Former FBI Director James Comey has released his fourth thriller, "Red Verdict," which delves into a high-stakes investigation involving a poisoning in Manhattan. The novel, published on June 19, 2026, features Deputy U.S. Attorney General Nora Carleton confronting the attempted murder of a senior defense industry executive.
The plot thickens as the weapon used in the attack is identified as Novichok, the same nerve agent employed in the 2018 Salisbury poisonings. This detail raises immediate questions about potential Russian involvement and the possibility of a mole operating within Washington's intelligence circles. The narrative promises a complex web of intrigue, examining the methods of intelligence agencies and culminating in a courtroom drama.
Comey, who has faced legal challenges, including charges related to alleged threats against former President Donald Trump, reportedly focused on writing the novel amidst these difficulties. The book aims to offer an authentic look at the inner workings of intelligence agencies and suggests potential political influence from entities such as the CIA.
In addition to "Red Verdict," the review also highlights two other thrillers. "Solitary Agents" by David Goodman, a sequel to "A Reluctant Spy," follows a disillusioned tech executive entangled in espionage who joins MI6 training. The story introduces a parallel narrative of a corporate lawyer joining MI5, with their paths crossing during a simulated infiltration exercise that takes a dangerous turn when a recruit is seemingly murdered. The review suggests this series is comparable in excitement to "Slow Horses."
The third book reviewed is "The Death Row Club" by V. A. Vazquez. This debut novel explores the concept of an "evil" gene through the story of Nicola Fischer, whose father was revealed to be a serial killer. The book follows Nicola as she navigates the aftermath of this revelation, facing social ostracization. She later attends a retreat for adult children of serial killers, where a similar mystery unfolds when one of the attendees is killed. The novel is described as a blend of a personal account of growing up with a serial killer parent and a suspenseful mystery, praised for its empathy, tension, and style.
