Book Review: The Poison Factory - Operation Kamera by Lucy Kirk (2020)
Overview
Lucy Kirk and her book The Poison Factory are a prime example of the magic that can happen when we write what we know. After spending more than three decades working in the CIA, Kirk knows the ins and outs. Her focuses during her time at the CIA were the USSR and post-Soviet Russia - topics she addresses in The Poison Factory (TPF).
Her main character in TPF, Decktora Raines, is a woman on leave from the CIA, also having worked with a focus on Russia. Knowing Kirk’s history, we feel confident knowing her depiction of this character and the CIA will be accurate and informational. All that’s left for us to worry about is - what’s going to happen next?
Content & Message
We are brought into the story with an introduction to Decktora Raines as she lounges on her couch on a summer day. Her life partner, Alex, also a member of the CIA, has been missing for a year, and she has been helpless in the attempts to locate him and his missing colleagues. This is not Raines’ main mission, though. As it turns out, a former Russian defector she helped transfer to London reaches out to her when he believes his life is in danger. Cue our introductions to the other main characters.
We meet Sergei Dumanovskiy, the Russian defector who contacts Raines, and Detective Chief Inspector Cransford Garvin, who is brought it by the murder of another Russian defector. Soon after, we meet Senior British Intelligence officer Jason Drake, who connects the dots between the murder and the Russian affilation.
While in London, people connected to Raines are murdered, and she begins to wonder if she’s in over her head. Thankfully, she has a whole host of people standing behind her from the CIA, but that doesn’t stop the doubts and fears that settle in:
“‘I wish there were no connection to me’...’Wish again, my friend. There are no ruby slippers in this game, as you well know.’” (181).
As any good story has, there are fearsome villains. The villains of this story are introduced early on, and so it isn’t so much a matter of who-dun-it, but will they catch the bad guys? Ivanchukov and Olga are originally from Russia, and they have a score to settle with the Russian defectors who once worked for a company in Russia. Olga is a puppet being controlled by the master, Ivanchukov. She commits the murders that take place while Raines is in London, using a claw and poison to ensure her victim’s deaths.
What I love about any story is a villain with a good backstory. I’m sure many of us would agree: the backstory is what makes the villain and determines whether they are truly evil, or simply misunderstood. In this case, the villains are evil, with a sprinkle of misunderstood. The backstories for Olga and Ivanchukov encourage empathy for them and how they wound up in their current situation, but it doesn’t justify their actions.
The interesting thing is how Kirk is able to write this story while also staying in line with the processes of the CIA. Though the character Raines is on leave, she still must follow all of the CIA protocol when it comes to her visit to London to check in with Dumanovskiy. Kirk has a great way of explaining the protocols and processes without the book feeling like she’s teaching rather than telling a story. I never felt bogged down by the details.
Biggest Takeaway
The biggest takeaway from this story would have to be that sometimes it’s hard to make all the right decisions. Especially when you are limited by your job, and/or the people around you. Decktora Raines stood by her firm belief that Segei Dumanovskiy deserved safety after everything he’d been through, and she did everything in her power to ensure that he remained unharmed.
Unfortunately, there were other casualties along the way, but it’s important to remember not to blame yourself for the actions of others. It was Olga who murdered the people in London, but Raines and Dumanovskiy still felt the burden of blame:
“...now we both felt guilty, and there was no bandage that would instantly take away the pain for either of us.” (235).
Overall Impressions
I was drawn to this book by the CIA aspect. I am a big fan of Criminal Minds, so I was intrigued to read a crime novel. Though it is not exactly a crime novel, it does have a similar structure and feel. It’s actually classified as a mystery and suspense thriller.
In the first few pages, the book sucks you in with a mysterious package, a murder, and a host of dynamic characters. It was a quick read and kept you wanting to read and learn more.
Why Writers Need this Book
Whether it’s your favorite genre or not, this book is a great example for writers to show how to effectively use what you know to enhance a story. As writers, when we know what we’re talking about- and really know, not just a quick listicle you read on the internet - it makes the writing process smoother for the writer & reader.
If you’re writing a novel about the CIA, for example, it’s important that you know a lot about the topic and everything surrounding it, or else you may convey incorrect depictions. In fantasy this isn’t much of a concern, but with realistic fiction such as The Poison Factory, accuracy is a must.
Next Steps
There are a few steps to take next:
Get the book here. (Or here or here). Better yet, check your local library! Easy peasy.
Read the book & take it in.
Start utilizing what you already know in your writing! Think of some ideas or topics that you have either researched, or experienced that you could use to enhance your own writing.
My challenge to you is to pinpoint the areas Lucy Kirk most effectively utilized her prior knowledge to better the story as you read.
Have you read the book? What did you think? What was your favorite part? I’d love to hear about your experiences! Find me on social media or drop a comment below.
Let’s chat because you, my friend, are on your way to great reading & writing.