Step into the pulse-pounding world of Simon Riske, where a former thief turned freelance spy navigates high-stakes heists and international intrigue! Created by New York Times bestselling author Christopher Reich, the Simon Riske series blends the suave charm of James Bond with the gritty resourcefulness of Jack Reacher. From London’s shadowy alleys to Monte Carlo’s glitzy casinos, Riske’s adventures captivate thriller fans with their clever plots and moral complexity.
Riske, a reformed criminal with a knack for fixing impossible problems, operates from a quiet auto garage in central London. His unique blend of street smarts, pickpocket skills, and Sorbonne-honed intellect makes him a standout protagonist in the spy thriller genre. Whether outwitting Russian oligarchs or dodging assassins, Riske’s journey is a thrilling ride you won’t want to miss.
How Simon Riske Began
Christopher Reich, a former stockbroker turned novelist, drew on his experiences in Switzerland’s financial world to craft the Simon Riske series. After penning financial thrillers like Numbered Account, Reich introduced Riske in 2018’s The Take, seeking a fresh hero with a criminal past and a redemptive arc. Inspired by classic spy novels and his own global travels, Reich crafted Riske as a multifaceted character who thrives in the gray areas of morality.
Reich’s time in Geneva and Zurich, coupled with his love for high-octane stories like The Day of the Jackal, shaped the series’ international scope. Riske’s debut was a hit, praised for its stylish prose and nonstop action, launching a series that continues to grow in popularity among thriller enthusiasts.
The Heart of Simon Riske
The Simon Riske series spans four books, each a masterclass in suspense. The Take (2018) introduces Riske as he hunts a stolen letter that could shift global power, facing off against his former ally, gangster Tino Coluzzi, in a Paris heist gone wrong. Crown Jewel (2019) takes Riske to Monte Carlo, where he unravels a casino crime spree linked to his own past as a thief. The Palace (2020) sees Riske in Thailand, racing to save a friend and uncover a conspiracy threatening Europe’s capitals. Finally, Once a Thief (2022) delivers a Mediterranean chase filled with espionage and betrayal.
The series’ themes of redemption, identity, and moral ambiguity set it apart. Riske’s journey from armored-car robber to problem-solver reflects his quest for atonement, while his outsider status in the spy world adds depth. Reich’s vivid settings—Bangkok’s bustling streets, Cannes’ glamorous coast—immerse readers in a world of danger and deception. The fast-paced plots, layered characters, and clever twists make each book a page-turner, earning comparisons to Robert Ludlum and Daniel Silva.
Reich’s signature style blends meticulous tradecraft with emotional stakes. Riske’s relationships, like his tangled bond with an ex-lover in The Palace, add heart to the action. Fans love the series for its balance of brains and brawn, with Riske’s pickpocket finesse and hot-wiring skills stealing the show.
Why Simon Riske Resonates
The Simon Riske series has carved a niche in the spy thriller genre, captivating readers with its fresh take on the antihero. Riske’s relatability—flawed yet striving for better—resonates with fans, while Reich’s knack for weaving current events, like financial scandals or immigration debates, keeps the stories timely. The series’ critical acclaim, including praise from authors like Jeff Abbott and Joseph Finder, highlights its appeal, with The Take lauded as “dazzling fun” and The Palace called “diabolically clever.”
Though not as mainstream as Bourne or Bond, Riske’s cult following grows with each book, fueled by Reich’s ability to deliver escapist thrills with substance. The series’ focus on a lone fixer navigating a corrupt world feels both classic and modern, ensuring its place in the thriller pantheon.
- First Book: The Take (2018)
- Number of Books: 4
- Author: Christopher Reich
- Genre: Spy Thriller
Grab The Take and dive into Simon Riske’s world of espionage, betrayal, and high-octane adventure! Whether you’re a thriller veteran or a newcomer, Riske’s stylish capers will keep you hooked.