The DefectorThe Defector
Score Modern
What it's about
In Moscow Rules, Gabriel Allon brought down Ivan Kharkov, a Russian arms dealer, but left him alive. Now the Russian defector who helped him has vanished in London, and Allon, the art restorer and Israeli intelligence officer, is drawn back in. This time Kharkov wants revenge.
Why it's worth reading
It reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. Daniel Silva's Gabriel Allon novels are among the most popular spy series in the world.
You'll love it if you liked
Worth Dying For
Extreme Measures
The Spy Who Came in From the ColdGood to know
It's a direct sequel to Moscow Rules, so read that first. The series begins with The Kill Artist.
By the numbers
- Readers92 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller47 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #41 of the 555 mysteries and thrillers we rank
- #280 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #555 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Gripping, Adventurous
More by Daniel Silva
The Other Woman
Moscow Rules
House of Spies
The Rembrandt AffairIf you like this, read next
Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland
Verity
Gone Girl
The Martian
2666
Gideon the NinthExplore the best-of lists
All 36 best-of lists →
Quick answers
Is The Defector worth reading?
Yes. It reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. It ranks #555 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 77.7 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is The Defector about?
In Moscow Rules, Gabriel Allon brought down Ivan Kharkov, a Russian arms dealer, but left him alive. Now the Russian defector who helped him has vanished in London, and Allon, the art restorer and Israeli intelligence officer, is drawn back in. This time Kharkov wants revenge.
How long does it take to read The Defector?
About 11 hours (442 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after The Defector?
If you liked it, try Worth Dying For by Lee Child, Extreme Measures by Vince Flynn or The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John le Carré.