Six years after the dreadful hijacking in Vienna and the resulting loss of life of those on the plane, Henry Pelham is traveling to California to visit, Celia, a former colleague and lover who was working in Vienna with him on that day.  They were both assigned to the CIA’s Vienna station; Henry as a case officer and Celia as an analyst. At some point they believed they had an agent on board who was able to give them inside intel so a rescue could be attempted, but something went terribly wrong, their agent compromised, and leading to the loss of all life on board the plane. Everyone always wondered what happened and some even suggested that there was a leak inside their own office, but nothing was ever proved. After the debacle however, Celia decides that she has had enough and left the CIA, quickly got married and had children.

As these two former colleagues and lovers sit down to dinner the questions of whether their agent was compromised and if so by whom are never far from their minds. But like the good spies they are the conversation begins slowly as they talk about their lives and Celia shares her satisfaction at finding a new life away from the CIA. Inevitably, however, they turn to those lingering questions and the terror of that day and their mood becomes darker, and the conversation more pointed. Like a game of cat and mouse, they each reveal what they know and in flash backs we see the dreadful day unfold until the traitor is fully revealed.

Steinhauer has created a tight, suspenseful, thriller that unfolds around a dinner table, a feat in and of itself!  Masterfully written, with great dialogue and character development, this short, succinct book shows Steinhauer at the top of his form!

Brenda’s Rating: ****(4 out of 5 Stars)  

Recommend this book to: Sharon, Keith, Ken and Marian

Book Study Worthy? Yes

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