If you’re looking for a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, look no further than Karen Cleveland’s debut novel Need to Know.  Not only it is an incredibly timely story with its focus on Russian operatives and sleeper cells in the U.S., but it’s also a well crafted one that takes us through one mother’s journey to see how far she will go to protect her family when she feels they are being threatened.  And as if that isn’t enticing enough, I’ve read that Need to Know is also being made into a movie with Charlize Theron in the starring role so there’s that as well!

Need to Know follows the journey of Vivian Miller, a counter-intelligence analyst at the CIA. Incredibly skilled at what she does, Vivian has risen through the ranks and has landed a coveted job in the department that investigates all things Russia.  When the novel opens, Vivian and her department have been looking for Russian sleeper cells in the U.S. and Vivian has developed an algorithm that can identify Russian operatives who handle the sleeper cells.  

One morning, while remote accessing the computer of a suspected operative, Vivian locates a secret dossier containing information about deep-cover Russian agents who are currently living in the United States.  What she finds makes her realize that, if true, most of her life has been a lie, and it threatens not only her job but also her husband and even her children.  Vivian has taken a vow to defend the U.S. against all enemies, whether foreign or domestic, but now she finds herself in an impossible situation, one that could get her imprisoned and even charged with treason!

What will Vivian do? How far is she willing to go to protect her family? Is there anyone she can trust to help her or is she on her own?

This is another one of those stories where I feel like I’m going to be vague in what I say so as not to give away any spoilers.  Because giving away any spoilers at all would ruin it, please bear with the vagueness.
In a book like this, I need a likeable main character that I can relate to and I liked Vivian right away.  She’s smart, savvy, good at what she does, and she’s a great wife and a devoted mother to her four children as well.  I found her job at the CIA fascinating and so I enjoyed following her as she accessed the operative’s computer and sifted through his files looking for useful information.  That said, I think where I found her the most relatable was her reaction once she uncovers this threatening information and realizes her family could be in danger.  As a mom, I completely related to her need to do whatever it took to make sure her children were safe.  Even though I didn’t necessarily agree with what she did every step of the way, I understood that the information she found put her in a no-win situation. She was damned if she did, damned if she didn’t so the only course of action that made sense was to at least protect her children at all costs. 

Need to Know is presented to the reader from Vivian’s point of view, which was probably my favorite part about the novel.  Seeing the story unfold through her eyes and having a bird’s eye view of what’s going on in her head as each new detail unfolded and the threat to her family grew just made the story all the more engaging for me.  Her thoughts and fears and her frantically trying to find a way to make everything in her life okay again are what really kept me turning the pages. Her desperation is palpable as is her growing paranoia as she doesn’t know who, if anyone in her life, she can trust.  I found myself right there alongside her, questioning everything and everyone and wondering if she would ever be able to find a way out of the mess she was in.

I also think having the story told from Vivian’s point of view added to the suspense and the tension in the novel.  As I mentioned, that’s what kept me turning the pages and unable to put the book down once I got started.  The suspense builds throughout and keeps the pacing of the story quick.  I was easily able to read the book in less than two days and even found myself getting ready for work with my Kindle on the bathroom counter trying to squeeze in a few more pages whenever I could.  That’s impressive for any book in my opinion but is truly impressive for an author’s debut novel, which this is.  

A final area that really impressed me with Need to Know was how well researched the CIA portion of the novel seemed to be.  It felt like I really was watching the inner operations of a counter-intelligence department, and I realized that I basically was once I checked out the author’s bio and learned that she herself had actually worked as a CIA analyst for 8 years, 6 of that specifically in counterterrorism.  Karen Cleveland is definitely writing from experience here and I appreciated the authenticity it brought to the story. 

I don’t want to say much about this, but if you’re a fan of “Long Cons,” you’ll love this story.  It takes the long con to a whole new level! 

I did have one issue with the story and that was that I thought there was a little too much focus on the day-to-day family activities in Vivian’s life. I loved that she was a fierce mom who would do anything to keep her children safe, but I felt like I got a little bogged down a few times along the way while I was reading.  I’m dying to know what’s going to happen next on the Russia front, but instead I’m sidetracked reading about one of the kids running a fever and needing to be picked up from daycare.  As a parent I recognize that those kinds of things are part of life, but as a reader, I was just sitting there like “Hurry up and get back to the juicy stuff!” 

Even if you don’t typically enjoy spy thrillers, I’d still highly recommend Need to Know.  Even though there is a heavy spy thriller element with the focus on the CIA and the sleeper cells, the story is still basically a story about how far a woman will go to protect her family.  That added layer is what really made this a phenomenal read for me, and as much as I enjoyed Need to Know, I look forward to reading more from Karen Cleveland. I’m hopeful that the way the novel ends has left the door open for a sequel because I would love to read more about Vivian.  

RATING:  4.5 STARS

A big thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. First time reading this author. I got this on a whim. Started reading it-for some reason Matt irked me so I put it down. Picked it up yesterday and read the whole book at once!!! Wow the ending is a kicker!!

Wow this was an intense thrill ride! It kept me on the edge-of-my seat and I couldn't put the book down. I kept thinking what would I do if I was in Vivian's position which makes this story so believable. 

This book was awesome and I highly recommend it to all. I can't wait to read more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for supplying me a copy of Karen Cleveland's "Need to Know" in exchange for an honest review.

A very interesting spy novel which kept me interested and I enjoyed.  A lot of suspense and thrilling moments, fast-paced and a lot of action. Liked the writing style and what unique the plot is. Have not read books on CIA related topics and I found this one to be a very good introduction for me.

Woah! The ending just blew me away! Need to Know is incredibly well written. The suspense build and builds, and then just when the reader thinks it is okay to breathe a sigh of relief it all ramps up again. I found myself wondering how I would react if I were in this situation. Need to Know is a book that I want to recommend to friends!

Karen Cleveland’s Need to Know is a tense, sophisticated romp through Washington, DC – it travels from the suburbs to the heart of the CIA’s analytical offices, and deep into the tangled webs of espionage. 

Cleveland herself worked for the CIA as an analyst, and it was, undoubtedly, this expertise that helped to elevate this book from the average, run-of-the-mill spy thriller to a tight, suspenseful winner. Without ever getting bogged down with the details, Cleveland managed to leave no stone unturned, and in doing so, she created a wonderful story and an unforgettable main character. 

Equally as fierce as she is vulnerable, Vivian Miller is launched into a world of deceit and betrayal after a seemingly mundane day at the CIA takes a sharp turn to the bizarre. She is suddenly faced with the balancing act of being a good employee (and patriot) while also protecting her family. The dynamics between Viv and her family are the driving force of the novel as much as the initial problem, and the juxtaposition of the current timeline along with the family's unfolding history creates an enormous amount of tension.

Perhaps the book’s greatest strength is how masterfully Cleveland managed the different reveals within the book. By weaving the past and present together, and allowing the reader to discover the truth alongside Viv, Cleveland ups the ante and introduces an additional bit of stress to the reader. The reader, like Vivian, is left wondering who can be trusted, what is going to happen next, and what sort of games are afoot. Unlike in many other books, the reader is neither smarter than, nor left behind by, the story or its hero; Cleveland manages to keep the reader and Viv in sync without sacrificing writing, pacing, or plot.

The writing is crisp and clean, vivid when it counts and tight enough that the book, which deals with some very tech-heavy concepts (encryption among them!), never becomes tangled in its own intelligence. Cleveland balances the emotional struggles that Vivian is experiencing right alongside the clear and present danger that she and her family are in as more and more puzzle pieces begin to fall into place. The writing is quick and precise, with all of the efficiency of a CIA analyst. Unfortunately, at times, especially as the action picks up, the writing can also become sterile.  

The book's ending, admittedly, leaves a bit to be desired -- especially when juxtaposed with what we (including Vivian!) have already learned. That being said, it is nevertheless a strong ending that is tied-up just neatly enough to be suspicious, and with good reason…

Vivian works for the CIA, is happily married to her wonderful husband Matt, is juggling work and raising their 4 children. While working on Russian sleeper agents, she comes across the worst thing that could disrupt her life as she knows it. This is a thrilling read that will keep you turning the pages to find out what will happen next. It makes you wonder if this could really happen. A great debut novel that is hard to put down.

This is a book about bad choices and going against your gut. I was dismayed at the main character I felt she was very contrite and wishy-washy.  She didn't follow through on her beliefs and led to a book that didn't really feel authentic.

This was a very well written book that will quickly grab your attention and hold it until the end.  Vivian, a CIA analyst, is working on the Russian counterterrorism team and writes an algorithm to gain access to a suspected Russian sleepers handler's computer.  Once gaining access, she makes a discovery that plunges her into a terrifying and dangerous game.

What would you do to protect your family?  I found myself wondering if I might actually betray those things that are most important to me to protect my family and their way of life.  

The best of books cannot keep me up all night reading; I'm just too old, tired, and grumpy.  Need to Know, however, kept me up much later than any book has for years.  I found myself looking for opportunities to read at work, home, and in the car (NOT while driving).

Scrappymags 3-word review: Shady Marriage Problems
 
All my reviews available at scrappymags.com
 
Genre: Mystery/CIA-government thriller
 
Shortest summary ever: CIA counterintelligence analyst and mom of four Vivian Miller works on busting Russian cells in the U.S. until a cell hits a little too close to home. Now her family is threatened as she is sucked into a dangerous world of espionage. Who can she trust? Anyone?
 
What’s good under the hood: This is my first Cleveland book and I was pleasantly surprised. I'm a fan of bad-ass women in powerful, intelligent positions and thought that a woman with a family working as a counterintelligence analyst was a nice swing for me. Most of my love is reserved for "lone wolf" types, but I was in the mood for some good old Russians-spying-in-the-U.S. FICTION for once, so I turned off the news and engrossed myself in this novel. Glad that I did. It’s escapist, fast-paced and intriguing, a perfect blend of the three. I’m not married nor a mother so I didn’t connect with some decisions Vivian made for her family, but when I asked my mom she said she’d do “anything for my kids.” Thanks Ma! That told me that my criticism - that Vivian seemed a bit dumb initially in her decision-making is merely a matter of perspective. Throw kids into the mix, and mama bears everywhere will understand the compulsion to protect their cubs.
 
What’s bad or made me mad: It was a bit predictable, but I was surprised in a few places. My 4/5 is mostly because I'm not a damsel-in-distress fan and felt too much weakness in Vivian so it wasn't PERFECT, but a complete B+, worth the read and would recommend.  BUT again, I admit I am single and child-free, so having kids would change my perspective vastly and likely boost that up to a perfect 5.
 
Recommend to:
From the buzz I hear, Cleveland fans will give this an easy 5
Those in the mood for fast and furious espionage/spy/who-is-the-bad-guy/girl fun?

Thanks to NetGalley Random House Publishing Ballantine and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review and being happy yet again to be single.

Before the index, the author plants a quote by Oscar Wilde, "When one is in love, one always begins by deceiving one's self, and one always ends by deceiving others. That is what the world calls a romance." Somehow, I missed this quote when my Kindle app too me straight to the first page of the story. Vivian Miller, counterintelligence analyst for the CIA, tells her story in first person. 

Life as she knows it gets turned upside down when she discovers a photo of her husband on her computer at work-in the files of a suspected Russian sleeper cell handler. With four children under the age of 10, Vivian battles mommy guilt, daycare woes, and now the horrible suspicion that her beloved husband Matt isn't what he seems. 

Cleveland's tale will take you on a wild ride with as many twists and turns as a Six Flags high-speed ride. The issues of mommy guilt and a woman's desire to contribute to both society and her family will make you think about how you handled those questions (or will handle them-depending on your age). Guys reading this book will find a great role model in Matt-a man's man who works from home, does the cooking, and primary caretaking for the kids. 

But as Vivian's life unravels, she has frequent flashbacks to key points in her life that chip away at her faith in Matt. In the end, the only thing she knows for sure is that she will do anything to protect her children. A battle of Russian bear v. momma bear ensues as Vivian discovers the depths of her resolve.

Written by a former CIA analyst in counter-terrorism, this quick read explores the idea of Russian sleeper agents, but inside a family. Perfect for fans of the best spy show around, The Americans. Although I could have used a bit more complexity, I still enjoyed the read.

I so loved this book! It had so many twists and turns. Once I picked it up there was just no putting it down.
Vivian works as a CIA analyst. She's also a wife to Matt and mother of four very young children. Her family is the thing that's most important to her... and where she's most vulnerable. One day her world changes. What is truth and what is a lie? Her only constant is loving and protecting her children.
This book kept surprising me, right to the end. A really great read.

Need to Know is about a CIA counterintelligence analyst named Vivian Miller. She is busy trying to balance motherhood with a demanding career in Russian counter intelligence. Despite her job at the CIA, her life seems normal. Until one day she discovers a secret that makes her question everything in her life. 

I won't lie, there was nothing original about this story. The plot and the characters can be found in any number of books and movies. The start was gimmicky with a dramatic opening followed by the two days earlier ploy. On top of that, it's written in first person, present tense which I am not found of. Then there flashback scenes in past tense, but they didn't bother me because they still flowed well with the rest of the story and were informative. But still, my initial expectations were low.

So why the four star rating? Because despite the generic setup, I couldn't put this book down. I read it in under twenty-four hours. There isn't any one thing that I can pinpoint as to why this book was a page turner, but it certainly was. It has Best Seller written all over it. The story was more cerebral suspense / cat and mouse than action. It was realistic without being too technical or taxing on the brain. It was not too violent or gory but still built up the tension and sense of risk. 

The ending was abrupt though, and the whole thing felt very Hollywood. Apparently the film rights have already been bought and big names attached to the production. It always makes me suspicious when movie rights are swooped up before the book even gets published especially for a debut author. That being said, I can totally see this as a movie. It is entertaining and has very mainstream appeal. So while it was not astounding writing or an original plot, but it was still engaging and exciting. It's a short book, easy to read, and sure to be a best seller.

Can I just say: WOW, what a ride! Karen Cleveland's debut novel was a fast paced read that left me wanting to know: what's next? And what will this talented writer.

Vivian Miller is a CIA Analyst focusing on Russian Sleeper Agents in the US. When her algorithms prove to be successful and break into a suspected handler's computer, she discovers that her husband - and father to her four children - is in a file marked "friends". Does she do what's right: turn him in? And destroy her life as she knows it?  Or does she try to hide it?

Appealing to folks who love thrillers, mysteries, and a deep dive into human nature, this book is on my "must reads" to my reading friends.

Add this to your "to read" list and bring it to the top of the pile!

This book led me on a wild goose chase. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I was thrown for a loop. It was full of action and kept me on my toes. I would highly recommend it.

I really was intrigued by the premise of this book.
I did like the plot and i couldn't put the book down, I actually finished this one in two days
However I wasn't the biggest fan of the writing style.
The first chapter literally throws you inside the story. This means that a lot of things need to be told instead of showed and therefore it was quite hard to connect with the characters.
In the beginning the writing style was also repetitive
At first I did not like the switching between the past and the present but further in the book I actually understood why they did it and gave more inside to the actions of the characters.
I loved the prologue of this book, it really shocked me and made me interested what would happen next.

Not my favourite read but I did enjoy reading it so 3 stars

If all of the counterintelligence agents in the CIA are as naive and make as many bad decisions as the protagonist in this novel, the Cold War is lost. While I sped through this book because it is an exciting read, the main character was totally unbelievable. Our entire counterintelligence team at the CIA can not be this dumb.

Vivian is very happily married to a man named Matt, Not only does she dearly love him, he is a fantastic father to their children.

Professionally, Vivian is a CIA analyst and a member of the Russia section at the CIA. She has developed a special algorithm for finding Russian sleeper cells. And she has success. Unfortunately, in the process, she finds a picture of her husband on the computer of a Russian handler, labeled in a way that marks him as a Russian agent.

From there, she is frightened, unsure what to do, and wants to protect her family at all costs. She has been happily married to a Russian spy for 10 years and she must try to separate her emotions from what is good for her country, her family, and herself. Not necessarily in that order. 

 As the events unfold, the author includes vivid flashbacks, where the past informs Vivian as she tries to make sense of the current situation. Vivian attempts the seemingly impossible task of doing the right thing. In this book, you accompany Vivian as she agonizes over and makes her decisions as what to do next. And unfortunately, the circumstances keep changing, calling for new decisions without much time to think them over.

This book will be of interest to a variety of readers, including those who like thrillers, suspense, and spy novels. 

An additional note: The author spent 8 years as a CIA analyst, which surely benefits this book enormously.

A fun spy thriller that hits all the right notes and doesn't demand too much of the reader.

While this lacks the complexity of a Daniel Silva or John Le Carre novel and isn't even in the same stratosphere as Terry Hayes' I Am Pilgrim (which is of course, the greatest spy novel ever written), it succeeds anyway because that isn't what Cleveland seemed to be aiming for. 

This is a spy novel for those who aren't necessarily into spy novels, and still a good read for those who are. 

Vivian is frustrating at times, and I still question a lot of her personal choices, especially toward the end of the book, but perhaps that's what makes her more human. I don't think she's a particularly realistic character for the role, but that's also what makes her likable. 

Points to Cleveland for her ending as well. The twist in the epilogue was predictable, but it was also exactly what the story needed after appearing as though things might just tie up a bit too conveniently.