I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not really a Steinhauer fan. I didn't- past tense - like his rambling writing style. Too hard to stay interested until he got to the point.

This installment of Milos journey is different. It's narrative is focused and thoughtful. The story has tension and suspense.

Full disclosure. I'm not really a Steinhauer fan. His previous books featuring Milo and the Tourists (what a name for a rock band, huh?) have left me pretty cold. One I couldn't even finish. Too rambling, too unfocused, sometimes downright incoherent.

But we live in hope and Steinhauer does write in a genre I love, so I tried THE LAST TOURIST anyway, And it turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. It's a solid and unexpectedly involving narrative wrapped in le Carre like reflection and character development. That's a great combination. I may even reconsider and become a Steinhauer fan.

Complex, Often-Times Confusing Spy Story!

The Last Tourist is Olen Steinhauer's fourth novel featuring Milo Weaver. If you read at least two books in this series you know that Milo Weaver was a CIA "tourist” until almost all of his fellow operatives were decimated by a Chinese spymaster, and the clandestine Department of Tourism was shut down. I enjoyed all three of the first three books a lot because of there requiring the reader to pay careful attention in order to unravel all of the layers of intrigue, double crosses and plot twists.

Unfortunately, while not a bad book per se, my level of enjoyment with The Last Tourist was well below the preceding books in the series, At best, I’d consider it to be an average book. This is largely due to my finding it too often getting “out of control” with its complexity and, thus, generating a reading experience that was highlighted more by feelings of confusion that satisfaction.. Further, I frequently felt In need of a scorecard to keep track of the large cast of characters, particularly since many of the characters have foreign-sounding names that will likely be unfamiliar to many readers.

Perhaps because of my having to deal with a sudden personal loss in my life shortly after starting this book, I wasn’t able to devote the total concentration required to be able to appreciate all of its nuances and, most importantly, to be able to understand how all of the complicated and, at times, confusing elements get tied together by the end of the book. Or, perhaps, my finding the book to be overly complex and confusing stems from the fact that the author.allowed too much time to go by between the publication of The Last Tourist and the three previous in the series (i.e. 7-10 years)

Nonetheless, be forewarned that The Last Tourist is not a fast-paced book and while it is a spy story, it is not an especially action-oriented thriller. In my opinion, an important strength of The Last Tourist is derived from Steinhauer's strong ability to create plot elements that you will mostly find interesting, well-written and well-researched (despite their complexity which will at times cause you to scratch your head while trying to keep up with what is happening, and why).

2 1/2 stars rounded up to 3 stars.

#The Last Tourist. #Net Galley

When CIA analyst Abdul Ghali is sent to Africa due to his family background and language knowledge, he expects a lot but surely not what his trip will turn into. He quickly finds Milo Weaver who runs the so-called “Library”, an organisation with its very own agenda between governments, international conglomerates and high ideals. A number of suspicious murders of members of the “Library” have triggered questions at home and it does not take too long for Ghali to become a target himself. He can flee with Weaver who then reveals what has been going on in the last couple of months: an incredible international conspiracy.

The final part of the Milo Weaver series is a highly complex spy novel linking political and economic interests with current events. There are not many global stakeholders missing and Olen Steinhauer‘s concept will be hard to surpass since it combines fast-paced suspense and authenticity concerning international politics and economics.

For me personally, the sheer number of characters and their individual agenda was a bit too much in order to simply enjoy the novel. I had to re-read several parts and take notes not to get lost. On the one hand, I enjoy demanding plots, on the other hand, this results also in demanding a bit less enjoyable reads. It definitely is also advisable to read the other novels of the “Tourism” series. The atmosphere created is convincing even so it was at times a bit over the top. All in all, a demanding espionage novel which takes some time to digest.

This is a fast-moving thriller that does not let the reader rest - you must pay attention! If you savor stories that are as intelligent as those of John le Carre, this is the book for you. There is a rather large cast of pertinent characters but they are well described and well developed with their roles clearly delineated by the author, so there is no problem keeping track of them. Their machinations and motivations are another matter and of course these are what drive the action. This book does not lack action!

As events evolve, there are of course fewer characters as it is an international thriller.

The author is Olen Steinhauer and this is the first of his books that I have read. He has written many as well as the TV series "The Berlin Station" which aired for three seasons. The Tourist delivers - it is an international spy thriller packed with fascinating characters who drive the story along at lightning speed. I found it to be a very entertaining and absorbing read. My only quibble with it is its anti-Americanism, political correctness that pops up here and there. Most normal people know that kidnapping teenaged girls is despicable and I didn't quite understand why Mr. Steinhauer continually brought that up throughout the book. To my mind, there are some preachy undertones here but I have found that to be in the case over the past couple of years, where many authors feel the need to preach their political and social views instead of just entertaining the reader. That did not detract me from enjoying the story, however.

I gave it 4 stars for the magnificently developed storyline and great writing. I felt that switching from first person with Abdul, the American CIA analyst, and then narrative tense with the rest of the cast was distracting. and to my mind, it did not add anything to the story to "get into" Abdul's head that deeply. He simply wasn't that interesting.

I do recommend this book and I intend to keep Mr. Steinhauer on my To Read List.

I would like to thank the publisher and Net Galley for granting me the privilege of reading a galley of The Tourist in exchange for an honest review. It is set for publication in March 2020 by MacMillan's Minotaur Books.

Really enjoyed this last book in the series of The Tourists, unexpected things and gives the reader so much to think about and all the possibilities this evokes. Very thought provoking when thinking about the "what if's " knowing these events could actually happen.. Well written and leaves me wanting more..

This book was a little hard to get into at first. It is about international intrigue and undercover government operations in the present day. Once I established what was going on and who was who it became very interesting. Lots of food for thought here. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes this genre.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

For those that love a good spy story, this book is for you! Milo believes he is finally out of the business of murder and mayhem. As a former "Tourist", the CIA name for assassin agents, he is ready for a rest. But then he gets that call he has been dreading - just one more job to do! This one will keep you up all night trying to figure out what is real and what is a lie. Lots of terrific characters and non=stop action. Thank you to NetGalley for the read, looking forward to more of Milo!

Review of uncorrected digital galley

Milo Weaver returns, continuing his intelligence activities and trying to remain unnoticed while, at the same time, working to keep his family safe as he confronts a conglomerate of businessmen concerned only with advancing their own interests. Adding to the complex situation facing Milo, there’s the unexpected revival of the clandestine, once-defunct Office of Tourism, a group of CIA-trained assassins that he’d believed eradicated some ten years earlier. Can Milo uncover the true enemy, keep the Library safe, and defeat the conspiracy? Or will he end up sacrificing those he loves best?

Filled with unexpected twists and turns, this tough, gritty fourth entry in the Tourist saga offers readers a large cast of characters all dedicated to outmaneuvering each other. The result is a complex, captivating tapestry that weaves together a story of politics, espionage, and deviousness on a global scale. Readers should expect characters to come and go as the story unfolds, revealing a great many surprises. References to the current political climate make the telling of the tale relevant to today’s readers. It’s not a quick read, but there is much here to satisfy readers who enjoy tales of espionage.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley
#TheLastTourist #NetGalley

This is the fourth book in the series, but for me was the first. I enjoyed the espionage and not knowing who was going to be friend or villan. A great book

It took me a while to get into this.  Lots of disparate parts eventually come together, but it takes some time.  Milo Weaver finds some chilling evidence that a scary group of the CIA known as the Tourists, appears to be back in business.  However, this time, it seems to be just mercenary.  

As people are dying, Milo is trying to put together a coalition to stop the Tourists.  From China to Russia to the UK to the USA and about everywhere in between, someone is affected.

The book is well-written.  Be aware that there are language issues.

Milo Weaver is back and the thriller genre is better for it! Olen Steinhauer continues Milo's adventures with The Last Tourist which is one of the better books in the series.

Great book. holds your attention from the beginning. Like the development of the characters. I would recommend it for everyone.

I received an ARC through NetGalley courtesy of the author and publisher.

This is the fourth installment of the An American Spy series; which can all be read in standalone's. This is the first in the series that I have read and I have to say - I'm impressed. Milo Weaver is our hero in all of the books and he is a very relateable character. The books was hard to put down and was not only gripping but suspenseful.

“The Last Tourist,” Olen Steinhauer’s fourth book in the Milo Weaver series, is supposed to be a stand-alone conclusion to a popular array of espionage thrillers that apparently George Clooney is enamored with. His production company has acquired the film rights. After grinding my way through the complex and twisting Tourist, I have decided that I should have read the other three to help me with my confusing journey. I’m not sure even Clooney will be able to put together a motion picture that will be decipherable.

I don’t know if I can even put my finger on the problem. Here’s a list of don’t likes that might help. There are too many characters with too many agendas. The characters are not easily liked and, therefore, fade away before they are supposed to. Their eye-chart names bounce around in uncontrolled frenzy. The idea of huge companies moving into usually government managed areas, including punishment for errant behavior, is confusing and not well defined. The complicated storyline is not well put together leaving the reader, at least me, scrambling to keep everything together. Dialogue is disconnected and not assigned to the characters in any recognizable pattern. I think that’s about it for my complaints.

I can’t remember the last time I was tempted to start a character list to keep things organized in my mind as I read. I don’t like doing that and didn’t do it this time either, preferring to stumble along, hoping to reach the last page with some sanity intact. I barely made it. Perhaps the author should have had made his own list to keep things discernable.

I liked the mechanics behind the writing. I thought it was scholarly and well produced. The plot was different. I also like the atmosphere of hovering threats and mysterious locations. There was a lot of intrigue, but it seemed more messy than complex. But looking at the good alongside the bad gives me no incentive to recommend this book.

The saga of the "Library" and its members, the tourists is brought back in a timely and compelling new novel by Mr. Steinhauer. The plot weaves across the globe and through many iterations. A must read for anyone who is hooked on intelligent spy novels. Great book!

A story of major worldwide political intrigue. Many countries and organizations are working together or trying to outmaneuver each other. The role of business when linked with governing agencies is being challenged. Well written with realistic characters.

Thank you for the advanced readers copy of this book, this was a new author for me and I definitely say that I enjoyed reading it. The book was very well written, the characters were easy to understand and the storyline was easy to follow. I definitely will be looking forward to reading more by this author and I definitely recommend this book to everybody.

The first time I took “Tourist” (beginning book of the series) I thought it was connected with 2010’s box office failure, nightmarish Depp& Jolie collaboration. Thankfully this series has nothing related with that horrifying project. This drags you into espionage world, making you question who your enemy is and who could you trust in this universe for staying alive!

Milo Weaver is vivid, complex, intelligent character reminds you of so many espionage thriller characters with his similar James Bond charisma, a little Gabriel Allon, Pike Logan meets Will Robre and Jack Reacher kind of mysterious man stays behind the shadows.

If you keen on solving mathematical problems with your best calculation skills, this book will be a great way of brain exercising like watching non-stop chess match and predicting what’s going to be the next move! It exhausts you, thrills you, forces you sit at the edge of your seats and fall down several times and hit the floor (better prepare your pillows before starting another chapter)

If you’re great fan of espionage world, spy thrillers, this is unputdownable and great choice to devour the pages excitedly. But my advice for you, you gotta start from the first book to have better understanding the backstory of the character. Of course this book could be also be read as standalone but for the fans of the genre, I suggest them to start from the beginning.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin Press/Minotaur Books for sharing this thrilling ARC COPY with me in exchange my honest review.

I only got three quarters through this book. I tried to finish it, but there wasn't enough in it to keep me going. I waited for action, but it just didn't have it. There were Hugh Russian names that were difficult to get by. If you are into political intrigue, this may be the novel for you. I kept telling myself more action is coming, but there was none. Since the story seemed to dragging along at a snail's pace, I had to quit. Like I said, if you are more into political intrigue this may be for you. It was not for me.