This is a straight crime thriller based on counter islamic terrorism plot set in Pakistan, Europe and of-course Europe. It has all the right ingredients like the perfect sexy girl brandishing a pistol, an all American hero who is tough but romantic, and a cruel and selfish villain. I read this book with one reason only, to find out about general perceptions of Pakistan and Pakistanis. 'Pakis' are on the take from both sides and are very devious. They seem to be very religious with most of them praying all the time, and that too in Islamabad which happens to be my city. There seems to a very close relationship between the Paks and Americans with Paks as servants obviously. The real force and power driving Pakistan is the head of ISI, who is accorded a lot of respect in this novel. He is someone who is allowed to make independent decisions unlike all others Pakistanis. The government of Pakistan is hanging by a thread ready to capitulate as soon as the next bomb is set off.
The book is written for a very Western audience which makes sense as they will buy it mostly. Most of the plot is almost believable especially the grander designs of the Pakistani Taliban to take over a chaotic and destabilised Pakistan in the wake of bombings, kidnapping a and general melee, as they would be considered the only disciples force in the left in the country. What the author has not picked up is the Pakistani army, which is a huge and very stable organisation that can come in and stabilise the country if required. Generally, au enjoyed the read and glowed every time Islamabad was mentioned.....
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