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Haunted by his failure to make it in the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) recruitment program thirty years earlier, author James Norval has never stopped dreaming about a life of espionage and adventure. In an unexpected turn of events, Norval finds himself tasked by CSIS with infiltrating the Malian government and rescuing fifteen Canadian nationals. I don’t usually reach for thrillers, especially ones with a political backdrop, so it took me a little while to get into some of the political details. However, I truly enjoyed Terry Fallis’s witty writing style. James Noval’s almost childlike enthusiasm adds a great deal of charm, keeping the story fun and engaging even amid the high-stakes plot. The Marionette was an enjoyable read with an entertaining mix of suspense, humour, and political intrigue. If you're looking for a thriller that's exciting without taking itself too seriously, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.