A Long Awaited Winter: The Grozny Protocol and More

In a literary landscape increasingly dominated by formulaic thrillers, a new voice has emerged with a compelling tale of espionage, redemption, and the weight of past mistakes. “A Long Awaited Winter,” the debut novel from the author behind the popular Substack newsletter “IS IT PROPAGANDA?®,” offers readers a sophisticated spy thriller that delves deep into the psychological aftermath of intelligence failures.

The novel centers on James “J.D.” Delaney, a former CIA analyst whose career and life were shattered a decade ago by a single mistranslated word in a critical intelligence intercept. That error led to an ambush that claimed twelve lives, including his brother’s. Now living in self-imposed exile in rural France, Delaney is haunted not only by his mistake but also by his possession of a classified list containing the identities of thirty-seven Russian sleeper agents—information with the potential to destabilize governments worldwide.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Irina Volkova, sister to one of the victims of Delaney’s fatal error, appears at his doorstep with an ominous warning: the Kremlin has learned about the list and is actively hunting for it.

What distinguishes this thriller from others in the crowded espionage genre is its dual structure. The publisher has released the work as a complete duology in a single volume, offering readers the entire story arc without the frustration of waiting for sequels or cliffhangers.

The first part, “The Grozny Protocol,” serves as a prequel, detailing the catastrophic operation, Delaney’s first encounter with Irina, and the events that set the stage for the decade of guilt and hiding that followed. The second part, “A Long Awaited Winter,” picks up ten years later as the past resurfaces, forcing two broken individuals to confront their demons while navigating a dangerous present.

Industry analysts note that this release strategy is unusual for debut authors, who typically build their audience through series with multiple release dates. However, in today’s binge-consumption culture, offering a complete narrative package may appeal to readers who are increasingly wary of committing to unfinished series.

The novel’s settings span from the war-torn streets of Chechnya to the shadowy corners of Paris, providing an authentic backdrop for international intrigue. Sources familiar with intelligence operations suggest that the author’s detailed portrayal of intelligence analysis and operational failures reflects either considerable research or personal knowledge of these sensitive domains.

What elevates the work above typical genre fare is its exploration of guilt, redemption, and the psychological toll of bearing responsibility for others’ deaths. “If you’ve ever carried a mistake that felt too heavy to bear, this story is for you,” notes the promotional material, suggesting that beneath the action sequences and conspiracy plots lies a more universal human story.

For the author, who has built a following through the Substack platform, the transition from digital content creator to published novelist represents an increasingly common career path in today’s evolving publishing industry. Digital platforms like Substack have become incubators for writers to develop audiences before venturing into traditional publishing channels.

The author has made a direct appeal to readers for reviews, highlighting the critical importance of reader feedback in today’s algorithm-driven book discovery landscape. For debut authors especially, positive reviews can mean the difference between obscurity and building sustainable momentum in a competitive market.

As the espionage thriller genre continues to evolve from the Cold War narratives that once defined it, “A Long Awaited Winter” appears positioned to appeal to readers looking for complex characters whose personal demons are as threatening as their external enemies.

The book is available now through major retailers, with the author particularly encouraging support from their existing newsletter subscribers.