Some writers have an innate understanding. They feel the pulse of the story, holding on tight enough to maintain control without crushing the life out of creation. This is how characters like Milo Weaver are created, how incredible stories like “The Tourist” make their way into our hands.

“The Tourist” reminds me of books written by some of the masters of this genre, people who can develop a spy story that centers more around the people involved rather than trying to fill pages with gun fights and car chases. Olen Steinhauer has crafted a great story filled with realistic characters that stay with you long after you close the book. Highly recommended. Five stars.

Spies, intrigue and plenty of twists and turns!  What's not to like?  I thought the book was fascinating. At a time where big brother theories are abound the story is as timely today as the year it was published.  Well worth the time to read this one!

This was my 1st time reading anything by Olen Steinhauer. I definitely enjoyed The Tourist, it's a real page turner after you get past the first couple of chapters. I recently found out this is book 1 of a 3 part series, which I'm definitely going to go look for and read. Was really impressed. 

Rating 3

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the eARC.
This was my first book by Olen Steinhauer and I found it a thought provoking read.  Although I generally don't read espionage, I was curious as I had heard a lot of good things about the author and the book.
The thought of being a 'tourist' for the CIA, travelling through strange countries, having no home, no identity and roots, with no one to go to when things go wrong, creeped me out.  
Milo is working in admin now, has a wife and kids, finally has a normal life, but normal isn't possible and he's pulled back in.  
I really felt for him, he can't trust anyone, all he wants is to be with his family and then he ends up on the run!   It's a good read and I will be reading the series for sure!

never read this author--takes a bit to get into but stick withit and it picks up. looking forward to the others in the series

Very good series! I started the first book in the series, and finished all three books in one week. Characters are well developed, and the plot is action packed!

The author provides  a strong foundation and plenty of detail to support the characters and the story line. The book moves at a good pace. I f you like this genre then you should like this book.

Reading The Tourist is like trying to put together a thousand piece puzzle without the final picture as reference. I often thought that Olen Steinhauer must have a remarkable mind to work through all the machinations necessary to produce a story that makes sense beginning to end. Take nothing at face value when you read this exciting espionage thriller. 

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the author and Minotaur Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
#TheTourist #NetGalley

Thanks to NetGalley for this ReadNow opportunity of a book I usually wouldn't pick up on my own.  I found this book to be quite interesting and it piqued my curiosity.

This is a great start to a spy novel, I really enjoyed the plot and characters. This one was my favorite of the three that I read.

Spycraft, often intriguing, gripping and like taking a peek into another world. Is it possible there are so many dark, dark-ops going on worldwide? Are these operatives really out there, alone, and in constant danger of being outed, their “employers” leaving hanging in the wind?

THE TOURIST by Olen Steinhauer should be an action-packed tale of life in the shadows, but it was more like a slow trip watching the fall of one man who had dedicated his life to his craft as he is drawn into his own demise.

Lies, deceit, murders and information leaks abound and still, the action was missing for me. Heavy on dialogue, often repeated information, I found it difficult to feel invested in this “secret” world.

I received a complimentary copy from Minotaur Books. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I enjoyed this book. It's not full of violence and it's not really a physcological thriller but it has elements of it. It follows the very convoluted life/trail of a CIA agent trying to make sense of a certain event and trying to get his life back from the fallout. It's a slow, measured paced plot but it really keeps you hooked.  #The Tourist #NetGalley.

Olen Steinhaurer launched this engrossing series with The Tourist. He is a superb writer well worth your time!

I have mixed feelings about The Tourist. It's not quite as "fun" as Chris Pavone nor as sophisticated as John Le Carre.  However, Steinhauer is clearly a very talented writer and he has a firm command of his material. The characters in The Tourist seem multi-layered--even though there's an overall sense of depression--and the plot is carefully thought out.  If you're looking for an action-packed spy thriller, this might not quite hit the mark. It's more contemplative than action-packed but make no mistake, betrayal lurks around every corner. Recommended if you are in the mood for a thoughtful spy story that explores the character's innermost thoughts, desires, and concerns.

Life as a Tourist is a little different from ordinary life.  You never have stability, never have roots.  You are always on the move and always a stranger in a strange land.  You're off the charts.  No connections.  No loyalties.  Except to the Company and the Bureau of Tourism.  Milo is a spook or, as they are colloquially known, a Tourist.  

Milo thinks he left Tourism behind, has a wife and daughter, a job in administrative back in the States.  He's safe.  He merely compiles a Tourism brochures for agents in the field.  But, having a safe family life as a civilian is something Hamilton's Matt Helm couldn't make work.  It divides the concentration.  It can be used against you.  But, you never stop being a Tourist.  You're never really a civilian again.  If you ever were.

This is not a bang bang shoot em up kind of secret agent story although there is some action.  It's one where loyalties are tested and there are plots within plots and you never know who to trust.  And, Milo may never trust anyone again.  Like Jason Bourne, he ends up on the run.  

Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.

Thanks to NetGalley I have found a new author. If you are a fan of espionage novels this is the series for you. I was pleasantly surprised to begin the first book in this series and realized I didn't want to put it down. Well written, interesting characters and locales, plus the back and forth of spies trying to find the truth in a world where everyone lies kept me engrossed through it all. I plan on reading the other 2.

Please check this one out. I hope you like it as much as I did.