When three commercial airliners in different parts of the
world explode over open ocean, counterterrorism groups
assemble around the world to investigate. When a fourth
plane goes down over land, experts hope that this apparent
mistake in the terrorists' plan will lead to their capture.
One of those experts is Julian Granot, a retired Israeli
Special Forces commander, once again drawn into the complex
world of the Middle East and its ancient conflicts.
Young journalist Marie Peterssen, writing an article about
the crashes, is referred to Julian for his expertise. She
soon finds herself far deeper into the investigation than
she ever planned, not sure if she's working with
Julian or for him.
FBI agent Morgan Ensley arrives in Baghdad to investigate
shipping and smuggling activities only to be caught up in
the ongoing violence when the base he's staying at becomes
a terrorist's target. When he meets Marie, the two agree to
help each other get information while staying out of harm's
way -- and neither of them have any objection to spending
more time together.
As the investigations continue, it soon becomes apparent
that the explosions were only a horrific distraction and
that another far more devastating plot is underway against
the United States. In this deadly chess match between the
counterterrorists and the terrorists, each side will stop
at nothing to claim victory.
This debut thriller, based on information provided by a
real counterterrorism expert, is a gritty, realistic look
at the potential for a massive terrorist attack in the
United States. Details about the ongoing conflict in the
Middle East, the growth and spread of terrorism, and the
technology and methods used by both terrorists and
counterterrorists, may help many readers better understand
current events. They certainly add a disturbing level of
plausibility to the story. However, those details sometimes
detract from the pacing and make dialogue a bit stilted
when a character gives a lengthy explanation. I also didn't
feel that the main characters were fully developed -- it
didn't seem like we were given much of a glimpse below the
surface. That made it hard to get caught up when they were
placed in dangerous situations. But that may just be my
personal preference for a more character-driven story.
Other readers may appreciate Benedek's journalistic style.
For anyone interested in finding out more about what lies
behind the delicate balance in the world today, this book
gives important information in a suspenseful, compelling
format. Although a work of fiction, the scenarios seem
chillingly possible.
After four commercial airliners are blown out of the sky in
international airspace, retired Israeli Special Forces
commander Julian Granot is called in to investigate. With
the help of a beautiful American journalist, Marie
Petersen, and Morgan Ensley, a maverick FBI agent, Granot
makes the horrifying discovery that the crashes conceal a
more diabolical attack.
Granot and his unorthodox team uncover plans for a scenario
that has frightened American security for years: a dirty
bomb assault on a major U.S. seaport. Meanwhile, Marie
discovers a startling personal connection to the Islamic
terrorist behind the plot, a secret that jeopardizes both
the mission and her life.