The Fifth Horseman

This wasn't a bad book, however I think it would have been aided by a bit of reduction in length and/or a bit more pace to the narrative.

The story itself is reasonably original, Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi holds the United States hostage by planting a thermonuclear bomb in New York and demanding the force the Israeli's to remove their settlements from Palestinian lands. So whilst the premise is very much a topic of its time - the 1980s - it still is compelling today.

There was plenty of background and lead up to all the events, I think whilst they were somewhat of interest and did give more atmosphere the story wouldn't have been hurt that much by leaving most of the events in France out completely, or relegated to a mere paragraph show more or two.

Overall, it was a decent book but not one I'd race out for. show less

Good thriller which depicts a plausible scenario where terrorists try to detonate a nuclear bomb in New York, which without sounding being paranoid, could happen in any country in reality.

But I think the end was a bit downplayed after the high tension build up throughout the novel.

Libyan Col. Mummar al-Qaddafi has constructed a nuclear device which he threatens to explode in New York unless the United States will agree to set up an independedt Palestinian state. He gives the United States thirty-six hours to agree to his demands or he will set off the explosion and wipe New York off the map.

Det. Angelo Rocchia and his girlfriend, Grace Knewland are two of the New Yorkers who would be killed in the explosion. Over dinner, Grace tells Angelo how happy she is to learn of her unexpected pregnancy.

The President tells the U.S. agents to go all out and not be bothered with legal red-tape. The agents set up listening taps on the Libyan diplomats.

Quentin Dewing, FBI assistant director for investigation is in charge of show more mobilizing his agents so that they examine all known terrorists fingerprints and photographs.

The terrorists, Laila Dajani, her brothers Wahlid and Kamal have the device. Only Wahlid shows any remorse that he may be killing so many innocent people.

The authors have a reporting background and the story reads like news flashes from area papers. The narrative style works well and the characters are well described and believable. show less

A topical novel. Terrorists attempt to detonate a nuclear device in New York. Let's hope it never happens. This is an ok story, not exceptional.

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