown
Pages: 448
ISBN: 978-0385348485
Genre: mystery /spy thriller
Check Chris Pavone’s website and follow him on Facebook
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In full compliance with FTC Guidelines,
I received this book for free from the publisher through Blogging for Books in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I was in no way compensated for this post as a reviewer, and the thoughts are my own.
Words And Peace 