Sun, ocean beaches and a spy novel are my idea of a great vacation! I read this back in February while I was in Mexico and it did not disappoint.

Sam Joseph, an agent with the CIA, has been looking for someone he might be able to recruit in Syria. He locates a likely candidate- a Syrian Palace official named Mariam Haddad. He makes contact while she is on a diplomatic mission to Paris. But when an American spy suddenly disappears in Damascus, the recruitment must be quickly consummated and the forbidden relationship that has blossomed between Joseph and Haddad put on hold so they can find and rescue the captured spy.

Joseph and Haddad quickly realize, however, that the spy may have been captured because he uncovered a dark and dangerous secret known only to a few within the Syrian regime. With Assad’s spy catcher, Ali Hassan watching their every move, and the death toll rising,  Jospeh and Haddad, must decide who to protect, and who to betray, all while trying to save the ones they love.

This book was a finalist for the International Thriller Writers (ITW) Award for Best First Novel in 2022, and it certainly is a well deserved. McCloskey knows Damascus and evokes the feel of the city and the way people live under the Assad regime and has a deep understanding of current spy craft. I look forward to reading another book by David McCloskey!

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

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

Book Study Worthy? Sure

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