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Betrayal in the Casbah
It's the early 2000's in the US embassy, Algiers. US military attaché and decorated fighter pilot Colonel Mitch Ross needs a dose of reality and relief from the constraints of the diplomatic life. He catches a break of sorts when he survives a brutal knife attack one evening after attending a diplomatic reception.
Nursed to health by the beautiful and mysterious Abella, Mitch returns to duty and is approached by the CIA with a covert mission: to rescue and bring home a downed American pilot being held by terrorists in Algiers. As he plans and prepares for the mission, Mitch and Abella become confidants and lovers, and Mitch discovers she is more than just a nurse working in a military hospital. Together with longtime friend and French colonel Yves Dureau and Mitch's assistant, Army Warrant Officer Dave McQueen, Mitch and Abella will risk their lives to bring the American POW to safety.
Nursed to health by the beautiful and mysterious Abella, Mitch returns to duty and is approached by the CIA with a covert mission: to rescue and bring home a downed American pilot being held by terrorists in Algiers. As he plans and prepares for the mission, Mitch and Abella become confidants and lovers, and Mitch discovers she is more than just a nurse working in a military hospital. Together with longtime friend and French colonel Yves Dureau and Mitch's assistant, Army Warrant Officer Dave McQueen, Mitch and Abella will risk their lives to bring the American POW to safety.
- GenresFiction
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2022
6 people are currently reading
1526 people want to read
About the author
Ted Kissel
2 books10 followersI grew up in Northern California, near Sacramento. After graduating college in the early seventies, I entered the military and spent twenty-eight years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Colonel. The majority of my military career was spent in the cockpit flying F-4 Phantoms throughout the world. During the First Gulf War, I was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in combat. Following my flying duties, I served as a base commander in Europe directly supporting NATO. Then assigned as a deputy division chief in the Pentagon, working for the Secretary of the Air Force and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. My final assignment was as a defense attaché, building relations and cooperation between the U.S. and Algerian militaries at the U.S. Embassy in Algiers.
Since retiring from the military, I worked for Northrop Grumman Corporation, a major defense contractor, as a director and international program manager. My wife and I recently moved to Charlotte, NC to be closer to our granddaughters. Since the move I have turned my passion for motorcycles into reality. I am currently the manager of a Harley-Davidson riding academy and a motorcycle training instructor at a local Harley-Davidson dealership.
Betrayal in the Casbah is my first novel. I hope you join Abella and Mitch on their perilous mission in North Africa as they attempt to save the life of a captured American fighter pilot!
Since retiring from the military, I worked for Northrop Grumman Corporation, a major defense contractor, as a director and international program manager. My wife and I recently moved to Charlotte, NC to be closer to our granddaughters. Since the move I have turned my passion for motorcycles into reality. I am currently the manager of a Harley-Davidson riding academy and a motorcycle training instructor at a local Harley-Davidson dealership.
Betrayal in the Casbah is my first novel. I hope you join Abella and Mitch on their perilous mission in North Africa as they attempt to save the life of a captured American fighter pilot!
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 30, 2022
A book that will grab your attention and not let go. Kissel's own experience shines through and brings the characters to life, allowing readers to respond to all the emotions they are going through on the page. An action-thriller, but with a touch of romance makes this debut novel a must-read!
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May 4, 2022MWSA Review
Ted Kissel has taken us on a wild ride in his first novel, Betrayal in the Casbah. His prose makes for easy reading—bold and descriptive. There is a bit of everything for the reader to enjoy—romance, foreign intrigue, terrorist attacks, dangerous old Algiers, diplomatic insight, and betrayal. His characters are likable—the decorated fighter pilot turned defense attaché; the beautiful, sexy, and resourceful nurse; the good ol’ boy from Kentucky who can handle any situation and loves his bourbon; the charming French diplomat; the administrative assistant with a secret; some unexpected allies; and a cast of evil terrorists.
It all begins with our hero, Mitch Ross, barely surviving a knife attack at a diplomatic function. He is nursed back to health by the lovely Abella, who has a mysterious story of her own. Then, upon returning to duty at the U. S. Embassy, he is approached by the CIA chief of station and the ambassador with a special request: a covert mission to rescue a downed pilot from the Gulf War allegedly held prisoner these many years. Mitch begins to assemble his plan and his team with little information.
The story takes us through twists and turns, as windy as the cobbled roads in Algiers’s ancient Casbah. There are unforeseen obstacles at every corner. Can he complete his mission? Read and find out.
Review by Sandi Cathcart (May 2022)
Ted Kissel has taken us on a wild ride in his first novel, Betrayal in the Casbah. His prose makes for easy reading—bold and descriptive. There is a bit of everything for the reader to enjoy—romance, foreign intrigue, terrorist attacks, dangerous old Algiers, diplomatic insight, and betrayal. His characters are likable—the decorated fighter pilot turned defense attaché; the beautiful, sexy, and resourceful nurse; the good ol’ boy from Kentucky who can handle any situation and loves his bourbon; the charming French diplomat; the administrative assistant with a secret; some unexpected allies; and a cast of evil terrorists.
It all begins with our hero, Mitch Ross, barely surviving a knife attack at a diplomatic function. He is nursed back to health by the lovely Abella, who has a mysterious story of her own. Then, upon returning to duty at the U. S. Embassy, he is approached by the CIA chief of station and the ambassador with a special request: a covert mission to rescue a downed pilot from the Gulf War allegedly held prisoner these many years. Mitch begins to assemble his plan and his team with little information.
The story takes us through twists and turns, as windy as the cobbled roads in Algiers’s ancient Casbah. There are unforeseen obstacles at every corner. Can he complete his mission? Read and find out.
Review by Sandi Cathcart (May 2022)
February 15, 2022
Betrayal in the Casbah is a fascinating new action-thriller by a first-time author and real-life action hero, Ted Kissel. Betrayal in the Casbah revolves around the story of Colonel Mitch Ross. Ross is a former ace fighter pilot who now works as a military attached at the US embassy in Algiers. Set in the early 2000s with threats around every corner, this should be an exciting post for the Colonel. However, Ross struggles with the day-to-day doldrums of Embassy life and especially finds the niceties of professional diplomacy draining. However, Ross’s life is turned upside down when he is attacked and nearly killed at an Embassy dinner. As he is brought back from the brink of death, he falls for the beautiful but mysterious nurse Abella. Once he has recovered, he is approached by the CIA to help rescue a downed fighter held by terrorists. Ross teams up with Abella and his enigmatic French counterpart, Yves, to track down and save the pilot in a race against time.
Not since Jack Reacher has there been a protagonist so clearly inspired by his author. Colonel Mitch Ross and Ted Kissel are clearly one and the same. This lends the book an air of authenticity and realism so often lacking in thrillers. The book deftly blends the lines between fact and fiction. For the most part, the book is exciting and well-paced, making this thrilling novel hard to put down.
As the first book from Kissel, I felt that the dialogue could use some work because it didn’t always flow naturally. The characters are often found to be explaining technical terms to each other for the benefit of readers rather than the plot. The book’s pacing is a slow burn style allowing the readers to immerse themselves in the story. The characters are likable and easy to root for because they feel familiar and what you would expect from high-ranking military.
Betrayal in the Casbah is an action-packed thriller novel. This riveting foreign suspense novel will excite readers from start to finish. I look forward to reading more of Mitch Ross’s adventures.
Not since Jack Reacher has there been a protagonist so clearly inspired by his author. Colonel Mitch Ross and Ted Kissel are clearly one and the same. This lends the book an air of authenticity and realism so often lacking in thrillers. The book deftly blends the lines between fact and fiction. For the most part, the book is exciting and well-paced, making this thrilling novel hard to put down.
As the first book from Kissel, I felt that the dialogue could use some work because it didn’t always flow naturally. The characters are often found to be explaining technical terms to each other for the benefit of readers rather than the plot. The book’s pacing is a slow burn style allowing the readers to immerse themselves in the story. The characters are likable and easy to root for because they feel familiar and what you would expect from high-ranking military.
Betrayal in the Casbah is an action-packed thriller novel. This riveting foreign suspense novel will excite readers from start to finish. I look forward to reading more of Mitch Ross’s adventures.
May 24, 2022
First of all, thank you Colonel Ted Kissel, Goodreads, and Koehlerbooks for an advanced, autographed copy of "Betrayal in the Casbah".
Based on the synopsis given, I was intrigued by this novel from the beginning. It certainly did not disappoint! From the first chapter until the last, "Betrayal in the Casbah" was a real page turner. Colonel Kissel has a knack for reeling in his readers with an interesting plot, characters, and setting. The main character, Colonel Mitch Ross, is the military attache for the US embassy in Algiers. He is approached by the CIA to participate in a covert mission to rescue and bring home a downed American pilot being held by terrorists in Algiers. Colonel Mitch Ross, with a group of other characters (from different backgrounds and experience) will come together to attempt this dangerous mission.
In the "About The Author" section, I was happy to read that Colonel Kissel is in the process of writing a new novel, that will include some of the "Betrayal in the Casbah" characters.
I can't wait to read the sequel!
Based on the synopsis given, I was intrigued by this novel from the beginning. It certainly did not disappoint! From the first chapter until the last, "Betrayal in the Casbah" was a real page turner. Colonel Kissel has a knack for reeling in his readers with an interesting plot, characters, and setting. The main character, Colonel Mitch Ross, is the military attache for the US embassy in Algiers. He is approached by the CIA to participate in a covert mission to rescue and bring home a downed American pilot being held by terrorists in Algiers. Colonel Mitch Ross, with a group of other characters (from different backgrounds and experience) will come together to attempt this dangerous mission.
In the "About The Author" section, I was happy to read that Colonel Kissel is in the process of writing a new novel, that will include some of the "Betrayal in the Casbah" characters.
I can't wait to read the sequel!
April 8, 2022
Book: Betrayal in the Casbah
Author: Ted Kissel
Review: An American pilot is being held captive by terrorists. Colonel Mitch Ross, who is a celebrated fighter pilot, is assigned a secret mission by the CIA to rescue the captured pilot. During this mission he discovers that his lover and the woman who nursed him back to health after he was brutally knifed at a diplomatic reception, Abella, is more than just a nurse. With danger pooling all around them, will Mitch and Abella be able to finish the mission.
The book is a wonderful piece of action-packed thriller, with a lingering mystery to it. The book is fast-paced, and captivating with engaging story telling that will keep the readers hooked on to it for long.
This book is the best action thriller I have read in a while. The book is really worth every second I spent reading it and I couldn’t put it down. I am pretty sure the readers will find it just as compelling.
Author: Ted Kissel
Review: An American pilot is being held captive by terrorists. Colonel Mitch Ross, who is a celebrated fighter pilot, is assigned a secret mission by the CIA to rescue the captured pilot. During this mission he discovers that his lover and the woman who nursed him back to health after he was brutally knifed at a diplomatic reception, Abella, is more than just a nurse. With danger pooling all around them, will Mitch and Abella be able to finish the mission.
The book is a wonderful piece of action-packed thriller, with a lingering mystery to it. The book is fast-paced, and captivating with engaging story telling that will keep the readers hooked on to it for long.
This book is the best action thriller I have read in a while. The book is really worth every second I spent reading it and I couldn’t put it down. I am pretty sure the readers will find it just as compelling.
April 2, 2022
Colonel Mitch Ross was stabbed at a diplomatic reception. He was nursed back to health by Abella. Abella who is Ross’s lover and a medical worker seem to be more than just that, and this the Colonel will discover in the secret mission that he’s been assigned by the CIA. Mitch Ross has to rescue an American pilot, who is being held captive by the terrorists. Will Mitch and Abella be able to risk their lives and complete the mission?
Betrayal in Casbah is an amazing piece of thriller that I have come across recently. The book is fast-paced, action-packed, full of suspense and mystery. With the unique plot and engaging storytelling, this book is a must-read for all lovers of the action-thriller genre.
A real page-turner that readers will find themselves glued to in no time. Get your copies now to follow the story of Colonel Mitch Ross.
Betrayal in Casbah is an amazing piece of thriller that I have come across recently. The book is fast-paced, action-packed, full of suspense and mystery. With the unique plot and engaging storytelling, this book is a must-read for all lovers of the action-thriller genre.
A real page-turner that readers will find themselves glued to in no time. Get your copies now to follow the story of Colonel Mitch Ross.
April 8, 2022
Book: Betrayal in the Casbah
Author: Ted Kissel
Review: After being knifed at a diplomatic reception, a celebrated fighter pilot, Colnel Mitch Ross is nursed back to health by Abella. Later he is assigned a secret mission to rescue an American pilot, who is being held captive by terrorist. While on the mission, he discovers that Abella is more than a nurse. Who is Abella? Will they be able to rescue the hostage? Find out in the Betrayal in the Casbah.
A fantastic book that is packed with a lot of action and a looming suspense. The book is fast paced with engaging storytelling that will make it impossible for the readers to put the book down.
One of the best action thrillers that i have read this year, this book will certainly be loved by the fellow readers
Author: Ted Kissel
Review: After being knifed at a diplomatic reception, a celebrated fighter pilot, Colnel Mitch Ross is nursed back to health by Abella. Later he is assigned a secret mission to rescue an American pilot, who is being held captive by terrorist. While on the mission, he discovers that Abella is more than a nurse. Who is Abella? Will they be able to rescue the hostage? Find out in the Betrayal in the Casbah.
A fantastic book that is packed with a lot of action and a looming suspense. The book is fast paced with engaging storytelling that will make it impossible for the readers to put the book down.
One of the best action thrillers that i have read this year, this book will certainly be loved by the fellow readers
March 24, 2022
Wow! What a fast-paced page turner! I was a little intimidated at first because I thought I would be lost in some of the military lingo but I was pleasantly surprised. It has all the action of a typical spy novel, with a sprinkle of romance, and is based in a setting that I knew little about before reading it (Algeria in Northern Africa). This is an excellent book from a first-time author and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for Mitch and Abella in the sequel.
March 24, 2022
I could not be more proud of my Dad's first novel. I hope everyone loves the story and characters as much as I do.
June 26, 2022
While I am not the most avid reader, this book grabbed my attention from the first chapter and never let go! I am, however, a movie-buff and the storyline is like Jack Ryan meets Jack Reacher. I can really tell that Ted is writing from experience and has melded his own career in the military into a fictional story that is riveting and dynamic. I cannot wait for the sequel; I feel completely invested in knowing what what the future has in store for these characters! I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys action/adventure storylines.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews