It's been a rough few years for CIA agent John Wells. The undercover work in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the attack on the United States, the Chinese plot that could have led to war. Wells is exhausted, and his nights filled with disturbing dreams. But he knows he has no time for that. He has made many enemies, and the world won't stay quiet for long.
Nevertheless, Wells is not prepared for what is about to happen. He and his colleague - and fiancée - Jennifer Exley are driving into work when traffic comes to a standstill, due to accidents on both bridges into Washington. A pretty big coincidence, he thinks, beginning to get a bad feeling - a feeling that only gets worse when he spots the red motorcycle zooming up between cars toward him. Before the day is over, several people will be dead or severely injured, Exley among them, and Wells will be a man possessed.
The attackers are Russian, and it is to Russia that Wells must follow the trail. He finds what he's looking for - but also a great deal more. A plan of almost unimaginable consequences is in motion, and Wells has no idea if he has discovered it in time. The last few years have been rough indeed, but the next few weeks will be much, much worse.
©2009 Alex Berenson; (P)2009 Penguin Audio
""The Faithful Spy", ver. 2.0"
This is a difficult book to judge. I can truthfully say it was well written, well read and engaging. Had I not also read "The Faithful Spy", I would have no problem giving this a big thumbs up. Unfortunately, it is largely a rehash of the earlier book. By itself, I would have to say it is worth reading. If, however, you have already enjoyed "Faithful", you may opt to pass on this given the gross similarities in plot, character, locale, etc.
Actor/director/teacher. Live most of the time in Beijing now. Listen to Audible on the subway and while driving. Love the reviews.
"generic ho hum"
This is generic super agent fare written competently but with little imagination. You do not have to have read any of the previous stories in the series to recognize and understand the recurring characters; you have met them in a score of other books in the same genre. The situation and development of the plot are also familiar.
There is nothing unpleasant about spending a few hours with this book, but it is never going to shock, touch, or fascinate you, nor will it likely keep you in the car for an extra five minutes because you just can't bear to turn it off. It has been a while since I read a really gripping thriller and I was looking for one. This was not it.
"another hit for berenson"
The Silent Man has plenty of action and interesting characters. The main character has appeared in two of the author's previous books, both of which are excellent. The story follows the plot line from the previous book, but this book stands alone quite well. The previous story is explained, without being tedious, in the context of the present, and there will be no problem for the reader who is unfamiliar with this character. Guidall is my favorite narrator for this genre, and he does a fine job with this book. 5 stars!
"GOOD LISTEN AND INTERESTING BACKGROUND"
Berenson came out of nowhere and is right in there with Silva and other very talented suspense thriller authors. And, the background of the terrorist environment was enlightening and (I would bet) pretty accurate. Worth it!
"I liked this one the best, so far!"
Once again we are hearing about another aspect of John Wells personality - his relationship with his work. I very much enjoy this character, I also like seeing how he changes or make a mess of his life.
"Might be a good book"
Might be a good book if I could get it play. I have heard it is an excellent book but Audible downloads are such a hasle I would buy it on ebay.
This book came highly recomended.
Don't know can't play the file.
Going to buy it on ebay or Banes and Noble
"What can I say....Wells!!!!"
John wells is becoming a very engaging and wonderful character to follow. This is a great book and overall a really good series. It tugs at you due to the characters history and persona. George Guidall is once again the benchmark to narrators out there. He enhances an already good story to new heights.
"Worth the Price and the Time"
Good Read
Yes, unexpected twists.
Yes, I an hearing impaired but I can understand his pronunciation. Makes for a pleasant experience.
outdoor guy
"Great Book / Great Reader"
Guidall Is Awesome
Not necessarily - lots of detail that has to be explained. But that's why I'm listening to an unabridged book and not watching the movie version
No favorite scene
Yes - unfortunately, there are radical Islamics in the real world
Not as good as Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, but very good nonetheless and in the same genre
Spartan Reader
"Boring Story"
Rehash! An example of how to tell a boring story in 10 chapters rather than on or two