W.E.B. Griffin is the prolific author of 36 novels in six series about a variety of American fighting men---military, police, secret service, counterterrorism---you name it. His novels involve military operations in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, the operation of the Philadelphia police department and NSA/CIA operations to combat terrorism. He is former military and has accumulated extensive knowledge in Special Ops, Special Forces and aviation through his military service and training. He is apparently a credible source and is known for his accuracy and attention to detail (525 pages worth).

This novel is the first in a new series entitled “The Presidential Agent” and the premise is to defeat a terrorist plot to crash a stolen 727 into the Liberty Bell. Yes, the Liberty Bell, the one that’s in Philadelphia. The bumbling incompetence of the intelligence agencies compels the President to seek out super-soldier extraordinaire Army Maj. Carlos Guillermo Castillo, known to his friends as “Charley.” Charley’s impressive credentials, not to mention his family’s fortune and good looks add to the over-the-top action-driven plot. Pacing is fast paced; there is more dialog than actual description---except when it comes to describing weapons and aircraft. Military jargon and acronyms are spewed conspicuously throughout. Conversation dialog is terse and occasionally sardonic and witty. There seems to be a cast of thousands---between the terrorists, Philadelphia police, warring intelligence agency people and the various military personnel, it is difficult to keep track of all the bodies. Characterization tends to be stereotypical; swarthy terrorists, an incredulous Philadelphia police force (remember the plot: 727 crashes into the Liberty Bell), the drop-dead gorgeous agent working the case with Charley, and the crusty and tough military top brass. The setting constantly changes. In the first 100 pages, the setting moved 13 times. Flashbacks to 1981 and 1991 complicate the setting changes and numerous characters. There’s just a lot going on---and I cared about none of it. I didn’t even have to read the ending to know that the terrorist plot is unraveled and the Liberty Bell is spared. All is well until the next installment in this series which is called “The Hostage.”

My father-in-law read this book and enjoyed it---he also reads Stephen Koonts and Daniel Silva---so he reads a lot from this genre. He agreed Griffin’s novels are fairly formulaic---the branch of the military and the war changes but the characters and situations tend to remain constant. But, that doesn’t stop him from reading his books. He likes the detail and the fast paced plot. I imagine that’s what keeps his readers coming back for more. ( )

Charlie Castillo is a new hero in this series. He is ordered by the president to find a Boeing 727 that is stolen in Africa and is being fitted and diverted to crash into the liberty bell in Philadelphia. A Russian mob leader is helping with information. ( )

I was so excited to begin this new W.E.B. Griffin series, and this book didn't disappoint. Charley Castillo I think will be a force to be reckoned with. In this book Griffin touches on terrorism and life in a post-911 America. We have a wonderful bunch of new characters that I can't wait to get to read more about. As usual Griffin can write a story! He does go into a lot of detail about the military, and about some of the military gadgets that are out there, but I didn't find this upsetting because it is all told as part of the story. The suspense throughout the book kept me turning pages, and I can't wait to read other books in this series. I love W.E.B. Griffin books. ( )

Though I've read all of Clancy and a number like him ( Coonts, Coyle, etc) this is my first W.E.B. Griffin read. I enjoyed the book but I was left with a nagging feeling that I've read this somewhere before. Anyway, it's good read. Not as realistic as Clancy but the characters are nicely drawn, slightly larger than life. The threat seemed muted, which is actually OK. Every threat doesn't have to end with world annihilation like Clive Cussler prefers. I'm adding the other President agent novels to my list. ( )