Guardian of Lies
A Paul Madriani novel, No 10

By Steve Martini
       

      A chance encounter with 26- year- old Katia Solaz, a Costa Rican beauty, involves Paul Madriani in a complex conspiracy with the US government and South American drug cartels. Katia lived with Emerson Pike, a rare coin collector, in a dilapidated estate surrounded by expensive security fences.

Emerson brings to the CIA photos Katia's mother had taken during a visit to Columbia. He is killed, and Katia is arrested. Madriani comes to her aid and in the subsequent investigation uncovers a plot by the Mexican drug cartel to bring war to the United States via a nuclear device.

Adding to the suspense is the appearance of Madriani's nemesis: Liquida the legendary Mexican executioner.

This is an excellent thriller. The plotting is complex. The characters are vivid and lifelike. The villian is terrifying. The action is nonstop with the reader held in constant suspense.