A prize-winning columnist for the Washington Post, David Ignatius penned this riveting suspense tale ripped from today's headlines. Deep within Pakistan's borders, a secret CIA team is being systematically dismantled by a cunning enemy. Soon, Sophie Marx, a young, ambitious agent, is on the ground searching for answers. But as she gets closer to the truth, she suffers a devastating betrayal and must risk more than her life to save the world from a terrifying fate.
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"I thought it would be just your average rn-of-the-mill spy novel but it had a few twists that I actually haven't seen before. While the terrorist does get what he deserves at the end, Ignatius gives this guy a little more depth than what I've seen before in the usual villain (ie: his thoughts & feelings as he sees Sophie comfort the wife of the bodyguard; his feelings about when war should really end if he has shed enough bloodshed in the name of vengeance)."
— Michelle (4 out of 5 stars)
" This was a good, exciting read. I was compelled throughout the novel. However, I felt like everything didn't fit together well and didn't have much depth. Besides that, I enjoyed this look into the intelligence world and gave me some perspective on the challenges our country faces today. "
— Shawn, 1/26/2014" Interesting enough, especially in relation to current events, but I could have used a little more action. At times was a bit slow. Read "The Increment" instead. "
— Mario, 1/25/2014" It's always sad for me when I end up not liking a book. This book was just okay. It had a complex plot that was written for anyone to understand. But it read dry and the character's voice was bland. There was no distinction from one character or another. "
— Jill, 1/15/2014" I have now read the entire series. Good writing, interesting characters and ripped from the headlines stories. "
— Margaret, 1/11/2014" Good thriller, workman-like writing, seems as though it could be true, given current events. "
— David, 1/10/2014" V good book. Enjoyed it thoroughly. A glimpse into the world of espionage, global politics and the sinister ops of secret service agencies. V well written! I highly recommend a read :) "
— Samra, 1/3/2014" Well-told gripping thriller, like others I've read by this author. "
— Sue, 12/31/2013" Great book. This man knows what he's writing about. "
— Kenda, 12/18/2013" A very fun read, but not as great as the Increment. "
— Joshua, 12/6/2013" A good read. Interesting plot. The author knows his subject matter and the idea of the CIA using insider information to make trades that fund covert activites is smart (and maybe even true). Mr. Ignatius is not a great writer but I was more interested in enterainment than art so it worked for me. "
— Brent, 12/5/2013" I really like David Ignatius. Good author, complex plots. I waffled on whether or not to give this 4 stars, but in the end I wasn't quite satisfied with the heroine, or the ending. Still, a decent read. "
— Ben, 11/28/2013" decent pageturner with an unsatisfying ending "
— Cek994, 11/25/2013" Didn't really like it, did I? "
— Joejam, 9/11/2013" Well written espionage novel with a world balance approach. 8 of 10 stars "
— Tim, 7/26/2013" An easy summer read. A more or less plausible thriller with vivid scenes in London and Pakistan. I think I would have liked it better if it had a political point of view. "
— Ken, 11/22/2012" Good timely espionage novel "
— Alice, 9/20/2012" Not quite as compelling as Agents of Innocence, and a bit more romantic, this takes us into the financial chicanery of international espionage. A good read, not great. "
— Richard, 9/1/2012" well written but not to my taste--much too much espionage, shoot em up action, double crossing and so on. "
— Catherine, 7/15/2012" Liked the espionage and plot employing Pakistan but the finale was mess and end was unsatisfying "
— Bo, 6/29/2012" I am not usually an espionage reader but I liked this one. There were times when I wondered if fact was sneaking in and I would like the author to write what he knows to be true. "
— Martha, 9/27/2011" This book was ok. It was about a rogue CIA operation and took place in London and Pakistan primarily. A few of the characters were likeable but several of the characters were rather unpleasant. In short, it was a fun easy read. "
— Edward, 9/26/2011" I was ready for a fast paced espionage escape. So, these CIA operatives took me to Pakistan where the author could weave in some current issues. The convoluted story did strain my brain -- esp. at the end. Not too sure I comprehended all the nuances. "
— Powerock, 6/26/2011" Put this one down. Disappointing after good buzz. Flat characters, formulaic and unsurprising plot lines (although to be fair, maybe the surprises kick in past the point I stopped reading this book). Lots of good thrillers out there--Before I Go To Sleep--I would pass on this one.<br/> "
— Lynn, 6/25/2011" It's always sad for me when I end up not liking a book. This book was just okay. It had a complex plot that was written for anyone to understand. But it read dry and the character's voice was bland. There was no distinction from one character or another. "
— Jill, 6/20/2011" If you're intrigued by the interplay between the CIA and Pakistani intelligence<br/>you'll love this book. You'll wonder exactly how much Ignatius has invented<br/>and how much he's put in from real life knowledge from years of covering<br/>the region as a journalist. "
— Mickey, 6/13/2011" This is an espionage novel with a pretty good story even <br/>though no one seems to tell the truth "
— Tom, 6/13/2011" Interesting spy novel involving CIA action in Pakistan. Doesn't seem very realistic, but what do I know about the CIA? It makes for a good beach read. "
— Lois, 6/11/2011" This is a great, can't put it down, thriller. Ignatius brings his considerable knowledge of Pakistan and the CIA to tell a story that makes Le Carre look like a starry-eyed optimist. Reading this book made me realize how badly f$&@ed we are in our war in that part of the world. "
— Chet, 6/7/2011" This page-turner benefits from being timely as well, given that Pakistan is much in the news lately. This novel isn't as good, in my view, as it's predecessor (The Increment) but Ingnatius certainly has a gift for taking world events and weaving thrillers around them. "
— Raimo, 6/3/2011" Adds greatly to understanding tribal culture in Pakistan. "
— Elizabeth, 6/2/2011" Deft, global, funny, up tempo, and brand spanking new. So new! Also, not so funny. "
— Allen, 5/30/2011David Ignatius, bestselling author of Body of Lies and The Increment and prize-winning columnist for the Washington Post, has been covering the Middle East and the CIA for more than twenty-five years. He lives in Washington, DC.
Firdous Bamji has appeared in numerous plays in New York and across the country and played the title role in William Shakespeare’s Othello. He has played leading parts in world and American premiere productions of plays by noted playwrights, including Tom Stoppard, Tony Kushner, Eric Bogosian, and Rebecca Gilman. He has also had guest starring parts on Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU, and he was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award as Best Supporting Actor for his work in the film The War Within.