Ritratto di una spia

“A very wise man once told me that hope is not an acceptable strategy when lives are at stake.” This is the 11th novel in Mr. Silva’s Gabriel Allon series, and although some of the books are formulaic, I find if I read one every so often I don’t get too annoyed with it. In “Portrait of a Spy” Silva ha Leggi tutto

This is another spy novel in the Gabriel Allon series. It is excellent, like all the others in the series. My only complaint is that it is starting to feel a little repetitious. Here again, Allon sends a willing female into the lion's den of a known terrorist. The purpose is to make an identificatio Leggi tutto

Silva again justifies my claim that he is today's best writer of international intrigue. He is to our world of jihad what Ludlum and Le Carre were to the cold war -- unrivaled. Not only does he write "ahead of the headlines" but imbues this struggle with courage and character in the face of unspeaka Leggi tutto

Is it my imagination or have I read this book before. Actually, I have not, but the plot is nothing to write home about. Its not that I am tired of Silva's ability to write because he still remains a great read, but the plots are a tad tired, and the characters are looking a little frayed around the Leggi tutto

I started reading this current book in the Gabriel Allon series while vacating in the beautiful beaches of Santorini on my mini-honeymoon. Soon enough, I was taken away from the clear water and the mesmerizing view and thrown into the mayhem of suicide bombings executed by a new terror organization

I read the first Gabriel Allon installment over a decade ago and maybe one other since then, so I was familiar with the main characters and their professions. Book #11 is post 911 and its plot is pertinent to our times. It is a sturdy and thoughtful book about spy recruitment and one in which charac Leggi tutto

Another good Silva thriller. So far, he seems able to keep adding new wrinkles to his set of characters and issues. Silva has a unique way of building tension even when you suspect what is about to happen. This one had some plot surprises. Silva's descriptions of places and great art is also as exce Leggi tutto

Hide only us. Adhere to the truth when possible. Lie as a last resort. The mantra of Israeli’s intelligence service (the Office). “Portrait of a Spy”, the 11th book in Gabriel Allon series and the 14th I have read, was a bit of a let down. The semi-retired spy and art restorer is living in Cornwall w Leggi tutto