Rules of the Game

From Library Journal

Two different narratives run side by side in Allbeury's (Show Me a Hero) well-crafted novel, which takes place as the Cold War winds down. In the first, Robert Thornton, an internal security agent for the British SIS, must find David Fisher, an agent who has disappeared. Thornton must contend with missing files, obstructive superiors, and rival agents while trying to determine the truth. In the second narrative, the SIS, CIA, and KGB look into the possibility of using mind readers as spies. After one of its agents dies, the CIA decides to terminate its inquiries, which doesn't sit too well with Schaeffer, the man running the operation. He sets in motion a chain of events that leads to the kidnapping of a KGB operative by the SIS. The KGB's mind reader, a beautiful and naeve young woman nicknamed Ushi, finds herself in a very dangerous situation. Fisher, the consummate professional, falls for Ushi and wants to protect her, but he must decide how far to go in trying to save her. A believable and seamless tale of espionage that reads like vintage le Carre; highly recommended. Patrick Wall, University City P.L., MOCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Two different narratives run side by side in Allbeury's (Show Me a Hero) well-crafted novel, which takes place as the Cold War winds down. In the first, Robert Thornton, an internal security agent for the British SIS, must find David Fisher, an agent who has disappeared. Thornton must contend with missing files, obstructive superiors, and rival agents while trying to determine the truth. In the second narrative, the SIS, CIA, and KGB look into the possibility of using mind readers as spies. After one of its agents dies, the CIA decides to terminate its inquiries, which doesn't sit too well with Schaeffer, the man running the operation. He sets in motion a chain of events that leads to the kidnapping of a KGB operative by the SIS. The KGB's mind reader, a beautiful and naeve young woman nicknamed Ushi, finds herself in a very dangerous situation. Fisher, the consummate professional, falls for Ushi and wants to protect her, but he must decide how far to go in trying to save her. A believable and seamless tale of espionage that reads like vintage le Carre; highly recommended. Patrick Wall, University City P.L., MO