Death in the Empty Quarter: A Bert Franks Action Adventure

by George L Potter

Bert Franks, a former Marine and Gulf War veteran, is no stranger to hazardous situations. As a troubleshooter for Vermilion Oil Company, he applies his well-honed survival skills to the cutthroat business of navigating the cultural minefields of Yemen, where Vermilion operates a profitable oilfield concession. His duties include everything from hobnobbing with government officials to negotiating contracts—whatever it takes to smooth Vermilion Oil Company's way.When negotiations for a minor contract turn sour, everything seems to falls apart at once. Bert finds himself at the epicenter of a chain of events that results in a shakeup of the Yemen Oil Ministry, the nationalization and seizure of Vermilion's assets, and his ejection from Yemen as persona non grata. Along the way his girlfriend Gretchen disappears, while his brother-in-law Sidney, the guiding hand of Vermilion since its inception, dies back in the States in an apparent suicide. As soon as he can get back to Yemen, Bert begins searching for Gretchen—immediately stepping into a snake pit of political intrigue, government corruption, and international terrorism. But it's all a day's work for Bert, and he refuses to let little things like betrayal and attempts on his life stand in his way. Little does he know that the danger is much closer to home than he ever suspects, and that the hand tugging the strings behind the scenes is determined to destroy the person he holds most dear.The oil industry can be a cutthroat business, and no one knows that better than troubleshooter Bert Franks. As a consultant and plenipotentiary for Vermilion Oil Company (the Houston-based firm owned by his adoptive sister and brother-in-law), he specializes in navigating the political minefields of the Middle Eastern nation of Yemen, where Vermilion operates a profitable oilfield concession. Bert spends his days dealing with the needs of the oilfield employees, maintaining contacts in the local expatriate community, meeting and socializing with government officials, even handling major negotiations—anything necessary to smooth the way for Vermilion's interests. When a minor contractual dispute spirals out of control, Bert finds himself at the center of a storm of corporate cupidity, government corruption, political controversy...and murder. His brother-in-law is dead, his girlfriend has vanished, Vermilion is on the brink of bankruptcy—and suddenly he's persona non grata in a country he's adopted as his own. And the whole time, he never suspects that the real danger to all he cares for lies not in the Yemeni desert, but much, much closer to home...Vermilion Oil Company is heavily invested in the nation of Yemen, where it controls a hard-won concession in the lucrative Safir Oilfields. Bert Franks, Sid's brother-in-law, is the man on the ground in Yemen, where he takes care of Vermilion's interests in a wide variety of matters. So it's just another day in the office when he leaves his flat in the Yemen capital of Sana'a to attend a meeting with the Oil Minister, Abrahim Abdu-Aziz, with whom he shares a very friendly relationship. Little does he know that the meeting, which involves a disputed catering contract with a powerful local businessman and tribal leader, presages a political whirlwind that will soon engulf everything Bert cares about, and threaten his very life.

255 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 2011

Reviews

[Grammar*Kitten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Death in the Empty Quarter as part of the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.

I have to say that of the three George L. Potter books I have read, this was actually my least favourite; that is not to say that I didn't enjoy it - I did. It just wasn't as fast paced and engrossing as his other two books. I never thought I would say this about a novel, but I actually missed the in depth but understandable insights into land laws and the oil business....

Anyway, I did enjoy this read, though it took me a little longer than the others because I wasn't quite so invested in the characters. I enjoyed the way, once again, I had no idea where the plot was actually going, and the way it all pulls together to make a very satisfying conclusion at the end.

I would perhaps advise reading this before Potter's other novels, as things can only get better from hereon out!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book through the Good Reads First Reads Giveaway.

All of my English Teachers and Professors always told me to write what I know. This is exactly what Mr. Potter did. In taking from his personal experiences, he crafted a well written book dealing with the oil industry in the Middle East. At some parts in the book, you start to see a slow down in the story, but then the action picks right up and you learn something new about all of the characters. I would definitely recommend this book.

[KyBunnies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a Good Reads First Read contest win.

This book had lots of action and adventure with some crime and mystery thrown in.

This is a great first book by the author. He has retired from the oil industry so he details about the oil in the book are amazing. This book can be purchased as an ebook for the low price of 99 cents. That is an amazing price for a book like this.

If you are into action and crime novels do not let this one pass you by.

The bunnies and I give this book 4-Carrots.

[Re · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very knowledgable author and well-written fictional novel. I especially enjoyed this, and though I'm certainly not myself personally knowledgable about this area of our world, I found this account, and its' insights into the peoples of the area fascinating. Well done George L. Potter. I am looking forward to receiving and reading "In Search of the Yellow Dog".

Great "read"! I personally found this to be a fast-to read and especially enjoyable novel.

This copy was from LibraryThing's "giveaway" program.

[Grandmadee Goodwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me about a week to read this one which is very unusual. The book is very dry. No humor or sarcastic dialog that I usually look for it a book. The plot revolves around the oil industry and it moves slowly seeming to almost stall in places. Can not say it is a bad book. It is a dull book at times and barely picks up. I tend to favor political and international thrillers. This one just never perked up.

[Papa Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would reccomend this book if you like tales of the oil industry. While this book is not an edge of your seat type political thriller that I usually go for it was a short read that was entertaining with no real surprises. I will definitely consider reading more in this series and see where it goes. After reading a few recently that were way to bloody and gorey I did appreciate this more mild tale.