The Nylon Hand of God

Why Hartov's name isn't right up there in popularity and acclaim with Daniel Silva and other better-known authors of spy thrillers is beyond me. In this fine novel, as in The Heat of Ramadan, his characters are complex and wonderfully drawn and developed - he has a knack for realizing secondary and 'throwaway' characters that is just amazing. Hartov's plotting is smooth, tricky, tight, and plausible. There is both technical expertise and a subtle, pleasurable literary touch to his writing (my half-star off on NHoG would be that the military/paratroop technicalese got just a smidge too thick for me at times). His books sizzle along - that's my one criticism (tongue firmly in cheek): I finish his books too fast because I don't put them down - and then what?! Wait another 4 or 5 years? Tell the man to get back to work.

As usual with one of Hartov's books this book is action packedand exciting.The book begins with a suicide bombing at the Israeli embassy in New York. Benni Baum is sent to investigate the bombing. While there he attempts to reconcile with his daughter.After looking at the bombing he and his partner believethat the situation is being manipulated by Iranian agents.Theyalso discover that one of Baum's arch enemies Maria Klump from East Germany may also be involved in this plot.There are gun battles all over the place and intense action.This book gives you the feeling of having a front row seat.I wish that we could get more books out of Hartov because he has proven himself to bean excellent author.

While being an insider isn't a prerequisite for being a great writer of intriuge, it doesn't hurt Hartov's novel any. Thankfully he has the skills to flesh out three-dimensional characters. Benni Baum's attempts to reconcile with his daughter, Martina Klump's obsessions and Ruth's feelings for her father and for a NYPD dectective are positive additions to the conflict.

There is just one word which can describe The Nylon Hand of God - excellent. Steven Hartov writes with the expertise of an insider. The language itself is rich, as well as beautifully descriptive. This book is a definite must for anybody who is interrested in good fiction.

i don't understand why this author isn't being published more. he's a talented writer, with an obvious first hand knowledge of what he writes about. i think he's a potential clancy,ludlum or forsyth.