When
a terrorist attempts to hijack a plane heading for New York,
five passengers and a stewardess foil his attack and become
instant heroes. These four men and two women become symbols
of American’s active response to the 9/11 attacks. They
are feted and praised – and possible targets.
Detective Jeremy Fisk, a member of the New York Police Department’s
Intelligence Division, is assigned to investigate, while his
female partner Krina Gersten is assigned to protect the now
famous heroes. Subsequent investigation soon reveals that
the failed attempt was a diversion and the true jihad terrorist
has escaped unnoticed in New York City. The FBI and NYPD soon
suspect that another attack will be attempted during the dedication
of the new One World Trade Center on July 4th, and it’s
up to Fisk and Gersten to find the terrorist before the ceremonies
begin.
The Intercept is Dick Wolf’s first release
in the Jeremy Fisk series and Wolf’s background as the
creator of the Law & Order television franchise is readily
apparent. His chapters are short, visual snapshots of the
various characters, and the activities of the investigators,
terrorists and heroes. In attempting to encompass so much
information and action, the relationship between Fisk and
Gersten was never fully developed, and Fisk as a personality
is rather sketchy –more a TV character than a man whose
emotions, goals and desires we can get to know.
Even so, The Intercept has a fast-moving and complex
plot with edge-of-the-seat tension. The story hooked me from
the beginning and kept me turning the pages, hanging on a
high wire until the final and unexpected ending. This tense
thriller is an exciting first novel in what I imagine could
turn out to be an outstanding series.
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