The Counterfeit Agent

A John Wells Novel, Book 8

By: Alex Berenson

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

John Wells returns for another deadly mission from New York Times best-selling author Alex Berenson...

In an Istanbul hotel, a deep source warns a CIA agent that Iran intends to kill a CIA station chief. Quickly, John Wells is called in to investigate, but before he can get far, the tip comes true. Which means that the next warning the source gives will be taken very seriously indeed. And it’s a big one.

A radioactive one.

As the threat level jumps and the government mobilizes, Wells must figure out what’s really going on. From a drug lord’s mansion in Guatemala to a secret plastic surgery center in Thailand to the slums of Istanbul, Wells uses every skill he has - including his ability to go undercover in the Arab world - to chase down leads. But the enemy he faces is equally determined. And soon he may be too late to pull the United States back from the brink of war...

©2014 Alex Berenson (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Worse cliffhanger than The Hobbit Pt. 2

Would you try another book from Alex Berenson and/or George Guidall?

Alex Berenson: Yes
George Guidall: Yes, and in my opinion he is the best reader in my 200+ audiobook library.

What was most disappointing about Alex Berenson’s story?

This book felt pointless. Nothing really happened except some drama in the personal life and setting up the plot for the next book in the series. This book easily could have been condensed into the first six or seven chapters and left the next forty to fifty chapters for the body, climax and conclusion.

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

He is an amazing narrator and really makes any book he reads more interesting and enjoyable.

Do you think The Counterfeit Agent needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

They may as well have put "To Be Continued..." at the end of the book.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this book only in a year or so when the next book comes out. I mean, for heaven's sake, the last words of the book are, "twelve days." Meaning, that they have twelve days the finish what they had started. They should have just waited another year and combine this book with the next one.

Great Entertainment

Disclosure: This is not my genre. That said, I have enjoyed this series. The stories are well crafted. Everything seems to fit without being transparent. The characters are consistently drawn story to story. Throughout there is very little call for suspension of disbelief despite inherent unreality. George Guidall’s narration adds to the quality of the series. I’ve given each 4 stars but would give the series 5. In short, these stories are great entertainment for very little effort on the part of the listener.

Thirst for the next book

I accidentally got the books out of order and listened to the next one first. I made absolutely no sense. When I discovered what I did I listened to this on and makes me excited about the next. I gave the next lower marks due to my mistake. I read another review on this book where the reviewer was upset the story wasn't completed. I can see his point if he was reading as they came out.

least satisfying ending, but I'll hang in there

love series beginning w/ book 2. will see if next gets more satisfying. ending is incomplete like a YA book cut into 3rd or half.

Not quite up to par for the series

While The Counterfeit Agent is not up to par from the previous books, I could see it setting up for something good as the story continues. Certainly not as thrilling of a thriller as I have become used to from Berenson, it is a fair novel, definitely better than what has come from other authors. at least we get more character development.

Surprisingly great listen

Where does The Counterfeit Agent rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I chose this book because I love George Guidall. I was very surprised by the great story and listen. I am a big fan of Daniel Silva and Brad Thor. This was just as gripping and involved as those! I can't wait to get into the next one!

Solid Wells thriller except for the ending

Berenson has maintained a high quality throughout the Wells' series and installment 8 is no exception. The plot is intricate with a well resourced and well connected adversary this time around. While Duto and Schaffer continue to evolve into different roles, Wells remains the pre-eminent spy/detective with assassin's instincts. This time out, Duto receives a tip and Wells investigates, while the CIA believes it's struck gold with a Rev guard informant. Wells performs impressive detective work to uncover the mastermind behind the various plots the CIA informant is passing along.

The action is less classic John Wells and more the gradual evolution of a middle age spy who prefers to forego the dramatic cinematic action scenes. At the same time, Berenson develops other characters with detailed backstories for additional action. The only ding to the tale is that while Wells does eventually get his man in classic John Wells style, the story ends without full resolution as the major puppetmasters remain at large and largely unidentified, suggesting, hopefully, that book 9 will complete the story arc.

The narration is simply superb. Guidall is a master of voices, tone, and pacing. His slightly gravelly rendition is perfectly suited for hard nosed spy thriller.

I like Berenson and Guidall

Only problem is there are no more books for me to read - I've read them all. I saved this one until I got disgusted with W.E.B. Griffin (or exhausted the best of the series with Dick Hill). It's good. Took me about an hour to change pace. Berenson's character's have considerable depth and dimensions and the description of them can slow down how quickly the store takes hold of you - but once it gets going, it's gripping. This one is the most contemporary of the series and very current in it's plot lines. (While most of them take place in the Middle East, this one is focused on Iran's efforts to develop a nuclear bomb - on how a president would respond to provocation and so on). Worth reading and there is hope for more books since the lead character rediscovered his commitment to his job and his determination to remain involved (earlier books had ended with his questioning the personal costs to his ability to be a father or in a committed relationship with a woman.

OK, you got me, John Wells is my alter ego

Would you listen to The Counterfeit Agent again? Why?

You could write a John Wells novel on toilet paper and I am going to read it. This is my favorite character in the genre. I will likely listen again on my runs.

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

If you haven't listened to Guidall, do yourself a favor: START NOW! He is hands down the best voice on audible.

Any additional comments?

I just love Vinnie Doudo.

Another winner!

Who was your favorite character and why?

John Wells of course!
He is great at getting out of tough situations and when he has to be ruthless, he is. But not without thought. He doesn't like to kill but knows its necessary when he does. He is all about problem solving and doing the right thing. He does a lot of internal thinking and at times doesn't like what he sees in himself but is pragmatic enough to move on.
I really like the fact that he has a conscience and has a faith. At times he struggles with it, but knows in the end that's all he really has left.

What does George Guidall bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Personality.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

I really have a deep fondness for this series. I skipped a couple books and regret it. I can only be excited to listen to the next book!