The Messenger

Having read all of Silva's books, I wondered if he would be able to maintain his high quality of writing in his newest book. He maintains his high quality while demonstrating the ability to expand and develop characters in a wonerful book. One could easily finish this book in one sitting, yet I chose to savor each page while relishing the double and triple twists that make Silva a truly special writer.

This is my 9th Silva book and it is my favorite one yet. Smart and well-written! Just be prepared to stay up all night. Completely satisfying with characters that are real! Bravo again! A fan from NYC

Daniel Silva is amazing. His Gabriel Allon series has been insightful, action-packed, making us turn the pages as fast as possible. This sometime art restorer, part Israeli operative has had a troubled past - he was the first to go to revenge the 1972 Olympics massacre, and has lost his family due to his work. This outing, Gabriel is thrust in the midst of a terrorist plot - He has information about a terrorist threat that deals with the Vatican, it happens, and Gabriel and his team sets out to find those responsible, and the money trail. They need an outsider to infiltrate the Jihad group they suspect. This is Sarah Bancroft, who is an expert in art. Zizi, one of the main suspects, is a super art collector who works for the major terrorist bin Shafiq, was hooked when an unseen van Gogh painting is brought up for sale - Sarah is invited to work as his art representative. Gabriel and his group have given her an intense training program how to work undercover. She does, but gets captured. What happens to her, and the great conclusion, you will have to read the book yourself. Another winner with The Messenger.

In Daniel Silva's "The Messenger," Ari Shamron, special advisor to the Israeli prime minister on security and intelligence, once again lures art restorer (and master spy) Gabriel Allon out of retirement. However, before Allon can decide whether or not he wants the job that Shamron offers him, two deadly terror attacks change both men's priorities. Adrian Carter, acting as an intermediary for the President of the United States, urges Allon to "run an agent" into the inner circle of Saudi billionaire Abdul Aziz al-Bakari. Al-Bakari, also known as "Zizi," is a well-known supporter of Ahmed bin Shafiq, the mastermind behind a number of bombings that have taken the lives of many of the Western "infidels" whom he despises. The person chosen to get close to Zizi is Sarah Bancroft, a beautiful art historian and curator. Sarah's bait will be a previously undiscovered Van Gogh that she will offer to Zizi, an ardent collector with a fondness for Impressionists. Allon hopes that, with Sarah's assistance, he will be able to find and eliminate not only Zizi, but also his close friend, bin Shafiq. However, Gabriel's plans hit some unanticipated snags, placing both the intelligence operation and Sarah's life in grave danger. "The Messenger" is another timely and entertaining novel from the talented Silva, who writes knowledgeably about the volatile political, economic, and military situation in the Middle East. As usual, the author has done his homework. The narrative is filled with engrossing and realistic details about art, spying, and the endless conflict between the world's democracies and the Islamic extremists who oppose them. Although the story's conclusion feels a bit rushed, Silva redeems himself with his crisp dialogue, exciting action sequences, and fine descriptive writing. "The Messenger" is an absorbing and thoughtful spy thriller that is extremely relevant in today's age of global terrorism.

Silva delivers again in another gritty tightly plotted thriller! A bomb blast in St. Peters' Square leaves hundreds dead and the Pope badly injured. The Basilica is a smoking pile of rubble. Weeks prior a member of Al-Qaeda was killed in a traffic accident, in the deadman's briefcase are surveillance photos of the Vatican. How does this all tie into the recent tragedy? That is up Gabriel Allon master art historian/restorer and sometimes spy. Silva spins an engrossing spy novel that is intelligent and tragic yet also filled with plenty of action, political intrigue, and some great plot twists. This was a one night read for me, which is pretty rare anymore, so if you don't have to get up early tomorrow then buy this book!