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False Idols #Complete Season 1
False Idols
Million dollar art deals and glittering parties hide a world of deadly relic running in this high-stakes international thriller written with input from Robert K. Wittman, FBI "the most famous art detective in the world" (The London Times).
When a tanker ship laden with illicit cargo lands in Port Newark-Elizabeth Terminal, a highly trained group of government agents must pinpoint where, and more importantly who, the shipments are coming from. Could these shipments, full of looted arts and antiquities, be tied to funding a group of Middle East extremists?
FBI Agent Layla El-Deeb escaped a childhood in the slums of Egypt for a new life in the U.S. But the Bureau has sent her back to pose undercover as an heiress in a Cairo she barely recognizes. City high-rollers' dealings in the art world may be the key to infiltrating the terrorist network that threatens the history of Layla's native home ad the safety of her adopted nation.
The mission seems straightforward-trace priceless relics from their millionaire owners back to illegal digs and the terrorist groups profiting from their sale-but Layla becomes entangled in the opulent world she's infiltrated, and she's falling for the son of a major suspect. When a terrorist plot threatens both Egyptian and American lives, Layla is forced to decide where her loyalties truly lie.
When a tanker ship laden with illicit cargo lands in Port Newark-Elizabeth Terminal, a highly trained group of government agents must pinpoint where, and more importantly who, the shipments are coming from. Could these shipments, full of looted arts and antiquities, be tied to funding a group of Middle East extremists?
FBI Agent Layla El-Deeb escaped a childhood in the slums of Egypt for a new life in the U.S. But the Bureau has sent her back to pose undercover as an heiress in a Cairo she barely recognizes. City high-rollers' dealings in the art world may be the key to infiltrating the terrorist network that threatens the history of Layla's native home ad the safety of her adopted nation.
The mission seems straightforward-trace priceless relics from their millionaire owners back to illegal digs and the terrorist groups profiting from their sale-but Layla becomes entangled in the opulent world she's infiltrated, and she's falling for the son of a major suspect. When a terrorist plot threatens both Egyptian and American lives, Layla is forced to decide where her loyalties truly lie.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2018
98 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 27, 2020
I'm which I am, once again, duped by comp titles. I was expecting a lot more Tomb Raider and a lot less rookie undercover agent. I was fascinated by the layers to this story: from Layla's personal ties to Cairo, the party scene of the wealthy children-of-collectors, to the investigation into stolen antiquities and arms being traded on the black market, to the political unrest of an Egypt on the verge of a major election.
The sheer number of things that happened that absolutely should not have happened in a proper investigation was mind boggling. But I will say I loved seeing a part of the FBI that wasn't just serial killers. International white collar crime? With some pretty scary consequences (like murder and terrorism). Unfortunately the big loss is played to the guy our MC fell in love with while investigating? Come on.
The sheer number of things that happened that absolutely should not have happened in a proper investigation was mind boggling. But I will say I loved seeing a part of the FBI that wasn't just serial killers. International white collar crime? With some pretty scary consequences (like murder and terrorism). Unfortunately the big loss is played to the guy our MC fell in love with while investigating? Come on.
September 29, 2020
Serial Box is always fun but I wouldn't count this as a favourite. It did keep me listening until the end. As a Near Eastern Archaeologist I was intrigued by the black market for stolen artifacts as a funding source for terrorist groups angle to this story and I do think that it was handled fairly well. Unfortunately the main character Layla while likable was completely not believable as an FBI agent. The teenage Nancy Drew would have had more sense! So much was too convenient and even a bit ridiculous. There was a lot going on and I don't feel like it really came together in the end. This entertained me for two afternoons so it wasn't a complete waste of time but I don't think I would be inclined to pay for it. (I received a free copy as part of a promotion, no review solicited.)
I listened to the audio version which is a Serial Box production including sound effects. I like this format which adds so much to the story. From the sounds of birds chirping to the call to prayer from a mosque it transports you to Cairo which is pretty fun. It is more immersive than a regular audiobook! The narrator was required to perform many different accents, languages, and characters and she was overall really good. It was quite a feat and I applaud her for her work.
I listened to the audio version which is a Serial Box production including sound effects. I like this format which adds so much to the story. From the sounds of birds chirping to the call to prayer from a mosque it transports you to Cairo which is pretty fun. It is more immersive than a regular audiobook! The narrator was required to perform many different accents, languages, and characters and she was overall really good. It was quite a feat and I applaud her for her work.
February 19, 2019
I liked False Idols. I liked the realistic characters, the dialogue, and Layla’s and Ellen’s investigation. There are great pacing, plot twists, and flashbacks as well. Five stars.
January 9, 2022
Million-dollar art deals and glittering parties hide a world of deadly relic running in this high-stakes international thriller written with input from Robert K. Wittman, FBI “the most famous art detective in the world” (The London Times).
When a tanker ship laden with illicit cargo lands in Port Newark-Elizabeth Terminal, a highly trained group of government agents must pinpoint where, and more importantly who, the shipments are coming from. Could these shipments, full of looted arts and antiquities, be tied to funding a group of Middle East extremists?
FBI Agent Layla El-Deeb escaped a childhood in the slums of Egypt for a new life in the U.S. But the Bureau has sent her back to pose undercover as an heiress in a Cairo she barely recognizes. City high-rollers’ dealings in the art world may be the key to infiltrating the terrorist network that threatens the history of Layla’s native home and the safety of her adopted nation.
Produced by Serial Box and narrated by Lauren Ezzo, the story is pretty exciting and the voices distinctive are enough so you always know who's 'talking'.
When a tanker ship laden with illicit cargo lands in Port Newark-Elizabeth Terminal, a highly trained group of government agents must pinpoint where, and more importantly who, the shipments are coming from. Could these shipments, full of looted arts and antiquities, be tied to funding a group of Middle East extremists?
FBI Agent Layla El-Deeb escaped a childhood in the slums of Egypt for a new life in the U.S. But the Bureau has sent her back to pose undercover as an heiress in a Cairo she barely recognizes. City high-rollers’ dealings in the art world may be the key to infiltrating the terrorist network that threatens the history of Layla’s native home and the safety of her adopted nation.
Produced by Serial Box and narrated by Lauren Ezzo, the story is pretty exciting and the voices distinctive are enough so you always know who's 'talking'.
October 22, 2018
Good read.
Good story that would make a good movie. Read to the end. You may not be surprised and you so t be disappointed. I recommend this book to those who like a good detective novel mixed with current politics.
Good story that would make a good movie. Read to the end. You may not be surprised and you so t be disappointed. I recommend this book to those who like a good detective novel mixed with current politics.
October 28, 2020
DNF! 2.5 hours into this audiobook and I could care less! I didn't care about the characters or the storyline at all!
July 4, 2018
Originally a 2.5, but it gets better towards the end
July 31, 2018
Read it in one night and already wanting more. There were a few things that felt too coincidental or contrived but Layla's character more than made up for any gaps.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews