The life-and-death thrillsand absurdist spillsof world-class chess in the last days of the Soviet Union come roaring to life in Brad Buchanans Spys Mate , the spellbinding story of a personal quest that will bend your mind and enchant your heart.
Mary Mackey, author of the New York Times bestseller A Grand Passion A gripping journey into the high-stakes world of Cold War espionage, woven deftly through the world of chess. Skillfully paced and elegantly crafted, Buchanan's storytelling compels you to keep turning pages as easily as tapping your foot to your favorite tune. The novel brilliantly captures the subtle tensions and tactical drama of both spycraft and chess, featuring vivid, three-dimensional characters whose complexities enrich every twist and turn of the narrative. A deeply absorbing read, Spy's Mate is a literary triumph.
Dr Chris Tilling, Head of Research and Senior Lecturer in New Testament, St Mellitus College, UK A sublime blend of chess during the Cold War between East and West, nasty intrigues, back-room politics and espionage. Brad Buchanan's book is simply irresistible.
Gert Devreese, Journalist De Standaard & author of My Most Memorable Interviews, Belgium As a chess professional, this book resonated on a deep technical and cultural level. I found myself immersed in the persona of Yasha and captivated by each twist and turn of his life story, empathizing with him as a brother in arms.
Daniel Fernandez, Chess Grandmaster & author, London, UK. It unfolds like a game of chess so many fronts to watch, yet in the end, the opponent always falls. Truly captivating!
Tom Piceu, International Chess Master & Coach, Bruges, Belgium.
