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Guff Rankin works for the CIA. Through his lens, readers learn a lot of history regarding Cuban/American relations, Israel/U.S. relations, and more circa the 1950s. The story is fast-paced, as were the times. Spies, murders, lovers, and clandestine meetings provide all the action and intrigue any reader wants. Yet the book offers so much more than these.
Rankin is a savant whose gift is seeing patterns—mathematical and otherwise. Because of his unique talent, the CIA hires him as an analyst. But Rankin is a regular guy in most ways, making him relatable and lovable. He has a delightful family and rich friendships, and readers grow attached quickly to them through excellent character development.
Writing good historical fiction takes much time and talent. Authors have to do their homework, and Eglash-Kosoff obviously understands this. She inserts news facts to accompany the story but relies more heavily on her research to describe what was happening and how people felt about it. She expertly captures the flavor of the times: "Eisenhower would serve out his second term but the country was ready to pass the torch of leadership to a younger generation," Rankin describes after the election of 1959.
This book is a sequel to Guff, picking up where the author left readers in the original story. However, this book stands alone just fine, and anyone can start with the present tale and join Rankin's world. To read about him is to make a new friend. When readers feel a tale ends too quickly, it is a strong indication of a good book. In this case, one can only hope for a third volume in the series.