D.A. Roll is a writer, consultant, retired CIA Operations Officer, and former Army Officer. His three and a half decades of service took him around the globe, from the Kalahari Desert to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, from Europe to Africa, to the Hindu Kush, and scores of exotic locations in between. He is the recipient of the Bronze Star and the CIA Career Intelligence Medal. When not working or writing in his native Pennsylvania, he is most likely reading, painting, dog wrangling, or shuttling one of his sons to the next sporting event. For more information, follow him on X @DARollWriter
Welcome to the wilderness of mirrors. That’s the phrase that comes to mind when I describe Adam Sikes’ new novel, The Underhanded. A twisting thrill ride that harkens back to the golden age of espionage, fitting seamlessly within the modern canon of the genre. Think the clandestine knots of le Carré and the authentic white-knuckle action of Mark Greaney and you’re getting close. Given Adam Sikes’ resume as a former Marine and CIA Paramilitary Operations Officer, everything you would expect is there—in spades—but there’s so much more. Sikes’ refreshing approach to the espionage genre echoes that of psychological suspense and given his resume, rings with deep authenticity. One moment, you think you understand what’s happening, and the next, you realize just how far off the mark you were.
The prologue kicks off with a seemingly minor event that later weaves into the greater narrative, a glimmer of what is to come. The discriminating reader will note the authentic tradecraft from the start, hinting that one is about to get a peak behind the curtain, a riveting tale told by a former practitioner. From the first pages, you know you are in for a rare treat.
Professor William Dresden is not the classic protagonist, not a typical man of action, nor a master of the dark arts of espionage—but rather a humble, discredited academic who finds himself pulled into a world of secrets and lies. This is one of the highlights of this journey. There is action that rivals the most celebrated authors of the military/spy genre, yet Dresden survives not by training or lethal skill, but by his wits and fortitude. Dresden is not a hero in the traditional sense, but a pilgrim lost in a jungle of lies with a broken compass, slowly piecing together the larger conspiracy, one that he is intimately tied to, yet for most of his life, had nary a clue. Along the way, he enlists the assistance of confederates, including a beautiful British Intelligence Officer and multiple friends from his past, the true intentions of which are rarely, if ever, clearly revealed.
Sikes’ writing is a joy to read. Rich and layered, the word sublime would not be an overstatement. He strikes the balance between talented prose and authentic tradecraft in a way few others have mastered. The action is visceral, disturbingly tactile as it would be for someone who does not hail from that world. The underlying threat that drives this narrative is all too timely, such that one might wonder if it’s real. Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. I’ll never confirm nor deny, but it certainly could be. It’s the sort of thing that should keep you up at night.
In summary, prepare yourself for an authentic thrill ride, a harrowing story crafted by a writer who’s lived the story he’s written. Clear your calendar, pour yourself a libation of your choice, and be prepared to savor every word.
From TRBS:
The Underhanded is a gripping tale of intrigue, betrayal, and redemption. But beyond the clever twists and turns, it provides a timely reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of standing up to those who would seek to undermine it. Expect action, suspense, and a hero you can’t help but root for. — Ryan Steck, The Real Book Spy and author of Out For Blood
Book Details
Author: Adam Sikes
Pages: 320 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 1608096009
Publisher: Oceanview Publishing
Release Date: April 2, 2024
Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor and is building a growing community on Twitch. His debut thriller, FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” is now available. His second novel, LETHAL RANGE, is also in bookstores, and his third book, OUT FOR BLOOD, comes out on June 4th. For more information, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.