Devil in False Colors: Lara and Uri Book 3

Lara & Uri #3

by Jack Winnick

A vicious attack on a Jewish school in California spawns an international chase for the criminals. FBI agent Lara Edmond teams up again with Mossad assassin Uri Levin as the scope of the terror widens.

Genres: Fiction

Audible Audio

Published January 28, 2024

About the author

Jack Winnick was born in Chicago, went to college at the Universities of Illinois and Oklahoma, and received a PhD in Chemical Engineering. He went on to become a Professor at Georgia Tech for over 20 years, teaching as well at The University of California, Berkeley,and UCLA. He has also worked as an 'Expert' in the field of Manned Spacecraft at NASA and as consultant in the oil refining, aerospace, nuclear and power industries. He is the author of an internationally-used text on Thermodynamics and holds several patents in the field of Electrochemical Engineering.

After a lifetime of scholarship on Middle East affairs, he has published numerous editorials on Middle East policy in widely-read media including two for "The Hill." Winnick has traveled to the Middle East as Project Director for a United States government program to improve interactive technology with Arab countries.

His first novel, "East Wind" (Fireside Publications, 2010), was followed by a sequel, "Devil Among Us," (2013), and "Devil in False Colors" (2016).

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story could have been taken from the headline news in today's newspapers. This is the 3rd novel in this series and this one does well as a stand-alone. There are small references to what has gone on before, but nothing that takes away from this book.

FBI Agent Lara Edmond is called in to investigate the murders of Jewish children while in school. Mossad assassin Uri Leven is also called in. These two have worked together before and they have shared a romantic relationship.

A vicious attack on a Jewish school in California spawns an international chase for the criminals. FBI agent Lara Edmond teams up again with Mossad assassin Uri Levin as the scope of the terror widens.

Uri goes undercover as an escaped terrorist to infiltrate whichever group is responsible for the murder of young children. Meanwhile, Lara is answering on-line ads for blond wives in order to inject herself into the terrorist minds.

The plot is complex, but the author does a great job in making it easy to understand. It's a powerful book with lots of twists and turns.

Many thanks to the author / Createspace / Netgalley for the digital copy of this novel. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Diana Pilsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excitement at its best

I found this book exciting. Even though it's the 3rd book it totally stands on it's own. The story line kept you interested all the way thru and was had to buy down. It brought the Joint Terrorist Task Force in because of some deaths of one nationality and told a story about the other groups trying to cause trouble and of agents undercover. It was espionage at its best.

[Michelle Rickard · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got about 60% though it and DNF. I hate not finishing books and have only not finished a few , but this one drained all my mental energy . I tried so hard.

[Vier (Ri) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything was under control and so far, peace has been maintained, until five Jewish kids were beheaded and a rabbi was gruesomely murdered in Los Angeles. Two special Jewish agents, Uri Levin and Lara Edmond, were immediately called and tasked to bring down the Muslim terrorist group behind all these hate crimes. These two have been together in a couple of assignments before and were also romantically involved. This new assignment nearly ten years later excites and scares the both of them not only because of how dangerous this can be but also because of the repressed feelings they have all these years. Will they be able to track down the people responsible for these acts of terror? Will their romance be rekindled or will they be killed in this operation?

This book deals with overly sensitive topics such as religion and terrorism. Most of it were indeed hard to swallow but somehow, the author's writing style made it easy and quick to read. The book was thrilling and hard to put down.

The intensive research that made this book possible was remarkable. I'd honestly say that I learned more from reading this book than just watching the news. I believe this book is not only informative but also argumentative. It will show you how narrow-mindedness can lead to violence, and it will urge you to be more loving of the people who don't have the same beliefs as yours. This book will also tell you, however, that there are some values that are not up for debate.

On a lighter note, I'd say that the love story of Uri and Lara was a killer (no pun intended)! It was slow yet sultry, and their romantic scenes were a good break amidst all the violence going on. This is a wonderful story of love and espionage and I would definitely recommend this to action and suspense lovers. TW: gore, hate crimes, religious extremism, and rape.

[ManOfLaBook.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devil in False Colors by Jack Winnick is a novel about current events. This is the third novel in a series.

After a massacre of children in Los Angeles Jewish day school authorities bring from FBI agent Lara Edmond and Mossad agent Uri Levin to help out. Lara tries to investigate Muslim clerics by answering on-line ads for a “blond wife”, while Uri plays an escaped terrorist to infiltrate whoever is causing the chaos.

When I got Devil in False Colors by Jack Winnick I did not know this was part of a series, however this is a standalone book and I enjoyed it nonetheless. I enjoyed the plot and Mr. Winnick’s writing, there are many twists and it is obvious that the author did his research.

The characters in the novel are interesting and genuine, the author builds them in a quick, precise manner which lets the reader understand their motivations and care about them. The novel has intrigue, mystery, suspense, and a few twists here and there just to keep you on your toes.

The novel does a good job informing the reader how terrorist organizations develop and the threats they pose to Americans and American interests. I also enjoyed the way Mr. Winnick writes about equipment and weapons. As a former gun owner I never said I have a “gun”, but a “Zig” or a “Jericho” but never a generic term.

The novel was a fast, quick and interesting read providing a fascinating narrative to disturbing events. Even though this is a work of fiction, the reader might come out with some insights about the Middle East.

For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

[Randal White · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lost interest, could not finish.

[jim power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it.

I did enjoy this read . It was good pace and well planned. It could also be wake up to what is really going on in that part of the world.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, let me say, that Mr. Winnick's knowledge of Israeli-Arab relations and terrorism is remarkable.
Following a horrendous massacre of children at a Jewish daycare center in Los Angeles, Joint Terrorism Task Force agent, Lara Edmond, is once again partnered-up with Mossad agent Uri Levin.
They have a history together.
They've been assigned to find and eliminate the threat that ISIS has taken credit for and working with the FBI and LAPD they set out to do just that.
Once they get to LA more atrocities occur.
The assassination of a Jewish leader and attacks at synagogues.
Uri goes undercover as an escaped terrorist in an L.A. Muslim community and local mosque to try and get close to an imam who might be the leader behind these assaults.
Meanwhile, Lara is trolling websites searching for an imam "husband" looking for a Western, blond "bride". This to also possibly infiltrate a terror cell.
They will both soon be in DANGER!
Back in Iran there are some Arab leaders devising a plan for future attacks that will put blame on Jews!
This a great, action-packed, twisted-filled driving political thriller.

I received this ARC giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

[john d chontos · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good fast read, accurate to the threat we face from Islam.

A good riveting story, but lacking in technical capabilities of today's world. Would like to have seen more cyber technicals than were in the book.

[Nancy Yager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lara Edmond is a protagonist in Jack Winnick’s Devil in False Colors, a character that embodies intelligence, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Working as an FBI agent, Lara is portrayed as a highly skilled operative, proficient in handling high-stakes situations with a calm and calculated demeanor.

Her expertise lies not only in her ability to solve complex cases but also in her exceptional interrogation skills and sharp intuition. Lara’s character development is meticulously crafted, showing her growth from a competent agent to a central figure in the narrative’s unfolding drama.

One of Lara’s most compelling traits is her determination. Throughout the book, she faces numerous obstacles and threats that would deter a less resolute individual. However, Lara’s unwavering commitment to justice and truth propels her forward, making her a formidable force against the antagonistic elements in the story. Her interactions with other characters reveal her as both empathetic and assertive, capable of leveraging her emotional intelligence to gain insights into human behavior and motivations.

Lara’s backstory adds depth to her character, hinting at personal sacrifices and struggles that have shaped her into the agent she is. Her moral compass and personal ethics guide her decisions, sometimes putting her at odds with the darker aspects of her job. This internal conflict adds a layer of complexity to her character, making her relatable and human despite her extraordinary abilities.

Despite these exceptional characteristics and talent, Lara seems sadly lonely.

Uri Levin, another central character in Devil in False Colors, complements Lara Edmond with his own set of unique attributes and skills. Uri is a Mossad agent, bringing an international dimension to the narrative. His background and expertise in intelligence gathering and covert operations position him as an invaluable ally in the story’s intricate plot. Uri’s character is defined by his strategic mind, physical prowess, and a deep sense of loyalty to his mission and comrades.

Uri’s approach to problem-solving is methodical and precise, reflecting his training and experience in Mossad. He is depicted as a character who thrives under pressure, often taking calculated risks to achieve his objectives. Uri’s relationship with Lara is one of mutual respect and collaboration, highlighting his ability to work effectively in a team while also respecting individual strengths.

Despite his stoic exterior, Uri’s character is layered with moments of vulnerability and introspection. His dedication to his mission sometimes comes at a personal cost, revealing the sacrifices inherent in his line of work. Through Uri, Winnick explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the moral ambiguities of espionage. His interactions with Lara often bring out a softer, more human side, adding depth to his otherwise disciplined and focused persona.

Lara Edmond and Uri Levin are dynamic characters whose strengths and complexities drive the narrative of Devil in False Colors. Their combined expertise and unwavering commitment to their respective missions create a compelling synergy that propels the story forward, making them unforgettable protagonists in Winnick’s gripping tale.

How these two characters intertwine is the real secret sauce to an exciting spy novel. Do they find a way to be together? I will leave you hanging.

It is, in fact, the first book in this genre that I have ever read. I was expecting it to be more about politics; and it was to a point but only with some additional action and romance.

I wholeheartedly recommend curling up with this book or audible on a rainy afternoon. You will be surprised how quickly the time melts away.

I will have to give a trigger warning to some readers, some scenes are very graphic and contain violence involving children. It is not for the faint of heart.
In conclusion, I rate the book a 5 out of 5.

[Abbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

FBI agent Lara Edmond and Mossad agent Uri Levin team up for a third time in Devil in False Colors by Jack Winnick. It’s been a couple of years since the last book, so what better way to bring the pair back together than another terrorist threat? Now, the Shia terrorists like Hezbollah, the main antagonists of earlier books, and the Sunni terrorists like ISIS hate each other. When Shia terrorists frame the Sunni terrorists for an attack on a Jewish school, Lara and Uri are back on the case and going undercover to get to the bottom of this. This book can be read as a stand-alone or as a part of a series.

I love Lara and Uri. They’re some of my favorite characters, and I enjoy their chapters. There are also many chapters from various terrorists’ views. I like that because it helps the reader better understand what’s happening outside of what Lara and Uri are doing. For example, we’re introduced to the Iranian Prime Minister early on. Most of his scheme doesn’t come into play until later. That helps keep that storyline from feeling like it came out of the left field. The author does an excellent job of using various points of view to foreshadow and give the reader more information than any one character gets. I liked that while the terrorists used similar plans to the previous novels, it didn’t feel like a repeat of the last two books. Their plans felt like a logical progression when the previous ones didn’t work. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

The only thing I didn’t like about the book was the chapter organization. Some sections of the book stay in one character's perspective for multiple chapters. When that happens, we see most of that storyline unfold, then move on to the next character. I would have rather seen it broken up a little more. I think that could have created some great cliffhangers and made the book more suspenseful. But it’s a minor dislike, and it didn’t make me enjoy the book any less.

I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. It seems to be professionally edited. I only found one borderline error. That was a formatting issue that would have been unnoticeable had I used a different size font or page size. There is plenty of action and adventure. It wasn’t just a repeat of the last two novels in a different setting. It was also a good book that can stand on its own while still tying into the previous books very well for someone who chooses to read it as a series. It’s an enjoyable book.

Due to the nature of this book, I would recommend it to adults. Early in the book, there is an attack on a Jewish school. Some children are beheaded. The scene isn't described in terribly gory detail, but it still may not be suitable for all teenagers. Since it is a book where the plot is centered around stopping Islamic terrorists, it is very pro-Israel and pro-America. It’s a great book for anyone who loves mysteries and action. I highly recommend it.

I received this book to review through Online Book Club.

[Tala Eichler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devil In False Colors by Jack Winnick is the third novel in a series titled, “Lara and Uri”. A series of terrorist attacks rock Los Angeles, California, however, the culprits are not whom they seem to be at first. FBI agent Lara Edmonds and Israeli Mossad agent Uri Levin are assigned the case. Their mission? To infiltrate the terrorist organization and take it down. While in the last two novels Uri and Lara worked together on the same assignment throughout the novel, in Devil In False Colors the two agents are forced to work apart on their corresponding projects. Uri attempts to slowly gain the terrorists’ trust, while Lara attempts a more direct approach as she endeavors to marry one of the terrorist leaders. The fate of Israel, and perhaps even the world, relies on these talented agents.

In this novel, there was a lot more exciting action than in the first two books of the series. I enjoyed the detailed, though not graphic, the inclusion of various fighting maneuvers. Lara and Uri’s combat skills are utilized effectively in an interesting manner. One aspect of the book that I enjoyed beyond all others was the inclusion of likable and friendly Muslims. In a plot nearly entirely reliant on the brutal and horrific actions of radical Muslim terrorists, one must be reminded that a large majority of the Muslim faith do not believe in these radical ideologies.

As is Jack Winnick’s habit in his novels, the author uses a vast amount of detail. Though some are necessary, most of the detail is not. For example, an in-depth description of a minor character or a warplane is not essential to the plot. Such detail often distracts from the interesting developments taking place.

Perhaps I have gotten used to Winnick’s writing style, but this excess in the description did not deter me from the book as much as it had in the first two books in the series. However, it remains a notable flaw in the novel and thus has caused me to rate the novel 4 out of 5 stars. I did not give the book a lower rating due to the effective development of characters. Even the most unimportant of individuals are shown to have complex emotions and goals.

I believe that this novel would most definitely interest individuals who are interested in the differences and similarities between the various Islamic religious groups. Sometimes, I find myself unintentionally grouping wildly different Muslim organizations merely based on their common religion. This novel showed me the differences between these circles of Islam.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, let me say, that Mr. Winnick's knowledge of Israeli-Arab relations and terrorism is remarkable.
Following a horrendous massacre of children at a Jewish daycare center in Los Angeles, Joint Terrorism Task Force agent, Lara Edmond, is once again partnered-up with Mossad agent Uri Levin.
They have a history together.
They've been assigned to find and eliminate the threat that ISIS has taken credit for and working with the FBI and LAPD they set out to do just that.
Once they get to LA more atrocities occur.
The assassination of a Jewish leader and attacks at synagogues.
Uri goes undercover as an escaped terrorist in an L.A. Muslim community and local mosque to try and get close to an imam who might be the leader behind these assaults.
Meanwhile, Lara is trolling websites searching for an imam "husband" looking for a Western, blond "bride". This to also possibly infiltrate a terror cell.
They will both soon be in DANGER!
Back in Iran there are some Arab leaders devising a plan for future attacks that will put blame on Jews!
This a great, action-packed, twisted-filled driving political thriller.

I received this ARC giveaway in exchange for an honest review. (

[Dennis Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

DEVIL IN FALSE COLRS by JACK WINNICK...my opinion... this is a very fast-paced piece of educational fiction. I use the word "educational" because this book is deeply political as it has to be based on the subject matter. It's not a fun read or a beach read again due to the subject. Jack's message here is loud and clear. Good well written fiction should have a message and this book is no exception. The message is glaring.

I enjoy reading edge of your seat fiction and this fits the bill. I would have given the book 5 stars but the editing gets in the way. I edit fiction so it's something I value in a good book. The editing is good but it could have been better. The cover pops and I love that. I do wish the font had been a tad larger but I managed to get through it. I look forward to reading his other books. Keep writing Jack! I read this book in less that a week.

[Darryl Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terror attacks as Jewish children are the targets.

Lara and Uri are teamed up together again as they both go undercover to infiltrate fundamentalist terror groups from Iran. Unfortunately, neither of them are aware that the leader of the group, and their old enemy has recognised them, and elaborate traps have been laid for their capture. Once again, this is an enthralling plot that will haunt your nightmares because it could easily happen in reality. Much of the narrative is from the terrorists point of view, which adds to the tense drama and the colorful Arab atmosphere of the dialogue. Once again, I could barely put this book down to continue with my mundane activities of existence, and the fascinating details included, only added to the intense realism of the story.

[Tina Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Facts and Fiction

Devil in False Colors is a story about the struggles of the Jewish population and forces determined to eliminate them as well as Israel. The Iranians continually try to frame the Jews for heinous acts of terrorism. Although the story is interesting and somewhat educational, it is not particularly an easy or fun read. I would recommend it for persons most interested in the politics of the Middle East. I rate this story a 3 out of 5

would rate this book a 3 out of 5.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually a 3.5

Good historical modern day thriller. Not a Grisham product but the book is a page turner. Probably better edited down to 50 or 100 pages less.
Winnick is probably in the top 10% of today's action fiction writers. I recommend this book.

[Bridgett Veltman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

The Devil in False Colors was a fantastic book by Jack Winnick. It tells about an FBI agent Lara Edmond and an Israeli Mossad agent Uri's adventures of chasing terrorists. They went undercover to shut down an Isis Muslim Sunni group who were killing Jews in the Beverly Hills area.

The Sunnis were posing as Jews that were killing Jews. They attacked people at Temple and even murdered a rabbi. They planned to kill as many Jews as possible before fleeing the USA.

Lara was in New York and already reading up on Muslims looking for blonde hair and blue-eyed brides, trying to go undercover assignment to find out their true motives. She assigned to go to California on the case about the Jews who were being slaughtered.

Uri was in Israel working a desk job when he received his assignment to go to California, hoping to once again see Lara. Uri was placed undercover to pose as a Muslim being born a Jew. He settles down in the Muslim community and observing prayer by attending mosque at the hour of evening prayer regularly. It does not take Uri long to be introduced to a Sunni who asks for Uri's help to disguise himself as a Jew and to help the Sunni smother out the Jewish population.

Lara and Uri do a great job of discovering what the Sunni's where doing. Will Lara find a Sunni to wed? Or do Uri and Lara work side by side to shut down the Sunni's plans?

5 out of 5 stars. This book was very intriguing and informative of how life can be in today's times.

[Gary Eby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

Fast action, entertaining, and a heartfelt love story too. It's all good and well worth five stars. I recommend it to anyone who wants to go on a ride of thrills and chills!

[Isha Narula · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...

[Geraldine Czahor · Rating 5 out of 5]

G

I would recommend this book. It was an interesting story. Must say all this stuff going on could be a true story.

[Garrett Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting take of the world todzy

Lara and Yeh have their hands full trying to resolve the situation in LA
while trying to stay alive and go home

[JeNom Makama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Engrossing Page-turner

Again, Jack has delivered another engrossing page-turner in this third book of the Lara & Url series.

I found 'Devil in False Colors' an exciting adventure where good triumphs over evil, against terrifying odds.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very intense story. I sometimes had some trouble following the story since I really don't know a lot about the Muslim faith or about the different middle eastern countries. I loved the characters that were featured. I did not want to put the book down during the most intense portions. This kept me on my toes. I really liked Uri and Lara. This did teach me a little about some of the differences in the Muslim culture. I received a copy of this book from Smith publicity for a fair and honest opinion which I gave of my own free will.

[Mary Pilling · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not finish this book. It was incredibly racist and just brought so many false stereotypes in about groups of people that are often falsely stereotypes and judged. This book made me feel gross and I would never recommend it to anyone. If I could rate this zero stars I would.

[Lesign · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series - East Wind, Devil Among Us & now Devil in False Colors...a trifecta!

Amazingly, several months after reading "East Wind" (2nd Edition), the scenario Winnick described on terrorist recruiting tactics came true when I heard newscasters describing a real-life scenario on the news! Same thing happened after Devil Among Us was published when fiction became fact as terrorists disguised themselves as conservative Christians to enter Israel. And having just finished "Devil in False Colors" I sense another Déjà vu with current events.

Uri and Lara are back in action.

[Elite Group · Rating 2 out of 5]

Terrorism in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles police are the first on the scene at a Jewish nursery school in Beverly Hills area, after men, dressed all in black, attacked and brutally killed five children. Soon after this attack, the badly mutilated and tortured body of a missing rabbi is discovered, making the LAPD realise that they need to ask for help from other agencies.
Mossad sends an agent who had helped in a previous operation to uncover a terrorist group. The CIA, FBI and other organisations set up to fight terrorism come together to try to trace the group before more attacks take place.
The idea behind the storyline is good. The author has obviously done a huge amount of research into how a group of terrorists come together and how easy it would be for them to cause devastating destruction of life. Unfortunately, I found the writing stilted and none of the characters felt convincing or easy in their own skins. Such a shame.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.