War in Ukraine, Iran, and Gaza—The world is going crazy. But how do crime fiction authors, especially spy novelists, cope when reality surpasses fiction? We find ourselves at the Élysée in 2028. The French president, Émilie Cornelly, must fight against internal enemies as Russia launches drones on France. A pro-Russian senator is encountered, there are hostage takings in Paris, and the media has gone mad. In the Kremlin, Nikita Malishev has replaced Vladimir Putin, but he is just as dangerous for Europe. Meanwhile, Washington discreetly (or cruelly) averts its eyes from the Old Continent. If it were published ten years ago, Thomas Bronnec’s latest book, “All the Misfortune of the World,” would have elicited smiles. The meticulously crafted plot is no longer far-fetched: the chaos of the world is a reality.
In recent years, geopolitics has become a fertile ground for thriller authors. Take Aslak Nore, a successful Norwegian author of “The Alliance,” who draws on his military and journalism background. He shifted the Ukraine-Russia war to Norway in his plot. “For us, Russia’s proximity is a truly anxiety-inducing reality,” the author tells Point. “It’s not just an idea, and I wanted to capture the psychological tension Norwegians have been experiencing for some years, despite being a peaceful people.”
Former DGSE operative Olivier Mas, known for “Chinese Shadows,” consistently establishes himself as a stalwart in spy fiction. His intimate knowledge of French intelligence lends credibility to his stories, having spent eight years in the Middle East or Afghanistan, sometimes undercover. The world’s tumult in his pages feels almost like a documentary. “I am very careful to stay within the realm of plausibility. I could invent a phone call from the President to a field agent, but that’s impossible. I do, however, enjoy deciphering certain events that may seem unrelated but are actually different aspects of the volcano we are currently standing on.”
In this realm where reality is a prominent stage for the author, consider the adept “The President’s File.” Author James A. Scott, a former American military intelligence agent, divulges the clandestine ties with Russia of an American president—no, not Donald Trump at all. This secret dossier, supported by evidence, entices the world’s intelligence services to peek, perhaps to sway American politics. It’s intriguing—so close to reality, it reads more like a non-fiction than a novel.
Context: The article discusses how real-world events are influencing the writing of spy novels and crime fiction among various authors, referencing geopolitical tensions and conflicts.
Fact Check: The information about the authors and their works is presented accurately, focusing on how their experiences and surroundings have influenced their writing.
