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Black Vault
From the acclaimed author of Red London and Red Widow comes a heart-pounding thriller about a dispirited spy who gets a chance to find the truth as he tackles the mystery of unexplained aerial phenomena.
When CIA officer Craig Norton glimpses an unexplainable object in the sky over Mongolia, he can’t quite believe it. Frankly, he isn’t sure Langley will either. Despite his misgivings, Craig reports the sighting in a cable to headquarters detailing the incident.
Fast-forward fifteen years. Craig is still reeling from the report that tanked his career and his personal life. That fleeting moment on the Mongolian steppe made him a pariah at the Agency, and he still hasn’t recovered. At this point, he doubts he ever will.
But when the navy confirms on national television reports of unexplained aerial phenomena, Craig finds himself pulled back into the fold. Assigned to a CIA task force investigating sightings of unexplained aerial phenomena—including his own—Craig stumbles upon a mystery that could strain global relations and expose an international cover-up.
For a spy humbled by his own instincts, the search for the truth could finally mean a chance at redemption—or place him directly in the path of a dangerous conspiracy.
When CIA officer Craig Norton glimpses an unexplainable object in the sky over Mongolia, he can’t quite believe it. Frankly, he isn’t sure Langley will either. Despite his misgivings, Craig reports the sighting in a cable to headquarters detailing the incident.
Fast-forward fifteen years. Craig is still reeling from the report that tanked his career and his personal life. That fleeting moment on the Mongolian steppe made him a pariah at the Agency, and he still hasn’t recovered. At this point, he doubts he ever will.
But when the navy confirms on national television reports of unexplained aerial phenomena, Craig finds himself pulled back into the fold. Assigned to a CIA task force investigating sightings of unexplained aerial phenomena—including his own—Craig stumbles upon a mystery that could strain global relations and expose an international cover-up.
For a spy humbled by his own instincts, the search for the truth could finally mean a chance at redemption—or place him directly in the path of a dangerous conspiracy.
81 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2023
380 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Alma Katsu
42Ìýbooks3,273Ìýfollowers"Hard to put down. Not recommended reading after dark." -- Stephen King
"Makes the supernatural seem possible" -- Publishers Weekly
Award-winning author of eight novels, including historical horror (The Hunger, The Deep, The Fervor) and spy novels (Red Widow, Red London). Coming September 2025: FIEND (Putnam)
"Makes the supernatural seem possible" -- Publishers Weekly
Award-winning author of eight novels, including historical horror (The Hunger, The Deep, The Fervor) and spy novels (Red Widow, Red London). Coming September 2025: FIEND (Putnam)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
August 11, 2023
I've never been much for thrillers that don't have some sort of a horror or murder mystery aspect to them, but I saw this one mentioned in the same sentence as The X-Files and had to give it a shot. (I loved me some Fox Mulder back in the 90s.) And, well, I'm certainly not disappointed in my decision, because Black Vault is a well-written and suspenseful story that I ended up enjoying quite a bit.
Katsu's prose borders on lyrical at times, especially in the beginning when the main character, Craig, is describing his fateful night on the Mongolian plains. The plot is solid and I really enjoyed the flashbacks to the night in question. The ending was fantastic � short story endings often leave me feeling dissatisfied due to their abruptness, but this one came to a more than satisfactory conclusion.
My only complaint is that I wish this story had been longer � I think it would have made a most excellent novel. This is the first I've read by Alma Katsu, but now I think I need to check out some of her longer works because she's definitely a talented writer.
Final score: 4.25 stars, rounded down.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for providing me with a copy of this story to review.
Katsu's prose borders on lyrical at times, especially in the beginning when the main character, Craig, is describing his fateful night on the Mongolian plains. The plot is solid and I really enjoyed the flashbacks to the night in question. The ending was fantastic � short story endings often leave me feeling dissatisfied due to their abruptness, but this one came to a more than satisfactory conclusion.
My only complaint is that I wish this story had been longer � I think it would have made a most excellent novel. This is the first I've read by Alma Katsu, but now I think I need to check out some of her longer works because she's definitely a talented writer.
Final score: 4.25 stars, rounded down.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for providing me with a copy of this story to review.
September 25, 2023
This isn’t a horror story, it’s not even science fiction. It’s about a guy in the CIA who in 2006 saw a UFO while stationed in Mongolia and makes the mistake career wise of reporting it. 15years later after a 60minutes story on military personnel seeing UFOs the CIA sets up an enquiry and puts the guy on the team to investigate it all. It’s an easy enough read but a bit too obvious for me.
August 12, 2023
I think I was not the audience for this book. I have read one other novella from this author and didn't really enjoy it, either. If you enjoy stories about UFOs you might enjoy this story.
August 28, 2023
My first story by this author and I will be looking out for more.
Craig Norton is a CIA agent who happens to see an unexplained object in the sky over Mongolia. When he reports the sighting of a possible UFO he is ridiculed, his report is squashed, and his career is finished. Some fifteen years later more data becomes available with some amazing consequences.
I enjoyed this story very much. The descriptions of the Mongolian scenery are beautiful, and the way Craig is built up as a person with a backstory of a failed marriage, a semi estranged son and a lost career is very well done. Great writing, interesting characters, references to the X Files and an entertaining story with some scary bits. Five stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Craig Norton is a CIA agent who happens to see an unexplained object in the sky over Mongolia. When he reports the sighting of a possible UFO he is ridiculed, his report is squashed, and his career is finished. Some fifteen years later more data becomes available with some amazing consequences.
I enjoyed this story very much. The descriptions of the Mongolian scenery are beautiful, and the way Craig is built up as a person with a backstory of a failed marriage, a semi estranged son and a lost career is very well done. Great writing, interesting characters, references to the X Files and an entertaining story with some scary bits. Five stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 5, 2023
As a big fan of mysterious phenomena and conspiracy stories, I spotted the blurb on Black Vault and I was excited to grab it up. The author and narrator were new to me, but that just increased my anticipation for this short thriller with a minor sci-fi element.
Black Vault is considered a short story and it was in the technical sense, but it turned out to be a well-layered fully-developed rich story of action and character plotting told in two timelines.
Near his retirement, Craig Norton is assigned to a taskforce investigating the CIA’s files on inexplicable aerial displays. This is Craig’s shot at getting answers after all those years of being stonewalled, jeered, and being sidelined. I loved seeing the beginning of the story feeling gray, hopeless, and brittly jaded when professional hubris landed him in the super with his career and marriage. Then, with the investigation into that past incident getting treated seriously, he is invigorated and slowly shedding the bitter skepticism that has filled him for so long. He tentatively started to believe in people and trying at life, even with his son after years of emotional distance.
It was a neat character piece, but it was more than that. When Craig and the others on the taskforce start sifting through the pieces, they find evidence that someone wanted Craig’s report buried and discredited and that someone doesn’t want it revived. Good suspense there.
As to Craig’s exerience itself, much of the story one is kept wondering what it was he did actually see out there in the Mongolian desert which made for the cool sci-fi mystery part.
David DeVries had a lovely deep voice and caught the emotions of Craig’s story so well and he voiced the characters from women to those with foreign accents along with Craig’s narrative brilliantly.
Black Vault was all I could hope for when I picked it up as a sci-fi thriller and I hope the author writes more.
I rec'd an audio copy from Brilliance Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking about on Oct 26th.
Black Vault is considered a short story and it was in the technical sense, but it turned out to be a well-layered fully-developed rich story of action and character plotting told in two timelines.
Near his retirement, Craig Norton is assigned to a taskforce investigating the CIA’s files on inexplicable aerial displays. This is Craig’s shot at getting answers after all those years of being stonewalled, jeered, and being sidelined. I loved seeing the beginning of the story feeling gray, hopeless, and brittly jaded when professional hubris landed him in the super with his career and marriage. Then, with the investigation into that past incident getting treated seriously, he is invigorated and slowly shedding the bitter skepticism that has filled him for so long. He tentatively started to believe in people and trying at life, even with his son after years of emotional distance.
It was a neat character piece, but it was more than that. When Craig and the others on the taskforce start sifting through the pieces, they find evidence that someone wanted Craig’s report buried and discredited and that someone doesn’t want it revived. Good suspense there.
As to Craig’s exerience itself, much of the story one is kept wondering what it was he did actually see out there in the Mongolian desert which made for the cool sci-fi mystery part.
David DeVries had a lovely deep voice and caught the emotions of Craig’s story so well and he voiced the characters from women to those with foreign accents along with Craig’s narrative brilliantly.
Black Vault was all I could hope for when I picked it up as a sci-fi thriller and I hope the author writes more.
I rec'd an audio copy from Brilliance Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking about on Oct 26th.
September 9, 2023
Rating: 3 stars
81 pages
I read The Wehrwolf during October 2022. I am planning to read Red Widow before the end of 2023. This short story is available on KU currently.
When CIA officer Craig Norton glimpses an unexplainable object in the sky over Mongolia, he can’t quite believe it. Frankly, he isn’t sure Langley will either. Despite his misgivings, Craig reports the sighting in a cable to headquarters detailing the incident. Fast-forward fifteen years. Craig is still reeling from the report that tanked his career and his personal life. That fleeting moment on the Mongolian steppe made him a pariah at the Agency. But when the navy confirms on national television reports of unexplained aerial phenomena, Craig finds himself pulled back into the fold. Assigned to a CIA task force investigating sightings of unexplained aerial phenomena—including his own—Craig stumbles upon a mystery that could strain global relations and expose an international cover-up.
81 pages
I read The Wehrwolf during October 2022. I am planning to read Red Widow before the end of 2023. This short story is available on KU currently.
When CIA officer Craig Norton glimpses an unexplainable object in the sky over Mongolia, he can’t quite believe it. Frankly, he isn’t sure Langley will either. Despite his misgivings, Craig reports the sighting in a cable to headquarters detailing the incident. Fast-forward fifteen years. Craig is still reeling from the report that tanked his career and his personal life. That fleeting moment on the Mongolian steppe made him a pariah at the Agency. But when the navy confirms on national television reports of unexplained aerial phenomena, Craig finds himself pulled back into the fold. Assigned to a CIA task force investigating sightings of unexplained aerial phenomena—including his own—Craig stumbles upon a mystery that could strain global relations and expose an international cover-up.
September 11, 2023
I really enjoyed Black Vault. Katsu does a great job of flipping the story between past and present, and keeping the pacing on point. It felt like I was in the head of Craig as the story progressed, feeling the same kind of emotions that he did as events happened. I could sympathize with him, and I thought the rest of the characters worked well for the story being told. The details of Craig's work and workplace felt believable, and I enjoyed where things ultimately turned. I am not typically a government agent protagonist / thriller type of reader, but the science fiction elements kept it interesting. Certainly worth the short amount of time it takes to read.
September 5, 2023
This is the first book by Alma Katsu I have ever read but it's not the last. Black Vault is a neat little short story about a CIA agent and maybe some UFO? It's well written and it made me want to read more from this author, I can really recommend this one.
August 7, 2023
Ehhh this was fine. The plot was intriguing but lacked punch and was unfortunately bogged down by garbled writing. Craig was a strong protagonist and I enjoyed the dual timelines, especially the parts about how his life unraveled. The fracture (and eventual repair) of his relationship with Charlie left me a bit emotional, while some revelations were very well done.
This was a pretty good novella but the writing kept me from enjoying it more.
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for the Netgalley ARC.
This was a pretty good novella but the writing kept me from enjoying it more.
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for the Netgalley ARC.
October 14, 2023
BLACK VAULT by Alma Katsu
Publication: August 8,2023 by Amazon Kindle short story original
Page Count: 81 pages
Katsu returns to the land of “The X-Files� with an immersive 81 page novella featuring spies, espionage and a conspiracy thriller. In place of Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) we have Craig Norton, a career CIA officer. It’s 2006 and his career is stagnant. He follows his Russian asset to Mongolia in the China Division A division that harbors suspicion and resentment of their Russian counterparts. Craig arranges to meet his asset in the cloak of darkness in a desolate field. While waiting he suddenly visualizes a strange light hovering in the distance � it moves in an unusual manner and with speed that defies known physics .. and then suddenly winks out. Despite misgiving he files a report noting his observations. Did he see a UFO or an experimental Chinese aircraft? His report is met with extreme criticism and disgust. The head of the station, Alvin Lee is especially critical of his report and squashes any further investigation. From that day forward his career was essentially over. He was relegated to insignificant and minor postings. His marriage falls apart and is soon divorced and estranged from his son. Fast forward fifteen years and Norton is six months from his undistinguished retirement. A �60 Minutes� story breaks exposing the government’s suppression of information about UFO sightings. In response the CIA initiates a task force on UFO sightings, composed of Craig Norton and other dead-enders. Craig is approached by a former colleague who is now the Deputy Directors of Operations and is asked his opinion of the present task force. Craig informs him that it composed of “dead-wood� and elder agents who couldn’t care less about performing a meaningful investigation. Suddenly the task force is composed of young curious agents and knowledgeable scientific officers. Their first course of action is to study previous relevant reports and sightings � including his own from 2006. They discover a large component of bureaucracy and cover-up that lead to an embossing level of duplicity. Will they uncover the reasons and results of this massive cover-up?
Katsu proves to be an amazing storyteller as she weaves this complex twisted narrative into a suspenseful and intriguing tale of deceit, that crescendos into an unexpected denouement of far reaching global implications. Thanks to NetGalley , Alma Katsu and Amazon for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
Publication: August 8,2023 by Amazon Kindle short story original
Page Count: 81 pages
Katsu returns to the land of “The X-Files� with an immersive 81 page novella featuring spies, espionage and a conspiracy thriller. In place of Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) we have Craig Norton, a career CIA officer. It’s 2006 and his career is stagnant. He follows his Russian asset to Mongolia in the China Division A division that harbors suspicion and resentment of their Russian counterparts. Craig arranges to meet his asset in the cloak of darkness in a desolate field. While waiting he suddenly visualizes a strange light hovering in the distance � it moves in an unusual manner and with speed that defies known physics .. and then suddenly winks out. Despite misgiving he files a report noting his observations. Did he see a UFO or an experimental Chinese aircraft? His report is met with extreme criticism and disgust. The head of the station, Alvin Lee is especially critical of his report and squashes any further investigation. From that day forward his career was essentially over. He was relegated to insignificant and minor postings. His marriage falls apart and is soon divorced and estranged from his son. Fast forward fifteen years and Norton is six months from his undistinguished retirement. A �60 Minutes� story breaks exposing the government’s suppression of information about UFO sightings. In response the CIA initiates a task force on UFO sightings, composed of Craig Norton and other dead-enders. Craig is approached by a former colleague who is now the Deputy Directors of Operations and is asked his opinion of the present task force. Craig informs him that it composed of “dead-wood� and elder agents who couldn’t care less about performing a meaningful investigation. Suddenly the task force is composed of young curious agents and knowledgeable scientific officers. Their first course of action is to study previous relevant reports and sightings � including his own from 2006. They discover a large component of bureaucracy and cover-up that lead to an embossing level of duplicity. Will they uncover the reasons and results of this massive cover-up?
Katsu proves to be an amazing storyteller as she weaves this complex twisted narrative into a suspenseful and intriguing tale of deceit, that crescendos into an unexpected denouement of far reaching global implications. Thanks to NetGalley , Alma Katsu and Amazon for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2023
A CIA operative sees something unusual during his posting in Mongolia, and that sighting, and his reporting of it, come back to bite him in the ass years later, months from retirement. When the navy reveals they have been seen unexplained aerial phenomena during operations, Craig Norton’s boss appoints him to a CIA UFO task force; Craig knows it’s because of his irrelevance in the CIA because of his report, but, he wants his pension and can’t afford to tell anyone to shove it�..
Alma Katsu gives a nod to Fox Mulder and his office in the basement when Craig meets the rest of the team in a recently repurposed basement storage room, now the task force’s office.
Their investigation leads them to a mess the head of the division in Mongolia has kept secret for years, and even more interesting, a long held secret.
For a short story, this packed in a lot, and well. Katsu gives clear voice to Craig's disillusionment and frustration with his years being professionally sidelined, and its impact on his personal life.
I particularly enjoyed Craig's descriptions of politics between divisions, and the obstinance and foot-dragging of department heads not wanting to rock the boat with new ideas.
And the ending was a nice surprise, making this an entertaining read.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Amazon Original Stories for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Alma Katsu gives a nod to Fox Mulder and his office in the basement when Craig meets the rest of the team in a recently repurposed basement storage room, now the task force’s office.
Their investigation leads them to a mess the head of the division in Mongolia has kept secret for years, and even more interesting, a long held secret.
For a short story, this packed in a lot, and well. Katsu gives clear voice to Craig's disillusionment and frustration with his years being professionally sidelined, and its impact on his personal life.
I particularly enjoyed Craig's descriptions of politics between divisions, and the obstinance and foot-dragging of department heads not wanting to rock the boat with new ideas.
And the ending was a nice surprise, making this an entertaining read.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Amazon Original Stories for this ARC in exchange for my review.
October 31, 2024
Any interesting short story about a CIA agent who’s sidelined when he files a report of what can only be described as a UFO. Many years later, after a waning and undistinguished career, the government creates a special task force to study exactly what he thinks he saw, and he’s part of the team. Will he be vindicated, and will his credibility be restored, mending some fences in his personal life as a result?
January 30, 2024
At 80 pages, Black Vault could be called a short novella or a long short story. Still, it manages to encompass a CIA agent's entire career and . The story was interesting and the conclusion was quite dramatic. There were times early on, however, when I was acutely aware of author intrusion. It was more evident because of the short format; if the self-insights that the main character had could have been spread over a longer period of time, they wouldn't have seemed so awkward and obvious. Still, I enjoyed the story and most readers without a background in editing probably won't even notice the things that I pick up on. Sometimes I wish I could just turn that pesky editor brain off for a while.
October 15, 2023
Interesting UFO story.
August 24, 2023
Little Incident Snowballs With Major Repercussions
Craig Norton is a CIA agent reassigned to Mongolia as his Russian asset was transferred to Ulaanbaatar. Norton is out on the Mongolian steppes one night to meet his asset. While waiting, he was admiring the beautiful night when he sees a light in the distance. It hovers, moves around, but is silent. After twenty minutes, it disappears. Like a good CIA agent, he mentions the light in his report. That point was questioned by the Reports Officer, but Norton insists that his observations be included in his report. By chance, the chief of station isn’t there, and the report is sent to Langley. When the deputy chief of station, Beijing, sees the report, he goes ballistic. The timeline shifts to Langley and six months before Norton is to retire. Based on the interest raised by the recent 60 Minutes episode on UFOs, the CIA is starting a task force before being directed by Congress. As everyone believes that this is a check-in-a-box task force, the best and brightest are not assigned. That means that Norton is assigned even though the length of task force is one year. Surprise, surprise! After two weeks, zero progress is made. From this start this intriguing short story starts.
There are two main threads. The first is labeled, then. This thread describes the sighting and how Norton’s professional and personal life spirals down the tubes. He is directed to see the military/industry lead at Ulaanbaatar station, concerning his observations and prepare answers to some very pointed questions sent by the Deputy Chief of Station, Beijing. His tour started as an accompanied tour, but his wife leaves him to go home. A divorce and estrangement with his son ensue. The second thread, labeled now, starts with his assignment to the UFO task force. A chance encounter with a friend, who started in the Russian Division with him and now is the Chief of Operations, asks how the task force is going. Norton answers truthfully. The next day, Norton and some of the best and brightest now make up the team. The reader along with Norton learn what a flurry of activity within the CIA that had been kept from Norton when he reported the observation. Even more important information is discovered that is even more serious. This aspect of the short story captured and held my attention.
While this is a short story, the background of Norton fall from grace and return is well-developed. His thoughts, actions, and interactions with others, personal and professional, correlate well with where his outlook is at the time. There even is an evident C-storyline as observed as Norton’s outlook improves from the nadir at the start of the short story.
Even with being a short story, the number of objectionable aspects is minimal to nil. There are not any violent or intimate scenes. Vulgar and rude language is very minimal. No one should have any problems reading this short story.
What I liked the most was that the flow was quick and easy to follow. I finished it in one day when this short story size is usually two days. I just could not stop reading. I particularly liked that about the same time as Norton observed the light on the Mongolian steppes, a similar incident occurred in Idaho. While not explicitly explained, it did play significant a roll in the main storyline. I really didn’t have anything that I did not like while reading this short story. This is the second short story from this author. Based upon my thoroughly enjoying both, I have placed this author solidly in my will read category. I am looking forward to reading her next short story. I do recommend reading this short story. I rate it with five stars.
I received a free prepublication e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from Amazon Original Stories. My review is based solely on my own reading experience of this book. I wish to thank Amazon Original Stories for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
Craig Norton is a CIA agent reassigned to Mongolia as his Russian asset was transferred to Ulaanbaatar. Norton is out on the Mongolian steppes one night to meet his asset. While waiting, he was admiring the beautiful night when he sees a light in the distance. It hovers, moves around, but is silent. After twenty minutes, it disappears. Like a good CIA agent, he mentions the light in his report. That point was questioned by the Reports Officer, but Norton insists that his observations be included in his report. By chance, the chief of station isn’t there, and the report is sent to Langley. When the deputy chief of station, Beijing, sees the report, he goes ballistic. The timeline shifts to Langley and six months before Norton is to retire. Based on the interest raised by the recent 60 Minutes episode on UFOs, the CIA is starting a task force before being directed by Congress. As everyone believes that this is a check-in-a-box task force, the best and brightest are not assigned. That means that Norton is assigned even though the length of task force is one year. Surprise, surprise! After two weeks, zero progress is made. From this start this intriguing short story starts.
There are two main threads. The first is labeled, then. This thread describes the sighting and how Norton’s professional and personal life spirals down the tubes. He is directed to see the military/industry lead at Ulaanbaatar station, concerning his observations and prepare answers to some very pointed questions sent by the Deputy Chief of Station, Beijing. His tour started as an accompanied tour, but his wife leaves him to go home. A divorce and estrangement with his son ensue. The second thread, labeled now, starts with his assignment to the UFO task force. A chance encounter with a friend, who started in the Russian Division with him and now is the Chief of Operations, asks how the task force is going. Norton answers truthfully. The next day, Norton and some of the best and brightest now make up the team. The reader along with Norton learn what a flurry of activity within the CIA that had been kept from Norton when he reported the observation. Even more important information is discovered that is even more serious. This aspect of the short story captured and held my attention.
While this is a short story, the background of Norton fall from grace and return is well-developed. His thoughts, actions, and interactions with others, personal and professional, correlate well with where his outlook is at the time. There even is an evident C-storyline as observed as Norton’s outlook improves from the nadir at the start of the short story.
Even with being a short story, the number of objectionable aspects is minimal to nil. There are not any violent or intimate scenes. Vulgar and rude language is very minimal. No one should have any problems reading this short story.
What I liked the most was that the flow was quick and easy to follow. I finished it in one day when this short story size is usually two days. I just could not stop reading. I particularly liked that about the same time as Norton observed the light on the Mongolian steppes, a similar incident occurred in Idaho. While not explicitly explained, it did play significant a roll in the main storyline. I really didn’t have anything that I did not like while reading this short story. This is the second short story from this author. Based upon my thoroughly enjoying both, I have placed this author solidly in my will read category. I am looking forward to reading her next short story. I do recommend reading this short story. I rate it with five stars.
I received a free prepublication e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from Amazon Original Stories. My review is based solely on my own reading experience of this book. I wish to thank Amazon Original Stories for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
August 23, 2023
This is the first story I've read by Ms. Katsu, and I'm so happy I've found this writer! The story is easy to read and well-written, and I felt like I was not reading fiction but a well-documented piece of real and uncommon news.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for the copy of this book.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for the copy of this book.
August 7, 2023
This review is for an ARC copy received from the publisher through NetGalley.
CIA agent Craig Norton witnesses a UFO while working in Mongolia. After filing a report outlining what he saw, his career tanks, as he is written off for making such an ill-advised decision. Fifteen years later and nearing retirement, Norton is dismayed to discover that the CIA is setting up a task force to search their files and catalog any relevant findings and he is being reassigned to that department. Though it seems like a dead end for the last of his career, Norton is suddenly given an opportunity to turn it into something meaningful. But when he ends up digging deeper into his original report, he discovers there may be much more to everything that happened than he ever could have imagined.
Somewhere between short story and novella length, this story was a fairly captivating read that clipped along at steady pace. While it could have been lengthened, the short tale stuck to the more relevant features and details needed to get its points across. Though the ending felt a bit rushed and lacking a few details, it was overall an entertaining read.
CIA agent Craig Norton witnesses a UFO while working in Mongolia. After filing a report outlining what he saw, his career tanks, as he is written off for making such an ill-advised decision. Fifteen years later and nearing retirement, Norton is dismayed to discover that the CIA is setting up a task force to search their files and catalog any relevant findings and he is being reassigned to that department. Though it seems like a dead end for the last of his career, Norton is suddenly given an opportunity to turn it into something meaningful. But when he ends up digging deeper into his original report, he discovers there may be much more to everything that happened than he ever could have imagined.
Somewhere between short story and novella length, this story was a fairly captivating read that clipped along at steady pace. While it could have been lengthened, the short tale stuck to the more relevant features and details needed to get its points across. Though the ending felt a bit rushed and lacking a few details, it was overall an entertaining read.
October 20, 2023
This could be subtitled "A GS-13's Lament" - because this is what it is, very much, a story of how the once-young and promising case officer turned into a desk-bound lifer with no family and an invisible downtime. A bit too sketchy, a bit too sloppy (though the implied incompetence of US counterintelligence is apparently on point), nothing outstanding, really.
November 18, 2023
This wasn’t quite as good as Alma Katsu’s other Amazon Original Story, The Wehr Wolf, but it was still pretty interesting. I wouldn’t call it a thriller so much as a spy mystery/investigation. It could have benefited from some more action, but it did the job.
August 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this story by Alma Katsu, truly though it feels to me as if it could have been developed into a full fledged novel.
November 20, 2023
It was fine. Very anticlimactic and a very different message than what I was expecting.
October 26, 2024
Really enjoyable spy/ufo short story. Sucked me right in and I enjoyed the ride.
August 25, 2023
Black Vault by Alma Katsu is a new Amazon Original Story that provides an hour or two of delightful suspense. CIA officer Craig Norton sees strange lights in the sky. As unbelievable as it seems, This Unexplained Ariel Phenomenon seems unbelievable. Despite his misgivings, he fears that it could be cutting edge enemy technology and that it is his duty to make a report. So, he makes the career strangling mistake of firing a cable to Langly. Fifteen years later, Norton is just months away from retirement. He has been shelved from one dead end position to another and he is considered at worst a joke and at best, irrelevant. When Airforce piolets reveal sightings on television news show�60 Minutes� all other government agencies launch their own task forces. This is Craigs chance to finally investigate what he saw.
The author has created a character driven psychological suspense story exploring the events that ruined the main character’s career. A short story or novella doesn’t provide enough opportunity to develop a fully realized cast of characters. Although most of the people in the story are one dimensional, the main character is fully fleshed out. The plot is more of a procedural than a thriller. We follow the characters as they interview witnesses and track the paper trail of the original reactions to his sighting Office politics and spy intrigue dominate the story. Although this is touted as a “heart-pounding thriller short story, there is very little action and no danger. Rather, it is actually a longer novella length suspense story of reclaiming one's reputation and self-respect... That said, I highly recommend this book.
The author has created a character driven psychological suspense story exploring the events that ruined the main character’s career. A short story or novella doesn’t provide enough opportunity to develop a fully realized cast of characters. Although most of the people in the story are one dimensional, the main character is fully fleshed out. The plot is more of a procedural than a thriller. We follow the characters as they interview witnesses and track the paper trail of the original reactions to his sighting Office politics and spy intrigue dominate the story. Although this is touted as a “heart-pounding thriller short story, there is very little action and no danger. Rather, it is actually a longer novella length suspense story of reclaiming one's reputation and self-respect... That said, I highly recommend this book.
October 12, 2023
A short dose of , which is just the right size at times
I fell in love with 's , and then didn't read her for awhile.
She's intense. You get done with one of her tales, and you need a break.
And is intense in its own way.
There are careers, and people who care about careers, and everyone is nearing retirement but so much needs to be done -
And then it is over, because it is a short tale.
Before I go I'd like to share my favorite line.
That is not only her character, but real life - that is the way things are.
Still - incredible tale as always, and a greater short tale if you want to get into Alma Katsu, which I recommed that you should.
I fell in love with 's , and then didn't read her for awhile.
She's intense. You get done with one of her tales, and you need a break.
And is intense in its own way.
There are careers, and people who care about careers, and everyone is nearing retirement but so much needs to be done -
And then it is over, because it is a short tale.
Before I go I'd like to share my favorite line.
Alvin Lee has been the director of China Division for a few years. Craig has heard it said by old, sour China hands (gossip being the currency of spy work) that all Lee ever wanted was to be chief, to rule his domain like a Tang emperor. A man is pretty bulletproof at Langley if he doesn’t want to rise any higher.
That is not only her character, but real life - that is the way things are.
Still - incredible tale as always, and a greater short tale if you want to get into Alma Katsu, which I recommed that you should.
August 4, 2023
BLACK VAULT is at once both very up-to-date, regarding the recent U.S. Congressional Committee Investigations into UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena), and timeless, as it examines the ostracism, degradation, and near-ruination, of a dedicated CIA case officer, for speaking Truth to Power. Russian House case officer Craig Norton witnesses an unexplained sighting while stationed in Mongolia. When he reports it with a detailed description, he suddenly finds himself shunted into isolation, in effect shunned, for fifteen years. In the meantime, things heat up in the Chinese Space race. When a "60 Minutes" segment focuses on Navy personnel's sightings, multiple government agencies rush to cover themselves by implementing case reviews of possible UAPs. Possibly Craig will now have a second chance: to redeem his career record and to recover his strained (estranged) relationship with his adult son.
I highly recommend BLACK VAULT, as I do all Alma Katsu's work. Not only is this short story creative, intriguing, Speculative, and entertaining; it's also quite thought-provoking.
I highly recommend BLACK VAULT, as I do all Alma Katsu's work. Not only is this short story creative, intriguing, Speculative, and entertaining; it's also quite thought-provoking.
August 31, 2023
I’m not sure why this was called a “heart pounding� thriller. I kept waiting for the action to start. It never did.
August 6, 2023
4.5 Stars. I had never read books by Alma Katsu previously but was very impressed by how much intrigue, speculation, and character development was packed into this thought-provoking 81-page novella. This powerful short story combines espionage, cover-ups and a conspiracy thriller.
CIA officer Craig Norton glimpsed an unexplained aerial phenomenon (UAP) in the night skies over Mongolia in 2006. He felt it was his duty to report what he had seen to headquarters at Langley. He sent a cable with details of what he had observed but didn't try to explain the sighting as he had come to no conclusion about what he had seen. He later learned the Chinese had a secret base near the sighting, but the object's movements seemed too fast and advanced for Chinese or other countries' technology.
His report ended any chance to advance in his CIA career. It is now 15 years later. He was ostracized and sidelined by the agency and is now just putting in time until retirement, and his original report was filed away. The US Congressional Committee is investigating reported sightings of UAPs, and 60 Minutes has televised a documentary on naval personnel sightings. Multiple government agencies are rushing to set up panels investigating such phenomena.
Craig is assigned to the CIA committee investigating sightings, including his own. Rather than an opportunity to revitalize his career, this is another attempt to render him useless. He is assigned to what was a storage room in the basement. His staff are older agents without scientific knowledge or interest in the task. Craig manages to replace them with young, enthusiastic, and highly educated panellists. This could be a chance for Craig to redeem himself, but this skilled staff have discovered international cover-ups and strong speculation about what was reported. It is left to the reader to draw their own conclusions.
I wish to thank NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for this great novella. The publication is set for August 8.
CIA officer Craig Norton glimpsed an unexplained aerial phenomenon (UAP) in the night skies over Mongolia in 2006. He felt it was his duty to report what he had seen to headquarters at Langley. He sent a cable with details of what he had observed but didn't try to explain the sighting as he had come to no conclusion about what he had seen. He later learned the Chinese had a secret base near the sighting, but the object's movements seemed too fast and advanced for Chinese or other countries' technology.
His report ended any chance to advance in his CIA career. It is now 15 years later. He was ostracized and sidelined by the agency and is now just putting in time until retirement, and his original report was filed away. The US Congressional Committee is investigating reported sightings of UAPs, and 60 Minutes has televised a documentary on naval personnel sightings. Multiple government agencies are rushing to set up panels investigating such phenomena.
Craig is assigned to the CIA committee investigating sightings, including his own. Rather than an opportunity to revitalize his career, this is another attempt to render him useless. He is assigned to what was a storage room in the basement. His staff are older agents without scientific knowledge or interest in the task. Craig manages to replace them with young, enthusiastic, and highly educated panellists. This could be a chance for Craig to redeem himself, but this skilled staff have discovered international cover-ups and strong speculation about what was reported. It is left to the reader to draw their own conclusions.
I wish to thank NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for this great novella. The publication is set for August 8.
November 21, 2023
When meeting an asset, CIA officer Craig Norton glimpsed a moving light in the sky over Mongolia. The reported incident and surrounding ridicule ruined his career and marriage. Fifteen years later, Craig is languishing in obscurity waiting for retirement when CNN showcases evidence of a history of unidentified aerial objects being reported by government agents and their associated coverups. The agencies scramble inquiry teams expecting congressional probes. Norton is put on the CIA taskforce and a coincidental complaint to his boss causes a restructuring which leads to a young and motivated group instead of a cluster of dead-enders. He admits he wrote one of the reports they need to investigate which they pursue first to develop appropriate protocols. They discover Station Head Alvin Lee squashed contemporaneous examinations and discredited Craig. Meanwhile the same unusual movement patterns were reported in an American desert and the ramifications of the truth could strain global relations.
* * * * *---------* * * * *---------* * * * *
This science-fiction tinged conspiracy thriller showcases inter-division competition, missing operatives, real world connections, and X-files references. The narrative is littered with flashbacks and recollections which layers the timeline. There is not much action or suspense. The insider perspective adds interest to the premise turning it into a character study. Our protagonist admits to selfish motivations, trades jaded bitterness for the hope of redemption, and tries to restore his relationship with his son while they search for the truth. I wish the ramifications of the traitor were a little clearer, but it works as a brief distraction.
* * * * *---------* * * * *---------* * * * *
This science-fiction tinged conspiracy thriller showcases inter-division competition, missing operatives, real world connections, and X-files references. The narrative is littered with flashbacks and recollections which layers the timeline. There is not much action or suspense. The insider perspective adds interest to the premise turning it into a character study. Our protagonist admits to selfish motivations, trades jaded bitterness for the hope of redemption, and tries to restore his relationship with his son while they search for the truth. I wish the ramifications of the traitor were a little clearer, but it works as a brief distraction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2023
Alma Katsu’s short story, ‘Black Vault�, is extremely appropriate for the times we live in. In essence, it concerns the changing attitudes the media, government, official bodies, and in particular the CIA that are happening as a result of the public US Air Force disclosure about UFOs, now called Unexplained Aerial Phenomenon, all seen through the experience of a CIA case officer who in 2006 made the political mistake of officially reporting his own experience, while waiting for a covert contact in Mongolia. His report results in his career taking a major downturn. We meet him in two timelines, the 2006 sighting and immediate follow up events, and in the present day, fifteen years later, when, as a result of an unexpected posting to a new task force to investigate occurrences of UFO encounters in the CIA’s own files. The case officer, Craig Norton, has just six months to go before retiring after what became an inglorious calling at the intelligence agency. He is keen not to do anything that might upset his pension rights, and so views this new posting as a potential wrench in the works. The situation evolves, and his own case from 2006 is chosen by the task force as a testbed to create a methodology for their investigation. But matters are about to take a twist no one saw coming.
Author Katsu’s eighty-page tale carries the weight and presence of a full-length novel, creating interesting characters and a storyline filled with twists and turns worthy of a thriller of greater length. Definitely recommended for readers of down-to-earth, modern espionage fiction, and those who ‘Want to Believe�.
Author Katsu’s eighty-page tale carries the weight and presence of a full-length novel, creating interesting characters and a storyline filled with twists and turns worthy of a thriller of greater length. Definitely recommended for readers of down-to-earth, modern espionage fiction, and those who ‘Want to Believe�.
August 18, 2023
Spoiler Notes
Black Vault: A Short Story by Alma Katsu (8/23)
(A- N/A) [8-18-23] � New Author 2023
Audible: David de Vries
New-to-me Narrator, Good
Amazon Freebie Combo Audible and Kindle
To Begin:
CIA Officer Craig Norton is expecting a meeting with his Russian asset on a vast stretch of deserted land and road in Mongolia at sunset one evening.
He’s leaning on his car smoking a cigarette, looking at the sky when he observes an animated UFO for about 20 minutes. It’s silent, captivating and frightening, then it disappears.
Fast forward 15 years and he is at CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia� desk job, career wasted and waiting til he can retire in 6 months.
He reported the UFO and lost everything including his marriage and has an empty relationship with his only child, Charlie. Charlie is married with a young son living in the Catskills. Craig has regrets.
But now 60 Minutes has run a segment on Navy pilots observing UFOs and the CIA is forming a Task Force to investigate the phenomenon. Craig is assigned but this Task Force is not expected to go anywhere. They should have left Craig off it.
Really great story with some unexpected twists and revelations. Especially how Craig’s experience was handled 15 years ago.
Tags:
CIA
UFOs - Alien Technology
Traitors
Mongolia - China
Idaho - New Mexico
China: First Alien Contact
Chinese Spy in CIA 35+ Years,
Spy - Head of the CIA China Division
Black Vault: A Short Story by Alma Katsu (8/23)
(A- N/A) [8-18-23] � New Author 2023
Audible: David de Vries
New-to-me Narrator, Good
Amazon Freebie Combo Audible and Kindle
To Begin:
CIA Officer Craig Norton is expecting a meeting with his Russian asset on a vast stretch of deserted land and road in Mongolia at sunset one evening.
He’s leaning on his car smoking a cigarette, looking at the sky when he observes an animated UFO for about 20 minutes. It’s silent, captivating and frightening, then it disappears.
Fast forward 15 years and he is at CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia� desk job, career wasted and waiting til he can retire in 6 months.
He reported the UFO and lost everything including his marriage and has an empty relationship with his only child, Charlie. Charlie is married with a young son living in the Catskills. Craig has regrets.
But now 60 Minutes has run a segment on Navy pilots observing UFOs and the CIA is forming a Task Force to investigate the phenomenon. Craig is assigned but this Task Force is not expected to go anywhere. They should have left Craig off it.
Really great story with some unexpected twists and revelations. Especially how Craig’s experience was handled 15 years ago.
Tags:
CIA
UFOs - Alien Technology
Traitors
Mongolia - China
Idaho - New Mexico
China: First Alien Contact
Chinese Spy in CIA 35+ Years,
Spy - Head of the CIA China Division
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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