Official Review: Devil in False Colors by Jack Winnick

mmm17 · Post by **mmm17** » 09 Aug 2019, 06:51

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Devil in False Colors" by Jack Winnick.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Devil in False Colors, written by Jack Winnick, begins with a vicious massacre that leaves five children dead at a Jewish preschool in an upscale suburb in California. The country and the world are shocked by what seems to be a hate crime perpetrated by Arabic speaking terrorists. Israeli national Uri Levin, “one of the most famous of Mossad's assassins,” travels undercover (as Uri Cohen, a businessman) to aid Lara Edmond of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force in the investigation. To spice things up, Uri and Lara have worked together and had a romantic involvement in the past, and this new investigation rekindles their feelings.

In my opinion, the geopolitical outlook is this novel’s best feature. Although it is a work of fiction, the author states that “it has strong ties to historical events that are not fiction,” and he does a great job of weaving these elements into the plot.

Some of the best passages in Devil in False Colors are related to pressing issues such as religiously motivated international terrorism, Iran’s nuclear threat, and Russia’s shady role in it. I enjoyed the author’s depiction of these historically and politically nuanced backgrounds. Winnick cleverly presents themes like the creation of the State of Israel, anti-Israel sentiment, and the prejudice against Jews. He also outlines the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims, as well as some of Hezbollah’s underpinnings.

Additionally, I thought the characters were nicely developed, and I particularly liked Lara. This FBI agent who grew up in a farming community in Ohio is “fiercely independent and capable in every way, both physical and mental.” Among other skills, her mastery of computers helped build her reputation as one of the best resources to deal with threats to national security.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. However, due to a few politically charged points of view, it might displease some readers with controversial remarks like the following: “Liberal elements in society had pushed through legislation that brought much of the data-gathering to a close, tying the hands of the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the JTTF, while doing little to maintain privacy and security within the general population.”

Lastly, I give this novel 4 out of 4 stars. Overall, it is a well-written and well-edited book; I only found minor punctuation and hyphenation errors. It was an enjoyable and fast read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys thrillers with a touch of international affairs. There was nothing I disliked about it.

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Devil in False Colors
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MatereF · Post by **MatereF** » 09 Aug 2019, 14:30

I like the fact that the author also tacked some issues like religiously motivated international terrorism, Iran’s nuclear threat, and Russia’s role all of which are related to terrorism in one way or the other. The world has already lost too many lives as a result of terrorism and in some instances, lives have never been the same again as a result of terrorist attacks. How do we get a long-lasting solution??

Post by **kandscreeley** » 09 Aug 2019, 15:34

This definitely sounds like an event that could happen. I'm not sure it was necessary to include such politically charged statements. It would appeal to a wider audience without that. It still sounds interesting, though. Thanks.

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 10 Aug 2019, 06:13

The book sounds fascinating, but the storyline is not one I'm interested in. Thanks.

LinaMueller · Post by **LinaMueller** » 10 Aug 2019, 10:06

It sounds like the book has everything, action, history and religion. Amazing review.

essyallan7475 · Post by **essyallan7475** » 11 Aug 2019, 19:49

A amazing review. The plot is really good. It is full of action and suspence. A book i would definitely reads

Purti10 · Post by **Purti10** » 12 Sep 2019, 02:35

The storyline of this book is fascinating.I enjoy reading suspense and thriller books, and this is on my list now.Thanks for the review!

LeDiplomatique · Post by **LeDiplomatique** » 12 Sep 2019, 23:34

looking at the book at first, i didn't think its my type but after reading your great review i changed my mind. This is now a must read for me, thanks to you...and the author of course.

Mrunal Tikekar · Post by **Mrunal Tikekar** » 13 Sep 2019, 01:22

Religion-based terrorism is an unfortunate reality. The events mentioned in the book, even though fictional, very much sound like real possibilities. Such books often run a risk of hurting some religious sentiments, but the topics are nevertheless worth discussing. Your review is very thoughtful and insightful.

Toya1 · Post by **Toya1** » 13 Sep 2019, 16:20

I was turned off by the title of this book to be honest. However, having read your review, I was reminded to 'never judge a book by its cover'. Thanks for such a good review.

Nizar Muhammad · Post by **Nizar Muhammad** » 14 Sep 2019, 06:25

The way it is reviewed portrays almost everything about the Novel, in-spite the author is well aware of the geopolitics but is following one sided agenda by giving sympathy to one of the two rivals of the today's war, an author should be a neutral person,
Thanks! for the review..

klee8988 · Post by **klee8988** » 14 Sep 2019, 14:39

I appreciate your review. Being a very new reviewer here, I noticed some categories you mentioned and went over that I have overlooked. A great learning experience for me and I definitely am interested in this book now.

Selina6969 · Post by **Selina6969** » 16 Sep 2019, 09:22

I like how the author sit and explain what was going on and not just a half fast job like most books now a day. You will get so into it then it cut off. This was great

Lizzieitalia · Post by **Lizzieitalia** » 16 Sep 2019, 13:38

I like the idea of the author weaving in actual historical elements. Your use of quotes from the book helped create a well rounded review. Thanks!

HeatherEi · Post by **HeatherEi** » 16 Sep 2019, 19:48

I read East Wind by Jack Winnick, which is the prequel to that book. I enjoyed it for the most part, but his strong political views definitely skewed the story in a way. Glad to know Lara and Uri rekindle their love!