The Spy Who Came for Christmas

This is one of those books that's great to read around Christmas. Anytime of the year is good, but Christmas around Christmas is best. Right from the start you're thrust into action. A man running away from others with a baby under his coat. The man is shot, bleeding and loosing strength. And it's Christmas Eve in the streets of Santa Fe, New Mexico. And it's snowing. NO, I did not give much away, other than the first few pages, so don't worry on the story being spoiled. It's important that I wrote the above, because the author jumps around a bit with things that happen in the past and are currently happening. But please do not let that bother you as I came so close to dropping this book as I wanted so much to things (I'm not going to write what) that I was starting to figure the book was bad. However thinking back I believe it's done in a way to show redemption on multiple characters. However, Morell does a great job giving true details on baby Jesus and the 3 Magi. But he does it in such a way that you're getting the whole story being told from the spy and how it was told to him. I really think Morrell did his research in this book regarding the 3 Magi and Santa Fe, NM. And it all starts as the "spy" is looking at the creche (yes the right spelling), thinking of he past professor talking about this, all while talking to Cole. I really liked the character Cole, but wish he was involved more. I don't know how Morrell would of, but Cole was my favorite character. This is not a large book, easy reading. I heard the audio book on Satellite radio and the voices were great. Again, a great read anytime, but if you can there's a special effect around the holidays, especially with the themes in the book revolving around family and redemption.

This is a really good book by David Morrell. Without giving the book away it is about an undercover agent running from the Russian Mob and house he hides in. It is a good X-Mas story. Well worth your money for a short book.

Paul Kagan, an undercover agent, decides to reveal his identity to rescue a baby. Wounded, he takes refuge from his hunters with a battered woman and her son in their home. Morrell's short novel weaves a good spy story with the Christmas tale. The best part was his spy version of the Christmas tale. Although it may not be one of his best books, I still found the story compelling. Morrell has a good twist at the end that will feed future books.

It was the night before Christmas, and all through the town (of Sante Fe, New Mexico), several creatures were stirring, all wearing frowns (especially the seriously wounded double agent Paul Kagan, and his pursuers, ruthless killers bent on taking the life of Paul's special cargo, an infant). The townspeople went about their activities with care (celebrating with a festival of lights), in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there (hopes that will be disappointed--what they do get though is an unexpected night of thrills and danger, as Kagan engages in a desperate battle of wits with his ex-comrades, all to preserve the hope embodied in the person of an innocent child). OK, enough with trying to paraphrase Clement C. Moore. As you might expect, Morrell's latest is chock full of action, suspense and surprises, a winning combination any of his myriad readers comes to expect after sampling any of his enthralling canon of expertly crafted action and adventure stories. What makes this short novel truly special, however, are Morrell's embellishments to the traditional story of the Three Magi, told from the perspective of a professional spy, the details of which you're almost guaranteed to repeat at least once each Christmas season from now on, if only to observe the look of surprise and wonder dawning on your listener's faces. Morrell's additions stand that staid and stolid tale on its head, suffusing it with totally plausible but unexpected elements of danger, pathos and intrigue.

The title of David Morrell's newest book, THE SPY WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS does somewhat resemble the wording of LeCarre's THE SPY WHO CAME FROM THE COLD, and at just over 200 pages, it's about the same size. But does it have what it takes to become a classic? It certainly has all the ingredients, not least of which is the book's originality. The first surprise of The Spy Who Came For Christmas is... the book's design... It's absolutely beautiful. Hardly ever does a book's physical appearance get mention, but this time it's worth it. The hardback has non-standard dimensions -- it's smaller than a typical hardback, but larger than a mass market paperback. Given the novel's length, this format is perfect to hold in the reader's hands. I must note that David Morrell's current publishers are seemingly giving him the attention he deserves. The book's layout is wonderful, with nice little clipart illustrations. It feels like a Christmas book. And that's what it actually is. David Morrell's previous two books were a bit of a letdown for me. While a good book in its own right, Creepers was only above average by Morrell's own mind-blowing standards. And Scavenger was an utter disappointment. So does Morrell get back into full stride with "Spy Who Came For Christmas"? His first true spy thriller since the 1990s? Yes he does indeed -- but in a different way than expected, a unique way. Is this book as good as the afore-mentioned LeCarre, Ludlum, or the best by Morrell himself (insert favorite here, like The Covenant of the Flame in my case)...? No. Why not? Because it is special. First and foremost, "The Spy Who Came For Christmas" is a Christmas story - but told from a spy thriller perspective. Here lies David Morrell's masterstroke in writing this book. There is no other novel like it. Morrell's own HUNDRED-YEAR CHRISTMAS comes to mind for a more direct comparison, but to the best of my knowledge, it's not a spy thriller by a long shot (a very limited-edition book, that one). Knowing that, everything clicks into place -- the lovely format, the word count (a 700-page Christmas tale is an oxymoron), and even the somewhat simplistic plot. Speaking of the plotline -- if you've read the blurb or editorial reviews, you pretty much know most of it (don't gear up for an epic saga). But not ALL of it -- Mr Morrell, as usual, has several dazzling twists up his sleeve to satisfy the readers right until a very sweet ending. What I loved about The Spy Who Came For Christmas is that, having an important Biblical subplot in its core, it does not take out Christ from Christmas -- in fact, it goes to the very origins of the holiday season, and reflects on the nativity story in an exciting and unusual way. Technically, David Morrell is as good as ever. His writing flows like a torrential river, picking up the reader and carrying him along to the very end, leaving almost no time for gulps of air between the pages. I finished the novel in just a few hours. The desc