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The Pakistan Conspiracy
Alternate cover edition for ASIN: B00HMUDT4U
About The Pakistan Conspiracy, A Novel of Espionage
Al Qaeda terrorists find a retired Russian KGB colonel willing to sell them a small, tactical nuclear weapon in the aftermath of Osama Bin Laden’s death in 2011. Kate Langley, a CIA officer based in Pakistan, must put her life on the line, for the second time in six months, to prevent AQ from detonating the weapon in a Western city to avenge OBL’s death.
The Pakistan Conspiracy, A Novel Of Espionage opens in the tension-fraught days right after the capture and death of Osama Bin Laden at the hands of SEAL Team Six in Abbottabad. Kate is a young, ambitious CIA agent tethered to a desk at the American Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital. Though she had little to do with the action in Abbottabad, Kate finds herself “PNG’d” by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry in the wake of OBL’s death—declared persona non grata in the euphemistic language of diplomacy, for “activities incompatible with diplomatic status,” code words for having been outed as a spy.
With Langley soon back in Washington, DC, it becomes apparent that something far worse than 9/11 is on the Al Qaeda drawing boards, now on an accelerated timetable as payback for OBL’s martyrdom.
Kate gets wind of Al Qaeda’s purchase of a highly portable tactical nuclear weapon in the former Soviet RA-211 series, a small device, by the standards of nuclear weapons, that can fit in a footlocker. But this bomb has an energy release of 17 kilotons, which is sufficient to turn to dust everything within a radius of 2.5 kilometers. Set off in the center of Manhattan, this weapon would kill millions of people, flatten skyscrapers, and set the entire island aflame.
Motivated by ambition and a desire to help her country, Kate Langley soon finds herself back in South Asia, this time not as part of the coddled staff of an American embassy, with perks, diplomatic passport, and a safety net of Marine guards, but as a NOC, or “knock,” spy-speak for a CIA agent under “non-official cover.” If caught, such an agent has no protection whatsoever—other than her wits.
From Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan, Kate Langley is soon on the trail of Yasser Khalidi Al-Greeb, who appears to be the AQ mastermind behind the acquisition of the nuclear weapon. With her sometime ally, Pakistani Brigadier Mahmood Mahmood, Kate Langley tracks the weapon from Moscow, to Tashkent, to Karachi, where Al-Greeb’s terrorist Al Qaeda plotters get the weapon aboard ship smuggled in an intermodal container headed for the Port of Long Beach.
This is a story as contemporary as tomorrow’s headlines, as frightening as 9/11, and as compelling and exciting as the very best espionage fiction today.
About The Pakistan Conspiracy, A Novel of Espionage
Al Qaeda terrorists find a retired Russian KGB colonel willing to sell them a small, tactical nuclear weapon in the aftermath of Osama Bin Laden’s death in 2011. Kate Langley, a CIA officer based in Pakistan, must put her life on the line, for the second time in six months, to prevent AQ from detonating the weapon in a Western city to avenge OBL’s death.
The Pakistan Conspiracy, A Novel Of Espionage opens in the tension-fraught days right after the capture and death of Osama Bin Laden at the hands of SEAL Team Six in Abbottabad. Kate is a young, ambitious CIA agent tethered to a desk at the American Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital. Though she had little to do with the action in Abbottabad, Kate finds herself “PNG’d” by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry in the wake of OBL’s death—declared persona non grata in the euphemistic language of diplomacy, for “activities incompatible with diplomatic status,” code words for having been outed as a spy.
With Langley soon back in Washington, DC, it becomes apparent that something far worse than 9/11 is on the Al Qaeda drawing boards, now on an accelerated timetable as payback for OBL’s martyrdom.
Kate gets wind of Al Qaeda’s purchase of a highly portable tactical nuclear weapon in the former Soviet RA-211 series, a small device, by the standards of nuclear weapons, that can fit in a footlocker. But this bomb has an energy release of 17 kilotons, which is sufficient to turn to dust everything within a radius of 2.5 kilometers. Set off in the center of Manhattan, this weapon would kill millions of people, flatten skyscrapers, and set the entire island aflame.
Motivated by ambition and a desire to help her country, Kate Langley soon finds herself back in South Asia, this time not as part of the coddled staff of an American embassy, with perks, diplomatic passport, and a safety net of Marine guards, but as a NOC, or “knock,” spy-speak for a CIA agent under “non-official cover.” If caught, such an agent has no protection whatsoever—other than her wits.
From Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan, Kate Langley is soon on the trail of Yasser Khalidi Al-Greeb, who appears to be the AQ mastermind behind the acquisition of the nuclear weapon. With her sometime ally, Pakistani Brigadier Mahmood Mahmood, Kate Langley tracks the weapon from Moscow, to Tashkent, to Karachi, where Al-Greeb’s terrorist Al Qaeda plotters get the weapon aboard ship smuggled in an intermodal container headed for the Port of Long Beach.
This is a story as contemporary as tomorrow’s headlines, as frightening as 9/11, and as compelling and exciting as the very best espionage fiction today.
- GenresFiction
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2014
15 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 28, 2016
Wow, what a great story. Espionage Spy Thrillers are one of my favourite genres, and Francesca Salerno has done an amazing job with this book. There are plenty of twist and turns, that kept my interest throughout. Then add in some of the heavy weights of the terror network, really did make this a fabulous and interesting read. CIA Agent Kate Langley has a tough job working in Pakistan at the US embassy. Her job is to try to gather intelligence and keep abreast of any potential terror plots. Definitely not an easy task with Pakistan being a cauldron of radical Islamist’s, intent on doing harm to the Zionist non-believers. She can’t quite believe it when she secures a meeting with a known Palestinian Terrorist named Yasser al-Greeb, who has regular contact with Al Qaeda’s number 2, Ayman al-Zawahiri. He’s prepared to help the US locate al-Zawahiri for the 25 million bounty. However it doesn’t take Kate long to realise the man is an impostor, trying to blow them all to kingdom come. Brigadier Mahmood Mahmood is shocked when he hears Sheikh Osama Bin Laden has been captured and killed in Pakistan by the US Navy Seals. Of course the US is angry with Pakistan that Osama had been hiding in Abbottabad, and just down the road from a military base. However Pakistan is furious with the US for invading their air space with a military operation and that America didn’t have the courtesy to let them know. So in turn Pakistan make over 100 US staff, persona non grata, and want them all out of the Country. Kate Langley is among them, and it doesn’t take long after reaching Washington that they let her know that they want her back in Pakistan, and under cover this time. She needs to keep an eye on Brigadier Mahmood as he has contact with Yasser al-Greeb, and in turn they believe this will lead them to al-Zawahiri. Jacques Leclerc’s is an arms dealer that mainly deals with assault rifles, small arms and the occasional helicopter. He has the opportunity to get his hands on a Nuclear weapon from the Soviet Union, and even though it’s only a suit case nuke, it will definitely still pack a punch. Yasser would love to get his hands on such a weapon, and wipe out one of Israel’s holiest sites. This Author definitely has a talent for writing, and I would thoroughly recommend her books.
March 29, 2014
This was really a very interesting book. The story was masterly crafted and well delivered, steadily paced as it unfolds on the pages; a plot that is drenched with current news, the power struggle of Al Qaeda, the death of Osama Bin Laden and the CIA's involvement.
The characters were specialized, trained and intelligent people that made this story believable and realistic. The author's research in this topic was phenomenal, nothing was left out as she described the situation, or a plane or event. Who could have thought that the world of crates could be so interesting. Each one carefully logged as they traveled the seas, each uniquely numbered and build to carry the cargo. The detail within this book really makes this an excellent read.
It's not filled with emotional outburst from the characters you sometimes get in other books; almost technical in its approach but yet it didn't put you off, just heightens the expectation. A captivating story of power and intelligence as the western and eastern mindsets collide, but yet cooperating to find the one person that threatens to change world economics and political views with his own agenda.
Each approach has a different take which creates interesting scenarios to the book and interesting conversations between the characters. At times questions are raised with no obvious answers as they sift through all the possibilities, which keep you guessing at the end result.
Terrorism is explained, the reasons for their rise and what they want to accomplish. The Pakistan culture and life intertwined to make this a great read.
With every twist in the story more possibilities rose for the CIA to ravel, screening through what seemed to be meaningless information to find this one man with a nuclear device in his possession. Bodies that piles up, huge amounts of money that is uniquely moved with a deliberate pace.
The agents had a hard time finding the culprit that chased them around the middle east, but through corporation they got the job done.
A great espionage story that will intrigue you from the start.
The characters were specialized, trained and intelligent people that made this story believable and realistic. The author's research in this topic was phenomenal, nothing was left out as she described the situation, or a plane or event. Who could have thought that the world of crates could be so interesting. Each one carefully logged as they traveled the seas, each uniquely numbered and build to carry the cargo. The detail within this book really makes this an excellent read.
It's not filled with emotional outburst from the characters you sometimes get in other books; almost technical in its approach but yet it didn't put you off, just heightens the expectation. A captivating story of power and intelligence as the western and eastern mindsets collide, but yet cooperating to find the one person that threatens to change world economics and political views with his own agenda.
Each approach has a different take which creates interesting scenarios to the book and interesting conversations between the characters. At times questions are raised with no obvious answers as they sift through all the possibilities, which keep you guessing at the end result.
Terrorism is explained, the reasons for their rise and what they want to accomplish. The Pakistan culture and life intertwined to make this a great read.
With every twist in the story more possibilities rose for the CIA to ravel, screening through what seemed to be meaningless information to find this one man with a nuclear device in his possession. Bodies that piles up, huge amounts of money that is uniquely moved with a deliberate pace.
The agents had a hard time finding the culprit that chased them around the middle east, but through corporation they got the job done.
A great espionage story that will intrigue you from the start.
April 15, 2014
Salerno's knowledge of Tunis, Pakistan, Egypt, and the Mediterranean along with the explanations about shipping make this debut thriller come to life with sights and sounds in locations unfamiliar to most of us.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and recommend it to other thriller readers.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and recommend it to other thriller readers.
March 28, 2014
After the horror of 9/11, the world searched for Osama Bin Laden, leader of the terrorist group Al Qaeda. SEAL Team Six found, captured, and killed him in Abbottabad in May 2011, but the story doesn’t end there.
At the time of his capture and death CIA agent Kate Langley had been working at the American Embassy in Pakistan. Then, suddenly she’s transferred back to Washington, on the orders of the Pakistan Foreign Ministry, suspected of being a spy.
However, from her desk, back on American soil, Kate discovers that the Al Qaeda are about to seek revenge for the killing of their leader. Their plan is to destroy a western city. Yasser Khalidi Al-Greeb has managed to acquire a small, portable nuclear weapon, from a retired Russian KGB colonel, and they plan to use it in Manhatten, where it will have catastrophic consequences.
Kate returns to Pakistan, as an undercover agent, with no protection, no back up, only her instincts to keep her safe. With help, she manages to trace the path of the weapon from Moscow to Karachi, all the time aware that if it reaches America all will be lost.
Right from page one, this book is action packed, exciting, and full of political intrigue, I just could not put it down. It has very plausible characters, great attention to detail, and scene setting. If you are looking for a fast-paced political thriller full of suspense, with plenty of twists and turns I would not hesitate to recommend it.
At the time of his capture and death CIA agent Kate Langley had been working at the American Embassy in Pakistan. Then, suddenly she’s transferred back to Washington, on the orders of the Pakistan Foreign Ministry, suspected of being a spy.
However, from her desk, back on American soil, Kate discovers that the Al Qaeda are about to seek revenge for the killing of their leader. Their plan is to destroy a western city. Yasser Khalidi Al-Greeb has managed to acquire a small, portable nuclear weapon, from a retired Russian KGB colonel, and they plan to use it in Manhatten, where it will have catastrophic consequences.
Kate returns to Pakistan, as an undercover agent, with no protection, no back up, only her instincts to keep her safe. With help, she manages to trace the path of the weapon from Moscow to Karachi, all the time aware that if it reaches America all will be lost.
Right from page one, this book is action packed, exciting, and full of political intrigue, I just could not put it down. It has very plausible characters, great attention to detail, and scene setting. If you are looking for a fast-paced political thriller full of suspense, with plenty of twists and turns I would not hesitate to recommend it.
December 13, 2016
The Pakistan Conspiracy is a well crafted mystery thriller. And I would imagine that fans of this genre will love sinking their teeth into this one! This is my second time reading this author and I must say I was very impressed yet again.
The story had every element a good story should have. An exciting plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well illustrated scenes that really make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that's something I really look for in a good book.
This captivating and commendable work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flows from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional skill when it comes to storytelling. There are twists and turns in this page turner that will take the reader on a gripping journey!
It’s one of those stories that come along once in awhile that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader!
I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from Francesca Salerno in the future! I would definitely recommend this book! Five stars from me.
The story had every element a good story should have. An exciting plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well illustrated scenes that really make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that's something I really look for in a good book.
This captivating and commendable work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flows from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional skill when it comes to storytelling. There are twists and turns in this page turner that will take the reader on a gripping journey!
It’s one of those stories that come along once in awhile that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader!
I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from Francesca Salerno in the future! I would definitely recommend this book! Five stars from me.
March 9, 2019
This is a great spy, political thriller. It is story that you will want to read until you get to the last page and last word. You will hang on every word and every plot twist. It is so intense it will make you want to read more even when the story is over.
Salerno is a master storyteller! She draws the reader into the story, and you will wonder what will happen about the Palestinian terrorist Yasser al-Greeb. You will even want to try to guess. Further, Salerno has a lot of knowledge about the cities that she writes about. I never visited Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Russia, and Israel. But I know more about these places now.
The story is about Kate who lives in the American Embassy in Pakistan. At one point, Kate’s life takes a very unexpected turn in May 2011. After the exchange that results in Bin Laden’s capture and killing, The Foreign Minister is unhappy. In a strange twist, Kate becomes an unwelcome person because of her lack of involvement in the Bin Laden capturing and killing.
With Bin Laden dead, Al Qaeda wants revenge. In a quick and vortex-like set of events that will leave the reader scratching his head, Kate discovers something very dangerous. Al Qaeda apparently bought a 17-kiloton nuclear weapon. What’s worse, this massive weapon is portable putting everyone on edge. It can destroy everything within a mile’s radius of detonation. The weapon is so destructive that it can destroy most of New York City proper.
This situation makes Kate go on a journey like no other around South Asia. However, she is caught without any protection to save her. She then becomes braver than ever and continues to fight for what she believes in.
This story is layered and nuanced in such a way that you never know what is coming on the next page. It is a story that will make you think, introspect, and even wonder about Kate’s future. The story is credible and real even though it is written in the third person. It is a story that will stick with you for a very long time after he reads it.
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Irene S. Roth
For more information on the book, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Pakistan-Consp...
For more information on the author, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Francesca-Sale...
Salerno is a master storyteller! She draws the reader into the story, and you will wonder what will happen about the Palestinian terrorist Yasser al-Greeb. You will even want to try to guess. Further, Salerno has a lot of knowledge about the cities that she writes about. I never visited Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Russia, and Israel. But I know more about these places now.
The story is about Kate who lives in the American Embassy in Pakistan. At one point, Kate’s life takes a very unexpected turn in May 2011. After the exchange that results in Bin Laden’s capture and killing, The Foreign Minister is unhappy. In a strange twist, Kate becomes an unwelcome person because of her lack of involvement in the Bin Laden capturing and killing.
With Bin Laden dead, Al Qaeda wants revenge. In a quick and vortex-like set of events that will leave the reader scratching his head, Kate discovers something very dangerous. Al Qaeda apparently bought a 17-kiloton nuclear weapon. What’s worse, this massive weapon is portable putting everyone on edge. It can destroy everything within a mile’s radius of detonation. The weapon is so destructive that it can destroy most of New York City proper.
This situation makes Kate go on a journey like no other around South Asia. However, she is caught without any protection to save her. She then becomes braver than ever and continues to fight for what she believes in.
This story is layered and nuanced in such a way that you never know what is coming on the next page. It is a story that will make you think, introspect, and even wonder about Kate’s future. The story is credible and real even though it is written in the third person. It is a story that will stick with you for a very long time after he reads it.
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Irene S. Roth
For more information on the book, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Pakistan-Consp...
For more information on the author, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Francesca-Sale...
July 30, 2014
The Pakistan Conspiracy, A Novel Of Espionage by Francesca Salerno is a current day spy espionage thriller. It is about an Al Qaeda threat that is very believable. It may have even happened. It may be happening right now.
The Pakistan Conspiracy is set mostly in Pakistan and involves the Pakistan ISI and the CIA.
I give the book 5 stars on the basis that it is well researched, very believable, a great page turner, and well written.
The nature of a spy espionage thriller is that there will be a threat, the threat will be investigated, and there will be a conclusion - which will normally be that the threat has been neutralised. The Pakistan Conspiracy has delivered.
The Pakistan Conspiracy is set mostly in Pakistan and involves the Pakistan ISI and the CIA.
I give the book 5 stars on the basis that it is well researched, very believable, a great page turner, and well written.
The nature of a spy espionage thriller is that there will be a threat, the threat will be investigated, and there will be a conclusion - which will normally be that the threat has been neutralised. The Pakistan Conspiracy has delivered.
July 1, 2014
Quite an intelligently-crafted account that goes behind the headlines into anti-terror operations of the day and slowly builds up into quite a riveting story - but then the ending seems slightly hurried and is left open-ended which I think underscores how the scourge is set to persist or (fortunately for you) could presage a sequel. Some minor plot holes but nothing that could derail the reading experience.
July 31, 2015
This is an intriguing and enjoyable read. Although a fictional tale, it has enough 'factual' (or factual-feeling) information to engage readers interested more in truth than fiction. A fast-paced story that incorporates the curious political overlaps (politics makes strange bedfellows) that appear to common yet complex in dealings with the Middle East and South Asia. I look forward to the next installments of Ms. Salerno's espionage and intrigues.
May 16, 2014
Fantastic first spy fiction work that echoes the early writings of Tom Clancy and Vince Flynn. Full of intriguing plot twists that make the reader constantly try to guess what's coming next. A mostly believable tale that could come straight from today's headlines.
November 7, 2014
Good details
plot is engaging and characters are pretty well developed. the action is fast paced. the main weakness is the abrupt ending. ite almost as the author was told to finish the book in so many pages. could have been much laid out.
plot is engaging and characters are pretty well developed. the action is fast paced. the main weakness is the abrupt ending. ite almost as the author was told to finish the book in so many pages. could have been much laid out.
February 26, 2016
Wow! Another great kindle first read
Intelligently written and well researched (at least from a layman perspective). Very impressive, detail oriented narrative which contributed to a riveting read. Looking forward to the next novel. Definitely recommend.
Intelligently written and well researched (at least from a layman perspective). Very impressive, detail oriented narrative which contributed to a riveting read. Looking forward to the next novel. Definitely recommend.
August 23, 2016
Read it!
A well written book that flows perfectly. It will hold your interest from the first page to the last. Well developed characters.
A well written book that flows perfectly. It will hold your interest from the first page to the last. Well developed characters.
April 2, 2019
The Pakistan Conspiracy, the second non-fiction offering from Francesca Salerno, does exactly what it says on the tin. A gripping page turner, this novel is a fantastic example of a genre the author obviously loves. Her encyclopaedic and evocative descriptions of the Middle East and the Mediterranean , most especially her sensory depictions of Egypt, clearly show her knowledge of the region.
Putting a contemporary spin on classic spy fiction, The Pakistan Conspiracy focuses on a nuclear plot by Al Quaeda, but Salerno’s protagonist Kate Langley embodies all the grim focus and classic moves you would expect from a ass kicking CIA agent. While her characterisation falls flat in some places, Kate Langley is an instantly likeable and tenacious creation. As the story unfolds and Kate is released from her comfortable embassy post, she is forced to fight a grand scale and complex battle without the resources she is used to, and it is her gritty determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds which makes her such a likeable character.
What stands out about this novel is its realism and believability. The authors own knowledge combined with what must have been fastidious research creates an epic, fast paced plot which doesn't lose any believability. The reader feels as though the forces Kate faces could very well be real, and the novel is very much of its time, with the uncertain political climate faced in recent years reflected not only in Salerno’s choice of villain, but in Kate’s own life, as she is thrust out of her comfort zone into new and unfamiliar terrain.
The book does come to quite an abrupt ending, perhaps to leave the readers wanting more, but with a few loose ends that will scratch at my brain for weeks to come, a testament to the pace of the novel and how well it builds. It is not easy to balance such evocative imagery with a novel of this scope and pace, but Salerno does it with ease, and has created a novel which truly transports.
March 5, 2019
After a lot of contemplation I picked up The Pakistan Conspiracy by Fransesca Salerno to read over the weekend. Needing a change from my usual books and routine, I opted for a Spy Thriller this time around.
I absolutely loved the writing style of Francesca and she kept me intrigued and involved in the story right from the get go! This book revolves around the time where Osama Bin Laden's Abbottabad compound was raided by a team of Six SEALS followed by his gunning down.
The AQ vows revenge and they find a retired colonel from Russia who was willing to sell them a nuclear weapon that can cause mass destruction. CIA Agent Kate who was then in Pakistan during the raid is now labelled as a spy and had to return back to the US, but is forced to get involved after knowing the revenge plot that could cause mass destruction.
So, does she succeed in her mission to stop the destruction? Does she get caught while undercover and without any protection? This riveting tale follows Kate though different locations and also lets readers glimpse into the goings on around the different locations and people that are involved in the plot while acquiring the nuclear weapon.
If you love Spy Thrillers that are paced real fast and keep you glued to your e-reader and at the edge of your seats turning pages really quick to know what's happening next - The Pakistan Conspiracy is just what you need!
I absolutely loved the writing style of Francesca and she kept me intrigued and involved in the story right from the get go! This book revolves around the time where Osama Bin Laden's Abbottabad compound was raided by a team of Six SEALS followed by his gunning down.
The AQ vows revenge and they find a retired colonel from Russia who was willing to sell them a nuclear weapon that can cause mass destruction. CIA Agent Kate who was then in Pakistan during the raid is now labelled as a spy and had to return back to the US, but is forced to get involved after knowing the revenge plot that could cause mass destruction.
So, does she succeed in her mission to stop the destruction? Does she get caught while undercover and without any protection? This riveting tale follows Kate though different locations and also lets readers glimpse into the goings on around the different locations and people that are involved in the plot while acquiring the nuclear weapon.
If you love Spy Thrillers that are paced real fast and keep you glued to your e-reader and at the edge of your seats turning pages really quick to know what's happening next - The Pakistan Conspiracy is just what you need!
February 11, 2019
Good read... Good quotes too
At first it was a little boring but as you go on it gets exciting. The climax wasn't presented quite well, could have been better if the bomb was found in a more dramatic way... Overall it's a good read and i learned quite a lot of notable quotes and some life lessons too.
At first it was a little boring but as you go on it gets exciting. The climax wasn't presented quite well, could have been better if the bomb was found in a more dramatic way... Overall it's a good read and i learned quite a lot of notable quotes and some life lessons too.
November 8, 2018
Intriguing
Very Interesting Book given an insight how the world of International espionage works and the many twists and turns needed to stay ahead
Very Interesting Book given an insight how the world of International espionage works and the many twists and turns needed to stay ahead
April 24, 2014
"As contemporary as tomorrow’s headlines...."
This spy thriller novel opens days after the May 2011 take-down of Osama Bin Laden by the American SEAL Team Six in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Young and attractive Kate Langley, a CIA covert operative at the American embassy in Islamabad gets wind of a vengeful retaliation plot by Al Qaeda. Since it’s rumored to have a far reaching destructive impact and would be much more horrendous than the 9/11 attacks, it could mean only one thing, an atomic bomb explosion. While Kate manages to foil one human suicide bomber’s attack, which attempted to neutralize her, she is declared a persona-non-grata by the Pakistani government, and expelled back to the US. Instead of settling down to a cushy desk job in Washington, Kate does not give up. She is willing to go to no ends, even putting her life on the line, to thwart Al Qaeda’s planned horrific attack. In her quest, Kate is assisted by others in determining the suppliers, the financiers, the handlers, and the proposed movement and explosion location of the device. In the long cast of well-drawn characters, there are a number of CIA operatives, shady arms dealers, and Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Agency officers, including a flamboyant, American trained—thus supposedly an ally—Pakistani Brigadier Mahmood. The action, almost a race against time, shifts rapidly between Pakistan, Afghanistan, USA, France and other parts of the World.
While espionage spy thrillers, based on historical events, feature known past incidents, this novel by Francesca Salerno is so realistic that it’s (the book’s description says), “as contemporary as tomorrow’s headlines.” It would seem that Salerno has utilized her past diplomatic and travel industry experiences to good use in penning this novel. Readers are never put in doubt about the descriptions of the characters, locations, customs, cuisine or plot twists in the story, thereby enjoying it up to the tremendous ending.
While it’s known that there were women CIA agents, who were instrumental in the location of Bin Laden’s hideout, Salero’s choice of Kate Langley, as a female lead, adds much interest and pragmatism into the story. The detailed descriptions of the workings of the CIA, the ISI, the arms dealers, money launderers and other groups, whether fictional or not, are all very realistically narrated. The descriptions are so factual that it feels as if the author has travelled through the locales of the novel’s scenes. The fast action packed filled writing is a pleasure to read. The book would serve not only as an entertaining pastime at a beach or elsewhere, but also as a thought provoking serious study of the recent world events, the implications for the future and most importantly, a glimpse into the minds of terrorists. Highly recommended.
Waheed Rabbani is a historical fiction author whose novels are available on Amazon and elsewhere.
This spy thriller novel opens days after the May 2011 take-down of Osama Bin Laden by the American SEAL Team Six in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Young and attractive Kate Langley, a CIA covert operative at the American embassy in Islamabad gets wind of a vengeful retaliation plot by Al Qaeda. Since it’s rumored to have a far reaching destructive impact and would be much more horrendous than the 9/11 attacks, it could mean only one thing, an atomic bomb explosion. While Kate manages to foil one human suicide bomber’s attack, which attempted to neutralize her, she is declared a persona-non-grata by the Pakistani government, and expelled back to the US. Instead of settling down to a cushy desk job in Washington, Kate does not give up. She is willing to go to no ends, even putting her life on the line, to thwart Al Qaeda’s planned horrific attack. In her quest, Kate is assisted by others in determining the suppliers, the financiers, the handlers, and the proposed movement and explosion location of the device. In the long cast of well-drawn characters, there are a number of CIA operatives, shady arms dealers, and Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Agency officers, including a flamboyant, American trained—thus supposedly an ally—Pakistani Brigadier Mahmood. The action, almost a race against time, shifts rapidly between Pakistan, Afghanistan, USA, France and other parts of the World.
While espionage spy thrillers, based on historical events, feature known past incidents, this novel by Francesca Salerno is so realistic that it’s (the book’s description says), “as contemporary as tomorrow’s headlines.” It would seem that Salerno has utilized her past diplomatic and travel industry experiences to good use in penning this novel. Readers are never put in doubt about the descriptions of the characters, locations, customs, cuisine or plot twists in the story, thereby enjoying it up to the tremendous ending.
While it’s known that there were women CIA agents, who were instrumental in the location of Bin Laden’s hideout, Salero’s choice of Kate Langley, as a female lead, adds much interest and pragmatism into the story. The detailed descriptions of the workings of the CIA, the ISI, the arms dealers, money launderers and other groups, whether fictional or not, are all very realistically narrated. The descriptions are so factual that it feels as if the author has travelled through the locales of the novel’s scenes. The fast action packed filled writing is a pleasure to read. The book would serve not only as an entertaining pastime at a beach or elsewhere, but also as a thought provoking serious study of the recent world events, the implications for the future and most importantly, a glimpse into the minds of terrorists. Highly recommended.
Waheed Rabbani is a historical fiction author whose novels are available on Amazon and elsewhere.
February 24, 2017
Very good story. Excellent portrayl of city's and country's. I felt like I was along for the ride.
Very well written. I already ordered the next book in the series. Thank you very much for the excellent story.
Very well written. I already ordered the next book in the series. Thank you very much for the excellent story.
October 2, 2015
Absolutely gripping and well paced! Especially loved the pace at which the plot moved and felt I was a part of the CIA investigation because of the description of the nuances of international spying, terrorism and investigative analysis. Also liked how the locations in the story were described which made you feel like you were there!
April 18, 2017
My view
The theme and sytle is awesome, i would appeciate it more if it had covered the story of last days of OBL.
The theme and sytle is awesome, i would appeciate it more if it had covered the story of last days of OBL.
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