This is the first in the series of Paul Christopher novels which I’ve been reading in the wrong order, but now that I’ve finished the first, I’m glad that I have. The Miernik Dossier is an immensely exciting read.
This novel is written in a different style to the others – it’s the case file of suspected KGB agent Miernik and detailed entirely through retrospective agent reports, telephone transcripts, diary entries and letters. It’s quite original. Whereas the subsequent novels are written in a narrative style and centred around Paul Christopher, this is less so, but that doesn’t make it any less interesting.
Throughout the entire story it’s difficult to work out who are the goodies and the baddies, which makes it an even more convincing story. All in all, it’s not my favourite Charles McCarry, but still an excellent read.
