Just after the end of WWII there are still some operations taking place, Jews being helped to safety. Negotiations with Russia and Germany for how things will run in peace time. Trading of spies and secrets. It is not really over for those in Istanbul. Among the populous is Leon. He works for R.J. Reynolds. But he is also involved in the underworld of backdoor deals, courier for a man in the American Consulate. He also has a wife who hasn't spoken since a horrible incident involving a boat of Jews she was helping to leave. She lives now, silent and locked away in her mind in a clinic while Leon gets caught up in a case.
Russians, Romanians, and Americans want this one particular asset. Leon was tasked by Tommy King to meet this asset and move him to his next stop as he is being sent to the U.S. supposedly with valuable information. But when the pick up goes horribly wrong Leon's life is changed.
Istanbul Passage takes place over the course of a few days as Leon tries to figure out what to do with the man he is left looking after, what to do about the incident in the docks, what to do with and how to do the new job he has been given, and who is anyone he can trust.
This is a slowly unfolding, tense drama filled with intrigue. This isn't a fast paced, action packed adventure, it is a slow burn, more Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy than it is Mission Impossible or a Jason Bourne story. But it is well told and satisfyingly stressful story.
(Finished July 12, 2016)
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