THE SECRET SERVANT by Daniel Silva
Some authors write a good book and then rest on its success for the rest of their careers. Others write a good book and then work diligently to prove they were no one book success. They endeavor to make each and every book that follows better than the one that preceded it. Such an author is Daniel Silva. His latest novel THE SECRET SERVANT is his best book ever.
Once again Israeli Intelligence Officer Gabriel Allon is at the center of the storm. Allon has been the hero of several of Silva's books and it is a treat to have him back again. Allon leads a double life. In one life he is a restorer of paintings, and recognized as being one of the world's best at this trade. He is also an intelligence officer and super spy for the Israeli government. He excels in this field also.
At the start of this book Allon discovers there might be some terrorist type of action coming up in London. He races to uncover the details of the plot but learns to late that Elizabeth Halton, the daughter of the American Ambassador to England, is the target of a kidnapping plot. Once Elizabeth is kidnapped Allon goes into full investigatory mode in an effort to find a way to save her life.
He travels all over Europe tracking down those persons who might have information on this case. Time and again he puts his life in jeopardy as he does everything in his power to find Elizabeth's location and the names of her captors. All of this sleuthing is as suspenseful as any story of this type could be.
The beauty of Silva's writing comes in his use of words, use of descriptions, and use of plot. In popular literature today it appears that many writers are trying to see just how precise and concise they can be. Chapters run only a page or two and descriptions are minimal. But this is not Silva's style. He writes in a way that the readers get every plot point necessary, and all of his characters are fully formed and acknowledged.
There is also the fear of the unexpected in Silva's stories. Nothing is too sacred or too necessary to the plot not to be sacrificed for the enjoyment of the tale. Each character who is introduced might suffer from an early demise including Allon himself. If the truth of the circumstances dictate it, then death and destruction of any and all will follow.
There are many political thrillers on the market today but Silva's stories are unique. They are timely and true to the politics of the day. Plus they reek with reality. All of the events that happen to Allon and his cohorts in THE SECRET SERVANT could happen in our real world.
If you want a book that gabs your interest, stimulates your mind, and provides a full bodied adventure then THE SECRET SERVANT should be on your must read list. It is Daniel Silva at his best, an author who is very good and getting even better with each new novel.
THE SECRET SERVANT is published by G P Putnams' Sons. It contains 385 pages and sells for $25.95.