Alex
Berenson’s latest book, The Counterfeit Agent, explores
the political implications of Iran developing a nuclear bomb.
He places his well-known characters into a dangerous scenario
of threats against the US and its ally Israel, including the
possibility of Iran luring the US into war.
Because the world is a different place after September 11th
it is wishful thinking to want heroes like Berenson’s
John Wells to save the day and fight against evil regimes.
A quote in the book reminds Americans, “September 11th
had faded in his memory, along with everyone else’s.”
It is with this backdrop that the plot begins, with Wells
traveling around the world to chase down leads. From Guatemala
to Thailand to Hong Kong to Istanbul, Wells tries to find
those responsible for conducting a complex Iranian campaign
against the US and its allies.
Berenson stated, “There are three scenarios. First,
are the Iranians serious with their intentions to drop the
plan for getting a bomb because it is not worth the sanctions?
Second, is this just a delaying tactic to buy some immediate
relief? Third, is it a complete head fake? I wanted to show
in my book all the risks, realizing that the Iranians are
not friends of the US, and are a very dangerous, strategic
enemy. They killed hundreds of our soldiers in Iraq. They
used roadside bombs that were devastating to our soldiers.”
Unfortunately, readers will have to wait until next year to
find out the plot’s resolution. Although many issues
were solved, the ending to this book is a cliffhanger. Berenson
explained, “As I was outlining The Counterfeit Agent
I realized that I had too much story for a single 400
page novel. I think 400 or so pages is a natural comfortable
length for books and I also wanted the challenge of writing
a novel that would feel complete on its own; yet, offer a
springboard for the next novel. This is the first time I wrote
a cliffhanger. Having to wait a year is no different than
a TV show.”
The next book brings back the mysterious woman, Salome, who
procured bomb grade uranium in Johannesburg and is heading
the deception project. Readers will be able to find out more
about this character, seeing that a lot of her personality
is similar to Wells: willing to give up a personal life for
her duty. This will lead to some tension between her and Wells
that could end up in a relationship.
Just as in the current situation where no one knows the outcome
of Iran’s gestures, Berenson fans must also wait for
his plot solution. For now readers should be satisfied with
The Counterfeit Agent since it is a geo-political thriller
that is action packed, mimics the real world, and is full
of surprises.
Reviews of other titles in this series
The
Midnight House #4
The
Secret Soldier #6
The
Night Ranger #7
The
Counterfeit Agent #8
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