Deeply imbued with military knowledge and spycraft, “The Stranger” is a tumultuous entry into the modern post-Le-Carre spy thriller field. Starring a stubborn, wayward British operative thrust into blowback from a long-ago rendition, with a huge cast of complex characters from different nations, the first third skirts with plot overkill, but thereafter the storyline settles into a globe-trotting race that culminates gracefully (if in bloodthirsty fashion). Action scenes pulse with tension and threat. The author is an assured stylist, the dialogue is sharp, the double-crossing ambience is well portrayed. The Stranger makes for a one-night read that promises a welcome sequel.
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