A new hi-tech light jet disappears over the Saudi desert. it should have been the safest aircraft in the world, so air accident investigator James Hayward is sent to investigate. What he discovers leads him into a web of intrigue and political corruption. He finds himself alone, pitted against a new brand of terrorist; one that is ruthless, resourceful and organized with friends in high places. Set in the post-Bin Laden Middle East, this story is a fast-paced but thought-provoking thriller.
I thought the plot of this book was very interesting and plasible. The hero is just your average aviation accident investigator who jumps to many conclusions and is sometimes proven right. He is sent to investigate a plane crash in Saudi Arabia, but soon discovers that the crash was no accident. Something much more devient is afoot. He spends most of his time rushing from place to place, mostly to cities that I have never visited or even intend to visit.There is a vast amoung of technicial jargon, inner workings of a bureaucracy, Politics and even spurts of romance. There is also the obligatory terrorist organization at the center of the evil plot . It is much like the real world. It was a good read.
I loved the opening of this book! I read the start of the book via the 'Look Inside' and decided to buy it as it was only a couple of quid at the time. It draws you in once you start reading, and I really liked the overall story (not wanting to give anything away). The other reviewers mentioned that you don't necessarily need to be interested in aircraft to enjoy this book, and I'd agree with that. The main characters are engaging, but my only criticism would be that we didn't need to see a soft side to the bad guy - it would have made for a more gripping ride if he had remained in the shadows I think. That being said, I still really enjoyed the book.
This is intriguing because it's a fast-paced but thoughtful thriller that deals with middle-eastern terrorism but has a central promise that I have not heard before. I won't tell you what it is! Original and absorbing. The subject matter is necessarily technical (it involves air accident investigation) and I was afraid that it might put me off but Hardy has included only as much as is necessary for the plot and no more. It's well-written and well researched. Recommended
The author is obviously well informed about his subject making it an interesting and informative read for those of us less versed in the art of flying. The plot is interwoven with a few surprising twists, unexpected but believable and in character. Roaming from Germany to the middle east to Sicily it is a mixture of high intrigue, politics along a strong search for the truth. Offering an alternative middle eastern view of terrorism. I thoroughly enjoyed this and would recommend it to anyone.
Once you get into the story you can't put it down. Mr. Hardy weaves a very believable tale. the world and characters are well developed. A airplane with a perfect record crashes, but there's good reason it does. It wasn't an accident. Plenty of action and political intrigue, not just a book for the aviation enthusiast.