One positive thing that 2020 provided was plenty of time to think. I’ve come to believe that life instantly improves when you don’t blame other people and focus on what you can control.

I know 2020 didn’t turn out the way any of us expected but a focus on service, and gratitude, and things within our sphere of influence will help get us through. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We’ll make it. Together.

OK, let’s get to it this week.

Here are 3 crime fiction links, 2 quotes, and 1 question for this week:

3 LINKS

• As if 2020 was intent on pouring acid in the wound until the very end, the week started with news of the passing of John le Carre. If you want to read some le Carre, here are some suggestions on where to start.

• The NYT’s obit/remembrance/retrospective of John le Carre’s career is well worth reading.

• Speaking of codes and code breaking, one of the infamous Zodiac’s puzzles has been deciphered. Fascinating to read how they did it but the actual message was sort of disappointing.

2 QUOTES

Two quotes from John le Carre this week:

• “A desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world.”

• “Do you know what love is? I’ll tell you: it is whatever you can still betray.”

   

1 QUESTION

• What is your favorite modern espionage book? Red Sparrow and The Trinity Six come to mind.

Until next Thursday, happy reading,

Mike

Author the Max Strong thriller series