The Accident is author Chris Pavones follow up to 2013's the Expats. The Accident is the title of a manuscript, written by Anonymous, detailing the sordid details and scandal involving a powerful media mogul, and his illegal activities in cahoots with the CIA.
Early in his life this mogul, along with Anonymous were involved in an incident that was covered up by the mogul, Charles Wolfes, father.
The story follows the manuscript as its passed along from a literary agent Isabel Reed, our main character, to editor Jeffrey, publisher on the edge of bankruptcy Brad, and ambitious acquisitions person Camilla, who steals the manuscripts with visions of a Hollywood executive producer gig in mind.
Veteran CIA operative Hayden is the man tasked by Wolfe to retrieve the manuscript, assuring that Wolfes Senate ambitions aren't derailed. Hayden is running an "off the books " operation towards that goal. Kate Moore, the protagonist in Expats is a member of Haydens team, but inhabits a minor role in this novel.
The bodies start piling up when the manuscript is procured by those who shouldn't have access, and Pavone, a long time editor, demonstrates his insider knowledge of the publishing industry.
Copenhagen, Zurich, New York, Washington and Los Angeles provide the backdrop for this well written story, which provides several twists that are for the most part predictable, but satisfying. Pavones is an excellent writer, and fleshes out his characters well.
I'm not sure if espionage, or political thriller is appropriate for the Accident. It did keep me awake rather late though. Based on his first two novels, I'm curious to see what Pavone produces next.