Misdirect: A Novel of Spies, the Sahara, and Searching for God

by Beverly Nault

A mission failure has confined CIA covert operative Eve Parker to desk duty and she’s left to pick up the pieces of her broken personal life. But when her daughter’s fiancé is taken hostage, Eve must return to the Middle East armed with rusty tradecraft, and dubious credibility shrouded in her peers’ skepticism. Will she get it together in time to thwart the biggest threat to America since 9/11, or will her old-fashioned ways cause her to fail again? And if a suspected mole, a missing thumb drive, and a camel ride through the desert weren’t challenging enough, a Muslim teen with questions about God cause Eve to struggle with her own faith. As the most important assignment of her life draws near, events unfold to demonstrate that, particularly in espionage, things are not always as they seem. Join Eve Parker as she confronts her past, a national threat, and a crisis of faith in this spy thriller layered with intrigue, suspense, and surprise ending from an award-winning author reviewers call “a master storyteller."

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2017

About the author

My first story was published at the age of 8. It was a compelling romp about a line (don't judge me) who wanted to march in a parade. My mom stapled the pages together and I was hooked on writing from that day. Decades later, I still scribble and daydream until the characters refuse to stay quietly in my head any longer. Fortunately for my mom, we've moved beyond crayon drawings on Big Chief notebook paper. Thanks, Mom!

Reviews

[Darryl Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hero in Beverly Nault’s latest novel, "Misdirect", is Eve Parker, a former CIA operative shunned by her colleagues and confined to a desk following a disastrous mission some years earlier. Just as she is about to retire and put it all behind her, she learns that her estranged daughter, Jenny is about to marry one of Eve’s colleagues, Zach — who isn’t a fan because of what occurred all those years ago. Problem is, on a new mission, Zach finds himself in a spot of bother, his life in grave danger. Eve is sent into the field once again, not only to rescue her potential son-in-law Zach from the enemy but to prevent the largest terror attack ever planned on American soil. Eve’s journey, both professional and personal, twists and turns through the streets of Barcelona, Spain, to Algeria and across the desert sands of the Sahara. En route she learns more about camels than she had ever wished, meets some very interesting desert dwellers and learns something about her faith. And herself.

Beverly Nault’s "Misdirect" gets off to a cracking start, though as the story unfolds it is more adventure than thriller. It certainly has its moments and the author seems to have more than a passing knowledge of how the CIA would carry out a field operation of the kind described. It certainly is well researched — either that or Nault has a gifted imagination. Eve’s character is multi-layered, each veneer peeling away as the chapters unfold, revealing her past, her relationship with Jenny, with her husband Knox and, of course, Zach. Also exposed are her thoughts on God — Eve needs to find Him as much as she needs to locate Zach. Colourful characters are not restricted to Eve, especially when she ventures into unknown and dangerous territory in the desert scenes. The narrative in this book is vividly descriptive, which facilitates easy visualisation. "Misdirect" is a different and exciting escapade, its hero a refreshing change from stereotypical bullet proof males who usually feature in this kind of saga — it’s well worth a read.

[Theodene · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very start, this story pulls the reader in and never let's go. It is highly likely you will feel like you're right there with Eve every step of her journey. The emotions, atmosphere, people, everything is so very real! Don't believe me? Read it for yourself!

This book by Beverly Nault is not my typical genre, but the title enticed me: Misdirect: A novel of spies, the Sahara, and Searching for God. How does someone go from being a spy to searching for God? This I had to read!!

Little did I know I would get pulled in so quickly and my every spare moment surrounded by this action-packed and thought-provoking storyline. Mysteries and action not being my typical read, I did not see the next step coming throughout this book. Wow!

And let me be brutally honest, the ending was nowhere what I was expecting!! In addition to a surprise around every turn, I found myself learning more about camels, sand storms, social norms, religious beliefs other than my own, and the secrecy that is required for those who work in the field to protect those of us here at home.

A complimentary copy of Misdirect was provided for an honest review. If all Beverly Nault's books are like this, I have a lot more reading to do! I highly encourage getting this amazing story in your hands!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Misdirect Wow what a story - not just that but what a premise - astounding - congratulations Ms. Nault - because this book is incredibly charming yet suspenseful and mysterious. The story is about spies and the Sahara and most of all about the search for my precious LORD GOD - that is the most important part to me - Amen? So tell me what is yours? you have this book - it is like the ride at Busch Gardens - the Sheikra - this book immediately - quickly takes you up with the spy story - it goes along fast and the twists and turns blow your mind - then the story takes you to such heights you melt into the book - the ride suddenly stops you - the book puts everything out in front of you as you dangle over the front for a while - they have some romance and get to know GOD - then they drip you free fall into JESUS - Amen? - than a turn - swipes you to the end and you feel breathless but invigorated - you cannot put the book away that is for sure - you have to know it all....You realize you are having the time of your life reading this book.....and you hunger for more.........I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

[ASC Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice CIA read. This is a new direction for Beverly, at least it's different from the other books I've read by her. And that's one of the reason I was so excited to read it! Right away I felt like I do when watching my favorite CIA shows or movies! The flow and revelation of pieces in the puzzle are well written and are exactly what's needed for a CIA book. Cloaked in secrets it can come off as "confusing" at times, but anyone that knows the patterns of a CIA story shouldn't have any problems following along. There are some details that I feel are incorrect and some things I wish were different. I also wish there had been more True Faith scenes (though the ones that are in there I devoured!). But I liked the end, enjoying the fact that I figured some things out, but still had some surprise tidbits!

Songs: "Come As You Are" by Crowder, "Untitled Hymn" by Chris Rice
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Jeremiah 29:11

~ASC

*I received this book from the author for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Misdirect. ~ASC

[Luana Ehrlich · Rating 5 out of 5]

As both an avid reader of spy novels and a Christian, I was immediately intrigued by Beverly Nault’s novel, Misdirect. It did not disappoint! This espionage thriller gives the reader insight into the workings of the CIA, while providing a great adventure. There are lots of twists and turns in the plot, but the author stays focused and delivers an exceptional story. The faith element and family issues don’t overwhelm the thrilling aspect of the novel and instead provide a good balance for an exciting read. Nice job!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misdirect by Beverly Nault is a story of Eve Parker, a CIA operative who was assigned to a desk job after a mission went bad years earlier. Eve has often put her job ahead of her family, leaving her mother to step in to care for her daughter. Her daughter becomes engaged to Zach, one of Eve’s co-workers. Zach and Eve have had issues with each other since the failed mission and Eve is not happy about the engagement. Just when Eve should be helping with wedding plans, issues connected with the failed mission surface. Zach goes missing and Eve is called in to help with the mission. Not only to find Zach, but to take down the biggest threat to the United States. While on the mission, Eve is sent to the Sahara Desert. She meets up with a family that helps her. The family’s son takes her on a camel ride she will not forget. The boy is not a Christian, he and Eve spend time discussing the Qu’ran and the Bible.

This story takes off running and does not slow down. There are several sub-stories written within the main story. Eve’s job is the main story, but her marriage with her husband moving in with someone else and her daughter’s up coming marriage are others. There are so many twists and turns to this story, it was very hard to put down. The author did research to keep this story realistic. There are a lot of characters, most well introduced. The scenes in the story are very descriptive, to easily visualize what was happening. There were a few time I was not able to totally follow what was happening, but it worked itself out nicely. I think anyone who enjoys suspenseful adventure stories will really enjoy this book.

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

[Barbara Tsipouras · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author obviously believes that she shows respect to different cultures and religions, but she doesn't realize how many stereotypes and prejudices she's conveying.

I don't agree with her premise that the CIA is working for world peace and that they "serve the best country and the best citizens on earth."

In parts this novel is quite suspenseful, in others it doesn't seem very believable and there are some serious logical gaps that are not resolved in the wrapping-up chapter in the end.

I guess it's not easy to be a CIA agent and a mother at the same time, and Beverly Nault tries to show that, but her main focus is on the mission and her heroine who seems to do all the work on her own alone in the desert.

The discussions about faith are quite week - on both sides. If Amir had indeed read what he claims to have read he wouldn't have been satisfied with Eve's answers.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It kept me turning the pages because I just had to know how it all ended. After reading this book I really would like to read more of these characters. This book has a lot of surprises and the ending was great, not what I expected at all. This book is a perfect example of things are not always what they seem.

There were a couple of times while reading this story, I don't want that to happen but I am glad now that it did because it made the story that much better in the end. There was a couple of times that I was questioning if I understood what was happening but it all made sense at the end.

The scenes were written so well that I wished I was there especially with the camel riding scenes.

I recommend this book to anyone that like mysteries without alot of violence.

There was one usage of the word hell, that I was surprised was in the book because it was used as a curse word not describing a place, It was "How in the hell are you". I know that won't bother some readers but I don't like cursing of any kind. That is the only thing I dislike about this book.

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misdirect

A Novel of Spies, the Sahara, and Searching for God



by Beverly Nault

BooksGoSocial

Christian , General Fiction (Adult)

Pub Date 13 Jun 2017

I am reviewing a copy of Misdirect through Netgalley and BooksGoSocial:

C.IA. opperativr Eve Parker has been confined to desk duty after a mission failure as well as being left to pick up the pieces of her personal life. But when her daughter's fiancé is taken, she finds herself in the Middle East once again, trying to save her future son in law.

Will Eve Parker be able to thwart the biggest attack on the United States since 9'11?

Find out in Misdirect, five out of five stars.

Happy Reading!

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misdirect by Beverly Nault is a fascinating novel. CIA covert operative Eve Parker had a failed mission, and she has been restricted to desk duty ever since. Now, she has a family and a seemingly normal life. But her burning passion is to complete her mission and prove herself. When a fellow agent (who is also her daughter's fiancé) is kidnapped, Eve returns to field ops and has the chance to find the missing pieces linked to her failed mission of long ago. Misdirect is a fast paced book with a great amount of detail about CIA ops. It is a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys action and suspense. Be ready for a thrill ride and even some slight of hand. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher. These opinions are entirely my own.