Read Agent 6 by Tom Rob Smith. It is one of a trilogy. Child 44 was the first I read and though bleak, it turned into a very interesting story of the beginning of Communist Russia and Leo, who left secret service in disgrace. Agent 6 picks up in the 50's. An American black singer who is Communist visits Moscow and is beloved. Then he is blacklisted. Leo, an agent, becomes disenchanted with what he has done and goes on a long journey after a terrible incident in USA involcing his wife. He goes to thedepths and becomes an advisor in Afghanistan after Russia's invasion. Extremely interesting, twisting. He is searching for the truth at what happened in America to his wife. His friendship with an Afghan woman, turned agent for russia and a little girl propell them to interesting heights. Can't say too much as I don't want to give away the plot. Smith is a skilled writer and you don't want to stop until you're finished.Then I was disappointed it ended! A very good read along with his other book, Child 44