The Lion
Sequel to The Lion's Game

By Nelson DeMille

       The Lion is the sequel to The Lion's Game, in which John Corey, former NYPD Homicide detective, and Libyan terrorist, Asad Khalil, first crossed paths. It went well for Khalil, but not for Corey. Corey took several bullets and Khalil got away. As he left the United States, Khalil promised Corey he would return and finish killing him.

Now, three years later, Corey and his wife, Kate Mayfield, take a sky diving trip. As they jump, Corey notices that one of the divers who should have jumped before them is hanging onto Kate as they both float toward the earth. Corey maneuvers closer to see what's happening. Kate shouts something at him, but he can't understand her. As he gets closer she shouts again. He only understands one word, but that word makes his blood run cold. That word is Khalil.

At that moment, he sees the sun glinting off the knife in Khalilfs hand and watches in horror as Khalil stabs Kate over and over. Then, he slashes her throat and releases her from her main parachute. By this time, Kate is unconscious, freefalling and bleeding profusely.

The Lion is another masterpiece by Nelson DeMille. It gets your attention from the beginning and holds it until the last word. I did not want to put it down. Though the end was satisfying, I hated for it to end as it was so well written. The plotting is a writing lesson by itself. Each twist had been perfectly planned and executed. The characters are fully human with all the weaknesses and fallibility of any historical figure. A story this good should never end, but Nelson DeMille is not famous for sequels, let alone series. So, pick up The Lion and lose yourself for a thrilling few hours in a great mystery.