Damascus Cover

The Jerusalem Spy Series #1

by Howard Kaplan

The Damascus Cover by Howard Kaplan

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Espionage, Fiction, Action, Jewish, Suspense

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

THE SYRIAN SUNSET A SWEEPING NOVEL OF INTERNATIONAL INTRIGUE ABOUT THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR, THE FAILURE OF THE WEST TO SAVE THE SYRIAN PEOPLE, AND HOW THAT INACTION AGAINST THE RUSSIAN INCURSION EMBOLDENED VLADIMIR PUTIN TO ATTACK UKRAINE

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world where no one can be trusted and you are only as useful as the information you can procure, Ari Ben-Sion is a master spy, past his prime and with far too many ethics to play in the hardened world of the brutal Middle East. He is no James Bond, he is a flesh and blood, flawed man who knows nothing else, but is willing to go to the mat for his world. When he discovers he has been a pawn in a wicked and deadly game of spy versus spy, Ari must double his efforts to save both his honor and the lives of people depending on him. The deadline is coming, his performance must be perfect and when the curtain falls on his mission, Ari discovers a heinous truth about life and death.

Follow along the streets of Damascus and throughout the Middle East where the dark world of politics, espionage and double agents thrive. Discover how love and lust can be used against even the best of the best and remember, danger hides around every corner in a world strained with hate.

Howard Kaplan’s The Damascus Cover is a slice of the underbelly of a world in turmoil, saturated in hate and mistrust. One false move, one misplaced alliance and the death knell tolls. Bold writing, sparing nothing for sensitive constitutions, this is raw and feels far too real to not to flinch at the events in this world. Dramatic, brutal and filled with razor-sharp twists, this is a fascinating and gripping read.

I received this copy from Howard Kaplan in exchange for my honest review.

Series: The Jerusalem Spy Series - Book 1
Publication Date: August 7, 2014
Publisher: Howard Kaplan
Genre: Thriller | Suspense | Espionage
Print Length: 354 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[David Lucero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in the early 1990's, finding a hardback copy in a used book store (you know you've hit it big as an author when your books is in those kind of stores years after its first publication).

Ari Ben-Sion is a veteran Israeli agent enjoying leisure time on Cyprus. In the company of a beautiful woman, his mission seems far away and life is peaceful and good. When the head of his department known only as 'The Colonel,' informs him a contact of his has disappeared, Ari realizes his distraction could be responsible for the disappearance of one of their agents. But the Colonel has an assignment for Ari that could redeem his self prestige. A number of children in Damascus need to be smuggled out and into Israel before the Syrian 'Second Bureau' (their intelligence dept) realize their parents are in Israel and about to divulge top secret information to them, but only if their children are rescued.

Posing as a former Nazi under the name Hans Hoffman, Ari travels to Damascus under the guise of a German businessman looking to purchase Syrian textiles and bad-gammon games to be sent to Europe where the market is rising for such items. While whining and dining ex-Nazis living in Syria and helping with the training of the Syrian military, Ari meets an American photo-journalist named Kim. The two hit it off well and soon a relationship develops between them. But this time Ari cannot allow sexual intimacy distract him from his mission. Too much is at stake, not to mention his reputation as an agent.

Things get dicey when the Syrian Second Bureau catch wind of an Israeli agent posing as a German businessman in Damascus come to their attention, and soon Ari finds himself dodging the Syrian secret police along with many questions his new lover, Kim, asks him. "Who are you? Why can't you tell me? Are you a spy?"

Ari travels through Damascus neighborhoods and business districts conducting routine trips in an attempt to throw off agents who appear to be onto him, but he cannot throw off his feelings for Kim, nor does he wish to contact Operative 66 should his mission become jeopardized. Operative 66 is one of Israel's top undercover agents in Syria who has successfully infiltrated the Syrian government. If Ari makes contact with him, both will have to flee Syria, and this could be a huge blow to Israeli intelligence. But as the knot is tightened, Ari has few choices if he is to accomplish his mission and get the children out of Syria.

I read this book years ago and kept it in my personal library for years. Then while doing some house cleaning I donated my copy to the libraries and used book stores. However, a few years ago I went to the newly-built San Diego 9 story downtown library and found the original 1977 copy being sold in their office. Not only did I purchase it, the copy I received was a signed copy by its author, Howard Kaplan! This was the kind of book that remained at the back of my mind for years. I always knew I would read it again, and when I saw the same hardback copy I had bought so long ago now on sale, I simply had to have it. Because so many years had passed since I first read it this book was like new to me. As a reader of many books, I appreciate the authenticity and simplicity of this suspenseful novel. The simple techniques of undercover work compared by hi-tech standards of today stand out in a way no modern novel can compete with. This is a timeless thriller which leaves the reader glued to its pages, and if you're as fortunate as I have been, you'll be able to obtain your own hardback copy from when it was originally published in 1977.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

The Damascus Cover is a spy thriller which certainly holds your attention throughout.

Ari Ben-Sion is certainly a very intriguing character who I would have liked to have known more about, he is certainly a good agent that seems to have more values than most in his profession. Kim is also a very interesting character who to start with I felt quite sorry for. Ari kept her very much in the dark and her frustration and emotions very much came across through out the story.

There are certain characters that stood out to me more so for their courage and strength and I wished their characters had bigger rolls in the book than they did as they were such interesting characters.

Overall The Damascus Cover is a strong and steady read, I just felt for me it lacked the amount of action that I personally prefer when I read this genre of book. It does pick up pace towards the end and the last part of the story was exactly how I envisioned what this book would be like. It certainly ended on a high and I would certainly read more books by the author.

Many thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Hermien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although written in 1977 it doesn't feel dated. It's a real page turner but quite gruesome in parts.

[Alexander Curran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Damascus Cover by my friend Howard Kaplan is a spy thriller that has twists and turns, a race against time, and duplicitous characters where no one can really be trusted. An agent and spy for Mossad is on a secret mission to save children in Syria from the Baath party who are persecuting and often killing the Jewish community in the underworld of Damascus. I must say that for a book first written in 1977 it feels fresh and retains a youthful quality, still seems in keeping with the times and a reminder that not everything is what it seems until you scratch past the surface and do some digging.


The Damascus Cover by Howard Kaplan has also been made into a film which I'm yet to see...

It is a near impossible mission one where the protagonist posing as Hans Hoffman, his real identity Ari Ben-Sion hidden away while he navigates the field, comes into contact with the scattered Nazis living in Damascus working from the shadows for the Syrians. Ari must pose as a Nazi, as well as German businessman and trader, as he tries to rescue the Jewish children from Damascus... Yet another problem that is presented is that if they are rescued that there will be reprisals and killings for their relatives left behind.
There are moments in the book where the former Syrian leader Hafez al-Assad is mentioned as the commander of the air-force who with another coup became leader of Syria as well as the Baath party, and the alliance between the Soviet Union and Syria detailing military equipment and weaponry given by the Soviets to turn Syria into a military juggernaut. The part where the Soviets put pressure on the Syrians in power whom are sheltering Nazis in their country shows no love lost after the death and destruction caused in WW2 by Germany... However it seems the Baath party and more fanatical and radical Syrians respect and value the Nazis when it comes to the Jewish question and it comes as a predictable partnership where genocide and terror tactics are seen as commendable by a Jew-hating as well as anti-Zionist fanaticism that paints a grim picture: There is no diplomacy only enemy versus enemy and they are quick to incite hatred and violence from the younger generations in a future conflict where Israel must be destroyed. The Damascus Cover does not shy away from briefly showing that Israel is a power to be reckoned with, yet Syria is also a formidable force with ruthless methods in grisly torture and an array of spies and informants to watch any dissenters or external forces presenting opposition or threatening disposition.
It is interesting as well to get into the totalitarian psychology when it comes the Syrian Baath Party and to look at current events in Syria when it comes to the son and current president Bashar al-Assad, they have always had internal struggles and constantly been a formidable nemesis of Israel... Yet also a fervent distrust towards America and the West in general stemming back to colonial wars and past transgressions faced by the players of yesterday. It has all had a hand in leading to this present point we find ourselves at. Saddam is gone, Gaddafi is gone... Assad is still there but at what cost?

The Damascus Cover has some very detailed musings when it comes to the historical aspect relating to Jerusalem and Damascus. Howard has done his research when it comes to the territory and the multifaceted histories that come with these beautiful and ancient places. Whether it is about the Maccabees, the Romans, or the tantalising hotspots in Damascus such as the Umayyad Mosque or the Biblical Street called Straight of Damascus... (Suleiman the Magnificent is mentioned as well as Biblical references and all the various historical visitors that touched upon these fascinating places in a recollection that is best presented as a journey through time and the author takes us on these pathways with great enthusiasm and poise.) It soon becomes not just a thriller but an informative journey through history which was pleasurable to read about and be reminded with some parts I knew of and a few others I welcomed as gifted discovery when it comes to the complex tapestry of histories and perspectives kept alive in our forever changing world.

Overall, The Damascus Cover is a riveting and mesmerising page turner. I just could not put it down and read it in a day! There is romance, torture, intrigue, plot twists, deception... And as you become embroiled in this affair and start to care about the main characters The Damascus Cover blasts forward action and suspense in equal measures. Nothing is as it seems. The book takes a very dark and grim turn as you become closer to the end, a sense of foreboding and a feeling that things are not going to end well for the hero... But can he save the children and complete his mission even if it means sacrificing his life in the process? Well, get hold of the book and see for yourself! I would definitely recommend The Damascus Cover and can't wait to read the next instalment in the series. A great book and spy thriller with some history thrown into the spicy mix and also some tasty food and drink popping up now and then.

[David Lucero · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in a thrift store and liked the book details about it, bought it, read it, and enjoyed it very much. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I found same copy for sale at the public library and bought it so I could read it again. The Cold War narrative is very much alive in this book and the suspense is heart-pounding. The author wrote this book over 30 years ago, and I've learned it's being made into a movie. If the movie follows the book, it'll be great too.

[Judie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Damascus Cover, although written in 1977, is still relevant today. I read this book on a Kindle and would have liked it more if there hadn't been so many spelling mistakes. A good proofreader is needed for the electronic version.

[Emma B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting Spy Thriller - film coming soon

An exciting and action packed spy thriller, set in Damascus, Syria.

Ari finds himself being given desk jobs; his best days of spying for Mossad are behind him, following a few misjudged decisions. He is bored so jumps at the opportunity to extricate some children from Damascus. What appears to be a straightforward and simple mission turns out to be full of problems and treachery .

After a very slow build up, the story turns into an edge of your seat, dramatic thriller. There are plenty of moments of high tension as Ari tries to complete his assignment and avoid those tailing him and the local secret police. Who can Ari trust and will his undercover story be blown? His personal life is also tricky, which gives an added dimension to this great story. As the book nears its end all becomes clear - a great plot!

There is plenty of modern history about Syria, as well as detail about the city of Damascus (which I was not so interested in). Although written in 1977 the story feels up to date; the absence of modern technology not being noticeable in the plot. There are a few very unpleasant (but in keeping with the story) scenes.

4*s for me, as I found the beginning of the book dragged, but when it got going - wow it was exciting. The film of this book is coming out later this year; I shall definitely be watching that, though may need to keep my eyes shut for a few parts.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Damascus Cover (The Jerusalem Spy Series Book 1) by Howard Kaplan

Agent Ari Ben-Sion is on a mission to smuggle Jewish children out of the Damascus Ghetto. Once he gets to Damascus he meets a beautiful photographer named Kim, and he falls in love with her. But soon things don't seem right. Kim asks a lot of questions, his communication equipment disappears, his contact never shows, and nothing is going as planned.

Plus he fears his cover will be blown, and he and the lives of the children will be in great danger. Not knowing who to trust, Ari must be as sharp as ever to pull this off without ending up dead.

The attention to detail and intense dialog pulls you right into the story. Ari is likable, even though he is flawed. He is put in many dangerous situations, and has to use his sharp wit to pull himself out of tough situations.

The story moves at a steady pace, with so much tension, Ari soon finds himself unable to trust anyone. There is plenty of drama, action, tension and "edge-of-your-seat" moments I could not put it down. Overall The Damascus Cover is a fantastic read. I highly recommend to all.

The cover is amazing , so is the story and I am excited to hear it will soon be a major motion picture!

[Deirdre · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yes, it is being or has been made into a movie. I do not know how the torture scenes will be dealt with, but I, for one, don't care to see it.

Ben Sion, an Israeli spy past his prime, is also not very sharp. I'm not even sure why he volunteered to be sent to Syria for a specific job to be enacted by Mossad, knowing he himself was not up to par.

I knew the minute that his American girl friend began to question him that she was a spy, trying to get him to confess his true reasons for being in Damascus. No woman I know would be that concerned with his true intentions or occupation, unless she suspected he was not who he said he was. How would she know that he wasn't? And, if they did suspect, and had no ulterior motive, then they would just not have anything more to do with him. I also knew that he was being set up by the Mossad Colonel who obviously knew he didn't belong in Damascus and shouldn't be involved in the caper at all. Because, otherwise, why send him? Nevertheless, I had to continue to read in order to see what became of him. I'm still not quite sure why I bothered.

[Zach Neithercut · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll start off by saying that this was my first spy novel, so my experience is incredibly small. It was a solid read, however I found myself feeling that the build-up was rather slow. I didn’t feel attached or particularly thrilled throughout most of the narrative. I’m not sure if Kaplan’s prose is to blame for that (I found it somewhat dry personally), or if this book being my first spy novel is the reason. Kaplan definitely knows the city of Damascus supremely well, but I didn’t feel as transported to the streets as I would’ve liked. I did love learning a thing or two about the city as I read the story though! After finishing this, I was very happy that I read it. The ending in particular hits well: a conclusion that wraps up everything experienced and allows everything to make sense. I still don’t feel appreciative of the build-up to that conclusion…perhaps that’s just me or my limited experience with material like this?

Either way, if someone asked me if they should read this, I would say yes.

[Stacey B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.
Evidently, I am not the only one.
It is being made into a movie starring Sir John Hurt.
I read that it may be released in September.
It is a spy novel with many pertinent topics spun through it.
Of course there are politics- takes place in the middle east. :)
Author has done his research.
Job well done.

[Scooby Doo · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF: 25%
Somewhat bland spy story, the protagonist wasn't interesting enough for me to care about what happened to him. Author seemed more interested in talking about the city of Damascus than moving the story forward.

[Catherine K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very dark. I'm glad Ari has a noble moment. Otherwise he wasn't a very sympathetic hero.
I can see why people would like the intricacies of the intrigue.

[Judi Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.**

In the new introduction to this edition the author tells us that in its first incarnation, in 1977, this novel sat in the lower reaches of the Los Angeles Times best seller list for 10 weeks. This reissue, self-published by Howard Kaplan in 2014, has obviously been put out to tie in with the forthcoming film, now apparently due in 2017. (Although how they will manage without the late lamented John Hurt, who can say.)

For present purposes, perhaps the most important thing to know about Howard Kaplan is that he has a little experience of being a spy and a lot of knowledge about the Middle East. He has lived in Israel and traveled extensively through Lebanon, Syria and Egypt. He knows the life of which he writes.

This is an excellent spy thriller. Authors are so often recommended by publishers as ‘the next John Le Carré’. None of them are, of course. And attempts at comparison simply weaken the writing of those who are not. However, Kaplan is (or was), writing gritty spy fiction which stands genuine comparison with Le Carré circa 'The spy who came in from the cold'.

I pride myself on being able to spot a plot twist even if it is secreted in a bag of fettuccini, but this book wrong-footed me not once, not twice but thrice. I like to be wrong-footed. Nor did those cunning plot twists feel remotely strained: as soon as the unexpected occurred one could see how it was the inevitable result of what had come before. Thus the book quickly gained a sense of menace: what has Ari missed? How will it come back to bite him? The spy-protagonist is no two-dimensional cipher: the reader goes with him into the abyss created by his own character failings, spiralling down and down, as shown through the action of the book.

The settings are Cyprus, Jerusalem and Syria – economically and vividly drawn. The Middle Eastern setting are topical (despite the book’s age). Aleppo, Beirut and, of course, Damascus all figure largely and are described at a time when they were still beautiful, multi-cultural cities.

The new introduction gives some insight into what has occurred in the Middle East since 1977, but it is not really sufficient for those of us whose knowledge of Middle Eastern politics and wars since 1948 may not be deep or recent. To enjoy this fully it will repay a quick and dirty Google of the main dates and conflicts in the area (there are quite a few) so as to have at least The Six Day War and the Yom Kippur War clear in your mind. This link may be of assistance: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History...

FYI: The prologue and final chapter comprise *graphic* scenes of torture.

There are a few typos which could have been put right when the text was readied for printing this time around. Or perhaps they were introduced at that point – who can say. They will not spoil your enjoyment.

[Andy Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really pretty bad unfortunately though it starts fairly well and there is some nice detail about place and settings (even the latter inclined to wander into tourist guide territory sometimes). The plot made absolutely no sense. Ari, the World's worst secret agent, but cool and detached despite that has screwed up in Cyprus by going away with an enemy agent girl for the weekend and not being contactable which might have saved a fellow agent investigating Nazis in Syria. Mossed obviously working on a shoestring. His bosses aren't cross but suspect that this makes him ideal material for a mission. They pretend they are sending him in a mission to smuggle some Jewish children out of Syria. ThevIsraelis know that if the international community becomes aware that some children want to leave Syria there will be huge recriminations. But that isn't the real reason. They know that once the enemy know he is going to Syria they will again send one of their female agents to seduce him and he will reveal the whereabouts of the main Israeli spy in Syria. The Israelis know that he will go along with a seduction and invite the girl on holiday to Syria while he is on his Mission. The Syrians know it too. They know he will contact the main Israeli spy as he has been told to do so in an emergency and steal his transmitter themselves so he has no choice. But the Israeli agent he meets is a decoy spare agent and when they arrange to run together it will give the cream main Israeli spy greater space and take some sort of suspicion from him. Spare agent tells Ari she is an enemy agent and to accidentally tell her he was the main Israeli secret agent and tie her up. He gives her none of the other details he has on her. Are decides to take her to the military pick up instead and she has a tracer that means he is captured. That's all very convoluted and silly but it is obviously a thriller from largely pre tech days. Should I cut it any slack? Not really - it is just so psychologically silly too. He keeps trying to tell his love interest and then not telling her he is an agent. He tells hecge is an SS officer and she goes off in a sulk. What? Why? I should say that there is a kind of Odessa file sub plot where he tries to infiltrate the ex Nazis in Damascus by pretending to be a former concentration camp guard. He seemingly only needs to do this in order to use the Nazis to pick up a pretty Jewish lady for him to rate (he knows the one they are likely to pick will be the exact one he needs to make contact with about the children's rescue). Huh!!? Then he also decides he wants some info about whether they agent he got captured has talked. The woman seducing him is going to the man's prison to take some professional pictures (her cover is US journalist!) She comes back but doesn't know more than that he is probably there! What's that about? I won't tell you who the real Israeli super spy is? It's enough comic book silliness so far.

[Isabel Luna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Un joven espía israelí es capturado por los sirios. Uno de los interrogadores le vuela un brazo de un tiro, seguirá con el otro y con las dos piernas si no confiesa. Hay una sola persona que puede hacer algo por el muchacho, pero Ari Ben-Sion parece no interesarse por la suerte del joven espía. En realidad tiene cosas mejores que hacer, como seducir a cuanta mujer encuentra en su camino.
Pensó que el servicio secreto israelí lo mandaba a descansar a Damasco. No tenía idea de lo peligrosa que era su misión, de la violencia en que se vería envuelto, de la tormenta que desataría apenas llegara. Su misión en Damasco podía ser morir en Damasco si se descuidaba.
Ari Ben-Sion está cansado. Su matrimonio es un desastre, bebe en exceso, hace tiempo que sus superiores no le asignan un trabajo de espionaje que valga la pena. Desesperado, solicita una misión cualquiera. Le asignan Damasco. Su tarea será hacerse pasar por un ex teniente nazi en Dachau e infiltrarse en la colonia alemana. Nada de espectacular. Pero desde el momento en que acepta, todo parece salir mal. Kim, su amante estadounidense, siempre hace más preguntas de las que Ari puede responder. Su contacto en Damasco no da señales de vida. Su equipo de comunicaciones desaparece. Alguien le hace llegar una bomba por correo. Y una misión que parecía rutinaria y aburrida se transforma en una aventura llena de sorpresas.
El clímax de la novela es una experiencia que el lector difícilmente podrá olvidar. La descripción del conflicto árabe-israelí está presentada en forma realista y lúcida, documentada e interesante.
El autor logra transformar un tema conocido en algo más que una simple historia de espionaje. Detrás de sus personajes hay seres humanos desgarrados por un conflicto que determina y delimita sus existencias. Todos parecen tener razones para actuar como lo hacen, y justificaciones para sus violencias y traiciones. En ese mundo duro y cruel lo único decente parece ser la muerte.

[Jeremy Simmonds · Rating 2 out of 5]

My expectations of this novel were extremely high, it was a thriller, it was a Mossad novel and it had become a movie. Having read similar genre books from the likes of Joel C Rosenberg and Amir Tsarfarti, I expected similar...boy was I wrong.

This book was a slow burn of thriller in vein of John Le Carre...not my taste at all. If that is what you enjoy, I recommend this book. If you think its going to be full of action and adventure then go look for something else because this will not be for you.

The twist at the very end was good, but the ending itself was sad. Had it not been for the twist, I would have given this one star and said it was a completely pointless read.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I finished reading this book (relieved the boredom on a long plane trip) I found the story line irritating from the beginning. The story, of an Israeli spy in Syria at a time when the Israeli-Arab world is becoming increasingly tense and Jewish families are desperate to leave for Israel and safety, has so many unrealistic aspects. The spy seems to be making so many silly errors, things that even an experienced traveler wouldn't do (like leaving an important travel bag on top of luggage so that it can be easily stolen) - that seemed like the author's need to make the story work.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was good, but extremely depressing! In the end, the reader realizes that the whole thing was meaningless for the most part. And of course, the expected and wish for "happy ending" was nowhere to be found!
It does go into the perfidy of the Syrians as well as the political love of torture and dismissal of respect for life. And it really is hard to tell, in the end, who – if anyone – was a "good guy" other than Ari. It was a good book, but I doubt that I will search out others in the same vein or by the same author.

[Shimon Zachary Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Read that is full of Suspense

This book is an excellent read and holds one's interest throughout. One is filled with anticipation throughout this novel that the spy, Ari ben Sion will succeed in what he was sent to achieve. There are so many intriguing twists and turns that holds the reader's interest throughout. This read is full of suspense and the reader remains deeply involved. It is certainly a highly recommended read.

[Neil]

Sub Bond spy thriller with, for me, far too much listing and descriptions of bits of the city of Damascus. Apart from the obvious link with Paul of Tarsus and his great transformation in the city, I am not actually THAT interested in downtown Damascus and since I won this book in a competition describing a great travel trip in the Middle East, the descriptions frankly left me more than a bit cold, however not a bad story with a virtually inevitable ending.

[Susan Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely give a 5 star rating but this book demands that I do so.

Maybe the current state of affairs in the Middle East right now predisposed me to being open to accepting the entire premise of this exquisitely written spy novel. I quickly became attached to the main character and, eager to see how it all played out, I read through the night. I hated to see it end!! I highly recommend this book to anyone even vaguely interested in this genre.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I don't need anymore books in my life where the female characters exist to be young, beautiful and have sex with the men in the book. Now I might not have given this book enough of a chance. I stopped at page 39 but the world is already on fire with Coronavirus and I just don't need this in my life.

[Ana Maria Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it before it becomes a movie....

First time reading this author and it was one hell on a ride.
The narrative was past pace, with lots of geographic descriptions and characters that balance each other.
I did not anticipated the plot twist and left me wanting more....

[Donna Herrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best thing about this book is its suspense, but I won't spoil it by revealing more. I loved the fact that this book is about an Israeli spy operating against the Syrians during mid 1970s. The scenes of torture in the Syrian prison were exceptionally vivid.

[Andres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novela histórica, de espías facil de leer. Con detalles de locaciones en Damasco, Israel , mediterráneo. Hasta algo de romance tiene. No soy experto en literatura pero este libro es una delicia volver a leerlo.

[Melissa Mendez · Rating 4 out of 5]

You might think this is the dumbest spy ever but it really does all come together in the very end so ultimately I had to give it 4 over 3 stars. I did the audible version and I will say that the narrator is the best for these types of books.

[Geoff. Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb read! Excellent plotting, attention to details, thoroughly engrossing.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Glad I stumbled upon it. Great twist at the end! Didn't see that coming. But also sad that I won't read Ari´s sequel!