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Moscow X: A Novel Hardcover – October 3, 2023

by David McCloskey (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,535 ratings
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A daring CIA operation threatens chaos in the Kremlin. But can Langley trust the Russian at its center?

CIA officers Sia and Max enter Russia under commercial cover to recruit Vladimir Putin’s moneyman. Sia works for a London law firm that conceals the wealth of the superrich. Max’s family business in Mexico―a CIA front since the 1960s―is a farm that breeds high-end racehorses. They pose as a couple to target Vadim, Putin’s private banker, and his wife, Anna, who―unbeknownst to CIA―is a Russian intelligence officer under deep cover at the bank. As they descend further into a Russian world dripping with luxury and rife with gangland violence, Sia and Max’s only hope may be Anna, who is playing a game of her own. Careening between the horse ranch in northern Mexico, the corridors of Langley, and the dark opulence of Putin’s Russia, Moscow X is both a gripping thriller of modern espionage and a raw, unsparing commentary on the nature of truth, loyalty, and vengeance amid the shadow war between the United States and Russia.

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    464 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    W. W. Norton & Company
  4. Publication date
    October 3, 2023
  5. Dimensions
    6.3 x 1.5 x 9.4 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1324050756
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1324050759
  8. See all details
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From the Publisher

Praise for Moscow X from Brad Thor
Praise for Moscow X from Kathleen Kent

Praise for Moscow X from Gregg Hurwitz

Praise for Moscow X from Nicholas Kristof

Praise for Moscow X from Publishers Weekly

Damascus Station by David McCloskey Moscow X by David McCloskey
Damascus Station: A Novel Moscow X: A Novel
Customer Reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars
8,214
4.5 out of 5 stars
2,535
Price $17.87 $25.54
Also by David McCloskey A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in war-ravaged Damascus to hunt for a killer. A daring CIA operation threatens chaos in the Kremlin. But can Langley trust the Russian at its center?
"I could not put down McCloskey’s gripping spy novel Damascus Station.…A must-read for anyone interested in Syria or espionage." ―Clarissa Ward, CNN chief international correspondent "With chilling Cold War era intrigue set against a fantastic modern plot, Moscow X is a jaw-dropper from start to finish. David McCloskey is the new John le Carré." ―Brad Thor, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Dead Fall

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A smart, sleek, and absolutely gripping thriller that swept me away. With chilling Cold War era intrigue set against a fantastic modern plot, Moscow X is a jaw-dropper from start to finish. David McCloskey is the new John le Carré."
― Brad Thor, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Dead Fall

"David McCloskey has delivered another mesmerizing tale of intrigue to follow the incredible Damascus Station. Moscow X is even better; an utterly authentic and deeply compelling thriller that is among the very best espionage fiction in print."
― Mark Greaney, #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Chaos Agent: A Gray Man Novel

"A spellbinding journey into the brutal, shadowy intrigues of the Russian elite and the underground world of espionage. The Russian condition, as seen through Anna’s eyes, is both moving and terrifying. An electrifying read. I could not put it down."
― Clarissa Ward, CNN chief international correspondent and author of On All Fronts

"Propulsive, terrifying [and] laced with authentic CIA lore. More authoritative on how Putin’s courtiers and oligarchs work than most journalists....Superb."
― Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of Stalin: Court of the Red Tsar

"Moscow X brilliantly captures the nuances of field work in hostile environments, the thrill and terror that grip every intelligence officer when they are in the belly of the beast. McCloskey is the new poet laureate of the CIA operations officer."
― Marc E. Polymeropoulos, former CIA senior operations officer and author of Clarity in Crisis

"There is a new generation of spy novelists storming the genre, and David McCloskey must be counted as one of the best. Moscow X is a white-knuckled, fast-paced journey into the modern age of spy craft, where high-tech espionage jostles dangerously against old school cunning and Machiavellian intrigue; and where men and women risk everything to uncover an elusive and, ultimately, lethal truth."
― Kathleen Kent, New York Times best-selling author of Black Wolf

"A taut thriller by an author who was formerly a CIA officer and knows his ops. Terrific read, cementing McCloskey in my mind as the best spy fiction writer since le Carré."
― Nicholas Kristof

"Moscow X is a propulsive thrill ride and a moving portrait of life, betrayal, and vengeance in Putin’s Russia. Those of us who spent our careers running spies have been waiting for the next John le Carré, Charles McCarry, or Jason Matthews―authors who told riveting and deeply authentic stories about intelligence wars fought in the shadows. With Moscow X, David McCloskey takes his place among that company."
― John Sipher, former CIA senior operations officer

"A breathless intrigue limned with elegance and grace…David McCloskey has asserted himself as a world-class thriller writer. With only two novels to his name, he already calls to mind le Carré, Forsyth, and Silva."
― Gregg Hurwitz, New York Times best-selling author of the Orphan X series

"[I] found myself intrigued by and ultimately immersed, in a terrific plot seasoned with classic tradecraft, new methodologies, and compelling characters. Moscow X is a great read filled with layers of nuance and detail. It captures the contradictions of the spy world and of Russia itself."
― Paul Kolbe, The Cipher Brief

"An elegant, masterfully written tale of espionage told by someone who knows what that world should look like…. David McCloskey is the most exciting spy novelist to come along since Daniel Silva."
― The Real Book Spy

"[An] entertaining espionage caper....McCloskey mixes the tradecraft of John le Carré with the glitz of Sidney Sheldon...to produce a narrative filled with double- and triple-crosses enriched by pitch-perfect insider details."
― Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The CIA pokes the Russian bear, and thriller fans win."
― Kirkus Review

About the Author

David McCloskey is the author of the novels Damascus Station and Moscow X. He’s a former CIA analyst and a former consultant at McKinsey & Company. While at the CIA, he worked in field stations across the Middle East. He lives in Texas.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ W. W. Norton & Company (October 3, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 464 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1324050756
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1324050759
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.5 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.3 x 1.5 x 9.4 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,535 ratings

About the author

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David McCloskey

David McCloskey

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David McCloskey is a former CIA analyst and consultant at McKinsey & Company. While at the CIA, he wrote regularly for the President’s Daily Brief, delivered classified testimony to Congressional oversight committees, and briefed senior White House officials, Ambassadors, military officials, and Arab royalty. He worked in CIA field stations across the Middle East. During his time at McKinsey, David advised national security, aerospace, and transportation clients on a range of strategic and operational issues. David holds an M.A. from the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies, where he specialized in energy policy and the Middle East. He lives in Texas with his wife and three children.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
2,535 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Hendricks Book Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars ...a spellbinding modern day spy thriller!
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2023
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Book Review – Moscow X – David McCloskey
Former CIA analyst turn author David McCloskey has crafted another remarkable story with his second exhilarating espionage thriller, “Moscow X.” Bristling with intrigue, tension and expectancy, this book gives readers a tantalizing glimpse into modern-day espionage spy craft and undercover activities. It is both a fascinating spy thriller and a raw and harsh reflection on truth, loyalty, and vengeance between the United States and Russia. The story is about a daring CIA operation designed by the CIA’s Moscow X division to sow chaos in the Russian Kremlin. The mission is to recruit one of Vladimir Putin’s private bankers and his wife, to get access and ‘deep secret’ information on the Russian leader’s finances. A risky reconnaissance game of ‘cat-and-mouse’ ensues with serious consequences and worldwide ramifications. The storytelling is pure, the characters are extremely well developed, and the plot is convincing, substantial, and bold. It’s brilliant writing and storytelling by a knowledgeable and experienced former CIA analyst. McCloskey proves that he is no ‘one-hit wonder’ with his previous novel “Damascus Station,’ but an impressive and notable spy thriller author. Moscow X is a spellbinding espionage thriller that I highly recommend reading.
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Charles E. Brown
4.0 out of 5 stars A Thrilling Ride Through the Shadows of Moscow
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2024
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David McClosky's "Moscow X" is a masterful continuation of the adrenaline-pumping journey he began with "Damascus Station." Despite a plot that occasionally twists and turns with the complexity of a Russian novel, McClosky manages to keep the reader firmly gripped in the whirlwind of events that unfold at a breakneck pace. The story's dense narrative fabric, rich with intrigue and suspense, is a testament to McClosky's skill in weaving together a tale that is as captivating as it is challenging.

The real strength of "Moscow X" lies in its relentless pacing and the palpable tension McClosky crafts from the opening page to the climactic finale. The narrative is a high-octane ride through the shadowy corridors of power in Moscow, with intricately drawn characters and morally ambiguous, lending the story a complexity that enriches the reading experience. The author's attention to detail and ability to create a vivid sense of place immerses the reader in the heart of the Russian capital, making the city a character in this thrilling drama.

While the plot's convolutions might occasionally demand more concentration from the reader, this complexity adds layers of depth to the story, challenging one to pay close attention and engage fully with the narrative's twists and turns. This aspect of "Moscow X" may remind readers of the richly layered narratives of classic literature, yet McClosky's storytelling is thoroughly modern in its execution and appeal.

In conclusion, "Moscow X" is a triumph of thriller writing, a novel that exceeds the high expectations set by "Damascus Station." David McClosky has once again proven himself to be a master of the genre, delivering a story that is not only fast-paced and filled with tense action but also thought-provoking and deeply engaging. For fans of espionage thrillers and those seeking a novel that combines the excitement of high-stakes action with the depth of a well-crafted narrative, "Moscow X" is a must-read—five stars for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Moscow.
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Brad Mitchell
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2024
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I absolutely loved this! Great characters, intrigue, fast paced and timely. I’m glad I found this author! Onto the next book!
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Charles Michener
5.0 out of 5 stars Best in Show
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2024
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I enjoyed David McCloskey's highly promising debut thriller "Damascus Station" and devoured this follow-up. "Moscow X" fires on all cylinders: complex characters operating in deep shades of gray (a big notch above the rather stereotypical hero and heroine of its predecessor), a head-spinning, cat-and-mouse plot, throat-grabbing suspense to the bittersweet end. Best of all it offers a depth of detail about contemporary spycraft and current U.S./Russia power moves that sharpen one's understanding of real-time world affairs. What LeCarre did for the Cold War, McCloskey is doing for today's infinitely more ambiguous techno wars. This is the rare case where superbly crafted fiction gives you a more illuminating jolt of reality than any non-fiction can. I trust the screenplay will measure up.
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SF One Zero
5.0 out of 5 stars An espionage thriller of the best caliber!
Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
Second novels always come with a high price tag: the publisher’s requirements and reader’s expectations are all waiting to ambush the writer’s hopes.

David McCloskey succeeds with Moscow X. At once similar and yet different than Damascus Station, in this novel he returns Artemis Proctor — the first chapter’s explanation of why she now sits in the penalty box is worth reading alone — and dispatches two CIA non-official cover officers on a dangerous journey to subvert the powerful moneyman of the Russian President.

It is a tale of cross and double-cross told in the best traditions of espionage thrillers of a dizzyingly complex operation that is all too real in his description.

McCloskey’s characters are human—nuanced with traits the reader can love or hate—the quandaries they face and the painful decisions they must make bring great depth to the story. As a former CIA officer, the tradecraft he infuses into the story is genuinely accurate and the 7th Floor’s bureaucracy maddeningly real. A tale tightly woven with intermittent bursts of energy and calm until the final drive which takes the story on an breathless downhill race to a finish that leaves openings to continue the story.

This book is superb, better in my opinion than Damascus Station, and fully establishes David in the Pantheon of the best spy writers.”
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Top reviews from other countries

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valerio fallucca
3.0 out of 5 stars Un passo indietro rispetto a Damascus Station
Reviewed in Italy on March 17, 2024
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Trama interessante, contesto attualissimo…ma niente di minimamente paragonabile al capolavoro di Damascus Station…forse scritto troppo a ridosso. Inoltre presentato come secondo libro di una trilogia non ha nessun collegamento con il primo romanzo ad eccezione di un personaggio (in entrambi casi di rilievo ma non protagonista)
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Xavier Sanso
3.0 out of 5 stars Lacks character and characters
Reviewed in Spain on February 17, 2024
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You don’t get hooker neither by the story nor by the characters. Sorry to say this because Damascus Station was really good…
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Dr Mervyn Eastman
5.0 out of 5 stars Books 1 & 2
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 3, 2024
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Having read both these offerings back to back from David McCloskey, & avoiding any spoilers, (clearly in the mood for Spy thrillers) I have no hesitation in giving a five 🌟 rating to both. With regard to Damascus Stn, I found an intelligent, well informed setting, & not surprisingly, given the authors career background, insight into the corporate & individual protagonists mindset, organisational culture of a State Agency of dubious reputation (CIA).

Characters in the main well crafted & captivating. My only reservation and common in this garndra, the romantic development, contrived, inevitable & on occasions , silly. Be that as it may, the plot, story telling, grit & pace is highly captivating.

The second book, Moscow X, whilst not following Sam Joseph of the first, I found better, but that may be because of the Putin factor. I loved the female & unique lead of the lead character most quirky & entertaining. Great read, & looking forward to more from this author developing a reputation of the likes of Tom Clancy!
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CIK
4.0 out of 5 stars メンタルの強い女性達
Reviewed in Japan on March 3, 2024
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ロシアを舞台にしたこの作品もおもしろかったのですが、デビュー作Damascus Stationには及ばない印象を受けたので、星4としました。
次作は前作の主人公が再登場、CIA上層部のロシアのスパイがテーマになるとの事、楽しみに待ちたいと思います。
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Michael Price
2.0 out of 5 stars good but almost like a different writer
Reviewed in Canada on January 1, 2024
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So strange after his first book ,it felt like this was a different writer. Long clunky sentences , some totally unintelligible and poor use of English. You could see similar styles and plot development but that is where the similarities to the first book ended.
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