Coil: A Novel, The

Author's Summary

A sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel, Masquerade, The Coil picks up several years later. Liz Sansborough, former CIA agent and now an academic, has managed to put the pieces of her life back together. But Sansborough has a dark secret - she is the daughter of the one of the most notorious Cold War Assassins, The Carnivore. When a series of prominent political figures are blackmailed into certain actions or die in suspicious ways, the CIA becomes convinced that someone has gotten hold of the Carnivore's files and is using that information to further some secret agenda. Sansborough herself - the closet living link to the Carnivore - is the target of a murder attempt, her offices are searched, her files stolen and her TV program on the secrets of the Cold War inexplicably shelved by the network. When she learns her cousin Sarah Walker - who bears a close resemblance to Sansborough - is kidnapped off the street with the ransom demand being the Carnivore's missing - possibly apocryphal - files, Liz is determined to save her cousin and uncover the swirling conspiracy, linked to a shadowy group known as The Coil, centered around the legacy of her father. But she's far from the only one going after the truth behind the legendary assassin.

MWSA Review

MWSA 2006 Bronze Medal for Fiction, Thriller

 Author Gayle Lynds has out done her previous great novels with her latest book The Coil and that is saying a lot! This book is a sequel to her highly acclaimed novel “Masquerade.”  The good news for new readers to Gayle Lynds writings is that you can start right off reading this book without having read the previous story, as I did. The author skillfully fills you in and catches you up on the characters and the continued story lines— it is a seamless and professional effort on her part. The plot moves very quickly along but the reader should have no problems following the fast action, as well as the high body count as this tale of international espionage moves us around the world. You get hooked very early on as you begin to wonder why things are happening to the lead character, Liz Sansborough.

The story line could come right from today’s news—it all seems plausible and believable and as a reader, I never questioned it. Trying to figure out who the good and bad guys are is a great part of the fun of reading Gayle’s book, as she unfolds new elements and information with each chapter. I found myself guessing what would or might happen next but I was always wrong. She does not take the simple path with her plot or the characters. This is a very original mystery masterpiece and thriller! It is very cerebral and impressive with the unexpected twists and turns it takes us through.

The title “The Coil” comes from a covert shadow group of politicians and business leaders from around the world, but that is about all I am going to reveal about the plot. I do not want to spoil a great reading experience. If you enjoy international conspiracy theories then this book will be a rewarding read for you. 

Reviewed by: Bill McDonald (2006)