Another great book by Daniel Silva. His usual protagonist, Gabriel Allon, is also the central figure in this book. This book starts with a massive terrorist attack on the Vatican in which more than 700 people die and the basilica is badly damaged. Gabriel then becomes the main guy who pursues the terrorists who were responsible, a new group called the Brotherhood of Allah. We learn that the leader of this event was Ahmed bin Shafiq, a man responsible for many prior terrorist undertaking. His efforts are funded by Abdul Aziz al-Bakan, the 15th wealthiest man in the world. But Zizi, as he is so affectionately called, a Saudi, is determined to be untouchable because of his wealth, his connection to oil, and his political connections that are at high levels world wide. Any action against Zizi would be quickly halted by political influence from all prominent nations, including the U.S. So, the focus is on Shafiq who is nearly invisible. No one has his picture, and little is really known about him. After the tragedy in Rome, he is hidden by Zizi within his opaque corporate structure. So, the story has to do with the hunt for this man. The CIA is involved, as are resources at the Vatican and in Jerusalem. Silva does a great job with character development of all the secondary characters, including a beautiful art curator and a team of Israeli agents. To tell you more would spoil the adventure for you, and this book is worth the read.
WC Don
sounds like my kind of book. I tried Silva a while back and really didn't give him a chance, but have wanted to try, try again. This looks like a good choice and will try to squeeze it in between new summer releases I have on request from the library.
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