Incógnito

by Khaled Talib

El Papa Gregorio XVII fue visto por última vez saludando a la multitud en la Plaza San Pedro desde la famosa ventana del Palacio Apostólico. A pesar de varios anillos de seguridad, ni la Gendarmería, ni La Entidad (el Servicio Secreto del Vaticano) o la Guardia Suiza dicen saber algo sobre su misteriosa desaparición. Mientras el mundo llora por el papa, una frenética búsqueda comienza en Italia más allá de sus fronteras en medio de especulaciones de que la Santa Sede debe saber más de lo que cuenta.

Ayden Tanner, un ex oficial de comando en el SAE Británico –oficialmente muerto—es enviado con otros dos miembros del grupo a encontrar al Supremo Pontífice en nombre de La Liga de los Caballeros Invisibles, una división encubierta de Anónimos cuyo objetivo es lograr el triunfo del bien sobre el mal

Se pauta un encuentro secreto entre el agente Ayden y Rafael Rabolini, el secretario de prensa del Papado en Génova, quien podría darle más información. Pero el problema comienza inesperadamente en el momento que Ayden llega a la ciudad un frio día de invierno…

Genres: Thriller, Suspense

ebook

First published May 15, 2017

About the author

I was born in Singapore and write thrillers shaped by observation, travel, and a lifelong habit of noticing what others overlook.

I’m the author of six thriller novels, inspired by my time spent in Australia, Cairo, Geneva, Italy, and cities like Singapore and New York, where crime, belief, power, and identity collide.

My stories draw tension from psychology and cultural fracture rather than spectacle, exploring the uneasy spaces where morality bends. I believe a thriller should unsettle as much as it entertains—and linger long after the final page.

Reviews

[Grace Convertino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before his mysterious disappearance, Pope Gregoire XVII was last seen waving to his flock in St. Peter’s Square from the window of the Apostolic Palace. Despite his tight, heavy security from the Gendarmerie (the military force with law enforcement duties amid the population of civilians), The Swiss Guards, and The Entity (The Vatican’s Secret Service), he vanished, and no one from his security details knows a thing about it. A frantic search begins for him in Italy and the surrounding areas while the world mourns his unexplained departure. It is widely believed that The Vatican/Holy See must know much more than anyone is admitting. The League of Invisible Knights dispatches Ayden Tanner, former British SAS commando officer to find Pope Gregoire XVII. Ayden “… wasn’t a terrorist. He was just different—he didn’t exist. Finding the pope would be Ayden’s seventh mission since joining the League of Invisible Knights. The secret organization functioned under the auspices of Anonymous, the international network of activists and hacktivists. Anonymous had set up this covert unit to bring about the triumph of good over evil. Anonymous had gained popularity around the world as the power-giving voice to the silenced. It offered a new form of protest, preventing governments from absolute control.” (locations 125 & 138 of 3673) Along with two others from the crew, Guy Cisse and Isabelle Gaugler (aka Ferde Borsok and Camille DuChamps), Ayden (aka Demetrious Mallas) set off for Geneva to meet a Vatican proxy. Trouble began immediately, and followed them throughout their frantic pursuit and rescue mission for The Holy Father. From Switzerland to the underground tunnels of the Vatican to Istanbul to Egypt, the trio needed to evade, outwit, and destroy the lethal assassins out to obliterate them and cause worldwide terror.

“Incognito” is a fascinating, thrilling adventure throughout different countries in pursuit of The Pontiff. The writing is taut, sharp, and engaging, the prose is elegant, the dialog is realistic, and the phraseology eloquent and lyrical. I was drawn in from the very beginning of the novel and carried all the way through it by descriptions and depictions. The word pictures evoked are in turns beautiful and alarming. The media which causes a misinformation campaign and the spread of mass panic (without news items being confirmed as the truth) smacks of recent occurrences and the aftereffects of “Fake News” stemming from one false idea. Imagining that this type of search and rescue might be true is both terrifying and reassuring. It’s staggering to think that secret missions are currently active and many terrorism plots are foiled without our knowledge by those specifically trained to do so. Though the book is fiction, it baffles the mind to consider the persons who would willingly undertake such an assignment, and the training necessary to complete the task at hand while staying alive and being unable trust anyone. The age-old struggle of good versus evil is the main thematic element, but there is much gray area as well. In many ways, the book could easily be compared to a James Bond novel by Ian Fleming, minus the inevitable romance of the titular character. I highly recommend Khaled Talib’s work to all fans of mysteries, thrillers, and action/adventures; it’s so well done that you will not be disappointed.

I’d like to thank Booksprout and Khaled Talib for the opportunity to read and review this work.

[Melanie Fraser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced and absorbing thriller throughout. The ending was inspired and unexpected and the detailed descriptions of the many locations kept me immersed.

Danger lurked behind every corner as Ayden, Guy and Isabelle from the secret group, Anonymous, tried to find the whereabouts of the kidnapped Pope as well as seeking the terrorists who had infiltrated the Vatican.

Although I found some of the dialogue in the middle of the book a little stilted, I was still absorbed by the author's gift of sharing the experience with the reader. It was easy and enjoyable reading and I look forward to reading another of Mr Talib's books.
​

[Susan Keefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic spy thriller!

Khaled Talib is set to take the literary world by storm with this, his latest spy thriller, Incognito.

When Pope Gregoire XVII disappears, and no one claims to have any idea where he could be, speculation as to his whereabouts, safety, and fate escalate, and soon the frantic search to find him spreads from Italy to further afield.

As the tension mounts, The League of Invisible Knights, send Ayden Tanner, an ‘officially dead’ former member of the British SAS, and his team, to find him. However as soon as Ayden arrives in Geneva for his meeting with the Papacy’s Press Secretary Rafael Rabolini, the problems begin.

This is a truly gripping read with a nail biting good vs. evil plot. Khalid Talib in his own vividly descriptive way, takes his readers on a worldwide adventure as Ayden and his team find themselves pitting their wit against a merciless enemy with a devastating plan…

Well written, with amazing characters and an action packed plot, this story will keep its reader on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very intriguing book, it is narrated in present time and in third person, the plot revolves around the kidnapping of the Pope, was a story loaded with intense suspense, with a strong social meaning and innumerable questionings that feed the mind in order to deepen thoughts and convictions towards topics that we do not consider on a daily basis. Saying a lot of a book of suspense never helps, so I just invite you to read this book that will provide you with a guaranteed satisfaction. Totally five stars!

[Norma Budden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incognito was beyond my expectations when Talib first introduced me to his story. I didn't get around to reading it as quickly as I had hoped but, when I started, every spare moment I had was spent between the covers of his book.

It is a tale filled with intrigue and suspense and I must admit to wondering if, perhaps, a portion of it may involve non-fictional elements. I'd highly recommend the title for readers who enjoy a good political thriller, readers who like to try solving puzzles in terms of trying to discover who the good guys really are.

[Naif · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an unpredictable read. Expect the unexpected. Non-stop action packed where there is no dull moments for the readers.

[Ariel C · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thrilling action packed page turner!

A fascinating dark novel that thrusts the reader head first into the most terrifying crisis ever to engulf the Vatican- the kidnap of the Pope.
Not only has the Holy Father been snatched from within papal grounds but his sinister captors are seeking use him as bait to orchestrate a third world war.

Incognito is a spectacular literary cocktail- brimming with international intrigue, conspiracy and suspense.
Reminiscent of the James Bond books by Ian Fleming, Incognito features an unforgettable assortment of players to represent both the forces of good and evil.
SWORD- the nefarious organisation hosting the villainous forces of the dark side; are truly the heirs to Bond nemesis SPECTRE.
Although a shadowy secret organisation, the members of SWORD are such spine chilling specimens of evil, they are guaranteed to trigger the shivers in even the most stout hearted of readers.
The emblem of SWORD- winged dagger fingertip tattoo, was a great shiver inducing visual image and stuck in my mind long after I finished reading.

A strong plot is accompanied by eloquently articulated fantastic writing and an amazing book cover.
Incognito is a breathtakingly fast paced Adrenalin imbued adventure, filled with shocking twists & turns. This book is made to be a movie.
A spellbinding narrative, accompanies flawless dialogue and a range of stunning international settings.
All characters are so vividly portrayed- many with intriguing, poignant individual backstories.

Absolutely epic storytelling from author Khaled Talib.
The atmospheric nature of this book is quite remarkable; both suspense and tension are omnipresent in equal measure throughout this book and each one enhances the other; blending together to create a deliberately unique sense of pace and mood on every single page.
Perhaps this effect is the author's voice and a hallmark present within all his fiction novels.

A fabulous fiction masterpiece!

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, that blurb completely drew me in. I was pleasantly surprised by the way Khaled Talib was able to keep me on my toes.

I love reading thrillers and trying to figure out what could possibly come next.

I'll have to admit, I was surprised in a couple of places throughout the novel. A Great Thriller.

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first couple of chapters.
This book went by very quickly for me because the plot was intense and really fast paced.

A good suspense novel that doesn’t require much thought. It was a compelling storyline that kept the book interesting until the end.

[Margarida · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I read from this author, the first having been Smokescreen, and I must say, it didn't disappoint me at all. I loved it. Filled with action and great scenery descriptions, although nothing tiresome. The plot was great and the characters, too. The writing is quite simple, easy to read and making it a real page turner. It reflects the reality of today's politics, religion and hatreds. I really recommend it to everyone, lot's of thrilling moments. I do want to read more books by Khaled Talib.

[Rose Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely epic page turner!

Incognito certainly is one stunningly exciting, action packed novel.
Fascinating cover, suburb writing and a compelling storyline.
Amazingly suspenseful, witty and well informed writing.
Very informative about ancient middle eastern history.

This book does contain some strong violence and a few examples of heavy profanity filled dialogue- very course language that is gratuitous and seems totally out of place within the story.

Definitely the darkest intellectual thriller novel I've read this year!

[Angela Mortimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a fast paced read and this does not disappoint. Incognito is a thriller based on a political terrorist group kidnapping the Pope. Most in the Vatican want him back, but of course as always in the long ages of the Vatican, the place is full of spies and those who want power at all costs. Those that want him back call on a secret and specialist team to get him back, and the chase take us to many countries. The adversary is rich and powerful and ruthless. He is one step ahead of the team, leaving no one alive who might help them complete their mission.

[E.L. Lindley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incognito by Khaled Talib is a European based, action packed political thriller. Like most stories of this genre, the plot is fanciful in parts, but contains just enough credibility to keep the reader guessing.

The novel begins when the pope is kidnapped by an anti-Muslim organisation called The Sword. In response an anonymous, apolitical, non-religious group known as The League of Invisible Nights sends three agents to help the Vatican locate the pope. The plot centres around their efforts to uncover who is behind the kidnapping and save the pope.

The political aspect of the novel is what I found most interesting. Corruption is in evidence everywhere – from the Vatican to the police and at the highest government level. The Sword originated as a guerrilla force created by the CIA and NATO after WW2 but is now funded by big business and headed up by a Dutch Senator. It consists of a group of individuals motivated by their opposition to immigration and in particular Muslims.

The novel is very topical given that Islamophobia is on the increase due to fear often perpetuated by the media. Talib uses his novel to show how easy it would be to manipulate the public mood by staging acts of terror and blaming a specific group of people – in this case Muslims. The kidnapping of the pope is played out in front of the world’s eyes and Muslim extremists are presented as being behind the potential atrocity. Talib very cleverly captures our obsession with news as the kidnapping story is played over and over on a loop on every news channel.

Talib uses his novel as a means of challenging stereotypes about Islam. For instance, he goes to great lengths to show that women are not oppressed, pointing, for instance, to the fact that they don’t have to change their name to that of their husband. While I applaud this, I did feel that it was slightly overdone, and not necessarily fitting with the genre of the book.

Another strength of the novel is the way it spans different parts of Europe: Geneva, Venice, Rome and The Vatican City are all brought alive by Talib’s descriptive skills. The sense of awe, history and beauty are successfully conveyed which lends an added layer of mystery to the proceedings.

Incognito is a novel written for readers who love plot driven, fast paced action and adventure. The action is relentless and there are very few quiet, reflective moments to try and figure out what’s going on; I think some contrast might have improved the reading experience for me.

The pace of the novel also has a massive impact on the characterisation. This is a novel with lots of characters but the death count is phenomenal. A new, potentially interesting character would be introduced only to be killed off by the end of the chapter. We are told that they all have backgrounds in the armed services but that’s about it. A little more insight into the characters would have made me care more about what happened to them.

The biggest disappointment for me is Isabelle Gaugher who Talib presents as being equal to the men. However, when we are first introduced to her she makes a coarse comment about her menstruation that is clearly meant to show she’s ‘one of the men’ but it just felt inappropriate. Her tough no-nonsense attitude is then justified by the fact that she has previously been raped. I think Talib had good intentions in wanting to create a strong female character but then felt he had to make her ‘damaged’ which effectively offsets her strength. Couldn't she just have been strong, full stop, without being coarse or having 'issues'?

I am probably not quite the target audience for this novel which, despite my misgivings, has many merits. If you enjoy fast paced action adventure that is very much plot-based then this one is for you. I can imagine it being a great holiday read for anyone who wants to lose themselves in a political thriller.

[Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Readers' Favorite. 1.7.18

Wow. What a ride! Incognito by Khaled Talib starts off with a passage describing where the kidnapped Pope is being held prisoner. And then it takes off, following three individuals – Ayden, Guy and Isabelle – as they try to find the Pope. The three are members of the League of Invisible Knights, a secret organization created “to bring about the triumph of good over evil.” Pursuing clues, this team is subjected to various attempts to thwart their progress, including ambushes to slow them down or kill them, kidnappings, and attempts to frame them for various crimes. In the end, the trio is being pursued by police, the media and the evildoers. Their adventure truly reads like watching an unrelenting action film. I can’t remember a novel that created the sensation that I was in the middle of a thrilling chase using only words.

Yes, Mr. Talib certainly knows how to wield his words. His descriptions of action oriented encounters are tightly written and very vivid. He gives his primary characters depth and flaws, making them believable within the context of this adventure. Not only that, his story is both topical and edgy. Religious and political elements are both critical to the plot, and the author establishes realistic context and background as he incorporates the appropriate influences of both into his story. The balance between dialogue and narration is very good. Obviously, the pace is brisk, I might even say breakneck in some places. Khaled Talib's Incognito is a hard book to put down.

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The League of Invisible Knights, a covert division of Anonymous, has dispatched Ayden Tanner and his crew of two, Isabelle and Guy, on a delicate mission with worldwide repercussions, if they should fail. Pope Gregoire XVII has disappeared from the Vatican. He was last seen waving to the crowd in Saint Peter's square. As the news bursts upon the world, his Swiss Guards, the police and the Vatican's own Intelligence Service, The Entity are all at a loss as to how and where the Holy See has disappeared to.

From Ayden's first stop in Geneva to meet up with his crew, trouble hits hard and leaves the Ayden and his crew scrambling to find a leak in their communication network, while eluding both the police and their attackers. Connecting to Cavallo, from The Entity, Ayden, Isabelle and Guy are under almost constant attack. Cavallo's secret office is overtaken and his entire staff killed. The enemy is coming from both the outside and from within the ranks of The Holy See itself. Who is really behind the plot to ignite a Holy War between the Christian and Muslim worlds?

This is a taut, well written thriller that takes us from Switzerland, to the waterways of Venice, the arid desert of Egypt, the hills of Istanbul and the secret passages under Saint Peter's. The sharp, crisp story line never lets the action slow but it also lets us get to know the characters. I really enjoyed the unique twist that the author based this story on and I am looking forward to reading more of his work.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Pope is kidnapped right out from under his Swiss Guards' noses, Mr. Somebody calls in his experts Ayden, Isabelle and Guy to find him. Right from the start, the trio believes there is someone in the Pope's inner circle involved in the kidnapping. The quest to find the Pope leads the three to the Vatican, Geneva, Venice and finally to Egypt while they are being pursed by killers out to stop them. The kidnappers are from a white supremacist sect that wants the Pope to rescind Vatican II which recognizes Islam as a member of the Church's brotherhood. They plan kill the Pope and blame it on Islam followers.

If you are looking for an action packed cross between a James Bond movie and the Justice League, Incognito is just the book for you.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel really blew me away with the way the Author was able to bring to life two main characters and while they were so different in their motives and actions, we truly understood where each were coming from. That is a huge testament to Khaled Talib's writing ability.

This novel is full of suspense and each chapter I was wondering how it would all unfold and end. Talib definitely managed to keep me on the edge and invested until the very end. I really enjoyed the fact that he was able to surprise me a couple of times. I always like a novel that keeps me guessing.

[Dave Edlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incognito is a fast-paced thriller reminiscent of a Mission Impossible film. Khaled Talib whisks the reader across Europe as our three heroes (Ayden, Isabelle, and Guy) battle a formidable adversary who seems to always be one step ahead. Recommended to fans of international thrillers, this smart adventure is sure to please even the most discriminating armchair secret agents! Five stars

[Sanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review from here

Pope Gregoire XVII has dissapeared. No one seems to have any idea what has happened to the pope, and no one know where he is. People are starting to speculate about his whereabouts, but it looks like he vanished from this world.
Ayden Tanner, member of The League of Invisible Knights, is send with his team to retrieve the pope. However, he and his team encounter a lot of problems. Those who kidnapped the pope are trying to stop them from finding him…

Incognito is an extremely fast paced novel, which leaves you gripping the edges of your seat more times than I could count. There are actually barely any pages that do not contain scenes that leave you gripping the edge of your seat!

As the blurb on the cover suggests, this book is a rollercoaster! It is very fast paced, which is the best fit for this book.

But certain things felt a bit unrealistic, which mostly had to do with the fact that the book is very fast paced, because sometimes it is a bit ~too much~ (for me). I would have prefered it if the book slowed down sometimes, to give the reader some time to see what is going on.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and Talib’s writing style. If you’re in for fast paced books that leave you on the edge of your seat, then this is the book for you.



I ended up giving this book 4 out of 5 stars.

[Italo Italophiles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rollicking Bond-like caper, with many international locations, and a complex plot involving evil organizations, state players, and deadly good-guys. I enjoyed the concise descriptions of the action, locations and people. The dialog is snappy with dry Bond-like humor. There is lots of violence and some sexism and a superficial attitude to emotions, all similar to Bond. The complex world we live in is represented in an anything but simplified manner, which sets the book apart from Bond. This is one for fans of fast-moving international thrillers with more violence than suspense. I received a review-copy of the book; this is my honest review.

[Samantha Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that the plot of this novel was great. There were some great aspects to Khaled Talib’s writing and imagination. Plenty of Suspense and Mystery and it really kept me guessing the entire time.
I’m not sure if I just got an early copy, but the editing really needs to be looked at. There are quite a few errors and I hate that when reading it, it takes away from the over all novel.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite reads this year. This mystery is full of suspense and intrigue and the good guys travel Europe trying to prevent a murder. It is like watching a James Bond movie or a Dan Brown movie with Tom Hanks. This is a fast-paced thriller with a cast of characters who will try to find the pope. There are so many unanswered questions and so little time to find the him. The clues are few and time is precious. Who would do such a thing and why? Isn't the Vatican entry proof to would be kidnappers? This had to be an inside job.

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the Pope is kidnapped, a secret group sends in a team to try and recover him. Constantly being attacked, with the opposition seeming to know there every move, the team struggles to find leads. This is an okay book, the problem is for such a secret organisation why are the consistently found. The ending was a little to easy, without much struggle, probably a 3 1/2 stars. The main characters are good and they work well together and could develop, if further books are planned.

[johnmarkie1905 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

Enjoyable read with fascinating characters and locations great storyline and was a book that I had no problems in getting into page turning and without giving any clues to what it happens or who does what I'll submit a 5 star rating easily 1st book I've read by the author but after reading this it won't be my last

[Ana Moon · Rating 3 out of 5]

El libro parece bueno, y digo parece porque la traducción deja mucho que desear, tal como le hice saber al autor. Si te gusta la acción y sabes inglés, te animo a que lo leas en ese idioma mejor de momento, hasta que arreglen la traducción.

Mi reseña completa:
https://memoriasdevirtual.blogspot.co...

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5.0

“Incognito” is a spy thriller full of harrowing moments and intrigue.

Read full review in the 2017 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Robin Blanksguster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrifically good read. All the elements of a terrorist driven, high profile kidnapping, with multiple cross country agencies and a three person specialist group; Ayden, Isabelle and Guy. Ongoing fast-paced action, double crossing agents, trying to figure out the good guys from the bad and several twists make this a high octane, thrill a minute read. I did not want to stop reading until “The End”!

Red Robin.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me turning pages well into the night. The crew jumped from 1 mess to another trying to complete their mission. And they they couldn't trust anyone so that made things that much harder for them. I thought the characters on the crew were likable & well written. Recommend giving this book a try.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[William Sturdevant]

I have read the book and I have to say that I liked the story. Although it is not my usual reading material, it held my attention enough to finish it in three days. Thanks for a good story and great entertainment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this had everything that I was hoping for in a thriller novel, it had everything that I was expecting in a description. The characters felt like they belonged in this world. I was never bored when reading this and thought it worked overall. Can't wait to read more from the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.