The Ayatollah's Suitcase

by Larry Mulkerin

WILLIAM BERNHARDT, best selling author wrote, "The Ayatollah's Suitcase is a fast paced thriller with the authority of someone who knows what he is writing about. You won't be able to stop reading until you've reached the last page." "The Ayatollah's Suitcase" follows Declan Sullivan back to the site of a former black op and the commitment he made to a Kurd. The man died in support his American friends, leaving behind a daughter and the dreams he held for her future. Declan accepts the call to return after the Iran-Iraq War ended. There seemed to be no more blood to shed in fields where Iran used its children to walk through mine fields ahead of the troops, but regional violence persists. It turns against the Kurds. His friend's daughter needed his help and protection. He couldn't explain his reasons for leaving his wife, his colleagues, and his medical practice. He hoped to receive forgiveness when he returned. Intense secrecy surrounded the earlier mission and the suitcase that was handed over to an irascible old cleric. Declan suspects a link to Iran's nuclear program. If he is right, he won't see it again. The cleric, now an Ayatollah prays that Allah will allow him a few more years to achieve unmet goals. Declan's reappearance stands in his way. The tale opens through the eyes of the girl, Leila, now an eighteen-year-old Muslim and follower of the Ayatollah. She has become a woman in some ways and remains a child in others. She fears that Declan will die, an infidel. It is he who is in danger of damnation. She becomes protectress to her father's friend. Hell does come to Deck and his friends, but it is delivered in a form unique to the Middle East. He fights to save those whom he can, armed with the genetic inheritance of men who once defended the hills of Ireland and the money of a Seattle billionaire. His only ally is a one-armed Kurdish chess master. In the face of impending failure, he questions whether he, or anyone, can change the course of the Middle East and culture that predates Christianity. Larry writes the story based on his Green Beret experience in Iran, a recent trip to Afghanistan, and fifty years of medical practice.

390 pages, Paperback

First published February 27, 2013

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I'd like to give this one 4.5 stars. The book was fast paced and easily held my attention. The author seems to have given this some auto-biographical leanings, although I'm not sure if some of the events in the book happened to him or not. The author is a medical docter, an oncologist, and did teach in Kurdistan, and was a former Green Beret. The relationships between the Kurds and the main character, the history of the region, were so relevant and interesting historically to me. Although many of the events in the book were based on history, not actual history, it still was so relevant.

The only places I'd fault it and not give it 5 stars were that some things were hard to follow due to the different languages (which could have been because I was reading fast and not making mental notes). Also, in terms of love story, it was a little weak. That aspect of the story could have been auto-biographical, and it wasn't that it was not believable, it just didn't feel as well developed or "love story-ish" as some of the other story angles rang true to their theme. That said, this is really a book about war and conflict and religious fanatacism and politics, not a love story, so I forgive him that part being weak.

Considering his background, the author did a great job. He had a teaser in the end of the book for a second book, not a sequel, which I'll put on my to-read list. I'm not sure how I found out about this one, but I will be spreading the word! Finally, I think this would make a good book club book. It's a topic that I haven't really read any fiction about and it makes for a juicy read. There are so many fascinating topics that would make for good book club discussion.

[Gayl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read and a page-turner. A book that I could read again at a slower pace for even more enjoyment. The author uses his own experiences as a doctor and a Green Beret to make the book come alive.