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Craig Page #1
The China Gambit
In the China Gambit, the first book in a trilogy, Craig Page, a daring former CIA agent, learns that his daughter, Francesca, has been murdered while researching a story for her newspaper. In an effort to find out who killed her, Craig, joined by the good looking and resourceful Elizabeth Crowder, Francesca’s editor, uncovers a plot by a rouge Chinese General Zhou and CIA Director Kirby to cut off the flow of imported oil to the United States, thereby leapfrogging China over the United States for world dominance.
476 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
12 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Allan Topol
20 books21 followersAllan Topol is the national bestselling author of six novels of international intrigue, including Spy Dance, recently translated into Chinese. He is a graduate of Carnegie Institute of Technology, who majored in chemistry, abandoned science, and obtained a law degree from Yale University. A partner in a major Washington law firm, and an avid wine collector, he has traveled extensively, researching dramatic locations for his novels. You can join him on Facebook. Please let him know if you would like to receive his free newsletter. Allan is available for speaking opportunities on subjects of international affairs, dealt with in his novels.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 19, 2012
I enjoy a good conspiracy theory/action/adventure story and I have especially been enjoying the books involving the struggle between the US and China for world dominance. It's a situation that is so feasible it is scary to imagine that situations like these could really take lace and that is what makes reading the books that much more enjoyable.
The story line of The China Gambit was interesting and it makes you wonder just how far will people go get ahead of everyone else. This book is pretty much filled with non-stop action as Craig and Elizabeth criss cross across the world trying to find Francesca's murderer and unravel the plans she was killed to keep secret.
In a way there was almost too much action as everything they go through and the sheer luck Craig and Francesca have when escaping impossible situations makes the story feel too over the top. It began to take away from any admiration of Craig's skill as a former CIA agent and made it feel like the only reason Craig has survived and uncovered so many plots against the US is because of dumb luck...
See my full review at Debbie's World of Books.
The story line of The China Gambit was interesting and it makes you wonder just how far will people go get ahead of everyone else. This book is pretty much filled with non-stop action as Craig and Elizabeth criss cross across the world trying to find Francesca's murderer and unravel the plans she was killed to keep secret.
In a way there was almost too much action as everything they go through and the sheer luck Craig and Francesca have when escaping impossible situations makes the story feel too over the top. It began to take away from any admiration of Craig's skill as a former CIA agent and made it feel like the only reason Craig has survived and uncovered so many plots against the US is because of dumb luck...
See my full review at Debbie's World of Books.
November 27, 2018
I wanted to like this book. It's written in the style of Clancy novels, with lots of action, suspense, and intrigue, which makes me happy.
But when characters do or say things that are completely, well, out of character for them, it makes it hard to continue.
Badass super spy puts down the gun that's pointed at the bad guy to make a phone call? Nope.
Super spy who's never shown an interest in the female protagonist until a few pages before sleeps with said female protagonist during a night of terror where they think they'll be kidnapped or killed? Nope.
Oh. And General Zhou. General Zhou. General Zhou. General Zhou, General Zhou General Zhou. Call him something else once in a while.
But when characters do or say things that are completely, well, out of character for them, it makes it hard to continue.
Badass super spy puts down the gun that's pointed at the bad guy to make a phone call? Nope.
Super spy who's never shown an interest in the female protagonist until a few pages before sleeps with said female protagonist during a night of terror where they think they'll be kidnapped or killed? Nope.
Oh. And General Zhou. General Zhou. General Zhou. General Zhou, General Zhou General Zhou. Call him something else once in a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2018
Meh. Reads like an action movie with predictable outcomes and sequence of events; dialogue leaves nothing to guess or ponder. Ideal audience are high schoolers and people who prefer action without a lot of thought.
July 24, 2017
Good story. But some of the writing was a little clunky. Could get same story and better writing from other writers.
February 12, 2012
This is a tale of international intrigue, and it will grab you right from the beginning. Craig Page is ex-CIA now operating as a private consultant for the Italian government, but keeping an eye on dangerous groups. He saved the United States from a bombing plot at Madison Square Garden. He deliberately disobeying the orders of the CIA head. This resulted in his dismissal. Now his only family is his daughter Franclesca, a reporter for the New York Tribune. He had lost his wife Carolyn to bacterial meningitis.
Now everything is about to change again. While doing some investigating of a story in Calgary, Canada, Francesca is killed in an automobile accident. He Immediately sense's it wasn't an accident. Apparently Francesca had emailed Craig about the story she was working on… an alleged plot between China and some other country, possible Iran, against the US. Craig is determined to find out how and why Francesca died. He is headed for Calgary and he has gained a valuable companion. His daughter’s best friend at the Tribune Elizabeth Crowder, who is determined to go with Craig to follow the story. And Craig still has an ally in the government, President Brewster!
What Craig is not aware at this junction is that the story that Francesca was working on may involve more than just China and Iran…..it may involve a person or persons within the US government? And what he also doesn’t realize is that they are aware of him and his activities. All the answers may lie in Beijing and Craig and Elizabeth must get and stay one step ahead of the people who would kill them. One other main point that they are unaware of is in 7 days, The principal bad guys is a General Zhou and his brother Zhou Yun head of the major Chinese oil company.
I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the plot was to follow. Many spy thrillers are hard to follow and plus remembering all of the players and details. This book had a nice flow to it, and the plot was not overly difficult to follow. I enjoyed it and will definitely read any other books this author puts out.
I won this book from Goodreads for an honest review.
Now everything is about to change again. While doing some investigating of a story in Calgary, Canada, Francesca is killed in an automobile accident. He Immediately sense's it wasn't an accident. Apparently Francesca had emailed Craig about the story she was working on… an alleged plot between China and some other country, possible Iran, against the US. Craig is determined to find out how and why Francesca died. He is headed for Calgary and he has gained a valuable companion. His daughter’s best friend at the Tribune Elizabeth Crowder, who is determined to go with Craig to follow the story. And Craig still has an ally in the government, President Brewster!
What Craig is not aware at this junction is that the story that Francesca was working on may involve more than just China and Iran…..it may involve a person or persons within the US government? And what he also doesn’t realize is that they are aware of him and his activities. All the answers may lie in Beijing and Craig and Elizabeth must get and stay one step ahead of the people who would kill them. One other main point that they are unaware of is in 7 days, The principal bad guys is a General Zhou and his brother Zhou Yun head of the major Chinese oil company.
I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the plot was to follow. Many spy thrillers are hard to follow and plus remembering all of the players and details. This book had a nice flow to it, and the plot was not overly difficult to follow. I enjoyed it and will definitely read any other books this author puts out.
I won this book from Goodreads for an honest review.
February 9, 2012
This is a page turner from the get-go. It is a tale of international intrigue. Craig Page is ex-CIA now operating as a private consultant for the Italian government, but keeping an eye on dangerous groups. He saved the United States from a bombing plot at Madison Square Garden in New York. But he did it on his own, disobeying the orders of the CIA head, Kirby. This resulted in his dismissal from his government job. Now his only family is his daughter , Francesca, a reporter for the New York Tribune. He had lost his wife, Carolyn to bacterial meningitis during an overseas assignment in Dubai.
Now everything is about to change again. While doing some investigating of a story in Calgary, Canada, Francesca is killed in an automobile accident. But is it an accident? Apparently Francesca had emailed Craig about the story she was working on… an alleged plot between China and some other country, possible Iran, against the US. Craig is determined to find out how and why Francesca died. He is headed for Calgary and he has gained a valuable companion. His daughter’s best friend at the Trib and also an investigator, Elizabeth Crowder, who is determined to go with Craig to follow the story. And Craig still has an ally in the government, President Brewster!
What Craig is not aware at this junction is that the story that Francesca was working on may involve more than just China and Iran…..it may involve a person or persons within the US government? And what he also doesn’t realize is that the forces putting together this scary scenario are aware that he will do anything to find out who murdered Franscesca! All the answers may lie in Beijing and Craig and Elizabeth must get and stay one step ahead of the people who would kill them. What they don’t realize for awhile is that the plot will come down within 7 days ! The principal bad guys in China are General Zhou and his brother Zhou Yun head of the major Chinese oil company.
The pace is frantic in Allan Topol’s latest Craig Page thriller. The excitement reminds one of Stephen Frey or Robert Ludlum.
April 5, 2012
If you are completely willing to suspend any belief in reality, this was a very exciting thriller. Craig Page, run out of the CIA by his politically connected and corrupt boss, is making a new life for himself in Europe when his daughter, who is an investigative reporter, stumbles on a hot story that gets her killed. Craig is determined to find out who killed her and get revenge. He is assisted in his quest by his daughter's boss Elizabeth Crowder who quits her job as a newspaper editor to help Craig in his quest.
The villains are all larger than life in this one from the venal Kirby who heads the CIA but who is totally under the thumb of his venture capitalist father to General Zhou who is the head of the Chinese military and who is planning a rogue action that can throw the world into a US-China war.
The story is composed of many short chapters that switch viewpoints from Craig, to General Zhou, to Kirby. The action is non-stop and so is the violence. Everything moves at break-neck pace and leaves little time for character development. And danger is apparently quite an aphrodisiac as evidenced by the half-page sex scene that was really good for both Craig and Elizabeth and seems to come out of nowhere.
Topol did surprise me. He had a secret villain that I didn't see coming. The story was very readable and the action was non-stop. If you are looking for a thriller for a beach read, this book will fit the bill. Since it is also the first book of a trilogy, more action is also in your future. The Spanish Revenge is coming soon.
The villains are all larger than life in this one from the venal Kirby who heads the CIA but who is totally under the thumb of his venture capitalist father to General Zhou who is the head of the Chinese military and who is planning a rogue action that can throw the world into a US-China war.
The story is composed of many short chapters that switch viewpoints from Craig, to General Zhou, to Kirby. The action is non-stop and so is the violence. Everything moves at break-neck pace and leaves little time for character development. And danger is apparently quite an aphrodisiac as evidenced by the half-page sex scene that was really good for both Craig and Elizabeth and seems to come out of nowhere.
Topol did surprise me. He had a secret villain that I didn't see coming. The story was very readable and the action was non-stop. If you are looking for a thriller for a beach read, this book will fit the bill. Since it is also the first book of a trilogy, more action is also in your future. The Spanish Revenge is coming soon.
January 30, 2012
Francesca Page has a career breaking story and she can't wait to get it typed up and sent to her editor, Elizabeth Crowder. She even has a headline thought out, "Chinese General Develops Plot Against the United States." However, she's accosted by two men masquerading as police officers outside of her office. Using her briefcase as a weapon, she escapes to her car but a truck meets her head-on on the highway and Francesca's story dies with her.
However, her father, former CIA Agent Craig Page, believes his daughter was murdered, not a victim of an automobile accident. He begins to investigate on his own, and then including Francesca's editor Elizabeth. But China isn't the only conspirator in this intriguing international thriller; Iran is another as well as an American - someone Craig knows from his days in the CIA.
Craig and Elizabeth's investigation takes them into many countries on the globe, with the stakes rising higher and higher with each stop. Danger lurks around every corner as well as heart-pumping action and chilling consequences from the twisted masterminds. With imperfect but memorable characters and a complex and intriguing plot, this chilling thriller is an engrossing story!
However, her father, former CIA Agent Craig Page, believes his daughter was murdered, not a victim of an automobile accident. He begins to investigate on his own, and then including Francesca's editor Elizabeth. But China isn't the only conspirator in this intriguing international thriller; Iran is another as well as an American - someone Craig knows from his days in the CIA.
Craig and Elizabeth's investigation takes them into many countries on the globe, with the stakes rising higher and higher with each stop. Danger lurks around every corner as well as heart-pumping action and chilling consequences from the twisted masterminds. With imperfect but memorable characters and a complex and intriguing plot, this chilling thriller is an engrossing story!
October 21, 2012
In my last book review, I said that I knew about 40 pages into it that it was a five-star book. This one took a little longer. I was thinking a strong four stars until I was more than half-way through, but by the end, it was five stars. The suspense thriller, The China Gambit, by Allan Topol, is about Craig Pope, a former CIA agent, and a New York Tribune editor, Elizabeth Crowder, who team up to find out why the former agent’s daughter, who worked for the editor, had died when working on a blockbuster story about a secret oil deal between China and Iran. As they follow the trail from Calgary, Canada, to Iran, to Beijing, it becomes clear that the plot is about more than oil and could be very harmful to the U.S. Further, the Director of the CIA is in on the plot and will stop at nothing to prevent its exposure. The two have only days to stop the deal. The tension as they fight our CIA, the Iranian SAVAK (secret service), and Chinese intelligence makes this novel a real-page-turner, so much so that I immediately bought for my Kindle the next one in the series, The Spanish Revenge, as well as two unrelated books by the author. Five stars for this one, and I can’t wait to read the others.
February 20, 2012
The China Gambit is a fast action story. It all began when Francesca Page discovered a big story and was killed for it. Her father, Craig Page and her boss, Elizabeth Crowder saw the inconsistency of her report death, started digging and discovered not only did Francesca had a big story, she also discovered a plot that might destroy the U.S. The action does not stopped as the story goes from Calgary, Canada to Tehran, Iran to Washington D.C. and to Beijing China. As the story goes on, the reader does not need to figure out who killed Francesca Page. It is already given. The reader will need to figure out why she was killed.
This story is about conspiracy, politics, greed, and oil. The story captures the readers and holds the readers' attention until the readers reaches the last page. However there is one surprise factor that I didn't see coming until it was mentioned toward the end. I hope anyone who read The China Gambit, enjoys the book as much as I did.
This story is about conspiracy, politics, greed, and oil. The story captures the readers and holds the readers' attention until the readers reaches the last page. However there is one surprise factor that I didn't see coming until it was mentioned toward the end. I hope anyone who read The China Gambit, enjoys the book as much as I did.
April 17, 2012
The China Gambit leaps off the page and grabs you by the throat! Craig Page is another in a long line of great action men, like Steve Berry's Cotton Malone. After he learns of his daughters suspicious death, Craig is on a mission to discover the truth. Along for the ride comes Elizabeth Crowder who was Francesca's former editor at the newspaper at which she worked. From Canada to Iran, China, D.C., and Colorado, The China Gambit takes us all across the globe fighting against treachery, traitors, and the clock.
I really enjoyed The China Gambit. It was action-packed and fast-paced with a plot and characters which kept me engaged. Anyone who enjoys spy thrillers will love The China Gambit. I am looking forward to the other books in this new series. I can't wait to see where Mr. Topol takes Craig next!
Craig Page Series: The China Gambit (1)
I really enjoyed The China Gambit. It was action-packed and fast-paced with a plot and characters which kept me engaged. Anyone who enjoys spy thrillers will love The China Gambit. I am looking forward to the other books in this new series. I can't wait to see where Mr. Topol takes Craig next!
Craig Page Series: The China Gambit (1)
March 16, 2012
The Death of his daughter Francesca, a reporter with the biggest story of her young career, Craig Page sets out to find the persons responsible for her death. What was the story? Why did it get her killed? Page a former CIA agent working to fight terrorism, finds a partner in his daughter's boss and adventure ensues. Traveling from Canada, Tehran, and China .... coming face to face with old foes and new ones.
Allan Topol takes you on a journey that keeps you reading and even makes you wonder about policy today.
I enjoyed The China Gambit. Small chapters filled with info and excitement; an easy read and entertaining for such a picky reader like me. New Author added to my list of Favorites.
Allan Topol takes you on a journey that keeps you reading and even makes you wonder about policy today.
I enjoyed The China Gambit. Small chapters filled with info and excitement; an easy read and entertaining for such a picky reader like me. New Author added to my list of Favorites.
March 23, 2012
Disclaimer - This was a giveaway book by Goodreads. I received this book very quickly after winning the givaway. Thank you Mr. Topol!
This is the genre of book that I gavitate to. A far flung conspiracy to change the political face of the world. Lots of twists and turns and a couple of surprises. Much running, hiding and surviving assasins trying to kill the good guys. A read that kept my attention throughout, not a book that I felt I had to keep reading to see if I would like it. I liked it from the beginning.
The good guys were definately good and the bad guys were horrible, good trumps the bad. Luckily I didn't have much that needed to be done this weekend so I could read it straight through.
This is the genre of book that I gavitate to. A far flung conspiracy to change the political face of the world. Lots of twists and turns and a couple of surprises. Much running, hiding and surviving assasins trying to kill the good guys. A read that kept my attention throughout, not a book that I felt I had to keep reading to see if I would like it. I liked it from the beginning.
The good guys were definately good and the bad guys were horrible, good trumps the bad. Luckily I didn't have much that needed to be done this weekend so I could read it straight through.
February 22, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, great intensity without getting bogged down in the technical side of things as some of the other authors of this genre do. I loved the pace, the mystery and intrigue. I didn't totally buy the relationship, but it wasn't distracting and didn't take away from the story. In all, if you like Jason Bourne, or Jack from Hunt for Red October, Craig Page is one to add to your list!
April 5, 2012
I won this book through goodreads giveaways and I started the book as soon as I received it. Immediately, I couldn't put it down. It kept me on my feet and I really enjoyed the book. I'm not big into politics, especially international politics, but this book was easy to follow. I didn't feel that I got to know the main characters as well as I would have liked to but this was overall a very easy read.
April 4, 2012
The only reason I picked up this book was because I happened to meet Mr. Topol in a B&N in Manhattan, where he was promoting the book, and about to embark on a tour.
What a fortuitous chance meeting. While I usually enjoy a little bit longer pacing as far as writing styles go, Mr. Topol's chapters, while sometimes brief, are full of entertainment. The protagonist, Craig Page, is resourceful and daring, but not immortal.
I look forward to the next Craig Page thriller.
What a fortuitous chance meeting. While I usually enjoy a little bit longer pacing as far as writing styles go, Mr. Topol's chapters, while sometimes brief, are full of entertainment. The protagonist, Craig Page, is resourceful and daring, but not immortal.
I look forward to the next Craig Page thriller.
March 31, 2012
Received through Goodreads giveaways.
The China Gambit was a quick, fun read. It was well-written, and although it's not the first book in the series, it was easy to come into the story line partway through without feeling completely lost. Mr. Topol paced the action appropriately and the characters were fully-developed and sympathetic. If you like espionage, you'll enjoy The China Gambit!
The China Gambit was a quick, fun read. It was well-written, and although it's not the first book in the series, it was easy to come into the story line partway through without feeling completely lost. Mr. Topol paced the action appropriately and the characters were fully-developed and sympathetic. If you like espionage, you'll enjoy The China Gambit!
June 20, 2012
Absolutely excellent reading, impossible to put down...I won this book on Goodreads. The author brings us into the workings of international politics and conspiracies...also, excellent work on the settings and cultures in the various countries. I look forward to his next book.
January 29, 2012
I was pleasantly surprised by how easy this book was to read. Many spy thrillers are hard to follow and remember all of the players and details. This book flowed quite nicely and the plot was not overly difficult to follow. I enjoyed it and will definitely read the next Craig Page thriller.
March 6, 2012
4.5. Alan Topol’s The China Gambit is a pulse pounding action packed political thriller. To read my review in its entirety, please visit http://www.bookreviewsandmorebykathy....
March 10, 2012
2012
This book was a disappointment. The political thriller part was very good, but it wasn't that well written. There were a few sex scenes that seemed to be inserted and could easily be skipped over.
This book was a disappointment. The political thriller part was very good, but it wasn't that well written. There were a few sex scenes that seemed to be inserted and could easily be skipped over.
March 16, 2012
Enjoyable book, fast paced and easy reading. My only complaint is that sticky situations are resolved to easily, the "help" seems out of place for the situation. Will look for more books by this author.
November 8, 2012
An incredible, fast-paced, well-written thriller! Similar to Nelson DeMille and main character, Craig Page, is similar to DeMille's John Corey. Didn't want to put it down, kept wanting more! Allan Topol is a new favorite author, looking forward to reading more from him!
May 25, 2012
This is the first Craig Page thriller that I have read. I can't wait to read more. Very exciting. Just the kind of book I love. I couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews