Firebird: The 1960s Spy Thriller

From Publishers Weekly comes high praise for Noel Hynd: "Noel Hynd, an expert in the workings of Washington's public and clandestine agencies." Author of 'Flowers From Berlin,' Hynd presents 'Firebird,' a sprawling espionage thriller that spans fifty years of intrigue. Set in 1968, amidst one of the most tumultuous years of the 20th century, the narrative unfolds with Frank Cooper, once a celebrated investigative journalist, now relegated to writing obituaries for a popular New York City tabloid. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Leonard Rudawski, a dying former American diplomat who reveals secrets about Pavel Lukashenko, a Soviet defector in Paris in 1965. Lukashenko, codenamed “Firebird,” had promised to expose a generation's worth of espionage secrets if he reached the West. However, he disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

Cooper teams up with Lauren Richie, a young Latina reporter from the same tabloid, to delve into Rudawski's confession. What starts as an ordinary assignment quickly evolves into the story of their careers as they resurrect a perilous and long-forgotten trail of CIA and KGB intrigue and compromises. Against the backdrop of the racially charged 1968 American presidential election—featuring Nixon, Humphrey, and the segregationist George Wallace—their investigation intertwines with murder, espionage, romance, betrayal, and conspiracy.

Hynd weaves together a tapestry populated by a myriad of vivid characters—reporters, gangsters, diplomats, call girls, spy masters, politicians, and assassins—many of whom are based on real-life figures. The narrative spans decades, from World War Two to 2018, offering a cynical reflection on contemporary Russian-American relations. "Russians sabotage and destabilize the west," comments a seasoned reporter with insider KGB knowledge. "It's not just their actions; it's their expertise."

'Firebird' stands out for its historical accuracy and sprawling narrative, demonstrating Hynd's literary prowess that elevates him beyond the ranks of Ludlum and Clancy, as noted by Booklist. This true-to-life spy saga captures the essence of Cold War espionage and its enduring impact on global politics and international relations.

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