THE SYNDICATE SPY by Brittany Butler

4 stars

This intriguing audio espionage thriller is set in the near future when Earth has depleted all of its oil reserves and the world finds itself on the brink of war based on ownership of alternative energy sources. American Juliet Arroway, a former Army ranger, now works as an undercover spy in an international syndicate with operatives from governments around the world aimed at ending terrorist attacks related to alternative energy development. She on the hunt for a the head of a Middle East terrorist group, known as Abu Hassan, but whose identity has remained elusive, and she’s partnered in tracking her down with Mariam al-Saud, the daughter of the King of  Saudi Arabia who Juliet met at Foreign Service School in D.C.. Unexpected twists and turns abound amid terrorist attacks in London and Paris, and Juliet’s having to partner with Graham Harding, a self-assured FBI agent she finds endlessly abrasive. The plot also involves the fight for women’s rights in closed-down traditionalist Arab, male-dominated societies.

That thriller part of the book proves grabbing and I loved the amazing audio version- with amazing narration from changing of international accents to keeping the suspense at full tilt. The plot also clearly draws from the author’s years as a CIA spy recruiter, with her focus on both the Middle East and the fight over women’s rights.

That being said, clunky explicit sex scenes and the constant angst in Juliet’s love life truly drag the action down – instead of heightening the thrill or adventure or coming off as erotic. Hopefully these will become more believable and nuanced with better editing guidance as future books continue Juliet’s work as a master spy agent.

Thanks to Greenleaf Book Group Press and Netgalley for an audio review copy of this book.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.