The Cormorant Hunt

A Novel

Read by Santino Fontana

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About The Book

A renegade CIA officer must infiltrate an extremist group in the heart of Europe in a novel offering “spy fiction at its headiest and most addictive” (Kirkus Reviews).

“Left me breathless with its nimble plot work and sheer storytelling audacity.” —Sarah Weinman, The New York Times


Ari Falk has just blown the lid off a massive conspiracy at the highest level within the CIA. While some hail him as a hero for exposing government corruption, others brand him as a dangerous traitor to his country. His quiet exile in the Republic of Georgia is shattered when a new mission arises—one perfectly suited for someone as jaded and unpredictable as him.

A hot war in Europe and shadowy political schemes set the stage for danger at every turn. Enter Asha Tamaskar, a brilliant, neurodivergent CIA officer with her own secrets, and Felix Burnham, a chilling antagonist with radical alliances that could change the global balance of power. From Tbilisi to Prague and Andorra to Bethesda, Falk’s quest for justice takes him on a high-stakes journey around the world.

The Cormorant Hunt explores geopolitics with grit and authenticity, weaving together a narrative that is both urgent and unforgettable. Razor-sharp dialogue, heart-pounding twists, and complex characters abound—blending suspense, wit, and brilliant storytelling, this is a must-read for fans of political intrigue, espionage, and thrillers that don’t play by the rules.

About The Author

© Ilya Popenko
Michael Idov

Michael Idov is a novelist, director, and screenwriter. A Latvian-born American raised in Riga under Soviet occupation, he moved to New York after graduating from the University of Michigan. Michael’s writing career began at New York magazine, where his features won three National Magazine Awards, and he has served as the editor-in-chief of GQ Russia. He is also the author of The CollaboratorsGround Up, and Dressed Up for a Riot. Michael has worked on numerous film and TV projects, including LondongradDeutschland 83Leto, and The Humorist. He and his wife and screenwriting partner, Lily, divide their time between Los Angeles, Berlin, and Portugal.

About The Reader

Santino Fontana

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (January 27, 2026)
  • Runtime: 8 hours and 42 minutes
  • ISBN13: 9781668123232

Raves and Reviews

"Fontana’s strong performance is the perfect vehicle for this tale of modern-day spycraft."

Kirkus Reviews

"Disgraced former CIA operative Ari Falk’s self-imposed exile in the Republic of Georgia ends abruptly, and he finds himself at the heart of a mission to save the world from the leader of an extremist group intent on changing the balance of political power in Europe. Narrator Santino Fontana demonstrates a wide variety of accents, bringing to life characters from across the globe. His careful characterizations ensure the polished flow of the plot, and his skills are highlighted during dialogue-heavy scenes, where he seamlessly moves between characters and accents. Fontana’s timing and spot-on pacing keep the tension building as the twisting plot unfolds."

Kirkus Reviews

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More books from this reader: Santino Fontana

More books in this series: The Cormorant Trilogy

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