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Burning Distance
A modern-day Romeo and Juliet—set against the backdrop of deadly weapons smuggling
When ten-year-old Elizabeth West's father dies in a tragic plane crash over the Persian Gulf, her family uproots their life in Washington, D.C., and moves to London. Her mother marries a knighted British businessman who has two children, and Elizabeth (Lizzy) and her two sisters move in with their new family.
At age sixteen, while attending the American School of London, Lizzy meets and falls in love with Adil Hasan—but when Adil's father, a noted arms middleman, is deported, Lizzy and Adil are separated.
Lizzy's family has also become involved with French-German industrialist Gerald Rene Wagner. Little does she know that Adil's family has ties to the man, as well. When a member of her family is murdered in Berlin under mysterious circumstances, questions surface about Wagner's dealings, and Lizzy reexamines what really may have happened to her father. All the while, she endeavors to reunite with her lost love, Adil, and reclaim the connection that was ripped away.
Set in the years before and after the first Gulf War, Burning Distance is a journey through family secrets and competing loyalties, contemporary history, and the dark world of arms trafficking.
Jane Austen meets John le CarrÉ in this cross-cultural love story and political thriller
When ten-year-old Elizabeth West's father dies in a tragic plane crash over the Persian Gulf, her family uproots their life in Washington, D.C., and moves to London. Her mother marries a knighted British businessman who has two children, and Elizabeth (Lizzy) and her two sisters move in with their new family.
At age sixteen, while attending the American School of London, Lizzy meets and falls in love with Adil Hasan—but when Adil's father, a noted arms middleman, is deported, Lizzy and Adil are separated.
Lizzy's family has also become involved with French-German industrialist Gerald Rene Wagner. Little does she know that Adil's family has ties to the man, as well. When a member of her family is murdered in Berlin under mysterious circumstances, questions surface about Wagner's dealings, and Lizzy reexamines what really may have happened to her father. All the while, she endeavors to reunite with her lost love, Adil, and reclaim the connection that was ripped away.
Set in the years before and after the first Gulf War, Burning Distance is a journey through family secrets and competing loyalties, contemporary history, and the dark world of arms trafficking.
Jane Austen meets John le CarrÉ in this cross-cultural love story and political thriller
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2023
10 people are currently reading
5539 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Leedom-Ackerman
7 books73 followersJoanne Leedom-Ackerman is a novelist, short story writer, and journalist. Her works of fiction include The Dark Path to the River and No Marble Angels. Her nonfiction book PEN Journeys: Memoir of Literature on the Line was recently published, and she is the senior editor and contributor to The Journey of Liu Xiaobo: From Dark Horse to Nobel Laureate. She has also published fiction and essays in books and anthologies, including Short Stories of the Civil Rights Movement; Remembering Arthur Miller; Electric Grace; Snakes: An Anthology of Serpent Tales; Beyond Literacy; Women For All Seasons; Fiction and Poetry by Texas Women; The Bicentennial Collection of Texas Short Stories; What You Can Do.
As a reporter for The Christian Science Monitor early in her career, Joanne has won awards for her nonfiction and published hundreds of articles in newspapers and magazines, including World Literature Today, The Christian Science Monitor, The Los Angeles Times, GlobalPost, and others.
Joanne is a Vice President Emeritus of PEN International and the former International Secretary of PEN International and former Chair of PEN’s International Writers in Prison Committee. Past president of PEN Center USA, she has also served as a Vice President and board member of PEN America and the PEN/Faulkner Foundation. She serves as board member of the American Writers Museum, the International Center for Journalists, Words Without Borders, and Refugees International and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Edward R. Murrow Center at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and the ICRW Leadership Council. She is a former board member of the International Crisis Group and Save the Children, an emeritus board member of Human Rights Watch and Poets and Writers, and an emeritus trustee of Brown University and Johns Hopkins University.
A member of the Advisory Board of the United States Institute of Peace, Joanne was an adviser on the Emmy-nominated PBS documentary A Force More Powerful: A Century of Nonviolent Conflict. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Texas Institute of Letters and American and English PEN.
Joanne has taught writing at New York University, City University of New York, Occidental College and the University of California at Los Angeles extension. She holds Master of Arts degrees from Brown University and Johns Hopkins University and graduated with honors from Principia College.
Joanne is married and has two sons.
As a reporter for The Christian Science Monitor early in her career, Joanne has won awards for her nonfiction and published hundreds of articles in newspapers and magazines, including World Literature Today, The Christian Science Monitor, The Los Angeles Times, GlobalPost, and others.
Joanne is a Vice President Emeritus of PEN International and the former International Secretary of PEN International and former Chair of PEN’s International Writers in Prison Committee. Past president of PEN Center USA, she has also served as a Vice President and board member of PEN America and the PEN/Faulkner Foundation. She serves as board member of the American Writers Museum, the International Center for Journalists, Words Without Borders, and Refugees International and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Edward R. Murrow Center at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and the ICRW Leadership Council. She is a former board member of the International Crisis Group and Save the Children, an emeritus board member of Human Rights Watch and Poets and Writers, and an emeritus trustee of Brown University and Johns Hopkins University.
A member of the Advisory Board of the United States Institute of Peace, Joanne was an adviser on the Emmy-nominated PBS documentary A Force More Powerful: A Century of Nonviolent Conflict. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Texas Institute of Letters and American and English PEN.
Joanne has taught writing at New York University, City University of New York, Occidental College and the University of California at Los Angeles extension. She holds Master of Arts degrees from Brown University and Johns Hopkins University and graduated with honors from Principia College.
Joanne is married and has two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 4, 2023
This is a really fine effort from Joanne Leedom-Ackerman, a book that took her over 20 years to research and write. Some think this is a modern day Romeo & Juliet story, but for me this is a glimpse into the world of illegal arms and weapon sales, terrorism and profiteering by companies and countries that make you just shake your head. We basically follow the story of Lizzie West, youngest daughter of an ex-CIA agent who was killed in a plane crash over the Persian Gulf in the early 1980's. Her family moves to London and she is enrolled in the American School where she meets Adil Hassan a fellow student of Palestinian-Lebanese background. Adil is secretive about his father but we eventually find out that is father is an arms dealer, and nobody is quite sure for which side he works, and he even may be an agent for the US. The couple meet and separate for years before a meeting in Berlin after the fall of the Wall, The plot is simple yet there are twists and turns galore for both the romance, as well as the run-ins with arms dealers, assassination attempts, 2 rather incompetent body guards, as well as Lizzie trying to find out more about her fathers life and career since she was 10 when he died. Burning Distance raises issues and asks questions that all of us need to be aware of, and wraps it all around a love story with an a very open-ended conclusion that l ets us speculate as to both the current day illegal arms dealers, as well as the fate of Lizzie and Adil, Well researched and written.
September 12, 2022
I loved this contemporary Romeo and Juliet kind of story in a scenery of weapons smuggling, international espionage and war in Iraq, beautifully narrated by Lizzy, the main character.
Joanne Leedom-Ackerman wrote a captivating story about the forbidden love between Lizzy and Adil. Lizzy is the daughter of a USA operative, that dies from a suspicious plane crash in the Persian Gulf, and Adil is the son of a noted arms middleman. After Lizzy's father death, her mother, a successful journalist, uproots her family's life to London and marries an influential British business man. Adil and Lizzy meet at the American School of London when she is assigned to be his chemistry lab partner, and quickly fall in love with each other, but Adil's father gets deported so he has to leave the country and their relationship ends.
Both their families have ties with a French-German industrialist Gerald Wagner, and when Lizzy's stepbrother mysteriously dies after he started to work for this shady man, she travels to Berlin to try to unravel the mystery. During her investigations Lizzy finds Adil and they share a night of passion that sparks the flame between them, although they have to stay far from each other. In the following years Lizzy discovers dark secrets about her father, links to Adil's father and to Wagner parents and the industrialist and the world where her father lived as a secret agent.
Adil and Lizzy's future is uncertain because of their father's actions in the past, but they're willing to fight to being able to raise a family together.
I was completely enchanted by this love story, and loved the small details that showed that the author made a thorough investigation about the history and political situation in the Middle East before, during and after the Gulf War.
Joanne Leedom-Ackerman wrote a captivating story about the forbidden love between Lizzy and Adil. Lizzy is the daughter of a USA operative, that dies from a suspicious plane crash in the Persian Gulf, and Adil is the son of a noted arms middleman. After Lizzy's father death, her mother, a successful journalist, uproots her family's life to London and marries an influential British business man. Adil and Lizzy meet at the American School of London when she is assigned to be his chemistry lab partner, and quickly fall in love with each other, but Adil's father gets deported so he has to leave the country and their relationship ends.
Both their families have ties with a French-German industrialist Gerald Wagner, and when Lizzy's stepbrother mysteriously dies after he started to work for this shady man, she travels to Berlin to try to unravel the mystery. During her investigations Lizzy finds Adil and they share a night of passion that sparks the flame between them, although they have to stay far from each other. In the following years Lizzy discovers dark secrets about her father, links to Adil's father and to Wagner parents and the industrialist and the world where her father lived as a secret agent.
Adil and Lizzy's future is uncertain because of their father's actions in the past, but they're willing to fight to being able to raise a family together.
I was completely enchanted by this love story, and loved the small details that showed that the author made a thorough investigation about the history and political situation in the Middle East before, during and after the Gulf War.
March 2, 2023
This is a beautiful story about Lizzy that spans 15 years of her life starting when her father dies under mysterious circumstances when she's 10 years old. It's about digging to uncover family secrets and an investigation of arms dealing in the Middle East and Western nations. It's about legacies, making difficult decisions, and learning who you are and who you want to be. Politics and the politics behind war make up a huge part of the plot.
The description sets it as a modern day Romeo and Juliet story. Yes, there are parallels between the love story of Lizzy and Adil and Romeo and Juliet. However, I would never describe this book as that because the romance takes up such a minor section of the book. As I said, Burning Distance follows through 15 years of her life. I don't want to give too much away by saying exactly how much time Lizzy and Adil spend together, but it's less than 2 years. So, all of the rest of the 13 years are about Lizzy's life outside of Adil with only her thinking of Adil.
If you're reading this entirely because you're looking for romance, this is probably not the novel for you. The love story is enchanting and complicated and held me captivated throughout the book, but it's only a part of the book. It's also not a thriller. There is a mystery, but it's too slow of a story with too few exciting moments for it to be a true thriller.
A majority of the novel is about Gerald Wagner, the mystery of the murder in Lizzy's family, and the politics of weapons smuggling. This was interesting and Burning Distance wouldn't work without it, but I found it to be a little too much in the details. At least a few times, I found myself lost and skimming the paragraphs detailing their investigation. Part of this was a problem I had during the entire book, which is that there were just too many d**n people mentioned in this book. I got so confused with all the names. There should have been a character list in the back of the book, but since there isn't, I would suggest making a list yourself while reading.
Another key theme of the novel is about Lizzy's dad. Because Lizzy was 10 when he died and so many mysterious circumstances surrounded his death, Lizzy spends the entire novel trying to make sense of what happened. She talks to the people who knew him and what he did for his job and investigates his death, and how he's connected to the current events in her life regarding arms trafficking. What was most interesting about this subplot was Lizzy's inner dialogue about what his death means for her and how she should move forward in her life. Even though very few people have a death of a loved one whose story is similar to Lizzy's dad, I believe her inner dialogue will resonate with readers who have lost someone they love.
Despite the long descriptions of arms dealing and so many names, I really liked this book. I would definitely suggest reading it (with your character list) and I'll probably end up reading it again in a couple of years because it was a spellbinding story and beautifully written.
The description sets it as a modern day Romeo and Juliet story. Yes, there are parallels between the love story of Lizzy and Adil and Romeo and Juliet. However, I would never describe this book as that because the romance takes up such a minor section of the book. As I said, Burning Distance follows through 15 years of her life. I don't want to give too much away by saying exactly how much time Lizzy and Adil spend together, but it's less than 2 years. So, all of the rest of the 13 years are about Lizzy's life outside of Adil with only her thinking of Adil.
If you're reading this entirely because you're looking for romance, this is probably not the novel for you. The love story is enchanting and complicated and held me captivated throughout the book, but it's only a part of the book. It's also not a thriller. There is a mystery, but it's too slow of a story with too few exciting moments for it to be a true thriller.
A majority of the novel is about Gerald Wagner, the mystery of the murder in Lizzy's family, and the politics of weapons smuggling. This was interesting and Burning Distance wouldn't work without it, but I found it to be a little too much in the details. At least a few times, I found myself lost and skimming the paragraphs detailing their investigation. Part of this was a problem I had during the entire book, which is that there were just too many d**n people mentioned in this book. I got so confused with all the names. There should have been a character list in the back of the book, but since there isn't, I would suggest making a list yourself while reading.
Another key theme of the novel is about Lizzy's dad. Because Lizzy was 10 when he died and so many mysterious circumstances surrounded his death, Lizzy spends the entire novel trying to make sense of what happened. She talks to the people who knew him and what he did for his job and investigates his death, and how he's connected to the current events in her life regarding arms trafficking. What was most interesting about this subplot was Lizzy's inner dialogue about what his death means for her and how she should move forward in her life. Even though very few people have a death of a loved one whose story is similar to Lizzy's dad, I believe her inner dialogue will resonate with readers who have lost someone they love.
Despite the long descriptions of arms dealing and so many names, I really liked this book. I would definitely suggest reading it (with your character list) and I'll probably end up reading it again in a couple of years because it was a spellbinding story and beautifully written.
January 16, 2024
A tragedy she barely remembers – the death of her father sculpted Lizzy West’s life. This event sets her on a path from Washington, D.C. to London, where her mother’s new marriage merges two families. Her school life in London brings Adil into her world, starting as a friendship and blossoming into romance. Meanwhile, Lizzy finds herself entangled in a web of secrets that not only link her family to global events but also to enigmatic pasts and players.
“Burning Distance” by Joanne Leedom-Ackerman is a heart-pounding journey, blending the raw emotions of loss, grief, and the complexities of a blended family with the pulse-pounding tension of global politics during the first Persian Gulf War. It’s a tale rich with young love, shrouded secrets, and the shadowy realm of espionage and arms smuggling. Reader beware – this book is an engrossing experience. It will captivate you and hold your attention well into the night, or whenever you find your own world quiets down.
Leedom-Ackerman’s writing prowess is a standout feature in “Burning Distance.” One of her many talents lies in constructing a heartfelt emotional narrative within historical and political contexts. This ability to intertwine deeply personal stories with broader global events shows an adept storytelling skill. I found Leedom-Ackerman’s commitment to historical accuracy and detail commendable. I haven’t read many books set in this era and I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author’s meticulous research unfolds discreetly through a solid, enticing narrative.
Adding to the charm of the story are the flawed, relatable characters that come to life as readers journey through this harrowing adventure right alongside them. Not everyone is who they seem to be and the development of the cast of characters, primary and secondary, is astounding. I love the way Leedom -Ackerman ties all the characters together – it’s an amazing cast. The author could probably write an entire book on some of them, from Lily’s stepbrother who falls in with the wrong business associates, the secret life of Dr. Gerald Wagner, the business associate of Lily’s stepfather, Adil’s mysterious father, and even the tragedy surrounding Lily’s own father.
My favorites of course are Lizzy and Adil. Some connections are beyond anyone’s control as evidenced by their complicated relationship. From their first conversation at school to the progression of their relationship, fate reminds us of the power of destiny, and I found myself actually talking to these two frequently, disagreeing with their choices and wanting to steer them down the right path. But that would be a predictable story, wouldn’t it? Best I leave these things to the pros, but kudos for evoking such strong emotions.
Another element of my fascination with Lizzy and Adil is the vivid contrast between their worlds, with a mix of traditions and cultural backgrounds. Lizzy, with her roots in D.C., and London, embodies Western norms and values. Adil, despite his schooling in London, carries many of the rich traditions and customs of his heritage. This blend of backgrounds adds color to their story as they are challenged to find harmony within their distinct cultural identities.
Overall, Joanne Leedom-Ackerman’s “Burning Distance” is a book I highly recommend to anyone looking for a story that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally fulfilling. Fans of historical fiction and political thrillers should consider this a must-read – it’s a standout in both genres.
“Burning Distance” by Joanne Leedom-Ackerman is a heart-pounding journey, blending the raw emotions of loss, grief, and the complexities of a blended family with the pulse-pounding tension of global politics during the first Persian Gulf War. It’s a tale rich with young love, shrouded secrets, and the shadowy realm of espionage and arms smuggling. Reader beware – this book is an engrossing experience. It will captivate you and hold your attention well into the night, or whenever you find your own world quiets down.
Leedom-Ackerman’s writing prowess is a standout feature in “Burning Distance.” One of her many talents lies in constructing a heartfelt emotional narrative within historical and political contexts. This ability to intertwine deeply personal stories with broader global events shows an adept storytelling skill. I found Leedom-Ackerman’s commitment to historical accuracy and detail commendable. I haven’t read many books set in this era and I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author’s meticulous research unfolds discreetly through a solid, enticing narrative.
Adding to the charm of the story are the flawed, relatable characters that come to life as readers journey through this harrowing adventure right alongside them. Not everyone is who they seem to be and the development of the cast of characters, primary and secondary, is astounding. I love the way Leedom -Ackerman ties all the characters together – it’s an amazing cast. The author could probably write an entire book on some of them, from Lily’s stepbrother who falls in with the wrong business associates, the secret life of Dr. Gerald Wagner, the business associate of Lily’s stepfather, Adil’s mysterious father, and even the tragedy surrounding Lily’s own father.
My favorites of course are Lizzy and Adil. Some connections are beyond anyone’s control as evidenced by their complicated relationship. From their first conversation at school to the progression of their relationship, fate reminds us of the power of destiny, and I found myself actually talking to these two frequently, disagreeing with their choices and wanting to steer them down the right path. But that would be a predictable story, wouldn’t it? Best I leave these things to the pros, but kudos for evoking such strong emotions.
Another element of my fascination with Lizzy and Adil is the vivid contrast between their worlds, with a mix of traditions and cultural backgrounds. Lizzy, with her roots in D.C., and London, embodies Western norms and values. Adil, despite his schooling in London, carries many of the rich traditions and customs of his heritage. This blend of backgrounds adds color to their story as they are challenged to find harmony within their distinct cultural identities.
Overall, Joanne Leedom-Ackerman’s “Burning Distance” is a book I highly recommend to anyone looking for a story that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally fulfilling. Fans of historical fiction and political thrillers should consider this a must-read – it’s a standout in both genres.
September 9, 2023
Historical (check), strong women (check), family saga (check), love story (check), political and international (check), multicultural (check), tension & suspense (check). Burning Distance covers all the check points of a good novel. The author’s research is evident though at times the political events are complex and drawn out, distracting you from the story and characters. But the suspense, international espionage & relatable characters kept me interested and wanting to find out the outcome, hoping good over evil would prevail.
Lizzy the narrator loses her father unexpectedly and mysteriously at the young age of 10. Her Mother and two sisters leave DC to live a safer life in London where she remarries, resulting in a blended family of five children. As the story unfolds you realize there are common backstories all related to dark world global events involving weapons and arms dealing. While attending the American School of London, Lizzy meets Adil who is from the Middle East. They quickly form a strong connection based upon common tragedies and feelings of wanting to be in depended of their families’ expectations. But world events and secrets are not on their side. Danger is at every corner of Adil’s life. While their passion & love continues they are separated and their futures are uncertain. Murder & suspicion, twists and turns, it’s all here. I see a sequel opportunity and would enjoy seeing what happens with their futures.
Lizzy the narrator loses her father unexpectedly and mysteriously at the young age of 10. Her Mother and two sisters leave DC to live a safer life in London where she remarries, resulting in a blended family of five children. As the story unfolds you realize there are common backstories all related to dark world global events involving weapons and arms dealing. While attending the American School of London, Lizzy meets Adil who is from the Middle East. They quickly form a strong connection based upon common tragedies and feelings of wanting to be in depended of their families’ expectations. But world events and secrets are not on their side. Danger is at every corner of Adil’s life. While their passion & love continues they are separated and their futures are uncertain. Murder & suspicion, twists and turns, it’s all here. I see a sequel opportunity and would enjoy seeing what happens with their futures.
March 14, 2024
I was first reeled in to read Burning Distance by it's description and originality. The idea of a Romeo and Juliet across the time.
I do feel it's well researched and very objective even during the worst times.
Ten Elizabeth West lost her father at a young age and is left with a lot mysterious questions.
Her mom uproots her family to England where she has a stepdad and brother Winston. It starts where she is now sixteen ( fast forward a few years) She meets Adil at an international school and his past is complicated. There are a lot of rumors and his family is off putting.
Throughout the story they meet up on and off and what really kept me going was not just the writing style but how descriptive and mysterious things kept feeling at the same time. Very consistent writing and timing all at once.
I highly recommend this book it was an ARC given to me by Edelweiss and Ocean view press in exchange for an honest review.
I do feel it's well researched and very objective even during the worst times.
Ten Elizabeth West lost her father at a young age and is left with a lot mysterious questions.
Her mom uproots her family to England where she has a stepdad and brother Winston. It starts where she is now sixteen ( fast forward a few years) She meets Adil at an international school and his past is complicated. There are a lot of rumors and his family is off putting.
Throughout the story they meet up on and off and what really kept me going was not just the writing style but how descriptive and mysterious things kept feeling at the same time. Very consistent writing and timing all at once.
I highly recommend this book it was an ARC given to me by Edelweiss and Ocean view press in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2024
Burning Distance
Unrequited love and deception are at the heart of this intricate murder mystery. The prologue sets the stage for a murder in the past as a science lesson and the teacher brings two people together.
Lizzy and Adil came together in science class she immediately formed a close bond. Friendships are often under family scrutiny as both teens will face numerous obstacles. Family dynamics, values, and opinions play a role within this novel as Lizzy often finds herself in the crosshairs of family differences, work ethics, opinions, and world issues. Added in her father's past before he was killed in an odd plane crash. Her mother remarried a British Lord named Winston and Adil Hasan is the son of an illegal arms dealer.
Plus her stepfather has a son named Dennis and a daughter named Pickles. Dennis thinks he's going to strike it rich and gets close to Gerald Wagner who might be a former Nazi who takes the title of doctor from his father, so he says. Adil's father is into selling illegal arms but is made to leave Britain based on the allegations from Dr. Wagner claiming weapons trafficking. But Lizzy learns about her father's past as a CIA operative. Jessie West is his name, but he has a covert pseudonym, Calvin Wheat and Adil's father has close ties to him.
Wagner knows about his chosen profession in illicit weapons.
Forced to leave with his father, going to the Middle East, to many safe houses, Lizzy sends letters to him only to have them returned. But Lizzy now starts college but not before visiting her old house, seeing her mother's friends, and covering along with her two sisters a secret that changes it all. Plus, her stepbrother has other ideas in mind for her and him.
Events take on a dangerous turn eye Dennis explains his position to Winston and another with Wagner thinking he's doing something to help his business and its financial issues plus paying back his father what's owed. But lies are told, truths are hidden, and Lizzy gets the shock of her life Dennis is murdered. Investigating it and dealing with her mother and Winston there are many dynamics not in place.
Then truths come out as the family learns what Dennis was supposedly doing for Wagner. Was he selling engines and tools? What does Pickles reveal? What did he say when she told him she heard him on the phone? It was a professional hit. Who's behind it? Why? Then Winston hears what Dennis told Lizzy and the family tries to find answers. Lizzy feels guilty for hiding his calls and what he shared about Wagner. Why did Winston protect Wagner and what was he looking for in Lizzy's room?
Then Lizzy and Sophie head to Germany to find answers to Dennis’s murder and where Adil and his father might be. Searching for Adil and his father first, and does his father have an alias? Then a short and brief collection and truths come out and Lizzy must process it all. Then words are spoken unspoken truths come out and his father had to move around and the death of her brother, Winston's oddities, her mother's denial, her guilt, and the truth about her adult father's work. How does this affect her family and where will they go from here? What was Dennis doing? What does Adil reveal to her and what does his father say? Their lives hang in balance and just how far they will go to be together and what role does Winston have in payments for goods are in question and his father says the payment made but goods never received. Arguments and truths were hidden and just what was the truth and what was Dennis really doing and was he poisoned?
But one act will change her life and the past will come forward in the present as truths and lies scare revealed, her brother's death took a toll on so many and what will the final chapter reveal?
An old friend of her father offers her a job doing research. The goal is to uncover what Wagner is really into and more. On pages 126-130, you will be allowed to read and learn about shell companies, subsidiaries and how the trail of companies he owns part of spreads in many countries, governments and more. Meeting with a man named Sam Huggins is the start of this intrigue and her questions inspire him to talk with more again. Her sister has researched a lot and found out what Dennis is into and the fact he was blindsided and set up to take the fall. Family values, loyalty, and hardships faced.
Wars change everything, information and betrayals come out and Adil leaves Lizzy has no idea where he is and her life takes on a difficult turn when she has a son. The author shares what is learned about Dennis and his relationship with Wagner and how he had Dennis killed. Wagner is free and does not pay for his crimes and Serena his wife lives a conscripted life in fear for herself and her son. meeting Ramsay changes her life but when he finds Adil and he wants to meet his son, life becomes a challenge for them all. What Warner was working on was producing nerve gas and the notes Dennis had left behind will give you the chills as you learn some harsh realities and what he was into and why. Read pages 212-214 and learn more. How will things go if Adil plays a role in her son's life? What about Ramsay who is an excellent fit for her and Jad? Things get tense and wars take lives and choices are not that easy to make. April wants Lizzy as his wife and Sophie wants Ramsay, but which way will it go as she reads her father's notes and finds out the hidden secrets and life-changing decisions that have to be made. Life changes, she gives no hope to one and rereads her father's notes, she learns more about his dealings, will keep them with her, and contacts Marvin Penn who she did research for and hours for answers about her father and the past.
Sophie enlightens her to more about their father and Adil comes into focus with a man named Abraham Zill, is the Adil's father and did he know hers? Her dad had a copy of a memo in his files that dealt with atomic bombs and the fact that the Osirak reactor will soon go critical. Marvin Penn puts it all in perspective and she learns what her stepbrother's notes held and why he was caught in an illicit network and his notes indicated he was keeping track of equipment. Why did Wagner make him a partner and just what was his motive? Read pagec295 and you will be shocked. As more truths about Wagner and his dealings come out and Adil and Lizzy make a startling move just what do they learn and what us the end result for everyone? Her mother is an important component and she and her father as the author share instead of his obituary in the paper service wire reports on the crash of a private airplane in the Persian Gulf carrying an international arms dealer, an American citizen, and more. Plus notes and outlines of a book he wanted to write.
How will all the threads tie together at the end?
Learning more about what her father was into, harsh realities and dials father is now in the picture, and you won't believe what he reveals about the plane crash and more. An ending you won't expect, the illumination of truths about her father and his as a tragedy draws them close but for how long? What will the fate of Adil and Lizzy be? Will they ever be free and safe? As her father would say,” Life is a song, though at times the music plays a register almost behind the human ear. A family journey filled with hidden secrets, lies, compelling loyalties, and history. The author takes us on many journeys until we wonder what this family will endure next. How far away are different worlds as Lizzy and Adil learn the true meaning if Burning Distance?
Fran Lewis just reviews
October 28, 2023
Initially I was excited when I read the synopsis of this book and saw all the great reviews. But it was not what I hoped it would be. The plot was incredibly slow and the emotional connection I thought I would feel between the characters was lacking. The way in which their relationship unfolded was not what I hoped it would be so it was hard for me to get invested. There were also many details that were added in that were unnecessary to the storyline which left me confused. I do feel like the author did a good job including some rich details about how the Gulf War affected people’s lives but for me there was not enough thriller or excitement within the storyline to keep me interested.
March 19, 2023
“Nothing is as it appears. Be careful.”
Joanne Leedom-Ackerman’s THE DARK PATH TO THE RIVER was published in 1987, decades and a world apart from this beguiling espionage thriller that features mature, civilized youth. Miriam West’s daughters --- Jane, Sophie and Elizabeth --- move from D.C. to London in the 1980s when Miriam marries Sir Winston Chatham. Elizabeth (“Lizzy”) was 10 when her ex-CIA agent father, Jesse West (covert operative name: Calvin Wheat), died in a suspicious aircraft crash.
The male characters are portrayed as feckless schlimazels: Lizzy’s stepfather, “Lord” Winston, and his son, Dennis. According to Chatham’s daughter, “Pickles,” Dennis said “he was going to be rich so he could move out of this family of ill-bred women.” Dennis schmoozes Gerald Wagner, alluded to as a former Nazi, who assumes the fictitious title of Doctor. A mouse trying to devour the cat.
As teens, Lizzy’s Lebanese-Palestinian classmate, Adil Hasan, causes an explosion in a London school lab by improperly mixing chemicals. That’s not the only chemical reaction in this tale that could have been written by a contemporary Jane Austen, with a hint of John le Carré espionage seasoning.
Lizzy and Adil are smitten, destined to be a couple, but Adil’s father is extradited from England based on allegations from “Doctor” Wagner regarding weapons trafficking. The plot thickens like winter molasses as readers learn that Adil’s dad had close ties to Jesse West’s covert pseudonym, Calvin Wheat. And the fictitious doctor knows about illicit weapons, his chosen profession.
Adil leaves London to be near his father, who traipses about the Middle East to labyrinthine safe houses. Lizzy’s letters to Adil are returned, and she learns that Chatham has received and hidden some of Adil’s letters, giving Lizzy the impression of lost love. But she prevails, traveling to East Berlin the year the Soviet Union and the Berlin Wall collapse, and connects dots leading to her father, Adil’s family, Wagner and Chatham: “Past and present suddenly collided in my head like a migraine.”
Readers initially may consider BURNING DISTANCE to be a weak thriller, but given Lizzy’s teen point of view, the tale flows in that vein: “We were close to being adults, but we didn’t yet have control over our lives.” Instead of being promoted as an espionage thriller, it should be considered a mystery solved by an audacious young lady’s wit and cunning. It has overtones somewhat comparable to a cross-cultural rendition of the Bard’s classic, Romeo and Juliet.
Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy
Joanne Leedom-Ackerman’s THE DARK PATH TO THE RIVER was published in 1987, decades and a world apart from this beguiling espionage thriller that features mature, civilized youth. Miriam West’s daughters --- Jane, Sophie and Elizabeth --- move from D.C. to London in the 1980s when Miriam marries Sir Winston Chatham. Elizabeth (“Lizzy”) was 10 when her ex-CIA agent father, Jesse West (covert operative name: Calvin Wheat), died in a suspicious aircraft crash.
The male characters are portrayed as feckless schlimazels: Lizzy’s stepfather, “Lord” Winston, and his son, Dennis. According to Chatham’s daughter, “Pickles,” Dennis said “he was going to be rich so he could move out of this family of ill-bred women.” Dennis schmoozes Gerald Wagner, alluded to as a former Nazi, who assumes the fictitious title of Doctor. A mouse trying to devour the cat.
As teens, Lizzy’s Lebanese-Palestinian classmate, Adil Hasan, causes an explosion in a London school lab by improperly mixing chemicals. That’s not the only chemical reaction in this tale that could have been written by a contemporary Jane Austen, with a hint of John le Carré espionage seasoning.
Lizzy and Adil are smitten, destined to be a couple, but Adil’s father is extradited from England based on allegations from “Doctor” Wagner regarding weapons trafficking. The plot thickens like winter molasses as readers learn that Adil’s dad had close ties to Jesse West’s covert pseudonym, Calvin Wheat. And the fictitious doctor knows about illicit weapons, his chosen profession.
Adil leaves London to be near his father, who traipses about the Middle East to labyrinthine safe houses. Lizzy’s letters to Adil are returned, and she learns that Chatham has received and hidden some of Adil’s letters, giving Lizzy the impression of lost love. But she prevails, traveling to East Berlin the year the Soviet Union and the Berlin Wall collapse, and connects dots leading to her father, Adil’s family, Wagner and Chatham: “Past and present suddenly collided in my head like a migraine.”
Readers initially may consider BURNING DISTANCE to be a weak thriller, but given Lizzy’s teen point of view, the tale flows in that vein: “We were close to being adults, but we didn’t yet have control over our lives.” Instead of being promoted as an espionage thriller, it should be considered a mystery solved by an audacious young lady’s wit and cunning. It has overtones somewhat comparable to a cross-cultural rendition of the Bard’s classic, Romeo and Juliet.
Reviewed by L. Dean Murphy
September 18, 2022
Perhaps the most telling thing for me about Joanne Leedom-Ackerman’s arms-dealing novel, "Burning Distance,” is that she has chosen to add an afterword in which she sets out some of her personal circumstances, including how she came to be interested in the subject. It seems to be an increasing trend these days for authors to add such authorial detail, but to my mind it's an unfortunate one in that to me a novel should stand on its own without the need for such externals. It's understandable, of course, why Leedom-Ackerman would want to supplement her actual text in that way, given the complexity of the subject matter, but if I'd been her editor, I'd have told her, look here, you have a very well-written, very absorbing story of a man who in his efforts to make for a better world flies too close to the sun (hence the title, meaning the distance from the sun at which things burn) and in the process gets himself killed and makes for undue misery for his wife and daughter. But you dilute the effectiveness of your novel with the amount of detail you supply about arms-dealing, which clearly establishes your authority in the area, but frankly can be somewhat numbing or off-putting for a reader. So I'd go considerably lighter on that and significantly stronger on the personal consequences that the father's good-fight effort, noble as it is, have made for his family, which seems to me is your real story, anyway.
February 28, 2023
I received an ARC of this book.
I am rounding up, because it is possible I didn't like this book because I came into it expecting something different. I really tried to get into this book, and I kept reading far longer than I wanted to, hoping it would get better, but it did not. It was obviously well-researched, and richly detailed. But the emotional connection I should have felt to the characters and their situations got completely lost in all of those details, a great deal of which were unimportant to the flow of the story. I just kept getting bored. The characters felt wooden and robotic, which was odd when they were closely involved in things like arms-dealing, espionage, murder, and war. The plot was also incredibly slow and I found myself waiting for something exciting to happen--even in the midst of things occurring that should have been exciting. I really am not sure how this book is being called a thriller, or a romance, because I found it sadly lacking in both those areas. It took literal years for things to unfold, and the relationship between our "Romeo and Juliet" was not developed in a way to make me feel invested in their star-crossed supposed romance. I tried to make it halfway through, but I just found myself uninterested and confused by the slow-paced plot and characters who I just could not connect with. I felt like I was reading a news-report and not a novel.
I know I am in the minority, but I was unimpressed by this book, and I do not recommend it to anyone looking for a political "thriller" full of "romance." Perhaps it's just being mismarketed or I was expecting something completely different, and that's why I did not like it. If you are looking for a novel set during the Gulf War about how it affected people intimately involved in the events of the time, then maybe you should read this.
I am rounding up, because it is possible I didn't like this book because I came into it expecting something different. I really tried to get into this book, and I kept reading far longer than I wanted to, hoping it would get better, but it did not. It was obviously well-researched, and richly detailed. But the emotional connection I should have felt to the characters and their situations got completely lost in all of those details, a great deal of which were unimportant to the flow of the story. I just kept getting bored. The characters felt wooden and robotic, which was odd when they were closely involved in things like arms-dealing, espionage, murder, and war. The plot was also incredibly slow and I found myself waiting for something exciting to happen--even in the midst of things occurring that should have been exciting. I really am not sure how this book is being called a thriller, or a romance, because I found it sadly lacking in both those areas. It took literal years for things to unfold, and the relationship between our "Romeo and Juliet" was not developed in a way to make me feel invested in their star-crossed supposed romance. I tried to make it halfway through, but I just found myself uninterested and confused by the slow-paced plot and characters who I just could not connect with. I felt like I was reading a news-report and not a novel.
I know I am in the minority, but I was unimpressed by this book, and I do not recommend it to anyone looking for a political "thriller" full of "romance." Perhaps it's just being mismarketed or I was expecting something completely different, and that's why I did not like it. If you are looking for a novel set during the Gulf War about how it affected people intimately involved in the events of the time, then maybe you should read this.
December 24, 2022
Two kidnappings with similar parallel methods. Could it be the same kidnapper? Carol Wyer creates this premise in her latest thriller, Behind Closed Doors.
Stacey’s ex-husband Jack calls on her to help him find his daughter Lyra, who was recently kidnapped. But the similarities are too familiar as Stacey must deal with her past when she was abducted 30 years ago. Her father never paid the ransom, but a detective miraculously found her, or she would have been killed. With Jack’s persuasion, she finds clues, calls upon old friends and unravels her past through hypnosis and memories. But history reveals painful secrets and discoveries.
Wow--first time reading Carol Wyer, and I thoroughly enjoyed this suspenseful psychological thriller. Excellent pacing, troubling relationships, revenge, and a surprise ending make this novel a fast-moving read. I thank NetGalley for allowing me to read and review it. #NetGalley # Behind Closed Doors #psychologicalthriller
Stacey’s ex-husband Jack calls on her to help him find his daughter Lyra, who was recently kidnapped. But the similarities are too familiar as Stacey must deal with her past when she was abducted 30 years ago. Her father never paid the ransom, but a detective miraculously found her, or she would have been killed. With Jack’s persuasion, she finds clues, calls upon old friends and unravels her past through hypnosis and memories. But history reveals painful secrets and discoveries.
Wow--first time reading Carol Wyer, and I thoroughly enjoyed this suspenseful psychological thriller. Excellent pacing, troubling relationships, revenge, and a surprise ending make this novel a fast-moving read. I thank NetGalley for allowing me to read and review it. #NetGalley # Behind Closed Doors #psychologicalthriller
February 15, 2023
Seven years after her last fiction book, Burning Distance by Joanne Leedom-Ackerman is a romantic spy thriller. From different cultural backgrounds, two young people meet and fall in love at the American School of London. American Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ West’s mother remarried a British Lord and Adil Hasan is the son of an arms smuggler. Their teenage romance shapes their families and personal destiny against the backdrop of world affairs from 1981-1996. A slowly unfolding complex spy thriller, set amidst the illegal arms trade with a family saga and a cross-cultural love story that does not run smoothly. A gripping narrative with a cast of wonderfully human characters makes this a four and a half stars read rating. With thanks to Oceanview Publishing and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
March 11, 2023
Being in my late teens at the end of the '70s and an adult in the '80s and '90s, it's easy to follow the thread that Burning Distance slowly leaves to the reader. The world was in turmoil, there were wars in the Middle East, communist countries were fighting for democratic governments, the Berlin Wall fell, Russia disintegrated, and civil wars were going on in several African countries. No countries were supposed to be selling guns and war artifacts, even less helping others to build atomic bombs, but everyone, everywhere knew all those deals were going on. The author puts all this historical perspective in the novel while also focusing on a family saga, the impossible romance that follows them and succeeds. I loved reading this book, which has a great plot and is historically correct.
I thank Ms. J.Leedom-Ackerman, her publisher, and NetGalley for the copy of this book.
I thank Ms. J.Leedom-Ackerman, her publisher, and NetGalley for the copy of this book.
November 29, 2023
Having the ability to tie in romance, history, and action is a task not easily accomplished, but Joanne Ackerman managed to expertly complete the challenge. I instantly fell in love with Lizzy and Adil; their bond was one I envy to one day have with a significant other. I have always loved learning about history, and getting the opportunity to have an insight into the Golf War, through the writings of fiction, was incredible. Each and every chapter had me hooked, and in most scenes I was on the edge of my seat! Burning Distance provides a fresh look at how authors can combine fiction and war. Not enough books grapple with the Golf War, but Burning Distance is one such book I will definitely be recommending! If you love a swoonworthy romance mixed with history and action, then this book is for you! I already know this is soon to be a bestseller!!
February 23, 2024
"Burning Distance" is one of the most exciting, twisty, and unpredictable combinations of a spy novel and a love story that I have ever read. The spy portion takes the reader from London to Washington, D.C. to the Middle East. The love story reminded me of "A Suitable Boy" by Vikram Seth. How does a person choose a spouse? Lizzy is one of three daughters. They live with their mother and stepfather in London. Their father died in a plane crash that becomes increasingly mysterious as the book moves on.
I even got up in the middle of the night to read this book. This is definitely one of those "just one more page/section/chapter" stories.
The author's account of how she came to write this special book is enlightening. I am glad she persevered over the years. It was worth it.
I even got up in the middle of the night to read this book. This is definitely one of those "just one more page/section/chapter" stories.
The author's account of how she came to write this special book is enlightening. I am glad she persevered over the years. It was worth it.
March 27, 2023
Ultimately, politics is personal
This is a finely crafted novel with a phantasmagoric cast of characters, the likes of many of whom you will never otherwise meet. Revolving around a resilient love story, the tale blends big power politics and skullduggery, itchy upper-middle-class striving, vague and then not-so-vague Middle Eastern threats of personal and civilizational catastrophe with a wonderfully tailored and persistent sense of place and presence. And all along you are rooting for that winsome, hard-headed American woman to somehow put it all together and pull it all off. Highly recommend.
This is a finely crafted novel with a phantasmagoric cast of characters, the likes of many of whom you will never otherwise meet. Revolving around a resilient love story, the tale blends big power politics and skullduggery, itchy upper-middle-class striving, vague and then not-so-vague Middle Eastern threats of personal and civilizational catastrophe with a wonderfully tailored and persistent sense of place and presence. And all along you are rooting for that winsome, hard-headed American woman to somehow put it all together and pull it all off. Highly recommend.
March 29, 2023
A phenomenal book I couldn't put down. This was my first time reading Joanne Leedom-Ackerman, but I'll be picking up more of her stuff and am excited to see what comes next.
In Burning Distance, Joanne weaves an intricate, geopolitical plot that smoulders in the background of a love story, family secrets and drama, and the coming of age of a young woman thrust into a realm of spies, international arms dealers, and Middle East tension. It's a truly intelligent and captivating read.
Congratulations, Joanne!
In Burning Distance, Joanne weaves an intricate, geopolitical plot that smoulders in the background of a love story, family secrets and drama, and the coming of age of a young woman thrust into a realm of spies, international arms dealers, and Middle East tension. It's a truly intelligent and captivating read.
Congratulations, Joanne!
March 3, 2023
I love the time frame of 1980s-1990s. It’s refreshing to read a thriller without the intrusion of the internet that was to come.
Two families lives are intertwined through tragedy.
It’s a complex read as the many strands of the story need to be woven together to see the full picture.
It’s a worthy read about the end of the Cold War era.
Thanks to Ocean View Publishing and Edelweiss for the advance copy.
Two families lives are intertwined through tragedy.
It’s a complex read as the many strands of the story need to be woven together to see the full picture.
It’s a worthy read about the end of the Cold War era.
Thanks to Ocean View Publishing and Edelweiss for the advance copy.
March 12, 2023
Burning Distance is a historical, political thriller as well as a romantic suspense novel—of Romeo and Juliet proportions. It’s cinematic, beautifully written, with impressive authenticity. The strong woman protagonist and her mother and sisters will remind you of Barbara Kingsolver’s Poisonwood Bible. I think you will be super-impressed with this thriller-literary gem.
March 20, 2023
This book was like nothing I have read before, all of my historical fiction books have been more WWII era. All of the nuclear arms technicalities were hard to follow, but Lizzy is and her sisters and mom are badasses and I loved them. But - can we talk about things happening in the 80s and 90s now being considered historical fiction?! When did this happen?
April 30, 2023
DNF. I got to nearly halfway. Writing is sold but the book could have used judicious editing to cut 100 pages. As is, it's very slow paced and more a family drama with spy/thriller elements than anything else. The teen/young adult narrator/protagonist also doesn't drive the action. Everything happens around her except for a romance, which reads like it's out of a YA novel. Not for me.
June 20, 2023
This book is very clearly a labor of love. The amount of research and attention to detail is a testament to the authors skill and determination to flawlessly interweave fact and fiction. Political thrillers aren't usually in my genre loop but this book sounded too fascinating to pass up and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest! The book is a love story that twists and turns through the broad and sweeping international landscape of the worlds arms dealings and gives us a glimpse into the lives of families caught up in their complexities. Truly a gem!
November 7, 2024
This was an unexpected page turner. The author does a great job of creating authentic characters on unique paths with sometimes resounding consequences. Although a work of fiction, the research put into this story makes it all more believable and leads the reader to understand how small details in one persons life can lead us to the world we live in now.
Already ordered another of her books!
Already ordered another of her books!
May 17, 2023
Very good and exciting book. It is about an illegal Iranian arms dealers and his son, who the protagonist falls in love with. Then Lizzie, the main character's step-brother gets killed by a gunshot to the back of the head. And we are off to the races. Well developed characters and good writing.
March 12, 2024
A well written and researched story about relationships between two people from different but overlapping worlds and between countries and historical developments the ways the arms trade was used to make people rich and disguise "good guys and bad guys" Lots of depth and insight 4.5
June 12, 2023
With a unpredictable plot and characterisation this political thriller kept me guessing. It's a romantic suspense cross political thriller.
June 24, 2023
Nicely written. Good story. Actually pretty exciting. Easy read in two days, three max, but you won't want to drag it out to three.
March 1, 2025
I enjoyed reading and found the mix of family story and spycraft interesting.
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March 7, 2025Audio
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