The Faithful Spy

Thrilling non stop adrenaline rush

This is one of the best suspense novels that I've read in a long time. First, it's very intelligent. There are no routine psycho serial killers, no pedestrian plot lines and no hackneyed cliches. This book features a well thought out plot that has a genuine kicker near the end, great characters that the reader actually cares about and atmospheric, literate prose. The whole idea of the narrative -- that there is a CIA agent undercover inside Al Qadea -- is deeply interesting and absorbs the reader in the plot from the first page. It's the kind of book that is hard to put down, even though you know that you really should go to bed and be ready for work the next morning. The author, Alex Berenson, is a reporter for the New York Times and this is his first work of fiction. I hope he writes many more.

This quick and captivating read presents one of if not the first spy thriller in a post-9/11 world. The protagonist, John Wells, is a disillusioned CIA spy-turned-muslim-turned-quasi-terrorist-turned-recovering American citizen. He is the only CIA spy to infiltrate al qaeda, but he failed to alert the agency to the planned 9/11 attacks as well as other terrorist operations. The agency is tasked with the responsibility of determining whether he has remained faithful to the CIA and USA. This question takes on added urgency because Wells has returned to the USA at the same time the agency learns that al qaeda is planning a major terrorist operation within US borders. The agency needs Wells's help in learning about and stopping the plot, but there is the concern that he may have turned and will assist al qaeda to carry out its attack. The story is captivating and it is hard to put the book down. One of the strengths is the biting commentary on American society and how we take for granted so many of the things we enjoy in such a relatively wealthy society. This message is effectively and at times amusingly conveyed through Wells's eyes, as he is having trouble adjusting to American life after spending so many years among the truly poor and starving masses. The only flaw I see in the book is the portrayal of Jennifer Exley, Well's handler at the CIA. She comes across as a teen-angst-ridden emotional wreck, which is entirely incompatible with her tough as nails role at the CIA. The strength of the book, however, outweighs this relatively minor flaw. For those who enjoy spy thrillers, this is a recommended read.

How's this for a scenario? A man, John Wells has given up all he loved - his wife, child, and his parents to become the only American CIA agent to infiltrate Osama bin Laden's terrorist network. He did this before 9/11 and has endured years of privation, living on a dreary, cold plateau in Pakistan. Constantly on guard, he has continually convinced other followers of bin Laden that he is, indeed, a traitor and has become a Muslim. This sacrifice has been made in an effort to destroy the terrorist network. To date that has not been accomplished. Now, he learns there are plans for more attacks on the United States, assaults even more terrifying than the carnage at the World Trade Center. So, Wells must return home. However, when he appears at Langley, CIA officials have doubts. Can he really be trusted or has he become a turncoat in the intervening years? One person believes in him and that is Jennifer Exley. It soon becomes clear that they alone must stop al Qaeda from carrying out 2 heinous plan. Terrifying? Yes. Far too close to what might be the truth for comfort as Berenson, a reporter for The New York Times well knows. John Heffernan, known as the official voice of the NHL and NFL network, gives a compact, deliberate, totally engrossing reading. His avoidance of any dramatics renders his narrative all the more powerful. - Gail Cooke

Phenomenal, addictive, heart-pounding, exciting, interest-grabbing, but not well-writ--okay, it's incredibly well-written too. VERY well-written. I won't go into the plot, because all that is written up above. What I will say though, is that spy novels are not my usual reading. But this one I took a chance on. It was written the way books should be written. It grabs the reader by the throat on page one and steams along at a steady, confident, pace. Vince Flynn didn't lie when he said this book will have you reading into the night. I've lost a lot of sleep reading this book that refused to let me put it down. Sleep I'll never get back. And with this book, I didn't mind at all. If you like the fast-past, constant plot-twisting of 24, then I strongly suggest you pick up this book. Mr. Berenson's writing is incredible, and the insights of the main character John Wells of the country he left so long ago are all at once biting, and hard to argue with. The terrorist network is well thought out, the way they operate is utterly believable, and their cunning is horrifying. This book is the definition of money well-spent. As you're reading this, you'll feel like the third person in the room. You'll feel like you're living all of it. This book is amazing. For an author's first book this is nothing short of impressive. Hell, for an author's fifth book it would be nothing short of impressive. It's fast, furious, and what any good book should be--a thrill ride.

I enjoyed reading The Faithful Spy. The story is of the moment. I thought John Wells was a forceful, complicated man who sacfificed his own security and happiness for the good of his country. This thriller is a compelling novel with emotional depth and strong and twisting plot. Once you start the book, you won't be able to put it down. The interactions among the diverse set of characters are complex and real. I can't wait for the sequel!