"The Kramski Case" by James Ward

Tales of M17 book #1

When Kramski, a retired SVR files- operative, starts assassinating paparazzi in three countries, then M17 steps up and soon discovers a covert operation is behind the killings. Joining the UK is a US cop and a Russian agent to unravel the intrigue. As readers off we go on a journey through multiple twists and turns with lots of surprising developments.

Layers and layers of intrigues with each espionage department kept in the dark about the work of the others. It is a messy and muddled plot although clearly the author knew where he was going with his story. I am being picky saying this but the multiple characters to keep track of was a bit much. I like the interesting and entertaining banter as well as how people lies and spreads rumours letting you wonder what is going on and where is the truth. The plotting which centers on conspiracy is very complex and intricate it left me frustrated at times but I got over this in the long run. Perhaps it was the few English (UK) vernaculars I was not too familiar with nevertheless it made good British espionage literature. The pacing is slow and steady with well-orchestrated action scenes such as car chase and aerial dogfight just to name a few to make us hold on till the conclusion. In my books “The Kramski Case” is way too complicated and farfetched and most of all it lacks the WOW factor to make it a stellar read.