Counterparts

this is an over-the-top, nonstop action novel of cynical intrigue in the world of inter-agency counter-terrorism. Its two (not one)-dimensional characters leave nothing to be desired unless the reader insists upon the depth of personality of a Charles McCarry, who hasnt produced anything in the last 5 years. another reviewer has complained about the author's "tin ear" for dialogue (or narrative, I forget), but this is to say only that the author prefers the acetyline torch to the watercolor brush.

Gonzalo Lira's Counterparts is a dynamite read. It is so rare to find something new in the thriller genre and it is especially surprising in a first novel. Lira writes about the FBI and CIA like a veteran. The plot is complex and full of real surprises - and some rather ODD moments. All the characters are interesting creations. They are all extreme in one way or another, but fleshed out and made believable by the story. Margaret Chisholm, the FBI agent with major attitude and Nicholas Denton, the CIA 'bureaucrat' who is anything but what he seems, are forced to team up in the quest for Sepsis, a precocious assassin who is currently targeting a nun who is about to work on the restoration of St. Peters in Rome. The book starts with a bang and never lets up. There are some false notes: a peculiar use of colloguialisms which seem inappropriate now and then, an exrtra push in some of the violent scenes that seems gratuitous and actions which beg for some explanation or follow through in the plot which is not forthcoming.Nevertheless, this is an intelligent, cynical, creative book that captures a reader's attention and delights the imagination. It isn't perfect, but it has so many good things going for it that it's hard not to like. I enjoyed it a lot and am looking forward to Lira's next book.

This thriller has it all: graphic violence, plot twists and turns, interesting characters, scenic locations, and a sweet ending. But it is light reading; it all falls apart if you think about it. I mean would a soccer mom really get her kicks chopping off fingers? Would the CIA really want to blow up the Vatican? Could the extremely competent bad guy really a twentysomething?

This was one of those books that I bought because the plot summary on the back looked interesting and somewhat different from the MANY I have read. Even though it was a first book I took a chance. I was wonderfully surprised to find that this was a continually enthralling read that was unpredictable and far from formulaic. The "buddies" were very different and the woman was certainly NOT second fiddle. Plot twists were well within the context of the unfolding story and not devices to tie up loose ends. I'm looking forward to more books by Mr. Lira.

This book is far better than numbered account or any grisham novel. Amazing what the author has done here. A phenomenal piece of work. Now availabe in translation across europe. you like thrillers? interested in suspence? Do not miss this one it is amazing