It's not often that I read novels full of espionage and politics. I'm extremely picky about those that I do choose to read. That being said, Ridley Fox is one character I'll always happily come back to. I first met him in Pandora's Succession, and quickly fell into step with his complex personality. In The Demeter Code he's back for more. A little more rough around the edges, a little less willing to play by the rules, and once again caught up in a mission that extends far beyond what he could possibly imagine.

Brooks writes this tale on a global scale. I followed Fox and he traveled the world, tracking down informants and constantly putting himself in harms way. Being completely honest, this isn't a light read in the least. If you're an avid reader of thrillers, it might be a little easier to keep up. I found myself reading this book very carefully though. It took me extra time to dissect the overlapping plot lines, catch up with the large cast of characters, and keep abreast of all the secrets being revealed. This is a well crafted novel, but it reads in a way that assumes you're used to this type of story. It took a different kind of attention for me to finish, but I didn't mind. I was more than happy to follow along.

I think the thing I've always liked most about these books is that Ridley Fox and Nita Parris complete one another so perfectly. Fox is the one who goes underground, assuming identities and creating important connections. Parris is the intel and scientific mind. She's just as fierce as Fox, but she chooses to use her talents to help him get what he needs. There's always intelligent banter between these two, perhaps even a bit of spark, but the fact remains that they're two halves of the same whole. Keeping up with them as they tried to figure out the Code was a lot of fun.

My only complaint, and it's a small one, is that this story is much more technical than where I first met Ridley Fox. As I said, it took me a lot longer to finish it than I anticipated because I really had to buckle down and read carefully. Still, the action was plentiful, the twists well executed, and I really can't be too upset. Just be warned that this is a story you're going to want to settle in for. It will sweep you up, and you'll find yourself unable to stop reading once you've started. ( )

My first book by Russell Brooks, given to me free in return for an honest review. It did take me a little while to get into the book as various characters and situations were introduced, some of them quite diverse and disconnected, but their purpose and involvement became clearer as the book progressed. The book has a very complex plot involving various American and worldwide agencies, power hungry businessmen, greedy politicians and members of the armed forces, and bio terrorists led by someone who turns out to have a very interesting background. The book revolves around Ridley Fox, a very special agent, Dr. Nita Parrish, elite soldier and scientist, and Katy Sparks, sacked for doing her job in Afghanistan as an examiner of food supplies for the army; all of them backed up by a computer specialist, Dewan, whose abilities are so important to the flow of the action. There is plenty of action, some of it quite violent and some very frightening if translated into real life - hijacked school children and blackmailed suicide bombers being but two.
Russell Brooks has done a great deal of research ( see his bibliography at the end ) and gives very clear explanations involving biochemical developments and items of weaponry, both of which are vital to the development of the plot. Ridley is quite anarchic, always following his hunches, many of which are correct, but in so doing raising the hackles of those supposedly giving him his orders. Parrish brings her scientific knowledge to bear as well as her physical abilities, and Katy just tries to keep her head down and survive!
It is a rollicking read, a real page turner with a realistic scenario that is frightening in its concept. ( )

The Demeter Code is a tale with many intersecting plotlines, a complex ensemble of characters, and an intriguing, sometimes scary take on modern industry and politics. A multi-national thriller, with multi-national businesses, spies, terrorists and more on the case, while agents branch out on their own, bosses won’t listen, secrets won’t be told, and horrors might run all too close to home, it’s a long book that demands careful reading to keep all the plotlines in place.

Detailed bedroom scenes lighten the tone or deepen the characters, complex fights offer blow-by-blow realism, and carefully explained science sticks to the plot (though readers may find a few holes). Cool apps give a nicely futuristic appeal; fashion conscious spies keep the images real; and long digressions make sure the reader knows where the story will be going. The final premise is more intriguing than convincing, but perhaps that’s just as well... best not to let the bad guys know all the details of how to get to us.

The Demeter Code is a long novel, balancing complex and detailed explanation with fast and furious action, and ending with a similarly long list of fascinating resources for more information. The characters are fun and there’s something for everyone in this blend of romance, politics, science, technology and spies.

Disclosure: I was given a free eARC and I offer my honest review. ( )