Synopsis
A bomb is detonated in a Baghdad Hotel in an attempt to assassinate the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq. More than 20 casualties, most of them security personnel and American reporters, are killed but the target survives.
In Washington DC, with the elections about two months away, the White House and the CIA are scrambling to adopt the appropriate political spin on the events and up to their necks in damage control. President Dave Brenneman has promised to withdraw American troops from the war in Iraq and his chances for reelection hinge on this central issue. Meanwhile, he must face not only the popular Governor from California, but members from within his own staff to keep his campaign on track.
The president turns to Ryan Kealy, a highly decorated CIA agent relegated to obscurity behind a desk, to uncover the truth and the ulterior motives behind the assassination attempt.
Kealy uncovers an elaborate plan to attack and assassinate members of the UN, but has a difficult time convincing the powers that be of an improbable scheme that would rival the 9/11 attack on Washington and New York. * * *
My Two Cents Worth
This is a novel that could be taken directly from today's headlines. It is fresh and engaging, and uncovers a multitude of plausible actions and motives that our culture could be faced with. This is my first Britton book and it will not be the last. He never plays loose with the facts and spins a tight and convincing tale that is high-octane entertainment.
He starts with a satisfying core of characters, brought to life with crisp dialogue and a clear stake in the action. He paces the action with a sense of urgency that builds as the elaborate plot is uncovered from destinations around the globe and culminates on the streets of New York City. There is never a lull in the action, prompting the reader to keep this book within arm's reach at all times. It captivates you from the opening chapter and refuses to let you rest.
This is one of those rare books that you will think of the next time you visit your local bookstore, and you will find yourself wanting to buy the hardcover to take its place among the Ludlum, Grisham and Baldacci volumes. I highly recommend Britton's The Assassin.
Paperback
586 pages
6 1/4 hours
A bomb is detonated in a Baghdad Hotel in an attempt to assassinate the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq. More than 20 casualties, most of them security personnel and American reporters, are killed but the target survives.
In Washington DC, with the elections about two months away, the White House and the CIA are scrambling to adopt the appropriate political spin on the events and up to their necks in damage control. President Dave Brenneman has promised to withdraw American troops from the war in Iraq and his chances for reelection hinge on this central issue. Meanwhile, he must face not only the popular Governor from California, but members from within his own staff to keep his campaign on track.
The president turns to Ryan Kealy, a highly decorated CIA agent relegated to obscurity behind a desk, to uncover the truth and the ulterior motives behind the assassination attempt.
Kealy uncovers an elaborate plan to attack and assassinate members of the UN, but has a difficult time convincing the powers that be of an improbable scheme that would rival the 9/11 attack on Washington and New York. * * *
My Two Cents Worth
This is a novel that could be taken directly from today's headlines. It is fresh and engaging, and uncovers a multitude of plausible actions and motives that our culture could be faced with. This is my first Britton book and it will not be the last. He never plays loose with the facts and spins a tight and convincing tale that is high-octane entertainment.
He starts with a satisfying core of characters, brought to life with crisp dialogue and a clear stake in the action. He paces the action with a sense of urgency that builds as the elaborate plot is uncovered from destinations around the globe and culminates on the streets of New York City. There is never a lull in the action, prompting the reader to keep this book within arm's reach at all times. It captivates you from the opening chapter and refuses to let you rest.
This is one of those rare books that you will think of the next time you visit your local bookstore, and you will find yourself wanting to buy the hardcover to take its place among the Ludlum, Grisham and Baldacci volumes. I highly recommend Britton's The Assassin.
Paperback
586 pages
6 1/4 hours
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