Howard Weiner

This story is told in an almost-textbook manner. There’s several info dumps throughout the story and often we’re told what has happened instead of shown. I kept looking for the thrill in this novel but it was pretty straight forward. At times, it felt like I was listening to a report instead of a work of fiction. Sometimes all the acronyms and government-speak added to the story (since it’s all about CIA operatives taking out terrorists) but mostly it gave the story a plodding quality.

My favorite character was Eddy, the nun and semi-retired CIA operative. She’s in her 70s and still just as deadly as she was at 25. I love her no-nonsense manner. I think a whole series could be written about her and it would be fascinating.

Alice Linda and Joe McRory were OK. Linda comes off as still young and a little too cocky. That scene where the British cop gives back her ankle holster was great. Ha! Joe and Linda argue with each other often but I guess there’s supposed to be some chemistry between the two (which Eddy points out later). However, I didn’t get that. In fact, their childish arguing made them seem anything but trained professional killers.

The story has 2 main terrorists. One seemed like a simple placeholder (Al Hami), where we don’t get much about him or his reasons for doing what he’s doing. Then there’s Todd Addams who definitely had his reasons for turning bad. However, we get most of his character all in one long info dump.

There are two Native American assassins (plus a niece who wants to avenge them) and I really liked this aspect of the story as it was unique. I did find it a bit odd that the CIA operatives all believed that Native Americans were too striking in looks and would stand out wherever they go. Like any other ethnicity, some individuals are striking and many others can blend in. Other than that silly assumption by our main characters, I really liked the inclusion of some very capable Native American assassins.

Over all, the story has potential to be interesting and thrilling but I feel it could have used one more edit to make it flow better and to keep the pace exciting. 3.5/5 stars.

The Narration: Laura Copland did a pretty good job with this narration. She’s got a good voice for Linda and I loved her as Eddy the old nun and CIA agent. Her male voices were believable and all her characters had distinct voices. Sometimes she overplayed this or that regional accent and I winced a little but it was only with minor characters so my suffering was kept to a minimum. The recording quality is good with no issues. 4.5/5 stars.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Howard Weiner. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.… (més)

This is such an interesting read! I found it really exciting and compelling, with lots of detail that pulled me in, right from the start. It is definitely a book that keeps you on your toes and guessing just what in coming.

I found the characters really were created well. They had a lot of depth and personality, which meant they were easy to get to know and really decide who you liked and didn’t, though it may have been hard!

Overall, I liked this read, and am excited to read more from this author. I recommend giving this book a go and keeping an eye out for future reads!… (més)