Joseph Finder's The Oligarch's Daughter is one of those books that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go—at least for the first half. The suspense is so intense that I found myself putting it down just to catch my breath! The fast-paced narrative and well-developed characters make it a compelling read, especially if you're into espionage thrillers with a modern twist.

However, the book isn’t without its flaws. The latter third feels rushed and overly convoluted, almost as if Finder was racing to tie up loose ends. Some plot points, like the protagonist’s improbable survival skills, stretch believability. And while the oligarch lifestyle sections are fascinating, they occasionally veer into melodrama.

That said, the novel shines in its realism and attention to detail—especially when it comes to speculative investing and high-stakes escapes. Paul Brightman, the protagonist, is frustratingly human (read: makes dumb decisions), which oddly makes him more relatable. The alternating timelines between past and present are handled deftly, avoiding the confusion that often plagues such structures.

If you're new to Finder’s work, this isn’t a bad place to start—just be prepared for some uneven pacing. For longtime fans, it’s another solid entry in his repertoire, even if it doesn’t quite hit the highs of his best works. Bottom line? A gripping but imperfect thriller that’s perfect for a lazy weekend or a long flight.