Erika Bursos is a well known book reviewer who has posted hundreds of book reviews on AMAZON.     Order my book at: http://www.hispanicamericanheroes.com

Terrorist Plots, Border Incidents, Drug Deals and Romance, August 26, 2008

This is a contemporary novel which skillfully weaves together several head-line grabbing topics: a foiled Al Queda terrorist plot, C.I.A. operatives disguised as computer specialists working in Mexico, and a Christian religious cult which has an armed militia who clash with drug dealers at the Rio Grande border between Texas and Mexico. John P. Lintz, Sr writes a powerful and dynamic novel of suspense, romance, and a mysterious murder, involving two C.I.A. agents who uncover a terrorist plot while working in Mexico. I read this book in one sitting and could not put it down. The author demonstrates his great understanding of the international relations between the United States and Mexico and what a delicate balance it is to maintain border patrol while respecting the laws of both nations. The author provides light-hearted moments as the romance between the two C.I.A. agents blossoms into an affair and eventually into serious plans for a wedding. He opens a window into understanding the contrasting cultural views of being engaged and having a marriage suitor ... The mystery murder is an unexpected twist and golden hook which keeps the reader glued to every page, anticipating and wanting more.

The author creates a highly plausible scenario where the terrorists store their weapons at the very busy seaport, the Puerto Altamira on the Gulf of Mexico near the city of Tampico. Their plans are to cross the border into the U.S. to create a surprise attack at a designated target. The plot unraveled by serendipity. The identities of the terrorists were accidentally discovered due to the foresight of JJ (Juan Jose) Ibarra (undercover C.I.A.). He used his cell phone camera to photograph three Arab men who had lunch at the same restaurant where he and his coworker/girlfriend were dining. He immediately sent the photo to C.I.A. headquarters where the wheels were set into motion to foil the plot before it got off the ground. The manner in which the events went down makes for a great reading experience. Sadly, this is not so far from reality, as the 9-1-1 pilots learned to fly at a flight school located at small airport in Southwest Florida before pulling off one of the worst terrorists attacks to ever occur on American soil. Imagine what a difference it would have made, how many lives would have been saved, had the flight instructor followed his gut instincts, and reported to a higher authority, the fact that he had foreign students of Middle Eastern extraction who wanted to learn to fly but were not interested in learning how to land ...

The author's writing style is dynamic, flowing and flawless. He is a master of his craft. His unique knowledge about weapons and their effectiveness spills off the pages. I love how he occasionally intersperses the Spanish language throughout the novel creating an authenticity to the scenes and events. He has a great understanding of modern technology and media coverage. His knowledge of the political dynamics between the United States and Mexico is enviable. His ability to show how a religious cult who uses peyote as a sacrament could emass a militia and weapons and then twist the scenario into looking acceptable via media coverage when they use their military expertise is astonishing. The author has tremendous knowledge and insight about world events and human beings. This is an outstanding novel. Erika Borsos [pepper flower]