Disgraced former CIA operative Hector Kane thought he’d left his thrilling past behind. His once vibrant life has taken a nosedive into monotony and heartbreak, punctuated by a failing marriage and the sorrow of losing his son. He’s barely staying afloat, teaching at a prestigious Middle Eastern university, always yearning for the adrenaline-fueled days of his past.

Out of the blue, an unexpected lifeline: The CIA wants him back. A glimmer of hope sparks in Hector-a shot at mending his marriage, living the life he’s always dreamed of. The mission seems innocuously simple: take his wife, Yubi, and five of his students to a picturesque island in the South China Sea. The catch? The true nature of the task will only be revealed once they are in Asia.

In the heart of Asia, the puzzle pieces begin to form a disturbing picture. When asked to infect one of his students with a lethal virus, Hector starts to question the mission. The plot thickens further when a Saudi prince dials his number, claiming that Yubi is a Chinese spy who has seduced and abducted his son.

With this revelation, the stakes have never been higher. Hector is on his own, torn between loyalty and truth. He’s in a race against time to salvage his marriage, fulfill his mission, and most importantly, figure out who he truly is. Will Hector find a way to unravel the tangled web of deception and danger he’s ensnared in?

＂The Haze＂ is a thrilling dive into a world of espionage, danger, and personal discovery.

＂Engrossing... Hawkes keeps the twists coming... Fans of superior post-Cold War spy fiction will be satisfied.＂

- Publishers Weekly

＂A knotty and satisfying tale of action, drama, and secrets.＂

- Kirkus Reviews

＂With its relentless pace, smart plot, and top-notch writing, The Haze makes for a most appealing and compelling read... The Haze is a must-read for fans of Spy Stories and is recommended without reservation.＂

- Book Viral

＂A thoroughly enjoyable contemporary spy novel recommended to fans of the well-known ’heavy hitter’ espionage writers.＂

- Reedsy

＂Reading The Haze feels very much like going on a tour round the world and meeting diverse people, cultures, cities... The author’s wordplay is quite fascinating. . . Also, to his credit is his in-depth knowledge of global geopolitics which he put to good use in giving the book a real life semblance. The Haze is a thrilling book that could make anyone’s day.＂

- Mary Jane Anderson, book blogger