It’s Christmas Eve in Santa Fe, but among the revelers on Canyon Road, a decidedly unholy scene is taking place. A desperate man, dressed all in black, feverishly seeks refuge for himself and the squirming bundle he holds tightly against his chest. Agent Paul Kagan’s bundle is a baby who has the power to change the course of global events. His pursuers are his former colleagues—members of the Russian mafia who will stop at nothing to accomplish their mission. Now Kagan is a spy on the run. He must ensure this baby’s survival, even if it will cost him his own life.
Just a short distance away, Kagan will find an unexpected pair of allies—a mother and her young son, who huddle together after a horrible episode of domestic violence leaves them home alone, with no means of transportation. And so, with the exquisitely honed skills of his profession and the help and good faith of a weary woman and a disillusioned boy, Kagan must take on forces that will stop at nothing. In the course of a wild and violent night, the unlikely trio learns lessons of generosity, courage, and selflessness, discovering within themselves the luminous strength of the true Christmas spirit.
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"This "spy's version of Christmas" was enjoyable and different. I liked the roses woven throughout the story, and Kagan's sharing the Christmas story with young Cole as they sat and watched for the bad guys to break in and steal back the baby was touching. Suspense in a faith-based Christmas story - not something I have seen a lot of - too bad, it was fun!"
— Dawn (4 out of 5 stars)
“Morrell offers yet another change of pace in this compact, fast-paced combination of Rambo adventure (what he’s known for) and plea for peace on earth.”
— Booklist“The Spy Who Came for Christmas succeeds in provoking thought, even as it quickens the pulse and updates classic suspense tropes as its compelling storyline feverishly unwinds…The author handles all these elements like the seasoned pro he is, producing a story that is quintessential Morrell: interesting background information subtly conveyed, well-choreographed action, sympathetic characters, myriad pop culture references throughout, and most importantly, a compelling story that never relinquishes its grip on your imagination.”
— Mystery Scene Magazine“It’s a suspense writer at the top of his game and a holiday book unlike any other.”
— Rocky Mountain News“A master of action-suspense, Morrell tells an electrifying yet simple tale of violence, conscience, and the spirit of the season. It’s a page-turning skid past a renowned tourist attraction into a murky world where life or death is the only guaranteed outcome.”
— Romantic Times" David Morrell has been a favorite since I lived in Ia City where he taught. Lately I haven't been as entranced with his story telling as I had in the past. This book steps up and is detailed in characters and plot. He is back to doing what he does best and it is well worth the time to read. "
— Dawn, 1/17/2014" I quite enjoyed this quick holiday spy thriller. This would be the perfect book to take on your holiday travels. "
— Kathy, 1/17/2014" Well folks, this one started Christmas read-a-thon 2011. Could have been better, could have been worse. I guess I usually do not really read any crime type thrillers as Christmas books, so that is probably what threw me off a bit...but even with that it was not a bad story at all. Would recommend to someone looking for a real easy read with a decent plot "
— Brian, 1/12/2014" A fun, quick, incredibly twisted take on the Christmas story. I loved it! And I'm not a big spy novel fan. "
— Darla, 1/2/2014" Genre not something I would normally pick up. Interesting mix of spies and Christmas. A good, quick read for the holidays. "
— Paula, 12/21/2013" I liked this different "take" on the Christmas story very much. It is told from a spy's pov. It is acted out by spies. Only one of them, the protagonist, "gets" what is going on. I recommend it highly. I'll read it again next Christmas. "
— Ruthann, 12/15/2013" Started out slow but got reaaly exciting and suspenseful. Doesn't really have much to do with christmas but a great book none the less "
— Liz, 12/9/2013" I really liked this book. It was so different for a Christmas story, but so interesting. I loved the different perspective on the wisemen. It was a great Christmas read. "
— Beth, 11/24/2013" fun tale - quick read. "
— Pam, 11/22/2013" quick read - not real deep but a good short book....feel good "
— Jennifer, 11/19/2013" Enjoyable little spy/holiday tale. Classic Morrell, with holiday cheer. Interesting take on the christmas story. "
— Pete731, 9/6/2013" Not an uplifting Christmas book, but fun just the same. "
— Mandy, 8/24/2013" It was a little late to be reading a Christmas book but I enjoyed it never the less. A cute Christmas story from a little bit of a different angle, and a happy ending. What more could you ask for? I particularly enjoyed the "spy's version" of the nativity. Quite creative! "
— Christine, 8/17/2013" THis was a really nice little book with a unique Christmas theme, the Christmas story with the interpretation of a spy, very interesting. "
— Tobi, 7/24/2013" Good short book to read. Kept your interest from start to finish. "
— Trooper1048, 5/16/2013" This is a short little book that I had to finish the last few minutes of AFTER I logged in to work last night. (Becky don't you try this) Great read. Gonna look for more books by him. "
— Karen, 3/17/2013" Fun in a shoot 'em up, Mobster sort of holiday-way. "
— Laurie, 9/24/2012" Really enjoyed this book! This is the author of the Rambo books, as well as many other titles. His inspiration Afro this book was one of my favorite authors, Mary Kay Andrews, and her Christmas title, Blue Christmas (which I also enjoyed very much)! "
— Paula, 8/17/2012" It was a really enjoyable Christmas story. This was exciting without being too syrupy. "
— Mary, 11/20/2011" This was a quick read about a American/Russian Spy who saved a baby at Christmas. "
— Mary, 7/27/2011" I don't know how well I liked this book. It ws good, just very different from what I'm used to. It held my interest and had some very good action/adventure. The time frame was really interesting. "
— Connie, 3/30/2011" Started out slow but got reaaly exciting and suspenseful. Doesn't really have much to do with christmas but a great book none the less "
— Liz, 3/20/2011" THis was a really nice little book with a unique Christmas theme, the Christmas story with the interpretation of a spy, very interesting. "
— Tobi, 12/27/2010" This was a very very nice little Christmas novel. Fast read. "
— Pam, 12/13/2010" Sucked overall. Sort of interested in the guy's interpretation of the Christmas story. That's about all I can say. The only X-mas book I read this year. Wish I had gotten to the others I had picked out, which looked way better. "
— Hillary, 12/8/2010" The first David Morrell book I've read, but it won't be my last. I enjoyed the fast pace of the story and the fact that it was my favorite genre - espionage - and a holiday story. "
— Luann, 12/2/2010" A baby is kidnapped by a spy and his companions and the attempted rescue of the baby happens during Christmas Eve celebrations. A multitude of characters makes for an interesting story. "
— Naomi, 9/15/2010" It was a really enjoyable Christmas story. This was exciting without being too syrupy. "
— Mary, 6/9/2010" Good short book to read. Kept your interest from start to finish. "
— Trooper1048, 5/28/2010" "Listened" to this book. Very suspenseful...kept you engaged...for a suspense story that has activities of the Russian mob and mob-like treatment of people, it also had a storyline of love hope and peace....a very interesting contrast making for a very interesting book "
— Kathy, 2/19/2010" I quite enjoyed this quick holiday spy thriller. This would be the perfect book to take on your holiday travels. "
— Kathy, 2/13/2010" This is a good one if you will ever be in Santa Fe over the Christmas Holidays. Quick and easy read. A gift from my mother. "
— Ann, 1/13/2010" A fun, quick, incredibly twisted take on the Christmas story. I loved it! And I'm not a big spy novel fan. "
— Darla, 12/9/2009" I really liked this book. It was so different for a Christmas story, but so interesting. I loved the different perspective on the wisemen. It was a great Christmas read. "
— Beth, 10/28/2009" Page turner. Lots of good information. Entertaining if a bit dark. "
— Eric, 9/17/2009" Outstanding; On Christmas Eve, a spy tries to save a special baby and enlists the aid of a mother and her son <br/> "
— Joe, 9/7/2009David Morrell is one of America’s most popular and acclaimed storytellers, with more than eighteen million copies of his books in print. His thrillers have been translated into twenty-two languages and turned into record-breaking films and top-rated television miniseries. His 1972 debut novel, First Blood, became the basis for the Rambo films. A former professor of American literature at the University of Iowa, he now lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
David Colacci is an actor and director who has directed and performed in prominent theaters nationwide. His credits include roles from Shakespeare to Albee, as well as extensive work on new plays. As a narrator, he has won numerous Earphones Awards, earned Audie Award nominations, and been included in Best Audio of the Year lists by such publications as Publishers Weekly, AudioFile magazine, and Library Journal. He was a resident actor and director with the Cleveland Play House for eight years and has been artistic director of the Hope Summer Rep Theater since 1992.