REVIEWS
Where Sunflowers Stand
“A true espionage novel, in the mold of the good ones written during the cold war. Except this one is during a very hot one – the largest war on European continent since WWII.”
“As the war unfolds in Ukraine, Alex Curtner, a CIA Station Chief for Russia and Ukraine, has his hands full with Russian Intelligence ops around the world. He has to protect his most important asset in Moscow, find a Russian mole in the Ukrainian General Staff, prevent an assassination of a US senator in Washington DC, and assist with deliveries of armor to the front line. To achieve each of his goals he has to win the battle against the formidable opponents in Moscow Intelligence and Counterintelligence services.”
“Kiril Pratov, possibly Alex’s counterpart on the opposite side of the fence, believes his country is heading in the wrong direction, back to an undesirable past. He battles an inner turmoil with respect to both his national-based obligatory patriotism and his personal patriotism as he endeavours to seek out the mole within his own government structure.”
“The writing was sharp, and the story kept building without ever slowing down.
It wasn’t just about espionage... it was about loyalty, betrayal, and how messy human decisions can get when the world is falling apart. I especially liked how the author made each side feel layered rather than just ‘good guys’ vs. ‘bad guys.’ It made the story feel grounded and real. There were moments that felt tense in a very personal way, and I found myself thinking about the characters long after I finished.”
“The stakes feel incredibly real, and the setting adds another layer of tension. It’s a human story about the weight of responsibility and trust in impossible circumstances. I appreciated how the book captured the complexity of global politics without overwhelming the reader. It has a solid balance between emotional depth and fast-paced intrigue. If you enjoy intelligent thrillers that don’t sacrifice character for plot, this one is definitely worth reading.”
“As with KJ Backford’s two previous books, the reader is steered through labyrinths of multiple-level political ebb and flow, with a good dose of agency-based cloak and dagger along the way.”
Breaking Moscow Charter
“This tale of espionage sits on a solid platform of plausibility, and this is achieved through keeping it real; we don’t have the tired old play of over sensationalized physical action, yet the intellectual action is ever-present. Of course, this is not to say that a bit of lead doesn’t fly at times.”
“Many novels are veritable puzzles; some are jigsaw puzzles, they sit flat, while others, just like this one, are more of a Rubik's cube. The reader must maintain awareness of all sides of the cube as they progress through the book. That’s a major element of fun to the read.”
“This murder mystery unfolds as a complex narrative, exploring the breaks within a lifelong friendship. Wonderful descriptions capture different cities well, creating a fast-paced and captivating journey. The gradual reveal of the mystery, coupled with interesting characters and an astute look at today's issues, make this a must-read.”
“The complexity of this book is a pleasure to take in; it’s like a long table set with a banquet of literary delicacies, each one offering teased suggestions and tantalizing experiences to the taste buds of the mind.”
“This novel is like a great spirit beverage: rich, complex, bold, refined, and with some spiced undertones that leave you feeling good.
The Blackmail Enigma
“I love the way the author weaves the different story lines together in a seamless manner and gathers them neatly in the end to solve the mystery, bit by bit.”
“The suspense slowly builds as some leads yield bits of information, others are dead ends, heightening the mystery. You'll keep wanting to read one more chapter.”
“The ending is surprising and reveals the answer to the enigma presented at the story opening. The Blackmail Enigma is a great novel. Keep them coming.”
“The Mystery/Intrigue usually do not make the reader experience that 'aftertaste,' that unenforced need and desire to think, digest of what was read in the previous chapters of the novel.”
“The unusual setting of the story is compelling and provides an interesting backdrop to the narrative.”
“If you enjoy a change from the ordinary mystery/thriller novel, then this book is for you.”