The Devil's Garden

by Ralph Peters

When the headstrong daughter of a U.S. senator disappears in a warravaged country torn between east and west, only a disillusioned American officer possesses the connections and expertise to track her down-while a startling range of enemies don't want the girl to survive. Up against Islamic extremists, unscrupulous oil executives, rogue Russians and treacherous European "allies," Lieutenant-colonel Evan Burton undertakes a last, deadly mission--faced with a coup in the streets, opium smugglers in mountain fortresses and even elements within the U.S. government determined to stop him. A "Casablanca" for the post-Cold War world, The Devil's Garden is a beautifully written, can't-put-it-down thriller grounded in the gritty reality of current events.

Genres: Fiction, Suspense

370 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Ralph Peters is a novelist, an essayist, a former career soldier, and an adventurer in the 19th-century sense. He is the author of a dozen critically acclaimed novels, two influential works on strategy, "Beyond Terror" and "Fighting for the Future".

Mr. Peters' works can also be found under the pen name "Owen Parry." He also appears frequently as a commentator on television and radio networks.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/ralphp...

Reviews

[Jeff Cliff · Rating 1 out of 5]

"As if nations could be reborn without pain, as if history were not created by fallible human beings."

1.5 star - 1 star = 0.5 stars, being generous nsgre gung raqvat.

Middle age man midlife crisis schlick fantasy for people with memory of the 90's jvgu n fpbbc bs encrsrne. Clearly on at least some level what the author wanted to happen, the bad-assery that he saw in himself: perfect guy, honest, attractive to women, tough guy soldier. I can see someone like Bruce Campbell playing Burton - who despite being also a middle aged man only seemed to ever remember details directly relevant to the story. It's like he had no past at all beyond drill sergeant / other training and of course - hooking up with hot chicks. Maybe that is what was supposed to be the point, in retrospect though.

I will admit to not knowing all that much about Azerbaijan but the author paints a compelling picture of it. Including what for many in 1996-america was probably a deeper dive into a muslim civilization than they would normally get (this is probably not as noteworthy anymore; we can just check what our own neighbourhoods are like now). Either way: it describes an alien world where life is a lot cheaper than the hyperlitigative 1990s US of A. Somehow with normally good (presumably AMPS) cell coverage though(?).

I refuse to accept his portrayal of Kelly and her friends though - are college coeds that ready to jump in the sack with their friend's dad? I know being rich and powerful comes with a level of attractiveness and I'm sure senators don't lack for young suitors but come on. ...naq gur raqvat? Bs pbhefr ur trgf gur tvey va gur raq. Pbzr shpxvat ba. Creuncf Znppnhynl orvat yrsg fgnaqvat ng gur raq jnf fbzr xvaq bs pbzzragnel ba jub trgf yrsg va cbjre ng gur raq bs gurfr xvaqf bs fgbezf va gur HF tbireazrag. But whatever.

[Henri Moreaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Azerbaijan The Devil's Garden is the story of a power struggle in the Azerbaijani government between a power hungry General with the backing of Russia & a powerful oil company and the Prime Minister. Also roped in is Germany and the United States, both also on opposing sides. The struggle comes to a head when the daughter of a senator is kidnapped as used as a precursor to a coup. Whilst the initial demands are ludicrous there is an underlying power play where the various camps attempt to use the daughters life as a pawn to advance their own agendas.

The protagonist is Lt Col Evan Burton who with twenty years of service has become somewhat jaded by the cynicism of his own government and has one foot out the door when he is drawn back in to help find the missing woman.

I found it to be quite a good read, whilst the Pocket Books edition (ISBN 0671004980) had rather tiny text, thankfully the story itself was compelling enough that it overcame the physical eye tiring limitations of the presentation here.

There's quite a few layers that slowly unfold in a rather riveting manner and overall I thought it was a good political / kidnapping thriller in a rather unique location. There's not too many books out there set in ex-soviet Azerbaijan.

[Debbie (Eugene) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this on the airplane flying from Azerbaijan. Tom Clancy type book about kidnappings, drug lords, Russians.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

AZERBAIJAN -

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent! Not you usual adv/myst

[Sandy Kell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great writing, interesting characters, fascinating setting (Azerbaijan) and gripping story! This is the 3rd Ralph Peters book I've read (second novel) and I'm definitely ready for more!

[Booknblues · Rating 3 out of 5]

a US senators daughter is kidnapped in a refugee camp in Azerbaijan and Lt col Evan Burton is asked to rescue her