“Count Down” has one of the best opening
plot openings I’ve read in a long time, but….. (Review by Barry Meehan)
Amy Cornwall is an undercover CIA operative who is faced with a unique problem in that her identity is wiped off the record books by the CIA itself, after an operation in Lebanon to take out a wanted terrorist goes horribly wrong. Cornwall, naturally enough, views her decisions as the only ones possible under the circumstances, but her bosses see otherwise, and put a plan into motion to make her life impossible.
Amy is forced to work from the dark side as her information concerning a plot turns out to be a real threat that could kill thousands of Americans if nothing is done to stop it in its tracks. Helped by a British Intelligence operative who was on the mission with her in Lebanon, Amy sets out to bring down the terrorist, and halt the threat he poses to New York City, home to millions of unsuspecting citizens, as well as her own family.
Of course, Amy can’t impart any information to her journalist husband, but does manage to warn him by telling him to leave the City with their daughter in a coded “Get out of Dodge” type warning. Does he heed the warning? Or are their other forces afoot trying to stop him acting on the information?
Count Down has one of the best opening plot openings I’ve read in a long time, but once it becomes apparent that Amy is virtually on her own fighting the evil but brilliant terrorist and his plot, the tale – although exciting – becomes rather unbelievable as Amy’s actions take on those that would be more likely to be demonstrated by Superwoman.
There are also a few co-incidences towards the end that stretch the imagination somewhat. But be that as it may, this novel, co-authored by Patterson and Brendan DuBois, is worth picking up in your local bookstore. While Patterson is one of the best-selling authors of all time, DuBois is no slouch in the literary field, either. He is the award-winning author of 24 novels and over 180 short stories.
Count Down is published by Century Publishers, Penguin Random House UK. ISBN 978-1-529-12524-5 – Barry Meehan
Posts
