And Into the Fire

April 10, 2017
The threat of a nuclear holocaust hangs over this meandering thriller from Gleason (End of Days). Prince Shaiq ibn Ishaq, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States and the richest man on earth, joins forces with Lt. Gen. Jari ibn Hamza, head of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence. Their plan is to steal three nuclear devices and detonate them in the U.S., thus causing international chaos, sending oil prices skyrocketing, and destabilizing America. Their associates include Elias Edito, a former marine and self-described bipolar castrato psychopath, and Hasad ibn Ghazi, a terrorist in the employ of Pakistan’s ISI. Two tough women—Jules Meredith, foreign correspondent for the New York Journal–World (a newspaper owned by Shaiq ibn Ishaq), and her closest friend, Elena Moreno, head of the CIA’s Pakistan desk—set out to foil the attacks. Jules and Elena end up doing very well for themselves, and the novel dramatically illustrates the perils of nuclear weapons, but repetitions and digressions dilute much of its punch.

Starred review from May 1, 2017
A government official, Elena Moreno, learns a terrifying truth, and when she takes it to the president, her conclusions are ignored. Meanwhile, journalist Jules Meredith uncovers evidence of corruption and blackmail involving the federal government, and, as her friend was, she is completely shut out. The two women have stumbled on a terrorist plot. Teaming up with ISIS, Pakistani terroristsincluding a man who was once Jules' loverhave stolen nuclear material and plan to detonate dirty bombs in three cities across the U.S. Gleason is a bona fide expert on nuclear terrorism, and he utilizes his knowledge, along with his storytelling skills, to deliver a thriller that feels shockingly authentic. Military-action fans will relish this one as they shudder at its implications.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)