Midnight in Madrid by Noel Hynd

Zondervan link to purchase Midnight in Madrid
or Amazon.com link Midnight in Madrid

Description:


When a mysterious relic is stolen from a Madrid museum, people are dying to discover its secrets. Literally.

U.S. Treasury agent Alexandra LaDuca returns from Conspiracy in Kiev to track down the stolen artwork, a small carving called The Pietà of Malta. It seems to be a simple assignment, but nothing about this job is simple, as the mysteries and legends surrounding the relic become increasingly complex with claims of supernatural power.

As aggressive, relentless, and stubborn as ever, Alex crisscrosses Europe through a web of intrigue, danger, and betrayal, joined by a polished, mysterious new partner. With echoes of classic detective and suspense fiction from The Maltese Falcon to The Da Vinci Code, Midnight in Madrid takes the reader on a nonstop spellbinding chase through a modern world of terrorists, art thieves, and cold-blooded killers.

My Review:
I get so excited when I find a great book by an author I have not read before! Noel Hynd’s book Midnight in Madrid, one of The Russian Trilogy, was so good I didn’t want the book to end. The book has political intrigue, non-stop action, historical references, and descriptive locations. It is a political/spy thriller about international crime.

The story is wonderfully descriptive and includes information about art theft and historical references of Spain. The book is so well-written that the story just takes off and does not stop the suspense and surprises until the very end.

The main character of Alex (Alexandra LaDuca) is very likeable as she struggles with the moral and ethical decisions she has to make in the course of her high-stakes job. She relies on her faith, but also struggles with doubt and questions – as do real people of faith. This book is not a Christian book that preaches anything; it is a book by a person of faith who creates characters that struggle with faith and moral issues.

The other two books in this trilogy are Conspiracy in Kiev and Countdown in Cairo. Noel Hynd has also written the novels, The Enemy Within, Flowers from Berlin, and Ghosts.

I have read so many good books this year, but this is certainly one of my top favorites.

Kill Me Twice by Jerry Bayne

Amazon.com link for Kill Me Twice

Kill Me Twice is an absolutely superb political thriller. Start to finish this book was exciting and suspenseful. I don’t like to give too much information about the plot, especially when the book is as intense as this one, so my plot description is simple. When three government officials cause lead character Bradley Cardiff’s life to fall apart, his only goal is revenge.



The characters, their relationships, and friendships are well-developed and interesting. Cardiff’s character is one of a focused, highly qualified CIA agent who uses his skills to seek vengeance, but he was also a man who loved his family. One of the police characters, Mike Sams, also stands out as an interesting and likeable character. The crooked political figures, unfortunately, are probably not too far off from real life with their dirty deals and corruption.


Kill Me Twice is an outstanding, fast-paced tale of political intrigue. Some language and violence in the book, but dare I say well deserved? I was engrossed through the entire book and found the ending very satisfying. I confess that when I read a book I like, I always find a character that I would like to see continue into the author’s next book. It’s just me. Mike Sams was the character in this book, and I would like to see his story continue from the last page of this book to another.


I can’t wait to order a copy of the author’s previous book, The Gatherer.

The Apostate Theory by Mr. Pat ****

Amazon.com link here: The Apostate Theory

The Apostate Theory is an action-packed drama that depicts the political climate of today. This is a fiction book, but has enough real life situations to make it read like a true story. The political figures, although unnamed, are certainly recognizable and not out of character for their real life behavior. Above all it was interesting – very interesting. The story explains why certain American decisions are causing the rise in radical Islam and the danger of appeasing our enemies.

The only part of the book that I did not like was the addition of a romantic couple. For me, it was just out of place, awkward, and totally unnecessary to the story. If I never again see a woman referred to as “asexual”, I will be happy. Having said that, I still think the story is interesting and worth the read.

The author’s international career has given him insight into the mind of the Islamic agenda. His writings are bound to anger many, but they are valuable to those who want to understand the political game-playing that goes on every day. I would like to read something from this author on this subject, but a nonfiction book.