Six months later as The Defector begins, Grigori, who now lives in London, disappears under mysterious circumstances. While the Brits think he voluntarily went back to Russia, the Israelis believe the former Russian intelligence officer was kidnapped. They also believe that Gabriel, who is now on an extended honeymoon in Umbria with his wife Chiara restoring an Italian altarpiece, is at risk as well.

Israel's head of special ops, Uzi Navot (Gabriel had turned the position down) summons Gabriel back to work. Gabriel travels to London meeting with MI5 agent Graham Seymour and discovers that Olga Sukhova has been in contact with Gregori. Gabriel meets with Olga in Oxford and confirms that Grigori was kidnapped. In Oxford, only the quick actions of Gabriel prevent their death by Kharkov's men.

From Oxford Gabriel travels to Paris where he meets with Ari Shamron who has been in charge of Israeli security for more than 50 years. Ari is like a father to Gabriel and asks him to return to Israel and take over as head of "The Office." Gabriel will consider the offer only if he can rescue Bulganov and complete his painting. From there, it is off to Lake Como to plan Bulganov's escape and to America.. The finale in the woods outside of Russia is not to be missed.  

The Defector is the ninth edition in the Gabriel Allon series and one of the very best. Gabriel (named after the archangel) Allon (oak tree in Hebrew) is one of the more compelling heroes of the international thriller genre. Gabriel's relationship with Ari Shamron and Silva's characterization of this relationship is skillfully depicted. When Gabriel leans over to kiss Shamron's cheek before leaving for his mission in Russia, the emotion is palpable. Chiara and Gabriel also share some very poignant moments which reveal Silva's ability to write both action and emotion.

The Defector is indeed a sequel and thus it would be helpful to read Moscow Rules first. However, the reader is given enough backstory to read The Defector as a standalone international thriller. Action, emotion, international locales and exceptional writing make The Defector well worth reading.

--Jerry Solot