The Coldest Warrior

by Paul Vidich
The Coldest Warrior cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Thriller/Suspense
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  • ID: 8576
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-22
  • ISBN: 9781643136905
  • Publisher: Pegasus Crime
  • Published: 2021-03-09
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The Coldest Warrior,' Paul Vidich delves into the murky world of intelligence operations, where secrets can be deadly. The novel is inspired by the true story behind Netflix's 'Wormwood,' exploring the dark side of espionage with a narrative that doesn't shy away from the shadows of deception and danger. /n/n The story follows Jack Gabriel, a CIA agent on his final mission, as he investigates the suspicious death of Dr. Charles Wilson, a government scientist whose case was buried for decades. As Gabriel digs deeper, he uncovers a web of lies and faces threats that put his family at risk, making this a tale of suspense and intrigue that fans of spy fiction will not want to miss.

Reviews
Kirkus Reviews · 2025-12-22
engaging 3.00

The novel's pace is slow and the plot one-dimensional, but the characters are vivid and well-developed. The story is engaging despite its flaws.

The reviewer notes that the novel's pace is somewhat slow and the plot lacks complexity, but they find the characters to be vividly portrayed and engaging. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters, particularly Gabriel and his family, as well as Wilson's surviving family. Despite the slow pace and one-dimensional plot, the reviewer finds the book to be a worthwhile read, especially for those who enjoy well-developed characters in their spy thrillers.

Quick quotes

    Overall, the novel's pace is a little slow and the plot one-dimensional.

    The characters of Gabriel and his family and of Wilson's surviving family are vivid.

    This is a worthwhile read, especially for those who enjoy well-developed characters in their spy thrillers.

The National Book Review · 2020-06-12
engaging 4.00

The story maintains a strong momentum and effectively details the investigative methods. The narrative is engaging and well-paced.

The reviewer praises the book's ability to keep the reader engaged throughout, highlighting the detailed and methodical approach to the investigation. They appreciate the way the story unfolds, maintaining a consistent pace and tension. The characters are well-developed, adding depth to the narrative. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read, especially for those interested in thrillers based on real-life mysteries.

Quick quotes

    First, Vidich's story has momentum and never flags.

    He does a nice job detailing Gabriel's investigative methods (including exhuming a body to ...

    The narrative is engaging and well-paced.

Goodreads · 2020-02-04
devastating 4.00

The novel is a cool and devastating thriller that elevates the author to the ranks of notable spy novelists. It is a thinking-man's spy novel with depth and intensity.

The reviewer highly recommends this book, comparing it to works by renowned spy novelists. They appreciate the psychological depth and emotional intensity of the story, which is balanced by a detached narrative style. The reviewer finds the book to be a standout in the spy thriller genre, praising its ability to keep the reader engaged while exploring complex themes. The characters are vividly portrayed, adding to the overall impact of the novel.

Quick quotes

    A cool, knowing, and quietly devastating thriller that vaults Paul Vidich into the ranks of such thinking-man's spy novelists as Joseph Kanon.

    It gives us a story imbued with psychological depth and emotional intensity.

    This is a thinking-man's spy novel with depth and intensity.

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