Moscow Rules by Daniel Silva (2008)

#8. Never a dull moment with Gabriel Alon. I keep reading these out of order and there has often been a reference to Russia, so I imagine this is the one. Russia is post Soviet Union, as journalism is being restricted and some Russians are becoming very rich. Two journalists who try to warn Gabriel about something get killed and a third - Olga - is almost killed. Ivan Kharkov, a former KGB colonel who built a global investment empire on the rubble of the Soviet Union is also dealing in weapons that will be used against Israel, and it is important for Gabriel to stop him. Ivan's wife Elena is willing to help, but she is watched closely, so there have to be intricate situations set up to solve this. Of course there is art involved - this time a Mary Cassatt. Gabriel forges a copy for Elena, to get access to her. Most of the action takes place in Russia, France (French Riviera again, just like Belmond's Rather books) and Britain. Many of our well known characters are here, like Chiara (who is not happy when Gabriel interrupts their honeymoon for this caper) and Sarah Bancroft, who is borrowed from the CIA (oh yes, make sure all these operations include multiple foreign governments and their spy agencies) to sell the painting to Elena.