Review of The Date Farm

[Cheryl Erickson]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Date Farm" by Jack Winnick.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The Date Farm is a riveting espionage thriller by Jack Winnick. It is the fourth installment of the Lara and Uri book series. The action began with a seemingly random attack on a California mall and ended as a suicide mission. As a result, fifty-eight people were killed, not counting the ten assailants. One hundred twenty-five people were wounded. Unbeknownst to the security agencies that gathered at the scene, this was only a prelude to a larger scheme. Assuming Islamic terrorists were behind this heinous act, two Mossad agents were called to report to FBI headquarters. Newlyweds Lara Edmond and Uri Levin had been enjoying a quiet vacation at the Edmond family farm in Ohio. Unfortunately, it was cut short due to their much-needed expertise. These intrepid agents had previously apprehended many notorious terrorists. DNA tests on the attackers’ blood proved their Middle Eastern ancestry. But why would they open fire in a mall filled with young adults? It was not an onslaught targeted at the Jewish community, like attacks of the past. What was their motive? Homeland Security reported that the U.S. communication networks had been penetrated. The military’s communication satellite was fried. The enemy was tracking all government and police transmissions. Who was responsible?

After that, New York’s financial district was shut down. The Federal Reserve and Chase Manhattan Bank buildings were infiltrated. A threat was sent; if any attempts at interception were made, nuclear bombs would be triggered throughout the city. The agents were notified that their old nemesis, Sheikh Zainal Abidin, was leading this entire operation. Iran’s president, Mahmoud Fijazi, was the mastermind. Lara and Uri had to take separate SWAT teams through underground tunnels into the buildings. They planned to prevent the heist of gold and capture the terrorists. Unfortunately, both teams were caught and kidnapped. Abidin’s “shock troops” escaped with a rare and precious military resource instead of gold.

The story continued in the country of Iran. After using their intelligence training and skills to escape, Lara and Uri went undercover. They posed as an Afghan couple looking for work on a date farm in Kazerun. The farm was the secret location of Abidin’s technology command center. The stolen goods were also hidden on the property. For this reconnaissance mission, Lara and Uri had to retrieve what was taken. They also had to shut down the communication center and capture the terrorists. The Navy SEALs were ready to assist. Would they be able to complete this daunting mission? What was the precious resource that was stolen? Would Abidin outwit the Americans and escape again?

There were many positive aspects of this novel. I liked how our United States government agencies worked together with each other to respond to the acts of terrorism. After the Beverly Hills Mall Massacre, the LAPD had help from the Terror Squad, FBI, and Homeland Security. In New York, Lara and Uri had the support of the NYPD, FBI, Homeland Security, and SWAT teams. In Iran, America’s Navy SEALs came to complete the mission. These committed people risked their lives and went above and beyond the call of duty to protect our country. The author even dedicated this book to the “tens of thousands of unnamed individuals who heroically risk their lives to protect the rest of us.” I also appreciated the consistent pace of action that occurred throughout this book. The danger was palpable, and I honestly couldn’t predict what would happen next. As usual, Winnick was a master at providing a narrative that shifted between the protagonists and antagonists. I experienced the thoughts and plans of the opposite sides during each of the operations. It truly gave me a balanced vantage point of the overall plot. Honestly, there was not one thing that I did not like about this novel.

I undoubtedly give The Date Farm a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Due to Winnick’s extensive knowledge and background, his writing was frighteningly believable. I was immersed in the intricate details of the unforeseeable plot lines. I also admired the dedication and loyalty of the protagonists. I found a few minor errors, but they did not disrupt the flow of the text.

Due to the main topic of terrorism, I recommend this book to mature readers. The scenes with bloodshed were described in graphic detail, which created gruesome imagery. The book contained suicide, murder, violence, and kidnapping. There was some sexual content, but it was mostly inferred. A limited amount of profanity was included in the text. People who are interested in international spy novels filled with counter-terrorism operations, suspense, and surprising plot twists will enjoy this book. I am anxious to begin the fifth installment in this series to see what happens next!

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The Date Farm
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

There were many positive aspects of this novel. I liked how our United States government agencies worked together with each other to respond to the acts of terrorism. After the Beverly Hills Mall Massacre, the LAPD had help from the Terror Squad, FBI, and Homeland Security. In New York, Lara and Uri had the support of the NYPD, FBI, Homeland Security, and SWAT teams. In Iran, America’s Navy SEALs came to complete the mission. These committed people risked their lives and went above and beyond the call of duty to protect our country. The author even dedicated this book to the “tens of thousands of unnamed individuals who heroically risk their lives to protect the rest of us.”

My God, that's one impressive workflow there. And, indeed, the real-life Laras and Uris do deserve all our praise.

I also appreciated the consistent pace of action that occurred throughout this book. The danger was palpable, and I honestly couldn’t predict what would happen next. As usual, Winnick was a master at providing a narrative that shifted between the protagonists and antagonists. I experienced the thoughts and plans of the opposite sides during each of the operations. It truly gave me a balanced vantage point of the overall plot. Honestly, there was not one thing that I did not like about this novel.

I do love that Mr. Winnick always provides the antagonists' perspectives. It makes for a much more rounded reading experience.

Due to the main topic of terrorism, I recommend this book to mature readers. The scenes with bloodshed were described in graphic detail, which created gruesome imagery. The book contained suicide, murder, violence, and kidnapping. There was some sexual content, but it was mostly inferred. A limited amount of profanity was included in the text. People who are interested in international spy novels filled with counter-terrorism operations, suspense, and surprising plot twists will enjoy this book. I am anxious to begin the fifth installment in this series to see what happens next!

I'm so glad you always make these warnings. I, for once, can't stand the level of violence that Mr. Winnick uses, so I'm always thankful for sensitive reviewers like you.

Good job!

[Sarah Sonbol]

I do not think that I would enjoy this book. The notion that US is always under terrorist attacks is unbelievable especially when it is the opposite in the real world. However, thanks for the detailed review.

[Stephanie Runyon]

Winnick is an exceptional writer capable of putting readers as the proverbial fly on the wall. I have problems reading this series due to flashbacks of when I was in the military.

[Darin Erickson]

I thought this book review was beautifully written. This reviewer has a gift for describing what she has read in such a vivid way; it makes it easy to understand. It's amazing what these agents face on their missions and what they accomplish. Reading the review left me excited to pick this book up and read it myself.

[Onyeka Dibor]

Jack Winnick's ability to blend fiction and reality shines through in "The Date Farm."