The Deceivers

December 18, 2017
Russia’s attempts to influence U.S. politics reach new extremes in Edgar-winner Berenson’s timely 12th novel featuring wily CIA operative John Wells (after 2017’s The Prisoner). When a massive explosion in Dallas, Tex., kills 398 people, U.S. president Vinny Duto asks Wells to investigate. The Islamic State has claimed credit, but this outrage has aspects that suggest a larger plot. Later, two high-profile evangelical ministers in the Midwest are gunned down by a former U.S. Army sniper, who appears to have been under the spell of a beautiful vixen with ties to Moscow. Wells eventually roots out evidence that Moscow is orchestrating these acts of terror in an attempt to stir nationalist feelings among American voters and encourage the rise of Paul Birman, a right-wing Tennessee senator who’s running for president. After a long initial detour to South America, the plot picks up speed and moves swiftly toward a satisfying finale. As usual, Berenson’s knowledge of geopolitical issues and government intelligence strategies impresses. Author tour. Agent: Bob Barnett, Williams & Connolly.

Russian interference in American elections and terror attacks from Islamic Jihadis are the stuff of current headlines--and the topic of this new thriller from Alex Berenson. Reprising his superb narration of this series, narrator George Guidall portrays former CIA agent John Wells, a determined yet world-weary, even cynical, guy who is lured out of retirement by a provocative assignment. Guidall also captures the disillusionment of a listless former Army sniper who is suffering from PTSD and is neglected by the VA. Guidall's impressive characterizations of key players are only slightly undermined by the vocal similarity between Wells and his sidekick. Guidall does well with the refined accents of a variety of international figures, and truly shines in his portrayal of the blustering, bullying American president. N.M.C. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine