MISTAKEN ENEMY begins with the main character Zacchaeus, (Zach) Miller, a writer; receiving a phone call from his best friend, Preston, telling him about a Native American Indian boy. Jivi is part of the Mescalero Apache tribe in New Mexico. Preston is convinced that Zach can use the Jivi in a future story. Zach then heads off from Los Angles to New Mexico to meet this boy. Zach Arrives in New Mexico and meets a special child, as a reader, you begin to wonder what this book has to do with the main theme of the story, the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, and think maybe they put the wrong cover on the book. Just hang in there though and you will understand before the story is over the author ties it all together. Jivi tells Zach that his destiny is in Israel and he will save millions of lives. Zach then in all unlikely hood takes off for Israel on the word of a child.

On the flight to Israel Zach makes friends with his seat mate, Amir and receives an invitation to stay at his home. Initially Zach spends a few days traveling around seeing the sights and when he runs out of things to do, not knowing why he is even in the country, he contacts his new friend Amir. Zach then travels out to Amir's family home hoping to gain more insight into the Arab problems in Israel. Amir and his family are some of the few Arab Israeli that live in Israel. During his long stay with the wealthy family Zach learns many things about his new friend that are both interesting and scary. Finally Zach decides he has to leave and return home believing his life is now in danger.

The remainder of the story I can't tell without giving too much away. Zach learns much more not only about the conflict but about himself and his family history. Zach is put through numerous personal trials and his sanity is stretched to the limits of human endurance.

You are also shown the differences in the way the Palestine's treat their prisoners and the way the Israelis do. The middle of the story is very exciting and you begin to wonder how Zach is going to survive all these trials and make it home. But have faith as Jivi told him in the beginning Zach will survive and go back to see Jivi again and tie the story together.

The story explains from both points of view how the Palestinians and Israelis feel about the constant struggles and battles between each other. It leaves the reader wondering if there is anyway but through the extreme measures used in the book to end the conflict. MISTAKEN ENEMY is the first in Nehamen's new Zach Miller series and it will be interesting to see where he goes with this character.