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Jordan Sandor #1
The Portofino Deception
When Jordan Sandor resigned from active service with the CIA, it was before 9-11, before the fall of Saddam Hussein, before the world had so dramatically changed. A new al-Qaeda plot to initiate a wave of cataclysmic assaults with poison gas brings the reluctant spy back into action as he follows a trail clues and bodies from New York to Florida to Paris and finally to the Italian Riviera. In the novel's shadow world, nobody can be trusted; Sandor must rely on his skills and instincts to uncover plans for attacks against America and its allies. The terrorist strategy is sly and far-reaching, with the lives of millions at stake. When Sandor discovers that a rogue agent is behind the plot, he realizes he may be the only man who can prevent the catastrophe. The Portofino Deception is a white-knuckle ride through a fresh yet eerily familiar world of ruthless killers and deadly deceptions.
64 pages, Paperback
Published October 21, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 11, 2021
A very good thriller with plenty of action. An enjoyable read with twists and turns.
October 23, 2024
Great Geo political thriller! Hopefully the start of a great series!
May 20, 2013
After reading Targets of Opportunity, the first in the Jordan Sandor series (you can read my review here), I was excited to see what would happen next for Jordan. Interestingly enough, the next novel to come out was actually a prequel to the first, and it offers us a peek into the life of Jordan before Opportunity. As an ex-CIA field agent, we get to see how Jordan dusts off his old (and sometimes rusty) skills and gets back into the game full time.
We begin with Sandor and an old friend, Dan Peters, driving down a country road in upstate New York. They are en route to talk to a man named Jimmy Ryan, who claims to have important information that he needs to relay to Peters and Sandor, who is posing as a journalist. Their serene car ride is interrupted by gunshots, as Peters and Sandor are shot at by two men who have been pulled over by a state trooper, who lies on the ground, shot as well. Sandor is able to escape unscathed, and he manages to save Peters and the trooper in the process. All this is for naught, however, as it comes to light that the two men were on a mission to kill Ryan before he could talk, and those associated with these men end up killing Peters in his hospital room. What's more, Sandor begins to learn more about Ryan, whose real name is James McHugh. Sandor learns that McHugh, an ex military officer from Vietnam, was involved with a man named Vincent Traiman, who trained fighters for al-Qaeda in Libya before 9/11 and was an ex-CIA agent who had betrayed his country. McHugh realized that the very people he and Traiman waere training were killing his military comrades, and he decided to leave Libya without alerting the attention of Traiman and his associates. Now on the run, McHugh wanted to pass on information about Traiman's deadly operation and a new scheme he was planning that would put all of America and her allies at risk. With his death, it is now up to Sandor to discover Traiman's plans and uncover the truth.
I have to say, this prequel to Targets of Opportunity is just as exciting as the first work. Stephens has a way with the plot that makes reading his works super exciting. The inital crack of action drew me in right away, and the slow build to the exciting finish had all the great drama and character development of a great action movie. Sandor has the intelligence smarts of Jason Bourne and the cocky swagger of James Bond. As I stated in my review of Stephens' previous work, I really enjoy how Stephens' knowledge of politics and the quasi-military aspects of Sandor's background really enhance the story. His inclusion of specifics on Middle East / US relations, especially post-9/11, were great and informative. They fleshed out Traiman's character, and made the threat that much more creditable. In all, it read like the smart spy thriller that I knew it would be. I can't wait for Targets of Revenge to see what mess Jordan can get into next!
Todd (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Originally Posted: http://wp.me/p18lIL-1AS
We begin with Sandor and an old friend, Dan Peters, driving down a country road in upstate New York. They are en route to talk to a man named Jimmy Ryan, who claims to have important information that he needs to relay to Peters and Sandor, who is posing as a journalist. Their serene car ride is interrupted by gunshots, as Peters and Sandor are shot at by two men who have been pulled over by a state trooper, who lies on the ground, shot as well. Sandor is able to escape unscathed, and he manages to save Peters and the trooper in the process. All this is for naught, however, as it comes to light that the two men were on a mission to kill Ryan before he could talk, and those associated with these men end up killing Peters in his hospital room. What's more, Sandor begins to learn more about Ryan, whose real name is James McHugh. Sandor learns that McHugh, an ex military officer from Vietnam, was involved with a man named Vincent Traiman, who trained fighters for al-Qaeda in Libya before 9/11 and was an ex-CIA agent who had betrayed his country. McHugh realized that the very people he and Traiman waere training were killing his military comrades, and he decided to leave Libya without alerting the attention of Traiman and his associates. Now on the run, McHugh wanted to pass on information about Traiman's deadly operation and a new scheme he was planning that would put all of America and her allies at risk. With his death, it is now up to Sandor to discover Traiman's plans and uncover the truth.
I have to say, this prequel to Targets of Opportunity is just as exciting as the first work. Stephens has a way with the plot that makes reading his works super exciting. The inital crack of action drew me in right away, and the slow build to the exciting finish had all the great drama and character development of a great action movie. Sandor has the intelligence smarts of Jason Bourne and the cocky swagger of James Bond. As I stated in my review of Stephens' previous work, I really enjoy how Stephens' knowledge of politics and the quasi-military aspects of Sandor's background really enhance the story. His inclusion of specifics on Middle East / US relations, especially post-9/11, were great and informative. They fleshed out Traiman's character, and made the threat that much more creditable. In all, it read like the smart spy thriller that I knew it would be. I can't wait for Targets of Revenge to see what mess Jordan can get into next!
Todd (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Originally Posted: http://wp.me/p18lIL-1AS
November 5, 2012
Ah thrillers! I do like a good thriller and this one was a pretty interesting one. This one is about deception, loyalty, betrayal, life and death on a personal as well as political and global level. The bad guys aren't always obvious and that is what keeps the tension. The mystery is the goal of the terrorists and those terrorists are home grown. The end game is also a bit terrifying when you learn that the author is talking about a real threat with a deadly gas that has actually been made. Sometimes you wonder what people were thinking when they developed this stuff.
The book is layered on many levels. There is the personal in which we understand Jordan Sandor and his problem with the main terrorist players. He lost his men by this betrayer. Even though this is personal, Jordan is professional about it and knows that he must find out what the end game is and not worry about revenge. This really made me like his character. He was a good guy with good guy priorities. The other layers involve the national level and it isn't just the US that is threatened. Nor is the end game all about politics. Much of it ends up being our old enemy, greed by any means possible.
I enjoyed these layers and how it was all executed together for this adventure. At times the pacing is a bit uneven, but I don't think you mind as you sometimes needed a bit of a lull to catch up. It is an easy read and you don't have to know too much about world politics to understand. They catch you up quite nicely within the story. My main problem was with Christine. It is a problem I have with a lot of thrillers. The woman was a bit obtrusive and really had no business past a certain point. She had no skills that could get them out of tight situations. I would like to see more competent women with in these tales and it would also make more sense when the hero falls for them. Plus, I just couldn't see her being a girlfriend to him considering his job. It just didn't feel true.
I give this thriller 4 stars. It's multilayer storytelling with interesting twists kept my interest. I recommend it to anyone seeking a contemporary thriller.
The book is layered on many levels. There is the personal in which we understand Jordan Sandor and his problem with the main terrorist players. He lost his men by this betrayer. Even though this is personal, Jordan is professional about it and knows that he must find out what the end game is and not worry about revenge. This really made me like his character. He was a good guy with good guy priorities. The other layers involve the national level and it isn't just the US that is threatened. Nor is the end game all about politics. Much of it ends up being our old enemy, greed by any means possible.
I enjoyed these layers and how it was all executed together for this adventure. At times the pacing is a bit uneven, but I don't think you mind as you sometimes needed a bit of a lull to catch up. It is an easy read and you don't have to know too much about world politics to understand. They catch you up quite nicely within the story. My main problem was with Christine. It is a problem I have with a lot of thrillers. The woman was a bit obtrusive and really had no business past a certain point. She had no skills that could get them out of tight situations. I would like to see more competent women with in these tales and it would also make more sense when the hero falls for them. Plus, I just couldn't see her being a girlfriend to him considering his job. It just didn't feel true.
I give this thriller 4 stars. It's multilayer storytelling with interesting twists kept my interest. I recommend it to anyone seeking a contemporary thriller.
February 19, 2013
The only way I know how to describe this book? Wow! I have read a lot of spy/espionage thrillers in my lifetime, but this one absolutely blew me away. From the very beginning, I was captivated, as the author takes you through the exciting world of secret government agencies and their dangerous yet exciting sacrifices to keep people like me safe and sound. I actually read this book from cover to cover without a break. I walked through the house with it, did laundry while I was reading, and stayed up late to finish it. It was unbelievably good! And the best part? You find out that the characters in this book are based off of ACTUAL people and ACTUAL events. Holy cow!!! That made what I read all the more awesome.
The main character in the story, Jordan, is an ex-CIA agent who is brought in to stop a rogue agent (his former mentor!) from helping al-Qaeda from using a poison gas in a terror scheme. His character is in the same ranks with Jason Bourne, Jack Ryan and so many other beloved spy-like characters who totally kick butt! He is smart, determined, stubborn, strong, and the author has done a wonderful job developing him to a point that you can relate to him, feeling every bit of his emotion as he travels the globe to save so many. The secondary characters add depth and mystery to an already spine tingling plot that takes you through exciting twists and turns to an ending that leaves you screaming for more.
This is one of the best thrillers I’ve ever read. I cannot wait to find out what the next book in this series has in store. Because if it’s anything like this one, I am in for one hell of a great ride!
Reviewed by Cocktails and Books by Marie.
The main character in the story, Jordan, is an ex-CIA agent who is brought in to stop a rogue agent (his former mentor!) from helping al-Qaeda from using a poison gas in a terror scheme. His character is in the same ranks with Jason Bourne, Jack Ryan and so many other beloved spy-like characters who totally kick butt! He is smart, determined, stubborn, strong, and the author has done a wonderful job developing him to a point that you can relate to him, feeling every bit of his emotion as he travels the globe to save so many. The secondary characters add depth and mystery to an already spine tingling plot that takes you through exciting twists and turns to an ending that leaves you screaming for more.
This is one of the best thrillers I’ve ever read. I cannot wait to find out what the next book in this series has in store. Because if it’s anything like this one, I am in for one hell of a great ride!
Reviewed by Cocktails and Books by Marie.
July 21, 2008
Introducing Jordan Sandor – retired ex-agent with the Central Intelligence Agency – who unwillingly gets drawn back into action to prevent a new al-Qaeda conspiracy from launching deadly nerve gas attacks around the globe. Sandor reluctantly comes to the realization that he is the only man who can stop the catastrophe when he discovers the person behind the plot is none other than his former mentor. The terrorist strategy is cunning and far-reaching, with the lives of millions of people at stake.
Vince Flynn, NY Times #1 best-selling author, raves about this premiere novel: “…Stephens has arrived with The Portofino Deception; a ripping, good yarn of intrigue that will keep you turning the pages all the way to its explosive ending.” Mr. Stephens continues to receive top acclaim from other NY Times best-selling authors, and many critics believe it would make the “movie of the decade.”
Jeffrey Stephens is the author of The Portofino Deception, an incredibly fast-paced tale of international intrigue that moves from one suspenseful action scene to the next in a dramatic journey from New York City to Fort Lauderdale, Paris, and ultimately to the beautiful Italian Riviera town of Portofino. Readers concur that it is an edge-of-the-seat adventure with an energy that never stops, and encompasses the real and present perils of the modern world. City Magazine summed it up in their review, “Move over Jason Bourne, Jack Bauer, and Jack Ryan – a new agent is locked, loaded, and ready to save the world from terrorism.”
Vince Flynn, NY Times #1 best-selling author, raves about this premiere novel: “…Stephens has arrived with The Portofino Deception; a ripping, good yarn of intrigue that will keep you turning the pages all the way to its explosive ending.” Mr. Stephens continues to receive top acclaim from other NY Times best-selling authors, and many critics believe it would make the “movie of the decade.”
Jeffrey Stephens is the author of The Portofino Deception, an incredibly fast-paced tale of international intrigue that moves from one suspenseful action scene to the next in a dramatic journey from New York City to Fort Lauderdale, Paris, and ultimately to the beautiful Italian Riviera town of Portofino. Readers concur that it is an edge-of-the-seat adventure with an energy that never stops, and encompasses the real and present perils of the modern world. City Magazine summed it up in their review, “Move over Jason Bourne, Jack Bauer, and Jack Ryan – a new agent is locked, loaded, and ready to save the world from terrorism.”
June 13, 2013
A well-written book that takes us inside the workings of the FBI, the CIA, and other Federal agencies -- not always showing the good side of any of them. Jordan Sandor resigned from the Central Intelligence Agency after 9-11, the fall of Saddam Hussein, and the dramatic changes that have created a new world order of violence and terror. The tipping point occurred in the Middle East when a traitor within the ranks caused the death of all of his men on a mission, with only him left alive.
He is drawn back into action when a series of violent events leads him to search out an al-Qaeda conspiracy to initiate a new wave of cataclysmic assaults with poison gas. The trail begins in New York, where a police officer is shot and a friend is shot (and later killed). The trail leads him to Florida to Paris and, eventually, to Portofino on the Italian Riviera. He is never sure who he can trust, including old friends in high places of both the FBI and the CIA. He must rely on his experience, instincts and skills while risking his life to uncover plans for attacks against the United States and it allies.
This is a fast-paced thriller that moves from one suspenseful action scene to the next. This is a contemporary story of the real and present perils of the modern world. Who are his friends? Who can he trust? Who is secretly out to destroy him and everything good? Who truly is behind the entire plot?
He is drawn back into action when a series of violent events leads him to search out an al-Qaeda conspiracy to initiate a new wave of cataclysmic assaults with poison gas. The trail begins in New York, where a police officer is shot and a friend is shot (and later killed). The trail leads him to Florida to Paris and, eventually, to Portofino on the Italian Riviera. He is never sure who he can trust, including old friends in high places of both the FBI and the CIA. He must rely on his experience, instincts and skills while risking his life to uncover plans for attacks against the United States and it allies.
This is a fast-paced thriller that moves from one suspenseful action scene to the next. This is a contemporary story of the real and present perils of the modern world. Who are his friends? Who can he trust? Who is secretly out to destroy him and everything good? Who truly is behind the entire plot?
November 2, 2012
Jordan Sandor is an ex-CIA agent that gave up his CIA job to become a journalist. During his last mission to an Islamic country, his team was abandoned by his superiors causing their deaths. He and his friend are on a drive to meet a man that has information about a terrorist group. They come across two men that shot a police officer and these two men try to kill them to leave behind no witnesses. Jordan’s friend is injured and Jordan speeds away from the scene. When he returns to the scene, he finds that these men have tortured and killed the man that Jordan was supposed to meet. Assuming that these two men are part of the terrorist group, Jordan finds himself back in the same type of situations he was in as a CIA agent. Jordan sets off on the killers’ trail and uncovers a terrorist plan that is linked to al-Qaeda that will end up putting millions of people at risk with poisonous nerve gas.
If you enjoy suspense thrillers, you will love Targets of Deception. This book is a fairly complex read that will take some time to get through. It’s loaded with information and will keep you turning each page for the next explosion and plot twist. I found this book very difficult to put down and extremely realistic. It’s definitely one of the better books I’ve read in this genre and the ending is amazing!
I received a copy of this book for my honest review.
If you enjoy suspense thrillers, you will love Targets of Deception. This book is a fairly complex read that will take some time to get through. It’s loaded with information and will keep you turning each page for the next explosion and plot twist. I found this book very difficult to put down and extremely realistic. It’s definitely one of the better books I’ve read in this genre and the ending is amazing!
I received a copy of this book for my honest review.
December 10, 2012
Jordan Sandor is an ex-spy basically. Worked for the CIA and made a lot of enemies while doing so. One of his few friends was Dan Peters who knew all about Jordan’s past but liked him any. Theirs was a mutual respect and it led to Jordan agreeing to see a man Dan had come across who had a story to tell to someone who would know what the information was worth. But before they could meet up with the guy, they met up with some folks they could have done without. Especially Dan who is fatally injured when they stop assist a downed officer.
The guy had a sister who can’t keep herself out of trouble and who doesn’t want out of whatever
happened to him. She attaches herself to Jordan with the intent of “helping”. She travels with him to Paris, Italy and points oceanward until Jordan gets a call from another old friend who tells him
something he really didn’t need to hear: the guy didn’t have a sister.
A fast-moving great read which is the beginning of the Jordan Sandor group of tales. They don’t pull any punches, sometimes you don’t know if you like the hero and sometimes you know you don’t. The book following this one, TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY is just a good as this one and you will want to get them both to start out the series. Reminds me a lot of Tom Clancy.
The guy had a sister who can’t keep herself out of trouble and who doesn’t want out of whatever
happened to him. She attaches herself to Jordan with the intent of “helping”. She travels with him to Paris, Italy and points oceanward until Jordan gets a call from another old friend who tells him
something he really didn’t need to hear: the guy didn’t have a sister.
A fast-moving great read which is the beginning of the Jordan Sandor group of tales. They don’t pull any punches, sometimes you don’t know if you like the hero and sometimes you know you don’t. The book following this one, TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY is just a good as this one and you will want to get them both to start out the series. Reminds me a lot of Tom Clancy.
January 26, 2013
Targets of Deception – Review by Georgianna Simpson
Targets of Deception by Jeffrey S. Stephens is the first installment of the Jordan Sandor series. It’s an exciting saga of intrigue and adventure.
This novel is extremely well written, intelligent and, for me the scariest part of all, – realistic! Not full of “Bond” gimmicks and devices…just really intelligent observations and skills. I love the determination and patriotism of Jordan Sandor; he’s my kind of hero.
Jordan starts out as a disappointed ex-agent turned journalist…and quickly leads into an adventure of espionage, murder and terrorism. This story has many intriguing twists and turns, making it one of the most interesting thrillers I’ve read. It’s descriptive, but never boring! Exciting action and thrilling fight scenes are exquisitely written. Exotic travel and romance are part of the charm without taking over the story.
This is a wonderful read and I highly recommend this series. I look forward to more in this most interesting of series from this talented author!
Targets of Deception by Jeffrey S. Stephens is the first installment of the Jordan Sandor series. It’s an exciting saga of intrigue and adventure.
This novel is extremely well written, intelligent and, for me the scariest part of all, – realistic! Not full of “Bond” gimmicks and devices…just really intelligent observations and skills. I love the determination and patriotism of Jordan Sandor; he’s my kind of hero.
Jordan starts out as a disappointed ex-agent turned journalist…and quickly leads into an adventure of espionage, murder and terrorism. This story has many intriguing twists and turns, making it one of the most interesting thrillers I’ve read. It’s descriptive, but never boring! Exciting action and thrilling fight scenes are exquisitely written. Exotic travel and romance are part of the charm without taking over the story.
This is a wonderful read and I highly recommend this series. I look forward to more in this most interesting of series from this talented author!
November 20, 2012
Jordon Sandor formerly of the CIA (see Target of Opportunity) finds himself facing a rogue agent who has gone to the dark side. Traiman, once a mentor, is now a deadly enemy working closely with Islamic terrorists.
Sandor, covered by either Teflon or Kevlar, seems to avoid personal mayhem at all turns. Seems like everyone wants a shot at Sandor and his sarcastic witticism earn him few friends.
I didn’t find Sandor as likeable in this book but that may be due to his cynicism level being through the roof. He loses a lot of colleagues in his travels.
I felt there was a little more philosophic bent to this book than the last. Patriotism is contrasted against the profit motive and self interest. Stephens clearly points out the need to look at the benefits for all as opposed to self interest. This in no way detracts from the action.
I recommend it.
December 5, 2008
Author, Jeffrey Stevens has created a fast paced novel that is very timely and real. At a time we fear al-Qaeda and terrorism in nearly every aspect of our lives we can only wish that character Jordan Sandor was real. Sandor, an ex-CIA agent works on a plot that not only threatens the lives of millions, but also ends up being personal as well. The journey takes us from New York to Florida, then onto Europe, ending up in the small town of Portofino on the Italian Riveria. This book excels due to both the well crafted, fast moving plot and the characters who are very believable and Sandor is someone we all wish we knew or wish we were. I recommend this book with but one warning, don’t start reading it until you have some free time as you will not want to put it down
January 8, 2010
Move over Jason Bourne and Jack Ryan—a new agent is ready to save the world from terrorism. In the new novel by Jeffrey Stephens, a former CIA operative Jordan Sandor is lured back into action when he uncovers an al-Qaeda plot to kill millions using VX nerve gas and soon realizes he may be the only one who can thwart it. This non-stop thriller journeys from a sleepy upstate New York town to Miami, Paris, and eventually the Italian Riviera village of Portofino, reminding us that terror can rear its ugly presence in even the world's jet-set hot spots. Perfect for reading by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate (that will get cold when you get so involved that you forget it!!).At the end you will be left hoping for a sequel!!
December 5, 2008
If you are a fan of Ken Follet then you will surely like this book. Also, if you like fast moving tales of suspense and espionage taking you around not only the US but Europe as well then you need to read this book. Ex-CIA agent, Jordan Sandor gets drawn into the action to find the source of an al-Qaeda conspiracy to wreak havoc world wide. As he follows the trail he is never sure who he can trust and the chase becomes personal with the discovery of who is behind the plot. This book mixes great characters with an interesting, intriguing plot that is very timely. It’s the type of book that is hard to put down and you might find yourself going to work sleepy for a few days.
October 15, 2011
I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed his other book Targets of Opportunity. I like the hero / secret agent who trusts no one and relies on himself. The story grabs you from the first few pages and doesn't let go until the wrap up in the end.
The author develops the characters very well, giving the necessary background and personality. However, he doesn't get gabby with them and the reader can easily conjure them up in the minds eye. I like the way he does that.
If you're looking for a good read that is fast paced, interesting, and thrilling, then this book is for you!
The author develops the characters very well, giving the necessary background and personality. However, he doesn't get gabby with them and the reader can easily conjure them up in the minds eye. I like the way he does that.
If you're looking for a good read that is fast paced, interesting, and thrilling, then this book is for you!
July 8, 2013
If you're looking for a page-turning adrenaline pumping thriller, look no further! Targets of Deception will keep you thoroughly entertained. The plot is multi-faceted, and you really need to pay attention to the different things going on that will eventually come together and make sense. There are some heart-pounding action sequences and the character development is realistic and intriguing. Between the terrorists and the politics, I was hooked, but add in a personal agenda and you have a taut, volatile plot that is dynamite!
January 7, 2014
Please note that this is the same book as "The Portofino Deception" - the author apparently retitled it so that all books in the Jordan Sandors series start with "Targets of". In effect "Targets of Deception" is mistakenly listed by Goodreads as the number 2 book in the series, when it is actually the first book.
Good start to the series, fast paced, interesting characters. I like this author's writing style, as it is very descriptive and articulate.
Good start to the series, fast paced, interesting characters. I like this author's writing style, as it is very descriptive and articulate.
March 15, 2022
I don't usually read thrillers and it was the first one of Jeffrey Stephen's books I had read but this one had me riveted from the beginning. A brilliant, fast moving espionage novel with continual twists and turns which made me continually think the hero could not possibly survive this time. Somehow with luck, shrewdness, experience and a plan, he did. I highly recommend this book.
September 14, 2012
High octane thriller about al Qaeda plot to kill thousands in US with nerve gas. Stephens' hero Jordan Sandor is a memorable man of action who thinks he is done with the CIA but is drawn back in for a very scary terrorist plot. Raced through it in a day.
June 18, 2008
gave it to dad. figured it was more up his alley than mine.
April 14, 2008
Graham Stephens's father's book.
August 30, 2010
Good guy beats bad guy. Good adventure book.
December 8, 2012
well written book, but as Dottie said, it's about good guys and bad guys....
Fast paced action, and some funny moments
Fast paced action, and some funny moments
April 3, 2012
Great read
June 20, 2013
An enjoyable quick read.
Read
March 6, 2014Added to my faves.
May 1, 2014
Good spy story with some twists!
January 19, 2016
I am pretty sure this book is the re-titled book called The Portofino Deception, crazy what one will do to make money; but a great book nonetheless.
October 6, 2015
Not to bad, a lot of confusing action and rough agents. The story was good, just a bit to heroic..... for me.
August 28, 2016
Fun story!
I really like the refreshing storyline and character development that this author and main character bring. I'm on to book 2.
I really like the refreshing storyline and character development that this author and main character bring. I'm on to book 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews