Tom Gabbay’s book, The Tehran Conviction, is a fast paced political thriller.   The book flashes between Iran in the 1950’s and Iran in the late 1970’s.  Through his main character, CIA operative Jack Teller, the author describes America’s involvement in reinstating the Shah to power and the Khomeini revolution.

Gabbay has fully developed his characters.  The reader builds relationships with all the characters, liking the heroes: Teller, Yari Fatemi, and Zahra Fatemi; and disliking the villains: the Mullah. Through the characters’ eyes the reader is able to understand the complex issues of Iran as well as the despotic, brutal nature of the religious zealots, the Mullahs.

The plot is well detailed and riveting.  The story begins with Teller going back to Iran to rescue Yari after Khomeini’s takeover of Iran and flashbacks to how Yari, Zahra, and Jack built a relationship.  Many of the plot’s twists and turns have realistic historical significance, which adds to the tension and builds toward the climax.

Having read a true story about the Khomeini regime,  A Time To Betray, by Reza Khalili, I found Gabbay’s descriptions very true to life.  Both Khalili and Gabbay describe how Iran is split between two worlds, a medieval society and a modern society.   Both authors potently describe the stoning deaths of two different young women.

This is a must read for anyone who enjoys Middle Eastern history intertwined with a suspenseful and believable plot and characters.