Review of The Sterling Affair

[markodim721]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Sterling Affair" by Nathan Dylan Goodwin.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The monotonous everyday life of forensic genealogist Morton Farrier will be interrupted by an unusual request from the client: to reveal the true identity of the person who took over the identity of her deceased brother. Although at first glance everything seems like the most common administrative mistake, the discovery of irrefutable facts leads the researcher further into the world of espionage, intrigue, high politics, and scandal. In addition to the maze of information and misinformation that comes to him every day, Morton Farrier also makes discoveries of importance for family history.

The Sterling Affair by Nathan Dylan Goodwin is a fast-paced spy novel that takes readers from the present to the Cold War, then even deeper into the past and vice versa in a very skillful way. All the characters, both main and secondary, have been developed with the utmost care, from physical appearance to their unique habits. The fact that the plot of the novel takes place on as many as four continents deserves no less praise. Although the forensic genealogist Farrier has the role of a character who sets the tempo of the plot in the novel, the narration often takes place from the perspective of one of the other main characters.

What I really liked about The Sterling Affair is the fact that the author put the book in line with important historical facts. Numerous details such as clothing, speech or means of transport fully reflect the spirit of the epoch in question. I believe that the author very successfully penetrated into the psychological component of human nature and that he skillfully incorporated that knowledge in the development of the characters. What I really liked were the superbly written dialogues in the right places. The various documents that the characters in the novel occasionally come across, although fictional, seem completely authentic. However, the main value of the novel is the uncertainty that does not leave readers from the first to the last page. The intelligently and multi-layered plot always keeps the atmosphere of mystery and action at an enviable level. In my humble opinion, the novel has film potential. The book is well-edited and contains no errors.

It’s very hard to find something I don’t like in The Sterling Affair. If I were petty, I would say that the plot of the novel for a few short moments can confuse the reader with the identities of the characters and their relationships. Also, there are minor discrepancies in the facts, but their number and significance are negligible.

With all of the above in mind, deciding how to rate The Sterling Affair was very easy. My final judgment is to rate the book with four out of four stars. The detailed plot, authentic historical basis, well-designed dialogues, and realistic characters are the main advantages of this novel. Unexpected twists, which follow the plot of the book to the very end, complete the positive impression even more.

I would recommend the book to fans of spy novels and historical fiction, admirers of genealogical research as well as Cold War themes. As knowledge of historical and geopolitical relations is a prerequisite for full enjoyment of the book, I do not recommend it to younger readers.

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The Sterling Affair
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[Gwen Nakato]

Generally the fact that the book involves history makes it sound boring but something about a deceased person's identity that was taken by someone else seem s truly eye catching

[NetMassimo]

Generally, I don't read historical fiction but spy stories set during the Cold War are an exception, so this one intrigues me for its plot twists and well-developed characters. Thank you for your great review!

[Wesusa]

Great Review! I especially liked how you described the elements that you liked in a very cohesive way.

[markodim721]

Generally, I don't read historical fiction but spy stories set during the Cold War are an exception, so this one intrigues me for its plot twists and well-developed characters. Thank you for your great review!

The book is fantastic in every sense and worth the time and money invested. Thanks for stopping by.

[markodim721]

Great Review! I especially liked how you described the elements that you liked in a very cohesive way.

I'm glad that my review interested you for the book. Thanks for the comment.

[Kirsi Cultrera]

I think I’ll love this book! I read the description before and now your review confirmed my thoughts. Well-written spy novel and historical fiction with good characters and never-ceasing atmosphere of mystery sounds perfect to me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the book!

[Unsullied]

I love your whole review and I think it has something to do with your command of the language. Splendid work.

[AbhyarnaAman]

I have read some novels by Dan Brown. your review of The Sterling Affair gives me a similar vibe!! I will love to indulge in this.

[markodim721]

I think I’ll love this book! I read the description before and now your review confirmed my thoughts. Well-written spy novel and historical fiction with good characters and never-ceasing atmosphere of mystery sounds perfect to me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the book!

The book is one of the best I have had the opportunity to read this year. You won't go wrong. Thanks for stopping by.

[markodim721]

I love your whole review and I think it has something to do with your command of the language. Splendid work.

Thanks for the nice words. I'm glad if I managed to get you interested in the book.

[markodim721]

I have read some novels by Dan Brown. your review of The Sterling Affair gives me a similar vibe!! I will love to indulge in this.

The comparison is great! Thanks for stopping by.

[Ruchi Raina]

This book seems remarkable. The biggest compliment you gave the book, that it has film potential, has intrigued me. The suspense that hooks the reader from the very first page is a bonus. I would like to know what secrets Morton Farrier uncovers. Thanks for the insightful review.

[markodim721]

This book seems remarkable. The biggest compliment you gave the book, that it has film potential, has intrigued me. The suspense that hooks the reader from the very first page is a bonus. I would like to know what secrets Morton Farrier uncovers. Thanks for the insightful review.

The book is very good in all segments. I sincerely recommend it. Thanks for stopping by.

[Brandy_Nyongesa]

Am not a fan of historical stories especially cold wars. I won't read this book. Great review