Interview with the Devil

by Clay Jacobsen

Investigative journalist Mark Taylor has landed the story of his career-an interview with Ahmad Hani Sa'id, the coldhearted leader of a new terrorist network striking the U.S.A. Considered a religious freedom fighter by his countrymen-and the devil himself to the rest of the world-Sa'id will allow no western journalists to interview him-except Mark. Mystified as to why this would be, Mark heads off to Syria, leaving his wife at home pregnant with their first child. Then the CIA steps in, insisting that Mark allow one of their agents to pose as a camera operator in hopes of capturing the elusive Sa'id. But when ther CIA's ruse is revealed, Mark is taken hostage, tortured and beaten. Now this Christian's only hope lies in God's sovereign hands-and in the heart of the terrorist's nephew, a devout Muslim man Mark befriended during the Gulf War. But will that be enough when worldviews collide?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Mystery

432 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

Reviews

[Honeybee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book several years ago, not long after 9/11. I recently read it aloud to my husband on a couple of road trips. The book was okay, but the way it was written was a bit distracting for the following reasons.

First, there were too many point-of-view characters. The story kept bouncing from the perspective of Mark Taylor, former US Marine and current TV news reporter, to his wife Tracy, to a CIA analyst named Wendy, to a Muslim immigrant-turned-would-be-terrorist, and so on.

Second, the location kept changing, in some cases minute-by-minute, over several time zones. The reader's attention might be bouncing at anytime between the Middle East, the Eastern seaboard of the United States or somewhere in California.

With the aforementioned going on all through the book, it was really hard at times to keep track of what was going on. I'd hate to think of what this would be like, if it was made into a movie!

Mark Taylor is unexpectedly invited to conduct a chance-of-a-lifetime interview with a famous but elusive terrorist. The CIA picks up some chatter about it, as they monitor communications, and immediately contacts the reporter for a chance to send one of their men along. Taylor reluctantly agrees, after consulting with his wife. Things get crazy fast when they reach their rendezvous with the organization. Taylor learns the reason that he was chosen for this opportunity and tries to help an old friend. It looks like the entire team is going to be killed, but folks back home are praying for their safe return. There's a nail-biting series of events before the dust settles and the story winds down.

I did like the information the author gave about Islam and the Quran. Clay Jacobsen did not mince any words about the religion, pointing out the flaws in the arguments so frequently posed by Muslim sympathizers that it is a "peaceful" religion. If you understand the teachings of the book itself and the way that Imams interpret it, Muhammed's earlier "peaceful" remarks are cancelled out by his later, more radical and violent doctrine.

If you have the ability to read this book straight through with few interruptions, then it might be better. But I don't recommend it otherwise. There's a lot of suspense and action from beginning to end, but you need a good deal of concentration to stay focused when you're bouncing from character to character and ping-ponging around the globe!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is without a doubt one of the best political thriller novels I’ve ever read. I read this book about 20 years ago and all I remembered was I loved it. So, I came across it again and decided to read it. Wow! The book will keep you glued to the page until the very last word. There’s no stopping to breathe, unless you just close the book.

This novel was written after 9/11, but it’s very relevant to today. I love the way the author brings in the Christian faith and explains the differences between Christianity and Islam. I’ve learned so much.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves political, military suspense/thrillers. Hold on tight cause this book will take you on a white-knuckle ride from beginning to end.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book will be interesting for anyone who belongs to the "9/11 Generation". It shows very clearly how our country changed with the "war on terror", and it very accurately shows the frame of mind most people had after the attacks. This book makes you stop and think, and that is one of my favorite kinds.

[Brad Burgin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointed in this book. If it wasn't for me needing to finish this for a bookclub bingo challenge and my first 24 hour read-a-thon I would of DNF it.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was predictable, but not boring. The characters were shallow - it read like the plot of a guy movie. There was a lot of mention of uzis and MP-4s (which I kept calling .mp3s in my mind), so if you like stuff getting blown up and shot, you'd like that part. The positive aspects of this book were the pretty clear gospel message, and the history and insight into Islam.

The wife was my least favorite character.

[Honesty · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, the only thing I really remember about this book was the part where the main character, who is supposed to have his hands tied behind his back, manages to cross his arms to sass a terrorist, then goes back to being tied up again in the next paragraph. Plus, the parts about the pregnant wife were a boring slog. If I'm reading a book about terrorists, I don't really want to read about maternity anxieties.

[Juls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another terrific book written by a friend of mine. He's Christian but did extensive research into the Koran for this book and the religion isn't heavy handed at all (for a non-Christian like me). It's a fast moving, page turning story.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not quite finished this book yet but it is a page turner. Not only do I learn about the Muslim faith... both Good and Bad...
But it is a quiet reminder to all of us that ther are always two sides to every issue. An engaging and teaching book.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fascinating book! I really enjoyed it! Suspensful, dramatic, a little bit o love! A great book!

[Nathan Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Great suspense, great Christian message. Similar to Joel Rosenberg.

[Loralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

not preachy, just a good read. interesting take on terrorism vs. american and christian thot

[Andria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing writer

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down!! Read this one in 2 days!!