About the Book
A Drop of Courage is a period political thriller set during one of the twentieth century’s most turbulent turning points. As the old assumptions about East and West give way to confusion and danger, competing networks pursue their own dark agendas. Criminal, political, and intelligence factions clash against the backdrop of the collapsing Soviet system.
A memorable cast of allies and adversaries gather around Alex as he navigates this shifting world:
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- Comrades from Brighton and London.
- An enigmatic figure from the criminal underworld.
- Rigid Soviet bureaucrats fighting for control.
- A father and daughter fiercely loyal to the USSR.
- Humane policemen caught in the middle.
Caught in a struggle between Soviet loyalists and Estonian nationalists, Alex must also evade relentless IRA pursuers. Their dangerous mission intersects with his own in increasingly lethal ways.
In a world where no one possesses the whole truth, force is not enough. Survival depends on trust, improvisation, and the willingness to cooperate with unlikely allies. As Estonia moves toward independence, friends vanish and loyalties shift. Alex finds himself caught in a reality where no one seems to know who is truly in charge.
Rich in authentic atmosphere, the novel explores friendship, courage, and moral compromise. It asks a fundamental question: What do ordinary people do when the institutions around them begin to fail?
Series Order & Reading Information
Following Lamb to the Slaughter, this second Alex Martin novel continues the gripping network noir series. Meticulously researched historical events provide the backdrop to deeply compelling fiction. It is the perfect read for fans of international crime fiction, espionage, and the dramatic final years of the USSR.
Book Specifications
- Title: A Drop of Courage (An Alex Martin Novel)
- Genre: Historical Political Thriller / Espionage
- Formats Available: Paperback
- Settings: Brighton, London, Moscow, Soviet Union, Estonia