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False Flag
A Fiendish Plot Against the US Government. A Fascinating and Original Israeli Heroine and Anti-heroine At Odds As the Clock Ticks Down. In False Flag, Israeli-born Dalia Artzi, a tactical genius and specialist at Princeton in the study of maneuver warfare, uncovers a fiendish plot by a small group of Israeli fanatics to commit a horrific crime against the United States government and pin the blame on Iran. Meanwhile, Jana, a beautiful but deadly Israeli operative taking orders from the conspiring fanatics, is determined to deftly fulfill the deadly mission entrusted to her. Centered on a fascinating and original Israeli heroine and antiheroine, False Flag probes some of the most important political and moral conflicts of our times. “If there are thriller writers better than this, I’d like to know who they are.” — Jack Higgins, New York Times bestselling author “With complex characters possessed of hard edges, this intelligent and delectable story is sophisticated, razor-sharp, and definitely one for your keeper shelf.” — Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author “A wondrously complex thriller…Chillingly prescient and masterfully structured.” — John Land,USA Today bestselling author
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2017
232 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
John Altman
21 books54 followersJohn Altman's thrillers have sold over a quarter-million copies in the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Poland, and the Netherlands. He graduated from Harvard University in 1992. He lives with his wife and children in Princeton, New Jersey, where he is at work on his next book.
"If there are thriller writers betters than this," Jack Higgins said, "I'd like to know who they are."
"If there are thriller writers betters than this," Jack Higgins said, "I'd like to know who they are."
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 10, 2017
Actual rating: 3.5
I liked False Flag, it's a decent read with a great idea behind it. The story seems very realistic, and I really liked the writing style. However, I feel like it wasn't executed as well as it should've been. While the characters were okay, and there were quite a few suspenseful scenes, it wasn't as engaging as I wanted it to be.
I liked False Flag, it's a decent read with a great idea behind it. The story seems very realistic, and I really liked the writing style. However, I feel like it wasn't executed as well as it should've been. While the characters were okay, and there were quite a few suspenseful scenes, it wasn't as engaging as I wanted it to be.
November 1, 2017
Thought provoking premise, and a legitimate thriller.
May 4, 2017
Brilliant heroines and ice-cold secret operatives aplenty abound in False Flag, the new thriller from the Princeton-based thriller writer John Altman. This intricately plotted espionage thriller is reminiscent of the TV series Homeland, especially the current season's Homeland, since False Flag isn't set in some far away country but rather right here in America... under the auspices of a 'false flag' operation that is incredibly realistic and frightening. A false flag operation is usually some sort of act of violence/terror conducted by a friendly entity against its own people, but made to appear the work of an enemy, despite the casualties and consequences. It involves both Mossad, the ultra secret intelligence agency in Israel and, of course, the CIA here at home. The events center around a brilliant, mature, and thoroughly engaging female professor of military strategy with her own personal losses forming the backdrop of her own story, and a young idealistic female zealot hell-bent on carrying out her (now) deceased handler's vision of a false flag operation to turn American public opinion against an enemy state. It also involves the man she must recruit into this operation, a patriot with a relatively benign occupation whose broken life and particular career provides the perfect backdrop for pulling him into a terrifying plot. Overall, this is an amazingly well-plotted, fast-paced, and (somehow at the same time) thoughtful novel. It's also quite an enjoyable read with many of the machinations and plots and even action hatched in central NJ, as the author brings to life the quaint villages and hamlets surrounding the Princeton area such as Hopewell and Pennington and other towns in the center of the state. Enjoy this well-plotted and intricate novel for yourself and you won't be disappointed! A great read for book clubs as well, given the very primary viewpoints of the female characters battling in this book!
October 1, 2023
3.5 stars
February 21, 2018
False Flag
Mysterious Book Report No. 322
by John Dwaine McKenna
In the world of espionage, The business of spies is lies, which makes it impossible at times, to distinguish between friend and foe . . . because all covert operations are designed to advance the interests and objectives of the spying country. Put it another way and the axiom becomes: TRUST NO ONE. They all lie all the time. And nowhere is this illustrated better than in a thrilling new spy yarn in which a trusted ally and friend becomes a deadly enemy. False Flag (Blackstone Publishing, $26.99, 320 pages, ISBN 978-1-5047-9772-6) by John Altman, posits a scenario in which a rogue Israeli Mossad agent attempts to mount the deadliest terrorist attack the world has ever seen against the United States, while leaving behind a set of clues that implicate Iran. In spy jargon it’s known as a false flag, and the hope of the renegade agency is to create an incident which will lead one’s ally and friend—the USA—to go to war in retaliation against the enemy state. Which, in this case is Iran, where crowds routinely chant: Death to America and Death to Israel, with depressing regularity. The plot is accidentally uncovered by an elderly Israeli-born woman named Dalia Artzi, who’s a lecturer at Princeton University in the art, tactics and history of warfare. And although she’s considered a genius in her field, Dalia’s life experiences have left her a pacifist, and her only son a prisoner in the hands of Islamic fanatics. She’s reluctant at first, to get involved. But her strong Jewish faith, which has instilled in her a desire to try and make the world a better place, compel her to do otherwise. And so, Dalia is pitted against another Israeli citizen, a young Mossad agent known only as Jana, who’s as deadly as she is dedicated and beautiful. Thus begins a game of hide-and-seek-to-destroy that begins in Washington state and culminates in Washington, D.C., with stakes that are impossibly high, to prevent an act that’s unspeakably evil. False Flag is so eerily prescient and electrifying that readers of all ages and sizes will find it hard to put down. It’s a thriller of thrillers because it’s so entirely possible, and utterly plausible in today’s raucous, unstable, uncivil, unpeaceful and war-torn world. False Flag is bound to become a classic among spy novels!
Mysterious Book Report No. 322
by John Dwaine McKenna
In the world of espionage, The business of spies is lies, which makes it impossible at times, to distinguish between friend and foe . . . because all covert operations are designed to advance the interests and objectives of the spying country. Put it another way and the axiom becomes: TRUST NO ONE. They all lie all the time. And nowhere is this illustrated better than in a thrilling new spy yarn in which a trusted ally and friend becomes a deadly enemy. False Flag (Blackstone Publishing, $26.99, 320 pages, ISBN 978-1-5047-9772-6) by John Altman, posits a scenario in which a rogue Israeli Mossad agent attempts to mount the deadliest terrorist attack the world has ever seen against the United States, while leaving behind a set of clues that implicate Iran. In spy jargon it’s known as a false flag, and the hope of the renegade agency is to create an incident which will lead one’s ally and friend—the USA—to go to war in retaliation against the enemy state. Which, in this case is Iran, where crowds routinely chant: Death to America and Death to Israel, with depressing regularity. The plot is accidentally uncovered by an elderly Israeli-born woman named Dalia Artzi, who’s a lecturer at Princeton University in the art, tactics and history of warfare. And although she’s considered a genius in her field, Dalia’s life experiences have left her a pacifist, and her only son a prisoner in the hands of Islamic fanatics. She’s reluctant at first, to get involved. But her strong Jewish faith, which has instilled in her a desire to try and make the world a better place, compel her to do otherwise. And so, Dalia is pitted against another Israeli citizen, a young Mossad agent known only as Jana, who’s as deadly as she is dedicated and beautiful. Thus begins a game of hide-and-seek-to-destroy that begins in Washington state and culminates in Washington, D.C., with stakes that are impossibly high, to prevent an act that’s unspeakably evil. False Flag is so eerily prescient and electrifying that readers of all ages and sizes will find it hard to put down. It’s a thriller of thrillers because it’s so entirely possible, and utterly plausible in today’s raucous, unstable, uncivil, unpeaceful and war-torn world. False Flag is bound to become a classic among spy novels!
September 14, 2017
It had great potential, but it fell flat for me.
The best part of the book is its Prologue, which I thought was very exciting. It describes a woman pretending to be asleep in her lover’s bed. When she thinks that he’s sleeping, she sneaks out of bed and starts snooping around. Outside the cabin, she finds a trapdoor leading into a cellar. She breaks the lock and goes inside. She hits the jackpot, finding a stash of explosives, weapons, and nerve agents. The boyfriend wakes up and looks for her, and he isn’t too happy to discover that she has broken into the cellar. She has no choice but to kill him.
After I finished the Prologue, I was stoked to read more! Unfortunately, the rest of the book did not contain the same level of excitement. We meet a woman, Dalia Artzi, who is a Princeton lecturer specializing in strategic maneuvers. Jim McConnell, who works for a top-secret section of the U.S. government, approaches Dalia. The government needs her help locating a Jewish undercover operative in the United States who infiltrated the white power movement and stop her before she can carry out her mission to attack the United States and make it look like the Iranians are the culprits.
Despite Edoardo Ballerini’s stellar narration, I had a hard time listening to this one. It didn’t really hold my interest after the first little bit, and I found that the book dragged. If I was reading this one rather than listening, I think it could very well have been a DNF. It was Ballerini’s narration that kept me listening.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook for voluntary review consideration.
This review was posted on my book blog:
http://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.ca/2...
The best part of the book is its Prologue, which I thought was very exciting. It describes a woman pretending to be asleep in her lover’s bed. When she thinks that he’s sleeping, she sneaks out of bed and starts snooping around. Outside the cabin, she finds a trapdoor leading into a cellar. She breaks the lock and goes inside. She hits the jackpot, finding a stash of explosives, weapons, and nerve agents. The boyfriend wakes up and looks for her, and he isn’t too happy to discover that she has broken into the cellar. She has no choice but to kill him.
After I finished the Prologue, I was stoked to read more! Unfortunately, the rest of the book did not contain the same level of excitement. We meet a woman, Dalia Artzi, who is a Princeton lecturer specializing in strategic maneuvers. Jim McConnell, who works for a top-secret section of the U.S. government, approaches Dalia. The government needs her help locating a Jewish undercover operative in the United States who infiltrated the white power movement and stop her before she can carry out her mission to attack the United States and make it look like the Iranians are the culprits.
Despite Edoardo Ballerini’s stellar narration, I had a hard time listening to this one. It didn’t really hold my interest after the first little bit, and I found that the book dragged. If I was reading this one rather than listening, I think it could very well have been a DNF. It was Ballerini’s narration that kept me listening.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook for voluntary review consideration.
This review was posted on my book blog:
http://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.ca/2...
September 10, 2017
A fast paced novel about Spy vs Spy with a twist. The spies are both Israelis. Spy number one is actually a teacher at Princeton University. Her specialty is maneuver warfare and she is by reputation a tactical genius.
Dalia Artzi who is Israeli born accidentally discovers a plot by a group of Israeli fanatics to launch a horrific attack on the United States. These people believe that such an attack can be twisted to blame Iran and other enemies of Israel and accomplish the goal of getting the Americans to destroy them in retaliation.
Jana, a beautiful and quite deadly Israeli agent is charged by the fringe group backing her to carry out the mission of attacking the US. When Dalia decides that she must take on the task of thwarting the attack plan the thoughts and consciousness of the two nemesis take center stage in the novel. Mr Altman has his two protagonists shadow the many thoughts and political conflicts of our times. Each of the women are sure that they are on the right side of the conflict brewing between them, and will do anything to achieve their goals.
The extremism of their views and the logic each has in following them is an important part of the struggle between the women. Each is set in the view that their thoughts, ideas and actions are correct and worth the life and death struggle ensuing between them.
To say that the book is an all nighter would be anti climactic at best due to the many factors motivating the women. It is a magnetic novel and certainly a draw for seeking future John Altman works.
Dalia Artzi who is Israeli born accidentally discovers a plot by a group of Israeli fanatics to launch a horrific attack on the United States. These people believe that such an attack can be twisted to blame Iran and other enemies of Israel and accomplish the goal of getting the Americans to destroy them in retaliation.
Jana, a beautiful and quite deadly Israeli agent is charged by the fringe group backing her to carry out the mission of attacking the US. When Dalia decides that she must take on the task of thwarting the attack plan the thoughts and consciousness of the two nemesis take center stage in the novel. Mr Altman has his two protagonists shadow the many thoughts and political conflicts of our times. Each of the women are sure that they are on the right side of the conflict brewing between them, and will do anything to achieve their goals.
The extremism of their views and the logic each has in following them is an important part of the struggle between the women. Each is set in the view that their thoughts, ideas and actions are correct and worth the life and death struggle ensuing between them.
To say that the book is an all nighter would be anti climactic at best due to the many factors motivating the women. It is a magnetic novel and certainly a draw for seeking future John Altman works.
December 27, 2016
I would like to thank NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. When an undercover Israeli agent discovers a cache of explosives and sarin gas, the ramsad, head of the Mossad, decides to use it to Israel's advantage by creating a false flag. This is a misdirection that provides a reason to take action against someone other than the instigator. In this case, the explosives and gas would be used by an American veteran appearing to be associated with terrorists. A recording of the ramsad's plan is leaked to reveal the impending threat and tension builds as the search for the bomber intensifies.
Altman writes a story that is disturbingly realistic. Jana, the Mossad agent putting the plan into action, is dedicated and manipulative. She has the ability to quickly change her appearance and identity, making her difficult to track. Assisting in the search is Dalia Artiz, a visiting professor at Princeton whose specialty is war field maneuvers. Raised in Israel, she is aware of Jana's capabilities and is dedicated to finding her.
While this story moves quickly, the chase encompasses the setbacks and frustrations experienced by any investigation. Altman clearly sets out the reasons driving his characters, bringing them all to life. A satisfying conclusion makes this edge of your seat book well worth your time.
Altman writes a story that is disturbingly realistic. Jana, the Mossad agent putting the plan into action, is dedicated and manipulative. She has the ability to quickly change her appearance and identity, making her difficult to track. Assisting in the search is Dalia Artiz, a visiting professor at Princeton whose specialty is war field maneuvers. Raised in Israel, she is aware of Jana's capabilities and is dedicated to finding her.
While this story moves quickly, the chase encompasses the setbacks and frustrations experienced by any investigation. Altman clearly sets out the reasons driving his characters, bringing them all to life. A satisfying conclusion makes this edge of your seat book well worth your time.
December 31, 2020
A Thriller To The End
My, oh, my! What a roller coaster ride this book was! The concept was so outrageous as to be real. Do we have the presence of mind to abide such extreme actions in the name of protecting the original intent of our first statesmen in the forming our republic? Today we have groups and individuals who would turn our nation on its ear to establish their version of the "ideal" state. This cast of characters want a drastic incident that would send the USA into certain disarray just to return the Jewish state back to what it was "in the beginning". Does anyone really believe that would work? Would it achieve that goal? The lesson to be learned is no! The writing was excellent. The characters developed and nuanced. The plot/story line moved smoothly and kept me committed to reading it all in one day if possible. That didn't happen but not for lack of want. Thank you to John Altman for an entertainment read.
My, oh, my! What a roller coaster ride this book was! The concept was so outrageous as to be real. Do we have the presence of mind to abide such extreme actions in the name of protecting the original intent of our first statesmen in the forming our republic? Today we have groups and individuals who would turn our nation on its ear to establish their version of the "ideal" state. This cast of characters want a drastic incident that would send the USA into certain disarray just to return the Jewish state back to what it was "in the beginning". Does anyone really believe that would work? Would it achieve that goal? The lesson to be learned is no! The writing was excellent. The characters developed and nuanced. The plot/story line moved smoothly and kept me committed to reading it all in one day if possible. That didn't happen but not for lack of want. Thank you to John Altman for an entertainment read.
October 29, 2017
A Gripping Tale of International Politics and Espionage
This story started slow with several confusing plots and flashbacks. I struggled with the heavy and frequent Yiddish language references in the early part of the book. As the plots were pulled together and the story became more focused, The taught drama became compelling read. The author is very eloquent and his descriptions and choice of words delightful to read. He moves you through this tense thriller with ease. In the end you are gripped by the rush to the climax and will find the novel impossible to put down. I am glad I didn’t give up early reading this book. Stick with it. It is worth it.
This story started slow with several confusing plots and flashbacks. I struggled with the heavy and frequent Yiddish language references in the early part of the book. As the plots were pulled together and the story became more focused, The taught drama became compelling read. The author is very eloquent and his descriptions and choice of words delightful to read. He moves you through this tense thriller with ease. In the end you are gripped by the rush to the climax and will find the novel impossible to put down. I am glad I didn’t give up early reading this book. Stick with it. It is worth it.
February 21, 2020
False Flag. John Altman
The head of Mossad the Ramsad is tired of Americas lack of support for Israel. It's like the wind, constantly changing direction. He has approved a terrorist attack during the presidents state of the union address. Two Mossad agents and an American of Jewish descent, a veteran to carry out this attack. A female Jewish lecturer at Princeton, a military tactical expert is handpicked to help stop this attack. The American agents do not have her skill and insight to detect and recognize the rogue Jewish agent most likely diversionary tactics. Non stop action from the first to last page. An excellent read!!
The head of Mossad the Ramsad is tired of Americas lack of support for Israel. It's like the wind, constantly changing direction. He has approved a terrorist attack during the presidents state of the union address. Two Mossad agents and an American of Jewish descent, a veteran to carry out this attack. A female Jewish lecturer at Princeton, a military tactical expert is handpicked to help stop this attack. The American agents do not have her skill and insight to detect and recognize the rogue Jewish agent most likely diversionary tactics. Non stop action from the first to last page. An excellent read!!
January 17, 2018
On the edge of my seat the whole time...
What a read! And just before Donald Trump's first State of the Union! It raised the hair on the back of my neck - the politics, in fiction, so matching fact. I read it in 2 days. Could not put it down - could not put it out of my mind. I hope to God it never actually happens.
What a read! And just before Donald Trump's first State of the Union! It raised the hair on the back of my neck - the politics, in fiction, so matching fact. I read it in 2 days. Could not put it down - could not put it out of my mind. I hope to God it never actually happens.
December 18, 2019
The False Flag written by John Altman is a fascinating story about an Israeli heroine and antiheroine that probes some of the most important political and moral conflicts of our times. While it is fiction...it could just as easily been history.
False Flag is written in a manner that you will not want to put it down. It is hard to know whose side you should be on in this tense dialogue.
False Flag is written in a manner that you will not want to put it down. It is hard to know whose side you should be on in this tense dialogue.
June 23, 2017
Great book. Listened to it on Audible.
Characters were relatable; plot flowed nicely. Everything I could want in a book.
The ending seemed a little rushed/abrupt. Otherwise, I absolutely loved everything about this book.
Characters were relatable; plot flowed nicely. Everything I could want in a book.
The ending seemed a little rushed/abrupt. Otherwise, I absolutely loved everything about this book.
October 17, 2017
In espionage stories, as good as it gets. A pleasant surprise from an author unknown to me, this ix iz
The entire package. Original, believable, in the moment and filled with authenticity. Jack Higgins recommendation this and I thank him for doing so,
The entire package. Original, believable, in the moment and filled with authenticity. Jack Higgins recommendation this and I thank him for doing so,
December 31, 2019
In an attempt to bolster U. S. support, renegade Israeli operatives plan a major strike in Washington, D. C. All of the evidence will point to countries that want Israel eliminated. A lot of bodies and even more questions when this one is finished.
March 20, 2024
An outstanding thriller
False Flag is a very well written and plotted espionage story. The characters are diverse and well formed. The plot itself is original. Even the copyediting is nearly flawless. This book is worth your time.
False Flag is a very well written and plotted espionage story. The characters are diverse and well formed. The plot itself is original. Even the copyediting is nearly flawless. This book is worth your time.
March 31, 2024
Absolutely putdownable
Far too complicated plot, women cannot do without sex or are good enough to drag dead bodies into a well, too many detailed descriptions, so I did not want to reach the end as I became utterly bored. Good for the immature.
Far too complicated plot, women cannot do without sex or are good enough to drag dead bodies into a well, too many detailed descriptions, so I did not want to reach the end as I became utterly bored. Good for the immature.
December 11, 2019
Interesting story, but I'm not familiar with Yiddish words used throughout the book and stopped reading it because it took to long to look up the words.
August 9, 2020
Excellent plot, Mossad attempt to kill #POTUS!! Knowing How much NOBAMA bugger fucked up Israel relation, this plot could have been real!! hahahahah!!!!!
October 13, 2020
Complex
I do not think I got it. The plot while seemingly simple, was beyond me. I would not be of the group of fans of the author, without a guide to help understand the story.
I do not think I got it. The plot while seemingly simple, was beyond me. I would not be of the group of fans of the author, without a guide to help understand the story.
October 17, 2020
If I have to wind back frequently despite a great narrator like Ballerini it says all about a book for me. Tedious, boring story without energy and spirit.
May 5, 2021
I enjoyed this book immensely I have not listened to this author before but enjoyed it as the plot was so different from other books.
January 19, 2024
interesting scary
Sometimes you wonder who your friends are. Especially when they rise to positions of authority. Scary when you have to depend on God to save the day.
Sometimes you wonder who your friends are. Especially when they rise to positions of authority. Scary when you have to depend on God to save the day.
July 12, 2023
I listened to this book. The book felt long with hardly any dialogue. The reader had a mono tone voice and that made it difficult to concentrate on the story. I think it would have been better to read the book.
Apart from this I liked the story, it was believable.
Apart from this I liked the story, it was believable.
December 8, 2016
False Flag by John Altman has well developed characters and a plot with lots of twists and turns but I found the book deeply disturbing because with a few minor changes it could actually happen. I hope it doesn't give anyone ideas about trying this method of assassination. The interagency cooperation and technology sharing are a bit unrealistic given the rivalry and feuding within the US government alphabet soup of organizations but it works well in the story. Throughout the book I was trying to figure out how they would get out of the various situations. I should have seen the ending coming but I didn't. Simple but elegant. A good read and highly recommended.
April 8, 2022
Pretty good story. Tale was overly complex. The Israeli terrorist plans to blame Iran for a shattering catastrophe in DC, but the Americans are already tracking her. How she plans to shift the blame is never explained.
Characters are rather wooden. not always believable. Flashback memories fail to make the people seem real.
I am not a fan of strong language, particularly the "f" word and this book had more than plenty. Lots and lots of co-incidences, the further I read the more fatigued I got. Was glad when it finally drew to a close.
Characters are rather wooden. not always believable. Flashback memories fail to make the people seem real.
I am not a fan of strong language, particularly the "f" word and this book had more than plenty. Lots and lots of co-incidences, the further I read the more fatigued I got. Was glad when it finally drew to a close.
Read
April 6, 2024This book delves into the psyche of the characters more than anything in this genre and it fascinated me. Israelis trying to help Israel in a misguided, but incredibly determined effort; the more experienced, very differently trained people trying to stop them, and the importance of the gut feeling that drives the conclusion. The gut feeling was not as developed as I would have liked andcould have been expanded, but this is a fascinating read.
Read
June 19, 2017Review available at Foreword Reviews.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews