The Palace

Thriller Award winner Reich’s entertaining third Simon Riske novel (after 2019’s Crown Jewel) finds professional problem solver Riske’s old friend Rafael “Rafa” de Bourbon, a Spanish entrepreneur who’s about to open a luxury hotel on the coast of Thailand, worried about illegal activities he’s witnessed while working with a company called PetroSaud. As Rafa is considering exposing PetroSaud’s crimes, the Thai police arrive at the hotel and arrest him for bribery and extortion. Rafa asks Simon for help. Simon, who has just completed a mission in Amsterdam to recover a stolen painting, comes to Rafa’s rescue because he owes his friend a big favor—and because Rafa has recently married an ex-lover he’s fond of. Simon has less success with this operation than with the one in Amsterdam, and he’s soon on the run. Appealing supporting characters ex-Mossad agent Danni Pine and top-notch financial reporter London Li come to his aid. An unexpected closing twist promises exciting developments to come. Clever, sophisticated Riske stands out in the crowded action hero field. Agent: Richard Pine, Inkwell Management. (Aug.)