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The Snap
On Sunday, 7th June 1981, Israeli F16 jets bombed and destroyed the Iraqi nuclear installation at Tammuz. This raid is the heart and climax of A J Quinnell's spellbinding thriller, a story of characters real and invented, of violence and vendettas, and of intense love and courage.
Shattered by the horrors of Vietnam, photographer David Munger has retired into a private nightmare. But lured back into action by Israeli Intelligence, and supported by the love of a remarkable woman, Munger finds himself at the centre of the deadly labyrinth of espionage, murder and blackmail that leads to the fateful raid on Tammuz.
“The action is furious, the characterisation a particularly strong point with this author, honed to perfection”. - THE SCOTSMAN
Shattered by the horrors of Vietnam, photographer David Munger has retired into a private nightmare. But lured back into action by Israeli Intelligence, and supported by the love of a remarkable woman, Munger finds himself at the centre of the deadly labyrinth of espionage, murder and blackmail that leads to the fateful raid on Tammuz.
“The action is furious, the characterisation a particularly strong point with this author, honed to perfection”. - THE SCOTSMAN
264 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1982
24 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Quinnell
30 books146 followersA. J. Quinnell was the pen name of Philip Nicholson, a mystery and thriller writer. He is best known for his novel "Man on Fire", which has been adapted to film twice, most recently in 2004 featuring Denzel Washington.
When the author was preparing to publish his first book, "Man on Fire", he wanted to keep his real identity a secret. During a conversation in a bar, his agent, Chris Little, told him he could use a pseudonym. The author chose "Quinnell", after the rugby union player Derek Quinnell and "A. J." from the initials of the bartender's son.
Nicholson frequented Gleneagles bar in Mġarr, Gozo, the town where the Malta ferry disembarks. He could often be found drinking vodkas with soda. He wrote late at night and through until the morning, always standing up.
The author's best-known creation was the character of Marcus Creasy, an American-born former member of the French Foreign Legion.
When the author was preparing to publish his first book, "Man on Fire", he wanted to keep his real identity a secret. During a conversation in a bar, his agent, Chris Little, told him he could use a pseudonym. The author chose "Quinnell", after the rugby union player Derek Quinnell and "A. J." from the initials of the bartender's son.
Nicholson frequented Gleneagles bar in Mġarr, Gozo, the town where the Malta ferry disembarks. He could often be found drinking vodkas with soda. He wrote late at night and through until the morning, always standing up.
The author's best-known creation was the character of Marcus Creasy, an American-born former member of the French Foreign Legion.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 1, 2021
This is a great read.
I am new to A.J. Quinnell and just recently finished all of the Creasy books. I am an instant fan and for a variety of reasons enjoyed this book more. Of course, so much has changed in the nearly 40 years since this was written. However, to me the book was fresh and I was put right in the action. Do not hesitate to read this...it's terrific.
I am new to A.J. Quinnell and just recently finished all of the Creasy books. I am an instant fan and for a variety of reasons enjoyed this book more. Of course, so much has changed in the nearly 40 years since this was written. However, to me the book was fresh and I was put right in the action. Do not hesitate to read this...it's terrific.
August 2, 2025
3.5 due to some lag in the middle. Not bad lag, but not on the edge of my seat like the last few chapters. Spies, espionage, Vietnam battles, bars, alcohol, the middle east when it was a visitable destination, excellent stuff by AJ.
December 1, 2024
Snap Shot by A. J. Quinnell is a bit dated now, but understandably so given it was first published in 1982, but as thrillers go it holds its own against more recent books.
The story surrounds an Israeli F16 bombing raid to destroy an Iraqi nuclear installation which the Israeli Mossad found to be being constructed to produce nuclear material necessary for Iraq’s nuclear weapons programme. The bombing raid was a success but one F16 deviated from the flight plan and bombed an alternative target within Iraq. This novel is a fictional account of the story behind this.
David Munger is a talented and highly regarded combat photographer until whilst on his final combat mission he sees something so hideous that he immediately puts his photographic equipment up for sale and drops from sight. Years later he is approached by the Mossad to spy for the Israel government against an immediate threat against their safety.
This story races along nicely and rather than twists and turns it unravels a number of coincidences but in a believable and ingenious manner. Quinnell is a go to author for me, when I’m in the mood for a quality action thriller and Snap Shot delivers that. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
The story surrounds an Israeli F16 bombing raid to destroy an Iraqi nuclear installation which the Israeli Mossad found to be being constructed to produce nuclear material necessary for Iraq’s nuclear weapons programme. The bombing raid was a success but one F16 deviated from the flight plan and bombed an alternative target within Iraq. This novel is a fictional account of the story behind this.
David Munger is a talented and highly regarded combat photographer until whilst on his final combat mission he sees something so hideous that he immediately puts his photographic equipment up for sale and drops from sight. Years later he is approached by the Mossad to spy for the Israel government against an immediate threat against their safety.
This story races along nicely and rather than twists and turns it unravels a number of coincidences but in a believable and ingenious manner. Quinnell is a go to author for me, when I’m in the mood for a quality action thriller and Snap Shot delivers that. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
August 24, 2017
4.5/5.
"Snapshot" ("Instantánea" en España) es un libro que me ha sorprendido mucho, ya que me ha enganchado un montón la historia y los personajes me han gustado bastante, ya que están bien perfilados y son muy interesantes.
Es una historia algo dura pero muy bonita que tiene como marco temporal la lucha de los judíos sobre el territorio israelí, cargada de valores y que se nota que tiene un trabajo de documentación detrás bien hecho.
De este autor había leído "El guardaespaldas" hace unos años y recuerdo que también me gustó mucho, así que no me importaría en absoluto continuar leyendo su obra. Muy recomendable.
"Snapshot" ("Instantánea" en España) es un libro que me ha sorprendido mucho, ya que me ha enganchado un montón la historia y los personajes me han gustado bastante, ya que están bien perfilados y son muy interesantes.
Es una historia algo dura pero muy bonita que tiene como marco temporal la lucha de los judíos sobre el territorio israelí, cargada de valores y que se nota que tiene un trabajo de documentación detrás bien hecho.
De este autor había leído "El guardaespaldas" hace unos años y recuerdo que también me gustó mucho, así que no me importaría en absoluto continuar leyendo su obra. Muy recomendable.
September 29, 2018
The physically designed of this book has lured me into thinking that combat details are full of. Clearly, a jet fighter obviously and partially stands for upcoming raging dog fights.
The literal fact is, however, not as I supposed. Specifically, details are scatteredly depicted by even sex scenes.
On the other hands, the latter parts would show historically valuable issues such as air raids. Politicians and statemen funded Cold War which involved the whole world. The Arabic World plays an important roles which featured by nuke reactors.
The literal fact is, however, not as I supposed. Specifically, details are scatteredly depicted by even sex scenes.
On the other hands, the latter parts would show historically valuable issues such as air raids. Politicians and statemen funded Cold War which involved the whole world. The Arabic World plays an important roles which featured by nuke reactors.
February 13, 2021
Always an exciting yarn
Photo journalist scenes were vivid the story telling colorful. And AJ always tells a great story buy one of his books and you won’t be disappointed
Photo journalist scenes were vivid the story telling colorful. And AJ always tells a great story buy one of his books and you won’t be disappointed
May 21, 2019
Unputdownable
Wonderful depth of characterisation with a labyrinthian backdrop of espionage, murder, blackmail and the spellbinding love of a good woman.
Never a dull moment.
Wonderful depth of characterisation with a labyrinthian backdrop of espionage, murder, blackmail and the spellbinding love of a good woman.
Never a dull moment.
September 10, 2022
Un poco aburrida y con demasiado pastel amoroso, pelin casposo, pero este escritor sabe urdir tramas interesantes con un estilo propio. Son mejores las de Creasy.
June 10, 2009
This book by A.J. Quinnell was written after Man on Fire and The Mahdi, and we see familiar strains of his writing style here. Snap Shot starts off a bit burdened by scene-setting, but Quinnell quickly gets into the espionage and intrigue he so capably exhibits.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews