Caught in PRISM's Web: A James Alan Spy Thriller

by Derek A. Leist

When a young college graduate is swept up in a vast money-laundering ring that reaches from the corridors of Wall Street to the highest levels of the US government, there are few he can trust – and fewer still who want to see him make it out alive.

CAUGHT IN PRISM'S WEB begins in the sleepy college town of College Station, Texas with a soon-to-be college graduate, lost and looking to find his place in the world. The story follows the main protagonist, James Alan, as he is recruited out of college by the National Security Agency, following the explosive, anonymous revelations that a Vice President at one of Wall Street's most powerful financial institutions (and wife of a powerful Texas Congressman) has been funnelling foreign funds into American political campaigns for political favors and kickbacks.

Corruption appears to know no bounds. Before long, it becomes apparent that James is in over his head. His best chance of staying alive may be the very people that he has come to rely on - a brilliant, young NSA cryptographer; a beautiful, young Wall Street intern and one of the most experienced intelligence officers that the United States government has ever had. The stakes for the nation - and the young man caught up in it all - could not be any higher.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2015

Reviews

[Jak60 · Rating 1 out of 5]

First of all, I'd like to offer other potential readers a word of caution in relation to the very high ratings and reviews of this book (which is what made me buy it): this is definitely not worth a 4+ stars...I see the author is defined as a "Goodreads author", whatever this means; maybe the reviews and ratings - not many, actually - came from his circle of friends here....
I must say that, unfortunately for the author, I came to it after reading a series of books from David Ignatius, Don Leighton and some Richard N. Patterson...i.e. some true heavyweights in their own category; reading prose like this is like drinking a glass of fresh water after you sipped a good glass of Bourgogne.
So, in this context, this felt like a juvenile opera (and maybe it is so, I never heard about the author): it's very light, everything - story and characters - is so simple and mono dimensional, lacking any narrative tension, and the dialogues are embarrassingly unreal;
Someone could say it's a beach book, for my standards it was too light even for that.

[Braden Sutterfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced, adrenaline rush

This was a great read! It was fast paced and was hard to put down, I found myself reading anywhere and everywhere I could. The ending could have more to it, but this being his first book it is understandable. Leaves you with questions as to what happened to some of the characters, but also leaves it up to your imagination as to what may have happened. Overall fun read.

[Abby Burell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derek is a friend of mine from high school and I am so proud to know someone who has written a wonderful, riveting story! I can't wait to read more from him!!!

[Marlon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing but crap.

[Ruth anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading the book I was repeatedly reminded of the similar writing style of the very successful Dan Brown of The Di Vinci Code fame... quick, suspenseful, and as one reviewer stated "left me wanting more". Having read Dan Brown's books, first to recent, his style and story telling expertise improved with each publication. Derek Leist is certainly on that same path as an author.
Caught in PRISM's Web is not only well salted with diverse characters but anchored in the vagueness of the super intelligence agencies that protect our nation. Each building upon the other to a suspenseful & surprising climax that only international intrigue can provide. Spy thrillers just do not get much better than that. Looking forward to Derek Leist next book.

[Cheryl C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book during its Kindle Promotion last year on my Kindle Paperwhite & only now sat down to read the story. I loved the characters, especially Milena, and ended up picking up a copy of the paperback (which doesn't appear to have been available when the book was first released) for my niece who's into these sorts of thrillers...Has anyone heard if there will be a second novel or trilogy planned?

[T. Braggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

pros: interesting characters, compelling backstory, the H-town underground tunnels, the author constantly puts you into the heads of his characters so you feel like you're there

cons: i'm left wanting more

overall: gets the t. braggs 5 star rating. solid.

[Jamie Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friend knew the sister of the guy who wrote the book and told me I should read it. Based on the cover, I thought it was going to be a serious, dark book, but it was actually a pretty fun, relatable story - I even laughed in a couple of places :)

[Karen Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love strong female characters, which I was not expecting at all given that the summary only mentions the main male character. Loved it!

[Mark Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read! I graduated from Texas A&M a few years ago and LOVED that the novel kicked off in College Station - Gig 'em! Kind of hoping there's another novel in the works...

[Trey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read I hope there are more to come!