Former Soviet Secret Service agent Leo Demidov has built himself a new life as a civilian with his wife Raisa, and their two teenage daughters, Elena and Zoya. The Soviet Union is a country trying to reassert itself after the murderous excesses of Stalin and the chaos of the following years, and as the Cold War continues powers inside Russia seek to topple their great enemy, the United States of America. Communist allies within the United States will prove vital players in this game of intrigue and revolution. Raisa and their two daughters travel to the United States on a diplomatic mission, but a horrifying tragedy destroys everything Leo and Raisa have built. Leo must get to the States somehow and find out what happened. Exiled from the Soviet Union and separated from his family, Leo's quest takes him through the stark wilderness of Afghanistan, reawakening all his old instincts and forcing him to confront his demons. But whatever it costs, wherever he must go, he will find Agent 6.
Agent 6
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Amazon Review
Tom Rob Smith’s debut novel, Child 44, was a considerable success (the youthful Smith began to collect book award nominations by the bushel, before finally bagging the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award for 2008). That book’s successor, The Secret Speech, featured the second appearance of the beleaguered former MGB officer Leo Dormidov. Hopes were high for the final volume in the trilogy – and here is Agent 6, the final outing for Leo. So does it satisfactorily conclude the sequence?
In the last book, the time was 1956; Stalin had died, and it was the time of Nikita Khrushchev’s revisionist pronouncements (such as the ‘secret speech’ of the title, in which the Stalinist regime was – for the first time – roundly denounced). Leo Dormidov, his wife Raisa and their daughters are in mortal danger again, because of the new public view of the police as criminals; Leo’s efforts to save his family plunged him into situations of fear and tension. Both books were novel of striking authority (despite the controversial stylistic notion of putting all speech in italics, so that everything appeared over-emphasised). Agent 6, the third and final outing for the conflicted former MGB officer, brings the trilogy of novels to a resounding climax. Leo’s new civilian life with his wife Raisa and his family has acquired equilibrium, but the USSR and the US are still bitter enemies. A visit to the states by Leo on a diplomatic mission has a tragic outcome, and Leo loses everything. Only the grim plains of Afghanistan offer him a way back – or death. Tom Rob Smith has utilised cinematic technique here (not to mention upping the number of suspenseful set pieces), and some will prefer the more complex character building of the first book (still the finest in the sequence), but for most readers this final Leo Dormidov novel will push all the requisite buttons. --Barry Forshaw
Review
`If you're a crime-fiction addict then you will have heard of, and devoured, Child 44 and The Secret Speech, the first two books in the series. If you haven't, don't let that stop you from picking up the final book, as reformed KGB officer Leo Demidov finds himself coming up against his greatest enemy to date: Mother Russia' --Shortlist, 1 July 2011
`The best thrillers combine narrative tension, first-rate plotting and enough psychological insight to satisfy the human hunger for identification...Smith can do all this' --Guardian, 2 July 2011
`[Agent 6 has] an improvised feel, a terrific, freewheeling energy and pace, to which Rob Smith's non-nonsense prose is perfectly suited' --Daily Telegraph, 18 June 2011
'For those who were engrossed by the first two novels in the trilogy, Agent 6 provides a moving, melancholy conclusion' --Independent, 3 July 2011
`A complex and gripping narrative' --Gay Times
'Smith is superb at evoking day-to-day realities and bitter ironies of the cold war... immaculately researched sections are individually pungent and powerful.' --Andrzej Lukowski, Metro, 7 July 2011
'It's an amazing story full of intrigue and espionage that you won't want to put it down.'
--Kim Metcalf, Essentials August Issue
'Smith remains a brilliant depicter of the past' --Sunday Times, 24 July 2011
'Tense and moving' --Heat Magazine, 23 July 2011
'One of the most anticipated reads this summer, Demidov fans won't be disappointed.' --Attitude, August Issue
'It is a deeply moving piece of work; even information dumps are shot through with emotion....Agent 6 is something far greater than a rank and file thriller.' --BookGeek.co.uk
'[Smith] looks set to be entertaining and moving us for many decades to come.' --The Scotsman, 16 July 2011
`The author has carried out research in the MGB, KGB and mujahideen, and his portrayal of the different eras and locations is effective' --TLS
`Smith turns out cleverly plotted human interest stories against a detailed historical background... Agent 6 follows a KGB man, Leo Demidov, from early enthusiasm for his cruel job through a host of life changes to a poignant conclusion nearly half a century later. On the way Smith holds up mirrors to Stalinist Russia and McCarthyite America, where "un-American activity" was hunted down by the FBI "secret police". Taking the story into Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion allows him to show the ironies in superpower relations. A gripping, complex read' --The Times
`Selling three million copies of your first two novels is a world away from writing scripts for Eastenders and Bad Girls. Now author Tom Rob Smith is following up Child 44 and The Secret Speech with Agent 6, the gripping finale of his Russian thriller trilogy' --Gay Times
`In Agent 6 the action moves between the Soviet Union, New York and Afghanistan. By 1965, Leo, his wife Raisa and their two adopted teenage daughters are living in a cramped apartment. Privilege has gone but, very slowly, trust has grown. The plot of Agent 6 is highly complicated, with the emotional and moral heart of all three books concerning an understanding of the flawed, even criminal, self' --The Guardian
`Agent 6 concludes the trilogy with the same cleverness and thrills' --Daily Telegraph
`The best thrillers combine narrative tension, first-rate plotting and enough psychological insight to satisfy the human hunger for identification...Smith can do all this' --Guardian, 2 July 2011
`[Agent 6 has] an improvised feel, a terrific, freewheeling energy and pace, to which Rob Smith's non-nonsense prose is perfectly suited' --Daily Telegraph, 18 June 2011
'For those who were engrossed by the first two novels in the trilogy, Agent 6 provides a moving, melancholy conclusion' --Independent, 3 July 2011
`A complex and gripping narrative' --Gay Times
'Smith is superb at evoking day-to-day realities and bitter ironies of the cold war... immaculately researched sections are individually pungent and powerful.' --Andrzej Lukowski, Metro, 7 July 2011
'It's an amazing story full of intrigue and espionage that you won't want to put it down.'
--Kim Metcalf, Essentials August Issue
'Smith remains a brilliant depicter of the past' --Sunday Times, 24 July 2011
'Tense and moving' --Heat Magazine, 23 July 2011
'One of the most anticipated reads this summer, Demidov fans won't be disappointed.' --Attitude, August Issue
'It is a deeply moving piece of work; even information dumps are shot through with emotion....Agent 6 is something far greater than a rank and file thriller.' --BookGeek.co.uk
'[Smith] looks set to be entertaining and moving us for many decades to come.' --The Scotsman, 16 July 2011
`The author has carried out research in the MGB, KGB and mujahideen, and his portrayal of the different eras and locations is effective' --TLS
`Smith turns out cleverly plotted human interest stories against a detailed historical background... Agent 6 follows a KGB man, Leo Demidov, from early enthusiasm for his cruel job through a host of life changes to a poignant conclusion nearly half a century later. On the way Smith holds up mirrors to Stalinist Russia and McCarthyite America, where "un-American activity" was hunted down by the FBI "secret police". Taking the story into Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion allows him to show the ironies in superpower relations. A gripping, complex read' --The Times
`Selling three million copies of your first two novels is a world away from writing scripts for Eastenders and Bad Girls. Now author Tom Rob Smith is following up Child 44 and The Secret Speech with Agent 6, the gripping finale of his Russian thriller trilogy' --Gay Times
`In Agent 6 the action moves between the Soviet Union, New York and Afghanistan. By 1965, Leo, his wife Raisa and their two adopted teenage daughters are living in a cramped apartment. Privilege has gone but, very slowly, trust has grown. The plot of Agent 6 is highly complicated, with the emotional and moral heart of all three books concerning an understanding of the flawed, even criminal, self' --The Guardian
`Agent 6 concludes the trilogy with the same cleverness and thrills' --Daily Telegraph
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By Shazjera
Format:Hardcover
I don't get to read this genre very often as it is not one I would usually buy for myself so when a proof copy arrived in the post from Simon & Schuster (via BookDagger) to review I started reading with a mixture of trepidation and excitement. Trepidation because I am not a political person at all and wondered if this would affect my perception of the story and excitement at reading a different genre.
Although this is the third book involving agent Leo Demidov it was very obvious from the beginning that I didn't have to have any previous knowledge. Leo's character is very understandable from his actions - but there is also an inference that although he is following Communist doctrine, there are underlying doubts.
At the beginning of the story the foundations are laid for how life is in the Soviet Union. We meet American singer Jesse Austin who is a Communist and is a key figure to the plot.
Fifteen years later we join Leo, his wife Raisa and their two adopted daughters on the eve before Raisa and their two daughters are leaving for America. Raisa is leading a diplomatic mission using singing as a bridge between the two countries.
On American soil we are introduced to FBI agent Jim Yates who is another central figure to the plot.
The change of events is sudden and dramatic and what follows is Leo's journey to reach America to avenge the tragedy. Along the way we spend time in Afghanistan until events conspire to get him back on track.
There are politics in the story but for me they were far outweighed by the psychological profiles of the characters we meet and the change in them as they examine their beliefs and become more humane. One of the major shocks for me was the power of the media - I'm not na�ve and do know how it works - but this story brings it home how powerless people can become because they have enemies who are people in high-powered positions. I was also made to think about how a symbol in one country can mean something totally different in another and the strong emotions attached to that. Emotionally, family betrayals affected me quite powerfully.
The one thing I really want to happen in a story is that everything ties-up to a satisfactory conclusion (not necessarily a happy ending!). I loved it that a character central to the plot during the diplomatic mission appears later on - not just that the character makes an appearance! but does something that effects Leo's emotions. Also, Leo's actions on American soil left me feeling very satisfied. I loved it that an inconsequential personal possession in Russia became key to finding Agent 6 in America.
This is a story of political intrigue focussing on humanity and emotions. The main theme running through the story is Leo's over-riding and unconditional love for Raisa and his daughters. We finish on a cliff-hanger. I've been thinking there is only one possible conclusion ............... but then again, does an event send ripples that change things ............................
Although this is the third book involving agent Leo Demidov it was very obvious from the beginning that I didn't have to have any previous knowledge. Leo's character is very understandable from his actions - but there is also an inference that although he is following Communist doctrine, there are underlying doubts.
At the beginning of the story the foundations are laid for how life is in the Soviet Union. We meet American singer Jesse Austin who is a Communist and is a key figure to the plot.
Fifteen years later we join Leo, his wife Raisa and their two adopted daughters on the eve before Raisa and their two daughters are leaving for America. Raisa is leading a diplomatic mission using singing as a bridge between the two countries.
On American soil we are introduced to FBI agent Jim Yates who is another central figure to the plot.
The change of events is sudden and dramatic and what follows is Leo's journey to reach America to avenge the tragedy. Along the way we spend time in Afghanistan until events conspire to get him back on track.
There are politics in the story but for me they were far outweighed by the psychological profiles of the characters we meet and the change in them as they examine their beliefs and become more humane. One of the major shocks for me was the power of the media - I'm not na�ve and do know how it works - but this story brings it home how powerless people can become because they have enemies who are people in high-powered positions. I was also made to think about how a symbol in one country can mean something totally different in another and the strong emotions attached to that. Emotionally, family betrayals affected me quite powerfully.
The one thing I really want to happen in a story is that everything ties-up to a satisfactory conclusion (not necessarily a happy ending!). I loved it that a character central to the plot during the diplomatic mission appears later on - not just that the character makes an appearance! but does something that effects Leo's emotions. Also, Leo's actions on American soil left me feeling very satisfied. I loved it that an inconsequential personal possession in Russia became key to finding Agent 6 in America.
This is a story of political intrigue focussing on humanity and emotions. The main theme running through the story is Leo's over-riding and unconditional love for Raisa and his daughters. We finish on a cliff-hanger. I've been thinking there is only one possible conclusion ............... but then again, does an event send ripples that change things ............................
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Bixtalp
Format:Hardcover
This book contained by far the biggest number of printing mistakes and omissions of words in mid-sentences than any other I've ever read! Did no-one else notice this?!? Sometimes there were several on the same page! I don't mean to be unnecessarily pedantic but I just found this extremely surprising. Decent story though, but as most other reviewers seem to be saying, it's certainly no 'Child 44', which was amazing.
33 of 36 people found the following review helpful
By Clive A. H. Still
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Hardcover
This book, third in a trilogy featuring Leo Demidov, a former KGB agent, is divided into distinct portions. First we are given a flashback to his time as an agent, particularly working as part of a group looking after the black American singer,Jesse Austin, a prominent supporter of communism.
The action then moves to New York where Leo's much loved wife Raisa and two adopted children are travelling to attend a combined youth concert with an orchestra in Washington. It is at this point we are made aware that there are as many lies, evasions and manipulations happening on the US side of the fence as in the USSR.
A devastating incident occurs in Washington that leads about seven years later to Leo working in Afghanistan, deadening his personal tragedy with copious amounts of opium but still showing signs of the moral integrity which makes him such a sympathetic character.
It is difficult to review Agent 6 without giving away the plot. Perhaps it is enough to say that there is an interesting plot and a feeling that, while love may not conquer all, it can give meaning to a life and influence the way we live it.
This book is for people who want more than frenetic paced action and easy plot solutions.
The action then moves to New York where Leo's much loved wife Raisa and two adopted children are travelling to attend a combined youth concert with an orchestra in Washington. It is at this point we are made aware that there are as many lies, evasions and manipulations happening on the US side of the fence as in the USSR.
A devastating incident occurs in Washington that leads about seven years later to Leo working in Afghanistan, deadening his personal tragedy with copious amounts of opium but still showing signs of the moral integrity which makes him such a sympathetic character.
It is difficult to review Agent 6 without giving away the plot. Perhaps it is enough to say that there is an interesting plot and a feeling that, while love may not conquer all, it can give meaning to a life and influence the way we live it.
This book is for people who want more than frenetic paced action and easy plot solutions.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Gem from TRS!!
Couldn't put it down, but then i expected nothing less after the first two installments. Tom has brought back my passion for reading and for that i will be forever greatful. Read more
Published 14 days ago by Jamie Trick
5.0 out of 5 stars
Agent 6
Last book of a Trilogy..have read all 3..all fantastic and can imagine the research that author had to do. Great work Tom.
Published 17 days ago by Kathesme
5.0 out of 5 stars
final part
love the characters .well written and a really well constructed storyline.brings to life the paranoid USA attitude at that time
Published 26 days ago by lt
4.0 out of 5 stars
Goodbye Leo......
I enjoyed the final part of the Leo Demidov trilogy just as much as the first two books. I thought that the era and background they have been set in has been very interesting. Read more
Published 2 months ago by LMS72
4.0 out of 5 stars
book 3
Not as good as first two books. Child 44 I could not put this book down. then this was followed by the Secret Speech. Again you just had to keep reading. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Tony S
3.0 out of 5 stars
The worst of the series to date
Having read and enjoyed 'Child 44' immensely, I have purchased both of Tom Rob Smith's follow-ups. 'The Secret Speech' is good in itself but felt a little too desperate to come... Read more
Published 6 months ago by R. Stokes
1.0 out of 5 stars
dull, dull, dull
I can't recall a single moment when I came near to being thrilled by this 'thriller'. What you get is a clunky, disjointed plot, with unmemorable characters and 500+ pages of dull... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Stephen
2.0 out of 5 stars
More of a history book than a novel
What a let down. I was really excited to read this book after having read "Child 44" but where that was a novel, "Agent 6" is more a history book thinly disguised as a novel. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Lisa L. Hansen
4.0 out of 5 stars
Demidov's finale?
It is 1950 and we are in the Lubyanka, headquarters of the Russian secret police, with an investigation under way led by Agent Leo Demidov. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Mick Read
3.0 out of 5 stars
Smothered by his own success
To keep it brief, Agent 6 is an ok read. But it simply does not compare with its predecessors.
In writing Child 44, Smith created one of the best crime thrillers of... Read more
In writing Child 44, Smith created one of the best crime thrillers of... Read more
Published 8 months ago by eoinkellyis
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