Review - The Heist

I have reviewed a few previous books in the series,The English Girl (click here) and also The Fallen Angel (click here).  I also did a special Soundtrack Saturday for the book (click here).  

Lead character Gabriel Allon has been praised as having joined the pantheon of great fictional secret agents, including George Smiley (le Carré), Jack Ryan (Clancy), Jason Bourne (Ludlum), and Simon Templar (Charteris).  Since I am a fan of all these superstars of the espionage genre (I read the Simon Templar books long before Val Kilmer starred in the movie!) I think Gabriel Allon reightly deserves the kudos.   

Now, let's take a peak at the newest in paperback from Daniel Silva with the superstar spy, Gabriel Allon.

Author: Daniel Silva

Copyright: February 2015 (Harper) 512 pgs

Series: 14th in Gabriel Allon Spy series

Sensuality: some violence referenced, occasional cursing

Mystery Sub-genre: Thriller

Main Characters: Gabriel Allon, art restorer, assassin, and Israeli spy legend

Setting: Modern day: Corsica, Germany, London, Geneva

Obtained Through: Personal purchase

We join Gabriel in Venice restoring/repairing an altarpiece in a church when he is visited be the Italian police.  His art dealer friend, Julian Isherwood, who has assisted Gabriel on several espionage operations, bumbled onto a murder scene and is a suspect. The Italian policeman sees this as leverage to secure Gabriel's legendary talents to recover a famous Caravaggio painting stolen in 1969 since the murdered man, Jack Bradshaw, had ties to the black market world of trafficking stolen masterpieces and was rumored to have sold the infamous Caravaggio. Gabriel devises a sting operation that requires stealing a famous painting to lure the Caravaggio's owner out.  But in following the trail of who murdered Bradshaw, he discovers that not only was Bradshaw a fallen spy trafficking stolen artwork but he had discovered one of the world’s most brutal dictators' private banker hiding billions in assets on behalf of the vicious ruler.

Ultimately the Heist Gabriel orchestrates will blow up into a full operation to strip a dictator of his ill-gotten fortune to prevent untold further violence being funded with the money. It is a dangerous gambit that pulls even the current Israeli Secret Service Director's wife into the operation.  Subplots revolve around 1) Gabriel and Chiara expecting twins and 2) Gabriel shortly becoming the next head of Israeli Intelligence and the internal politics / hurt egos that has created.

This fact was presented in the book and I wanted to share it with you because it is under reported, but true.
"Each year thousands of paintings and other objets d'art went missing from museums, galleries, public institutions, and private homes.  Estimates of their value ranged as high as $6 billion, making art crime the fourth most lucrative illicit activity in the world, behind only drug trafficking, money laundering, and arms dealing."

Gabriel (who I think of as the assassin with an artist's soul) is facing being a father again and finally resolving his emotions over the bomb that killed his son and left his first wife Leah in a mental hospital. He isn't happy about his upcoming job promotion, as he would rather retire from the "Office" and devote himself to art.  Chiara, the refreshing second wife, only has a few scenes because she is focusing on a safe pregnancy and helping Gabriel emotionally. I love her character and she deserves the rest :-)  Ari Shamron, the first Israeli Intelligence Director, who also recruited and shaped Gabriel, has a few cameo appearances, bringing to the forefront how he views Gabriel as the son he never had. This may be the last book he is alive in. Uzi Navot, the outgoing Israeli Intelligence Director that Gabriel will be replacing in about a year, steps from behind the desk and becomes more involved with this epic operation. 

Eli Lavon and the old team (Bella Navot, Mikhail Abramov,  Dina Sarid, Rimona Stern, Yossi Gavish, Yaakov Rossman, Mordecai, and Oded) are reunited.  Dina stands out in this story as she takes the lead to recruit a key person in the field.  Christopher Keller, former British Special Air Service agent who is now an assassin for a Corsican mobster joins forces with Gabriel again. He gains a touch of humanity the more Gabriel works with him.  Viktor Orlov, a prior Russian Oligarch from past books (The Defector, and The English Girl) is even enlisted for the elaborate operation. His character is just slightly over-the-top but adds a great touch. Jihan Nawaz, the account manager at the dictator's private bank, is recruited by Dina. Jihan is a haunting character deftly crafted that sticks in the mind. Gabriel risks much to keep her alive as she caries out dangerous intelligence gathering.

The setting is in several international locations throughout the book, but the opening scenes at Lake Como of Jack Bradford's estate and scene of his torture and murder to the town of Linz Austria and the lakeside Villa on Attersee, and all points between are woven into the story completely. The descriptions effective evoke each place and become inseparable from the plot.

The plot grabbed my interest and seemed plausible, perhaps a bit too believable if possible.  There are essentially two plots that are tied together: the art heist to get the long lost Caravaggio painting that leads to the elaborate operation to strip an extremely brutal dictator's safely guarded fortune that is hidden to protect against retaliation from his own nation or the world community. I know that many think of a thriller as non-stop action, and some are like that. Silva's thrillers aren't just action, they contain insightful characters and moving scenes as well, providing a full package deal.  Thus the pacing balances the tense clandestine scenes with more introspective moments that work well and are Mr. Silva's signature style.

The climax was perhaps the only story element that I wasn't completely happy about. Although it did accomplish showing the man Gabriel is and the kind of Israeli Intelligence Director he will be, and it was likely more true-to-life than most endings, I still wanted the more expected resolution. It was tense and nail biting, just not the end I was routing for.  I'm trying to avoid spoilers, so that is vague by necessity. The wrap-up delivered a quite touching scene that I wasn't expecting. Another hallmark of Silva's work, delivering understated but emotionally powerful moments.

Mr. Silva has honed his craft and this work contains a few layers to the plot and more so to the characters.  Perhaps without the intention, he has set the bar for a tightly woven espionage plot balanced with nuanced characters and thought-provoking themes.  Kudos and hats off.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

Here is a short interview with the author discussing the book https://www.youtube.com/embed/HWeOedJhbRw

Here is a short piece on Caravaggio as the painter. The first couple of minutes are the crux of who he was (the scandalous painter.)  https://www.youtube.com/embed/6d8-fXWoL7k

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Review - The Fallen Angel

I  have read only a few in this series, but I always enjoy this author and the main character.  I am in good company because President Bill Clinton says that Gabriel Allon is his favorite fictional character.  This is the 2012 release, so I am one behind...besides the books I haven't read yet sprinkled throughout the series.  If you enjoy thrillers or intrigue, check this series out.

Author: Daniel Silva

Copyright: July 2012 (Harper) 432 pgs

Series: 12th in Gabriel Allon Spy Adventures

Sensuality: some adult references

Mystery Sub-genre: Intrigue, Thriller

Main Characters: Gabriel Allon, art restorer, assassin, and Israeli spy legend

Setting: Modern day, Vatican, Jerusalem, St. Moritz in Switzerland, Berlin and Vienna.

Obtained Through: Public Library

Gabriel is restoring one of Caravaggio's greatest masterpieces at the Vatican. He is summoned one morning to St. Peter's Basilica by Monsignor Luigi Donati, the private secretary to Pope Paul VII. Apparently, a beautiful woman had fallen to her death from Michelangelo's painted ceiling dome of the Basilica. The Vatican police are quick to conclude suicide, but Donati would not have asked Gabriel to view the scene if he agreed. Gabriel's trained eye sees murder, not suicide. Dr. Claudia Andreatti was a curator in the Vatican's antiquities division and was conducting a discreet investigation into the provenance of the Vatican's holdings.  This is more a prudent precaution with all the artwork that has been "liberated" during wars over the centuries so the Vatican isn't surprised by an art piece's checkered past. 

Dr. Claudia Andreatti had stumbled upon a global criminal enterprise that is looting timeless treasures of antiquity and selling them to the highest bidder. The money is being laundered through the Vatican's bank and ends up with Middle Eastern extremists.  Gabriel is once again whisked out of retirement to prevent the next world war.  When you read a Gabriel Allon novel, you expect he will be saving the world once again and this book is another gripping roller-coaster ride, but even Gabriel could not have foreseen where this would take him.

Gabriel is a fascinating character whose artist's soul wants to focus on beauty and art.  But he is also a highly skilled and legendary Israeli Intelligence operative who heeds the call when his homeland of Israel needs him.  He is tragic in that his car was bombed resulting in the death of his son and serious injury to his first wife, Leah in the fictional 1991. His wife survived and lives in a psychiatric hospital. Gabriel seems humane and compassionate, while being a convincing spy and assassin. His art keeps him sane after all the destruction he has seen and done.

Chiara is second wife who I would like featured more of her intelligence work.  I feel there is much more for this character to give that we haven't begun to see yet.  But I admit that I haven't read all the novels.  I should probably go back to "The Confessor" and catch up on Chiara before she retired from the spy trade.  Leah, Gabriel's ex-wife in the asylum makes an appearance in this novel - almost as a specter of what loving Gabriel can do to a woman. Ari Shamron, archeologist Eli Lavon (a favorite character), and the new Mossad leader Uzi Navot are all part of the supporting case and have their strong points.  But Dina Sarid is the background character that I found fascinating.  I hope she gets more page time in upcoming novels.  You feel like you have actually spent time with these characters as they are each so well written.  Monsignor Luigi Donati is given a past in this story that makes him more layered.  His old flame, Veronica Marchese, is married to one of the organized crime bosses that Gabriel will tackle.

Gabriel travels a lot in this book as in the rest of the series.  I did feel that the Vatican and Jerusalem locations seemed particularly vivid and evoked a definite atmosphere.

The plot develops as the story unfolds since there is a strong aspect of misdirection and distraction through most of the book.  The intricate ins and outs are realistic and don't bog down the action.  There is a good balance of Gabriel's introspection, narrative on fine points of illegal antiquities sales and money laundering to fund extremists, and the action of finely timed kidnappings and shoot outs etc.

The climax was built up to a nail biting scene that delivered blood pounding tension.  The wrap-up was cheer worthy and oh-so satisfying.

A classic Gabriel Allon novel with international intrigue and several suspenseful operations to stop an imminent terrorist attack that could spark a world war.  If you like well written intrigue, you will enjoy this one.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Here is an interview with Daniel Silva about this book and his inspiration for Gabriel Allon.

Guest Review: Black Ghosts

My book-loving neighbor is back with another review.  Welcome "neighbor Ken" back to share about a novel full of intrigue and suspense.  Sounds like this is a great book.

Author:  Victor Ostrovsky  

Copyright:  May 3, 2011; 452 pages 
 
Sensuality:  Violence
 
Mystery sub-genre:  Suspense, Intrigue
 
Main Characters:  Edward, an officer with Alpha 27, a specialized and covert unit of U.S. Military Intelligence
 
Setting:  Modern day, Russia and USA 
 
Obtained Book Through:  Publisher supplied in exchange for honest review


Convicted of treason, Russian General Peter Rogov, imprisoned in Siberia, makes an explosive and daring escape assisted by his henchmen.  This mastermind then puts into play his nefarious plans to kill the Russian president, take over the Russian government, hijack the U. S. president, place the USA under nuclear attack, and attain global domination.  He re-activates the Black Ghosts, a group of KGB operatives and a shadow army placed throughout the Russian government in case of a coup during the Cold War.  Unfortunately, several spies and U. S. government officials are aiding and abetting the general.

Larry, a CIA agent, who is assisted by the beautiful and intelligent Natalie, becomes aware of these plans, but he is shot and seriously wounded.  Needing help, he calls on an old friend.  Edward is trying to enjoy the quiet, simple life in Grantsville, Utah, mainly by baking croissants at his restaurant, rather than facing the dangers of the world as an officer with Alpha 27 (a highly specialized and extremely covert unit of U. S. Military Intelligence).

Not knowing who to trust, but becoming more fully aware of the ruthless, brutal reality of Rogov’s actions, Edward brings his team of fellow warriors together and embarks on his own plans to neutralize the dastardly Rogov and his Black Ghosts.  Along the way, he connects with people who become unlikely allies.

This is one great book!  Couldn’t put it down – started reading it at dusk and finished it at dawn.  Black Ghosts has it all.  It’s full of military action, strategy, and tactics, and counter strategy and tactics.  There is mystery, intrigue, action and adventure, deception, betrayal, spy vs. spy, and twists and turns.  The characters, plots, and sub-plots are well developed, believable, and realistic.  The author presented detailed expertise, knowledge, and understanding of various military, governmental, and political structures including their clandestine organizations and actions. 

Victor Ostrovsky was a Lieutenant Commander in the Israeli military as well as a member of the elite Mossad.  He utilizes his experience and knowledge to great advantage.  I rank him among some of my favorite authors such as Clive Cussler, Dale Brown, and Web Griffin.  I will definitely to be seeking out his other books to read.

Thank you so much "neighbor Ken" for another great book review.  


I found this fascinating video on Victor that reveals his love of painting!  Not only is this man a good author but he is a painter that infuses intrigue into his artwork for captivating, even haunting pictures.

 

International Spy Museum in Washington DC

I realized I had never posted about my visit to the International Spy Museum and felt I should correct that error right away. I visited both the Spy Museum and the Crime and Punishment Museum the same day. It was a bit much, but if I had to compare, I think I enjoyed the spy museum more.

The International Spy Museum opened in Washington, DC on July 19, 2002. It is the only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage and the only one in the world to provide a global perspective on an all-but-invisible profession that has shaped history and continues to have a significant impact on world events.

The Museum features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display. Many of these objects are being seen by the public for the first time. These artifacts illuminate the work of famous spies and pivotal espionage actions as well as help bring to life the strategies and techniques of the men and women behind some of the most secretive espionage missions in world history.

Although there are a lot of items from the cold war era (like the mini-cameras used back then) there was still a lot of information applicable to today.  You get to test your powers of observation and listening with some of the interaction exercises.  I enjoyed crawling through and air duct and spying on those below - not as easy as on TV to move quietly in those things!  At the beginning you pick your secret identity and have a few moments to memorize your cover story.  Although this isn't a big deal when questioned it makes it more enjoyable for kids. 

The various facets of spy-craft are dissected and it becomes clear that being a spy was a difficult and stressful position to be in.  Actually the first half of the permanent exhibit is dedicated to spy-craft and the gadgetry involved.  It was fascinating to actually see items used by spies and the disguise techniques.  There were several  case studies of spies that have been caught - even U.S. spies.  Information about the FBI and counterintelligence too. 

There are several stations to keep the children interested so it is kid-friendly for a museum.  Even the history of spying (the second oldest profession) is made interesting, ninjas have taken on a whole new meaning for me.  Meet the "Sisterhood of Spies", a select few of the many women who were agents from the American Civil War into the 20th century. Information on Julia Child being a U.S. spy even.  This museum merges the sleek Hollywood set-design elements to highlight the artifacts and information to keep it from being just another museum to trudge through. It is also noisy, with spies telling their stories or news broadcasts on the speaker system non-stop.

It may seem silly, but one of my favorite information displays was on a decorated WWI war hero - a pigeon.  Cher Ami, was awarded the French "Croix de Guerre with Palm" for heroic service delivering twelve crucial messages. But it was his final mission that is amazing.  On October 1918, Cher Ami delivered a message in spite of being shot through the breast, blinded in one eye, covered in blood, with a leg hanging only by a tendon and having his wings shot through. The message, found in the capsule hanging from his shattered leg, saved around 200 US soldiers of the 77th Infantry Division's "Lost Battalion".  Cher Ami became the mascot of the Department of Service and was mounted by a taxidermist and donated to the Smithsonian where he is enshrined in the Smithsonian Institution, and is currently on display.

The gift shop is amazing in itself with a wide range of items from books, movies, apparel and the usual memorabilia.  I even got me some handcuff themed necklace and earrings - don't know if I will ever be brave enough to actually wear them!  The museum costs $18.00 for adults and $15.00 for children 5-11 years old.  I know that can be steep for a family.  I for one would love to go back and see it again - only I will give myself plenty of time to take it all in next time.