Richard North Patterson demonstrates his research prowess in “The Devil’s Light.” The novel is a clear look at the massive complexities of international relations, terrorism, religious passion, and clandestine espionage. To create the book, Patterson explains that he relied on a massive network of prominent experts in counter terrorism, intelligence, espionage, and nuclear issues, along with the intricate relationships between Middle East countries and the character of al Qaeda and Hezbollah. The result of his diligence is the realistic and mesmerizing tale he weaves of a stolen nuclear device and the race to both use it and to prevent its deployment. A nuclear bomb is stolen in Pakistan by a clever al Qaeda terrorist who intends to drop it on a major city with massive consequences of death and destruction. His intent is to avenge past injustices against his people, make a religious statement, and to further advance terrorist ambitions. Word of the theft and the uncertainty of the intended target prompt a massive international search for the weapon and its caretaker. Two stories are really the foundation of Patterson’s novel. The first involves the theft and subsequent movement of the bomb from Pakistan to a launch point in Lebanon. It’s a rugged and clandestine journey involving many modes of transportation over daunting landscapes while maintaining the secrecy of movement, and involving the death of many involved in the scheme to ensure the efficacy of the final act.The second story concerns an American secret agent of many faces who, along with a female Israeli Mossad agent, are the primary pursuers who don’t have a lot of information to guide their efforts. In fact the decision they make on where to concentrate their efforts raises a lot of doubt in the minds of high level government officials who are desperate to terminate the plot. The two agents must fight this opposition, clouded by their own uncertainties, and, of course, manage the inevitable love affair that seems to be doomed by their cultural differences.Patterson is a terrific writer, another of the attorneys who gave up lucrative practices to concentrate on writing. His storyline is mostly credible, his skills are awesome, and the suspense is built by his master craftsmanship. His main characters are realistically portrayed, although the bit players strike me as being too numerous with names that are difficult to remember. But to Westerners, that’s the way of the Middle East; confusing in both name and philosophy.I enjoyed this book and feel somewhat more informed about the complexities of Islam culture, nuclear terrorism, and the intricate network of the espionage community. The realism created by Patterson’s research efforts is palpable and educational. To be honest I was reluctant to read this book thinking yet another piece of media on terrorism and Bin Laden, but I proceeded to listen to an audio version of it. I found it did not have much pace or suspense as there did not seem to be any plot twits or turns for the majority. It did speed up towards the last quarter of the book though. I also felt I did not have much empathy for the CIA characters in it as they could've done with a lot more depth in their descriptions. It did bring-up the topical issue of what would enemies do with nuclear weapons though. Overall I wold only recommend this as a quick airport or train station type read, but would not read again.
What do You think about Devil's Light (2012)?
Very slow going. Good at the end, but you had to endure the first 250 pages.
—Utopia
Well written book about Al Qaeda when Bin Ladin was still alive.
—mayank
what a fast-paced book right out of today's headlines
—Emily
