The Mahdi

by A.J. Quinnell

He who controls the Mahdi will control the entire Arab world. — The greatest "miracle" in fourteen hundred years is about to take place...a miracle orchestrated by British Intelligence and the CIA, joined incredibly by the KGB. — One blinding eruption of flame--and three millions Arabs at Mecca will think they're witnessing the arrival on earth of the Mahdi, the reincarnation of Muhammad, fourteen centuries after the prophet's death. It is a plan of immense audacity and unthinkable consequences.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Espionage

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

A. J. Quinnell was the pen name of Philip Nicholson, a mystery and thriller writer. He is best known for his novel "Man on Fire", which has been adapted to film twice, most recently in 2004 featuring Denzel Washington.

When the author was preparing to publish his first book, "Man on Fire", he wanted to keep his real identity a secret. During a conversation in a bar, his agent, Chris Little, told him he could use a pseudonym. The author chose "Quinnell", after the rugby union player Derek Quinnell and "A. J." from the initials of the bartender's son.

Nicholson frequented Gleneagles bar in Mġarr, Gozo, the town where the Malta ferry disembarks. He could often be found drinking vodkas with soda. He wrote late at night and through until the morning, always standing up.

The author's best-known creation was the character of Marcus Creasy, an American-born former member of the French Foreign Legion.

Reviews

[Metodi Markov · Rating 1 out of 5]

За съжаление, тази книга е безнадеждно остаряла и описаните в нея шпионски боричкания не са ми никак интересни…

Бивш, но много успешен британски двоен и троен агент предлага на един от началниците в ЦРУ проект, който цели да помогне на САЩ да овладеят и манипулират увеличаващото се и потънало в нескончаеми религиозни разпри мюсюлманско население на света. За целта е нужно да се появи очаквания от 1400 години наследник на Мохамед - Махди. Този човек трябва да обедини исляма в едно, но под абсолютния контрол на ЦРУ и МИ-6.

Интересен замисъл, но досадно изпълнение - стигнах почти до средата на романа, но го оставям недочетен - без угризения…

Далеч е много от "Мъж под прицел" от същия автор!

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinnell's book starts off slow, in my opinion, as he prepares the scene for the great espionage case to come. Once we see how the preparation and planning gets underway, interest increases.
The sideshow - seduction of Gemmel - almost derails the plot, but then we get the big final scene, written only as Quinnell can write.

[Ali Al-Birminghami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fictional story about the battle between intelligence agencies to create a false messiah in order to control the Middle East.

[Bernardas Gailius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Labai geras trileris. Geras pirmiausia savo pasakojimo kokybe. Quinnell - net ne pasakotojas, o tikras pasakorius. Jo pagrindinė istorija pilna kitų mikroistorijų, kuriomis jis gali apdovanoti net šalutinius personažus. Jis laužo nusistovėjusias normas be kompleksų paskirdamas pusę knygos vien personažų ir jų tarpusavio santykių išskleisimui. Įdomu, kad įtampa dėl to nenukenčia, greičiau priešingai. O pats siužetas - labai įspūdingas. Ypač tiems, kas mėgsta didžiąją politiką. Ir Britanijos vietos pasaulyje apmąstymas - vertingas ir įdomus. Drąsiai rekomenduoju. Skaitinys, kurio nesigailėsite.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super read, a great idea well followed through and well written.

[Mario Cavalitto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I read it for 2 times and the second one I found it excellent as the first time.

[Naren Radhakrishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, slowly picks up pace and then heads to a crescendo like finish. . Keeps you hooked

[Teri M Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mahdi by Robert Cook is a must-read political thriller that will keep you riveted to your seat. Let me set the stage: Bedouin Muslims are angry with Israeli Jews for taking their lands on the West Bank. Alex, also known as Cooch to those in the CIA where he has served, and Kuftahni to the Bedouin tribes of which he is a part due to his heritage, is a liberal Muslim who is charged to fix the problem in Israel.

His Marine and CIA training, along with his girlfriend, Kaitlyn, the smartest person in the world, may be the right combination to bring peace to the Middle East. But nothing is easy in a world where ideologies clash.

Robert brings intense suspense into each chapter, making you wonder if Kaitlyn, and her EMP capabilities will survive, if Cooch has finally met his match, and if the world will devolve into a war like one never seen before. One also wonders if Cooch will take the title of Mahdi to heart - and if so, will he use the power for good or for evil.

This was a can't-put-down book, and I highly recommend this read!

[Pedro · Rating 5 out of 5]

never trust these spy agencies lest you get stubbed in the back, like the americans and russians.