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.