Book Log 2021 #66: Damascus Station by David McCloskey

Set in the early days of the Syrian uprising, CIA agent Sam Joseph is working with another agent to exfiltrate one of their sources. Their plan goes awry, and while Joseph gets away his colleague is arrested and disappears into the Syrian security apparatus, from which she does not return.

Seeking revenge and a way to infiltrate (and hopefully topple) the regime, Joseph recruits another asset, who is well placed to gain access to information. She's related to high ranking military officials, and injuries to a cousin has her rethinking her allegiance. But she may be too ideal a candidate, at least on one level, as she and Joseph fall in love during her recruitment and training. 

The pair return to Damascus, and it becomes clear that the regime is planning something big. Tensions grow as the asset puts herself, her family, and Joseph at greater risk each time she's pressed to find out more about what's coming. 

I really liked this book, both for its unique location (Syria doesn't show up that often in spy novels) and contemporary setting. It was also just quality spy fiction, showing how personal relationships and conflict are more at the heart of espionage than car chases and gadgets. Though there are some of those, too.

That's it for 2021. Happy New Year!