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 descriptions and setting are strikingly vivid -- I felt I was part of the Christmas procession, snow on my boots -- and the characters are portrayed convincingly. Even when the story requires the reader to learn something new, it's not done as trivial info-dumping; everything comes naturally. Even when you think you know what David Morrell is doing, and how he's going to do it, you just can't help but get hooked by every trick, twist and cliffhanger, as the author weaves his story like a magician. The flashbacks -- always a hazardous technique in writing -- are done expertly, never dragging the story down. My only gripe is the possible overuse of the word "whimpered" throughout, but I'm picky here, trying to find fault with an otherwise perfect book.
A Morrell fan with a keen eye will undoubtedly spot some easter eggs left here and there. These are almost tongue-in-cheek references to elements in David Morrell's earlier novels (e.g. The Protector, The Brotherhood of the Rose, Scavenger).
The bottom line is, The Spy Who Came For Christmas is a book to keep everyone happy. Morrell fans will love it, thriller fans will love it, even people looking for the perfect Christmas gift will love it (especially the Scrooge types: ten bucks for a hardback is a steal). There is absolutely no reason not to get it, and enjoy the breathtaking ride with a great festive feel.
-- Ian Kharitonov
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An interesting twist on the Christmas story
Reviewed in Canada on December 16, 2016
