Ilium

A novel

By: Lea Carpenter

Narrated by: Tanya Cubric

Set in the dark world of international espionage, from London to Mallorca, Croatia, Paris, and Cap Ferret: the gripping and suspenseful story of a young woman who unwittingly becomes a perfect asset in the long overdue finale of a covert special op

The young English narrator of Lea Carpenter’s dazzling new novel has grown up unhappily in London, dreaming of escape, pretending to be someone else and obsessed with a locked private garden. On the eve of her twenty-first birthday, at a party near that garden, she meets its charismatic and mysterious new owner, Marcus, thirty-three years older, who sweeps her off her feet. Before long they are married at his finca in Mallorca, and at last she has escaped into a new role – but at what price? On their honeymoon in Croatia, Marcus reveals there is something she can do for him—a plan is in place and she can help with “a favor.”

This turns out to be posing as an art advisor to a family on Cap Ferret, where Marcus asks her to simply “listen.” A helicopter deposits her at a remote, highly guarded and lavishly appointed compound on a spit of land in the Atlantic. It’s presided over by an enigmatic, charming patriarch Edouard, along with his wife Dasha, children Nikki and Felix, and populated by a revolving cast of other guests—some suspicious, some intriguing, perhaps none, like her, what they seem.

Brilliantly compelling, this is a spellbinding and unexpectedly poignant story of a long- planned, high-stakes CIA-Mossad operation that only needed the right asset to complete.

The introduction to undercover thoughts and behavior. Vivid metaphors. Precise language.

I like the readers pace and varied voices. The sort is a mystery and a spy novel.

Enjoyable story line

An enjoyable story that develops slowly as the characters are introduced. not a high suspense story but engaging with well developed and believable characters.

Sophisticated Spy Story

Creative story telling with commanding language the characters are fully drawn a satisfying listen highly recommended great narrator

Been done

Nice character study of the civilian swept into international espionage. But a hard to accept context that careful professional spies and assassins won’t suspect or research a new person dropped in their laps.

Well-paced storyline with great characters

Loved it! Short novel that is well constructed and packed with action and emotions. Compelling development of characters.