Joseph Kanon's first book, Los Alamos, was an Edgar Award winner. In many ways his second, The Prodigal Spy, is a more appealing novel. Both are fictitious versions of recent history: "The bomb" versus "the Red scare." The former occurs in dusty, gritty New Mexico; the latter is much more cosmopolitan. Washington, London, and Prague all play prominent backdrop roles. There are appearances by the CIA, FBI, and Czech Criminal Investigation Division. While this seems like a lot for an average novel, it flows very smoothly and the intricate plots are never plodding. The book is a pleasure to read. The author manages depth of discussion without sacrificing the fast pace expected in a spy thriller.

The time frame of the novel spans from the protagonist's childhood through a full realization of adult knowledge, passion, and regret. The book opens with an inquisition circa 1950 and Senator Joseph McCarthy. Public politics are displayed in their worst form and young Nick is a witness to his father's congressional hearing torture. A star hearing witness is found dead from "suicide" and Nick's father must flee. He is branded a communist spy and the young son becomes an accomplice by abetting the father's disappearance.

The instant maturation of 10-year-old Nick provides the framework for the story and for his character development. The inter- and intra-personal dialogues are exceptionably well penned. The reader feels very much a part of Nick. The strength of his character is sustained despite a 20 year time shift.

Nick the adult is unsettled and rather solitary. He has been to Vietnam, but rues the experience. He is pursuing post-graduate education, but remains stuck in his father's issues. At an anti-Vietnam rally an attractive woman appears with a message. Their relationship becomes another developing mystery. In the 60s vernacular, they have very strong karma, but nothing happens. Together they go in search of Nick's father.

This book has occasional bits of violence, detailed descriptions of mayhem, and a brief but lurid sexual experience. However, all of the graphic content is very much in context and is unlikely to offend. The plot is straightforward but intricate. Reading is easy and understandable, but incorporates plenty of ethical and plot issues. While surprises abound, one has no difficulty in following the unfolding story. The pacing is exquisite: the novel is fast moving spy intrigue; the story is dramatic, but not frenetic. Relationships are built slowly and carefully.

The story traverses political tight spots behind the Iron Curtain in a believable manner. The protagonist discovers that not all Reds are evil and not all Americans are innocent. The glimpses into high levels of the FBI are also enjoyable but much less believable. The ultimate resolutions are quite satisfying.

This book is particularly well suited for the reader who enjoys mystery, but has tired of the technical overlay (e.g. medicine, law; military) which so often accompanies the modern suspense novel. If there are any acronyms or technical terms in this novel, they are totally transparent. This is merely a very good story of good, evil, and many shades in-between.

--Steve Nemmers