Syria, 1970. Three years after the Six-Day War. Michael Howell is utterly apolitical and genetically programmed for survival, a Levantine of mixed origin with an Italian mistress and profitable business enterprises throughout the Middle East. Life is sweet for Howell until, one night in Damascus, he discovers that his factories have become the clandestine operations base for a fanatical terrorist organization dead set on destroying Israel. Suddenly, Howell is caught in the middle, with nowhere to run.
©2012 Eric Ambler (P)2012 Audible Ltd
"A Mystery developed entirely by dialog"
First I do want the readers to know that overall I liked this book, it was written in an interesting fashion, very non-formulaic (if that is a real term). If you like a lot of action and heroics this book is a bit short on that front, if you like a good read developed around cultural friction, well developed characters and good old fashioned noose tightening intrigue set in an exotic location this will be your cup of tea. The narration is great, the writing solid and the plot developed in good style leading to a tense ending which is never revealed to the listener until it happens. Every once in a while it is nice to reach back and enjoy some classic literature where decorum and gentleman ethics are important concepts, and being able to develop characters is as important as the body count. This is a good book and will remind the reader of what good literature can be.