Terror in Cairo: An Alex Boyd Thriller

by Mel Harrison

Alex Boyd is back again with more intense, political adventures




Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ), a vicious terrorist organization determined to thwart peace with Israel, attacks a vital peace conference in Cairo, attempting to stop any chance of a successful conference.




As special agent with the State Department Diplomatic Security Service (DS), Alex is responsible for the overall protection of U.S. delegates, including the Secretary of State and several senior senators and congressmen attending the conference.




Along with the Egyptian police, Alex Boyd and his Diplomatic Service colleagues attempt to stop waves of bloody attacks. 




When it appears the peace conference may be resurrected, the terrorists seek to inflict a mortal wound against America with an unprecedented target. With superb Arabic language skills and military experience, Alex is tasked with identifying the leaders of EIJ before they strike again. 




Questions remain whether Alex, and his colleagues, can win this life and death struggle. Even more important, who is arming the terrorists?

450 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 29, 2021

About the author

After graduating from the University of Maryland with a degree in Economics, Mel Harrison joined the US Department of State Foreign Service, spending the majority of his career in the Diplomatic Security Service.

Over the next 28 years, he served in American embassies as either a Special Agent/Regional Security Officer or Economic Officer in Saigon, Quito, Rome, London (twice), Islamabad, and Seoul. While in Islamabad, as the Senior Regional Security Officer, he won both the State Department Award for Valor, and its worldwide Regional Security Officer of the Year Award.

Following government retirement, Mel spent ten years in corporate security and consulting work with assignments often taking him throughout Latin America and the Middle East.

Mel met his wife, Irene, while both served in Quito. Irene, a Foreign Service Management Specialist, and Mel married in Rome, beginning their lifelong love of travel and all things Italian.

They now reside in Florida.

Mel can be contacted at melharrison.author@gmail.com

Reviews

[John Moccia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could only have been written by the rare author with Harrison’s career experience. When I read a book about crime, terrorism, or international intrigue I can usually detect if the author has any sort of actual experience upon which to base his plot. Harrison’s book shouts authenticity. This man clearly lived a version of this story. While it is strong on facts and procedures related to insuring diplomatic protection, knowledge of these facts and procedures are essential. Harrison presented them in such a way that I found them essential to understanding the plot. Stated plainly, the book is fast-paced and consistently exciting. I’ve had the privilege of working with these agents in the past when they were covering domestic assignments but until reading Terror in Cairo, had no idea what they endure overseas.

[Jim Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, can't put it down.

Mel have woven a great historical story with compelling characters. The blend of action with historical events makes for a most enjoyable read. I am looking forward to getting into more of Mel's work.

[David Loy Frishkorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have become a big Alex Boyd fan. Move over James Bond. My only disappointment with this book is that Rachel didn't have a more significant role and that the ending felt hurried.