Walking Back the Cat

Walking Back the Cat follows CIA Russia specialist Charlie Winthrop as he investigates a murder in New Mexico that connects to Russian organized crime. The victim's identity leads him to uncover possible links between Russian mafia operations and intelligence activities on U.S. soil. Lillian Oshima Morris, a Mescalero Apache woman and local police detective, becomes entangled in the case when the murder occurs on tribal lands. Her expertise in tracking and deep knowledge of the desert landscape become essential to the investigation. The narrative moves between present-day New Mexico and flashbacks to Cold War espionage operations, revealing layers of deception and betrayal. The investigation forces both main characters to confront questions about loyalty, identity, and the lingering impacts of historical conflicts. The book explores themes of cultural displacement and how the end of the Cold War transformed both international relations and individual lives. Through its southwestern setting, it draws parallels between Native American experiences and the broader patterns of geopolitical power struggles.

Readers find this spy thriller fast-paced but complex, with intricate plot threads centered on Russian organized crime and Native American casinos. Many note its departure from typical espionage novels. Readers appreciate: - The unique blend of Native American mythology with modern espionage - Sharp dialogue and dark humor - Strong character development of both Russian and Native American protagonists Common criticisms: - Plot becomes confusing in the middle sections - Some found the supernatural elements jarring - Several readers note it takes time to get oriented to the story Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (252 ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (31 ratings) One reader on Goodreads wrote: "The mix of Native American mysticism and Cold War spycraft shouldn't work, but it does." An Amazon reviewer noted: "The plot threads take too long to connect, but the payoff is worth it." Most recommend it for readers who want an unconventional take on the spy genre.

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🔹 Robert Littell worked as a Newsweek journalist covering the Soviet Union during the Cold War, lending authenticity to his espionage novels. 🔹 The phrase "walking back the cat" is actual intelligence community jargon meaning to reverse-engineer or reconstruct past events to understand what really happened. 🔹 The novel blends Native American mysticism with Cold War espionage themes, an unusual combination in the spy genre. 🔹 The book was published in 1997, just as post-Soviet Russia was experiencing major upheaval under Boris Yeltsin, which forms part of the novel's backdrop. 🔹 Littell's deep understanding of tradecraft and intelligence operations earned him the nickname "the American Le Carré," after the famous British spy novelist.