The Identity Factor

The book, The Identity Factor, by James Houston Turner was smart, exciting and fun, and a must for any adreniline junky out there. It is full of action from the first chapter to the last, and keeps you on the edge of your seat with one plot twist after another. It is also a thoughtfully written book with characters you can really get into. Through The Identity Factor, Turner sends several pertinent messages to the reader, displaying a sensitivity to human nature and the human condition. Dealing with the Middle East is not easy these days with all the issues surrounding this volitile region of the world. Turner does an incredible job of presenting both sides, with rare insight into the character of the people. He delicately weaves problems and solutions heralded by the people themselves. James also presents a very interesting Biblical inigma that historians have long overlooked, and that has possible global ramifications. This is the main focus of a book that will take you on the rollercoaster ride of your life. Adventure, romance and thrills, what more could you ask? Check out this brilliant book, you will not be disappointed.

The Identity Factor I have just finished reading THE IDENTITY FACTOR. Author James Houston Turner is obviously brilliant! A true visionary, an enlightened historian, and an absolutely incredible writer! I don't have the right words to express how much I enjoyed this book! Mr. Turner is a master at turns and twists, at surprises that ambush and yet delight the mind of the reader who thought she had something figured out! Anyone who has not yet read THE IDENTITY FACTOR is cheating themselves. You will be amazed! It's an unforgettable adventure, from start-to-finish. (I would like to thank Mr. Turner for writing this wonderful book, and for having the tenacity and faith not to give up, and to see THE IDENTITY FACTOR through to publication.)

I strongly recommend THE IDENTITY FACTOR by James Houston Turner, because it is one of the best books I've ever read. It is filled with adventure and mystery at every turn. It involves trying to figure out who all the players are ~ are they who they seem to be or ~ is there something more nefarious going on? Although fiction, it could be happening in the world today. I do not want to give the plot away ~ as that is part of the fun. Once I began reading it, I couldn't put it down until I finished it! I've been a long time fan of Robert Ludlum's series of books (I've read all of them), because I love intrigue and covert operations that take place all over the world. This is only part of what is involved in James Houston Turner's book. That is why I can highly recommend THE IDENTITY FACTOR. If you haven't read Ludlum's books, you may have seen the films: THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM, THE BOURNE SUPREMACY or THE BOURNE IDENTITY, all based on the Robert Ludlum books. There are others of this genre, but I consider James Houston Turner's writing the best. I also read his previous book THE SECOND THIRTEEN. It was excellent, too! Mr. Turner is consistent in his writing and really knows how to tell a story in a way that is very exciting. He knows what he is writing about. Get ready for a thrilling ride! He deserves to be on the best seller list. Enjoy the reading and the ride!!!!

The year is 1919. English explorer Sir Edmund George Clayton leads an expedition of four Bedouin porters across the Sinai Peninsula in search of the dwelling place of the Biblical Ishmael, son of Abraham. What has compelled Clayton to make such a trek? The hopes of finding key evidence to either prove or disprove one of the oldest assertions made in the Bible, whose lasting implications serve as the foundation of modern-day theological belief. Much to his surprise, Clayton finds exactly what he's looking for - but his time exploring the object further is cut drastically short: he is soon killed by greedy thieves seeking to profit from his discovery, and the invaluable piece of history is soon lost in a wasteland of lies, deceit, and corruption. Fast forward to the present day: Abu Nazer, the world's most dangerous - and elusive - terrorist has launched a full-scale operation to obtain Clayton's mystery object, seeking the upper hand it will give him once its true contents are revealed. For you see, like the object, Nazer's true identity remains unknown, and the mystery enshrouding both him and his desired target sets the international community astir with worry and trepidation. Just as determined as Nazer is to gain the power concomitant with ownership of Clayton's object, the intelligence community is resolved to do whatever it takes to keep it out of his hands forever. What follows is enough plot twists, red herrings, and misdirection to render even the sharpest lovers of suspense thoroughly bewildered. As his convoluted tale proceeds, Turner does a fantastic job of introducing new characters and situations at just the right times, leading you to wonder just how/why you were so sure of something that was inevitably proven false - over and over again. For all its changes of direction and prolonged suspense, Turner's tale will leave you in a bemused state reminiscent of that of The Da Vinci Code. Perhaps the strongest attribute of The Identity Factor, though, is the absolute masterful way that Turner combines so many disparate elements to tell a unified, perfectly balanced story. Such skillful storytelling is indicative of a profound imagination rife with just the right amounts of substance and flair, adept at turning a story on its ear and holding your interest captive until you just can't take it anymore. I must admit that I wasn't much of a fan of the mystery/suspense genre before, but after reading Turner's flawless tale consider me a new convert. With tight prose and even tighter action, The Identity Factor is a highly recommended read for anyone wondering just how the government really works outside the halls of Congress and the White House. In fact, in order to so expertly put together such a detailed, intricate tale of intrigue, one can't help wondering if Turner himself may not actually be who he claims he is...

Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (10/07) James Houston Turner has a real winner with his new novel, "The Identity Factor." I was hooked on the book from the first page. It is perfect for the person who loves a fast-paced story full of intrigue, technology and travel. The story starts in 1919 in the Sinai Peninsula where a stone tablet is found by Sir Edmund George Clayton. He discovers that this ancient tablet has information that could destroy religion and lead to war in the Holy Lands. He sends his journal with information about his findings on to England and is murdered and the tablet is stolen before he can take the tablet home to study. Fast forward to the present day where the most lethal terrorist in the world, Abu Nazer, remains on the loose and unidentified. The tablet has finally been recovered by Youssef Sakkara in the Middle East and it threatens to cause a religious war that could destroy religion as we know it. All of this is being monitored by Zoe Gustaves, a CIA analyst, who is completely relentless when it comes to her work. Her investigations keep leading her to a common thread, world-renowned journalist Rutherford Tyler. When Zoe's boss is less than supportive of our investigations and orders her to take time off, she decides to investigate on her own. She follows Rutherford Tyler to the Middle East where he is going to interview Youssef Sakkara while the validity of the tablet is being investigated. Zoe is convinced that Tyler is not what he seems and begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Her investigation uncovers murder, intrigue and a couple of very completely unexpected twists. I am usually able to figure out a plot of a book before it is revealed and am not surprised by a book's outcome. That was definitely not the case with "The Identity Factor," where I was completely surprised three times by the twists and turns of the story. Overall, it is a great book and I highly recommend this it.