Red Star Down by D.B. JohnSynopsis: “A propulsive, timely spy thriller from the critically acclaimed author of STAR OF THE NORTH An explosive conspiracy is on the verge of detonation…
A Korean man is poisoned in broad daylight at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. A Russian intelligence officer is assassinated in a Washington hotel. And a real-estate mogul has just become the 45th President of the United States. The world teeters on the brink and three individuals find themselves caught up in the crosshairs: Jenna, a seasoned CIA officer, whose past missions refuse to stay buried. Lyosha, a student in Moscow who confronts Vladimir Putin on live TV only to suffer the consequences. And Eric, a North Korean spy in the heart of the White House who adores the man he is working to undermine: the President. In a world of shifting allegiances and betrayal, RED STAR DOWN is a global and gripping thriller that explores the intricate web of politics, espionage, and deception during one of the most turbulent periods in recent history”

My Review

I really enjoyed this spy thriller from D. B. John, a follow on from Star of the North, which I loved, but somehow didn’t get around to reviewing. 

The story is set in 2018 and told from three points of view. Jenna a CIA agent, who I knew from the previous book, Lyosha, a Russian student, and Eric a North Korean spy working in the White House.

This was a just as good Star of the North, and me hooked right from the beginning, as I followed the three characters through the twists and turns of the plot. I liked Jenna and Lyosha and hoped good things would come their way. Eric Rahn was a very good villain, a really nasty character, who deserved everything he got!

The author’s note at the end was really interesting as he mentioned how real events inspired this latest book.

Highly recommended if you enjoy contemporary global spy thrillers.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Vintage for my digital copy.

Book 12 of 20 Books of Summer2025