The Helsinki Affair

By: Anna Pitoniak

Narrated by: Amanda Dolan

One of The Washington Post’s Best Thrillers of 2023

It’s the case of Amanda’s lifetime but solving it will require her to betray another spy—who just so happens to be her father in this “delicious spy novel” (People).

Spying is the family business. Amanda Cole is a brilliant young CIA officer following in the footsteps of her father, who was a spy during the Cold War. It takes grit to succeed in this male-dominated world—but one hot summer day, when a Russian defector walks into her post, Amanda is given the ultimate chance to prove herself.

The defector warns of the imminent assassination of a US senator. Though Amanda takes the warning seriously, her superiors don’t. Twenty-four hours later, the senator is dead. And the assassination is just beginning.

Corporate blackmail, covert manipulation, corrupt oligarchs: the Kremlin has found a dangerous new way to wage war. Teaming up with Kath Frost, a fearless older woman and legendary spy, Amanda races from Rome to London, from St. Petersburg to Helsinki, unraveling the international conspiracy. But as she gets closer to the truth, a central question haunts her: Why was her father’s name written down in the senator’s notes? What does Charlie Cole really know about the Kremlin plot?

The Helsinki Affair is an “propulsive, captivating spy novel,” (Good Morning America)—but this time with a refreshing female-centric twist. Perfect for fans of John le Carré and Daniel Silva, this book introduces Pitoniak as a singular new talent in the world of spy fiction.

©2023 Anna Pitoniak (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

"Amanda Dolan brings to life CIA agent Amanda Cole, who during her posting in Rome uncovers a Russian plot with far-reaching ties that potentially involve her father, a former CIA agent. Determined to establish the truth about what’s going on, Amanda is drawn into a complex conspiracy that involves unmasking double agents and countering acts of treason while uncovering more about her father’s past. Dolan’s strong characterizations make it straightforward for listeners to follow the principals, especially during scenes of dialogue. She creates a believable protagonist, and her capable use of accents is particularly notable when voicing the Russian characters."

interesting storyline

Needed better character development. Also, some of the storyline was not very believable, like CIA agents making big decisions on their own that in reality would require higher ups involvement or approval because of political consequences. However, the story grabbed my attention. Ending was a bit too open ended.

Great story. Excellent narration

I liked everything about this book. The narrator did a great job with all the various characters. Men, women and children.

Interesting plot lines

The characters were well developed and, at times, I could sympathize with them. At other times, theirs flaws became distracting. I didn’t follow a few of the plot lines. Narrator did a great job with the material.

Wanted to like it

Goodness knows, I can’t write a book, so I admire anyone who can. That said, there wasn’t enough development of the characters or the story to make this any more than a quick, somewhat entertaining read. And the reader’s voice and cadence were good, but some work on pronunciation is in order. Coups, pronounced coos, are the overthrow of a government. Coupes, with the p pronounced, are ice cream desserts.

Lots of twists and turns

I enjoyed the twists and turns of the story, especially how it all comes together at the end.

I Loved It!

This book was great from start to finish. The story is full of twists and turns and will keep you guessing.

Great narrator

Decent spy yarn. A bit slow in some points and too introspective for long stretches. But entertaining, nonetheless.

The subtlety of the plot

This one sounded very real. No hysterical gun scenes or sex scenes, just cunning and a surprise ending. Really good. Yes the narrator should have learned foreign pronunciation but her voice is easy to listen to. All around very good book.

A Story of Loyalties

Wasn’t expecting this book to be as good as it was. The author successfully intertwines two spy tales set in different eras - one involving a father and the other his daughter - both are CIA. The bad guys are the Russians. Nothing one dimensional about this story or its characters.

The Helsinki Affair

Wasn’t wonderful, wasn’t terrible though. Glad I listened on Audible instead of purchasing the hardcover.