Review of Devil Among Us
Posted: 22 Oct 2023, 03:36
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Devil Among Us" by Jack Winnick.]
Devil Among Us by Jack Winnick is the second book in the Lara and Uri series. The investigation of a suicide bombing at a New York synagogue that caused hundreds of casualties points to members of a Jewish family as the culprits. FBI Special Agent Lara Edmond is part of the team checking up on the suspects' lives and discovers that some of them were hiding something crucial to their understanding of the bombing. Help by the Mossad is requested, leading Mossad agent Uri Levin to go to the USA to work with Lara again a few years after the terrorism case they solved together.
I read and reviewed East Wind, the first book in the Lara and Uri series, and I liked how Jack Winnick developed a storyline inspired by the terrorist threats against the USA. I was happy to have the chance to read and review this sequel, which turned out to be much more than a spy thriller. I should add spoilers to explain how this novel is developed with elements that belong to other genres, so I'll just say that the plot's ramifications include a threat against Israel.
The story is full of action with Lara and Uri often risking their lives while they're trying to uncover a terrorist plan that involves many extremists. Jack Winnick includes members of different organizations who are enemies of the USA and Israel in a story full of twists, surprises, and revelations.
This novel is more action-oriented than the first of the series: in her investigation, Lara works almost exclusively as a field agent while she was originally introduced as a specialist in using computers for intelligence-gathering. In my opinion, that's not a problem because it makes sense that Lara's job changed over time as she gathered experience.
I appreciated the sophisticated plot, in which Lara and Uri find themselves at the center of a complex plan against the USA and Israel. I'm not surprised to see that Jack Winnick is described as a Middle East scholar, as he shows the different positions that exist in Arab countries, which are sometimes their own worst enemies. He skillfully depicts those complexities without slowing down the pace too much by adding details here and there and through quick conversations.
One thing I didn't appreciate about this novel is the negative depiction of the European Union, seen as weak in its position towards Israel and terrorist threats. A complete explanation would be longer than the actual review, so I'll just point out that strong statements of support for Israel came from European countries after the most recent attacks suffered by the Jewish country. In my opinion, support doesn't only mean supplying weapons.
Overall, I think that Devil Among Us is another terrific novel in this series. It has a proper ending, so you can read it as a standalone story even if it's part of a series. It includes some developments in Lara and Uri's personal relationships, though only some kissing is told explicitly. I appreciated that their relationship and its development are not cheesy.
I recommend Devil Among Us to grown-up readers because of some complexities connected to the social and political situations in various countries and some violent bits connected to fights depicted in the story. There are a few errors that didn't detract from my enjoyment, so I happily rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars. I think it's a must-read if you like spy thrillers and plots that include big plans at an international level.
******
Devil Among Us
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Devil Among Us by Jack Winnick is the second book in the Lara and Uri series. The investigation of a suicide bombing at a New York synagogue that caused hundreds of casualties points to members of a Jewish family as the culprits. FBI Special Agent Lara Edmond is part of the team checking up on the suspects' lives and discovers that some of them were hiding something crucial to their understanding of the bombing. Help by the Mossad is requested, leading Mossad agent Uri Levin to go to the USA to work with Lara again a few years after the terrorism case they solved together.
I read and reviewed East Wind, the first book in the Lara and Uri series, and I liked how Jack Winnick developed a storyline inspired by the terrorist threats against the USA. I was happy to have the chance to read and review this sequel, which turned out to be much more than a spy thriller. I should add spoilers to explain how this novel is developed with elements that belong to other genres, so I'll just say that the plot's ramifications include a threat against Israel.
The story is full of action with Lara and Uri often risking their lives while they're trying to uncover a terrorist plan that involves many extremists. Jack Winnick includes members of different organizations who are enemies of the USA and Israel in a story full of twists, surprises, and revelations.
This novel is more action-oriented than the first of the series: in her investigation, Lara works almost exclusively as a field agent while she was originally introduced as a specialist in using computers for intelligence-gathering. In my opinion, that's not a problem because it makes sense that Lara's job changed over time as she gathered experience.
I appreciated the sophisticated plot, in which Lara and Uri find themselves at the center of a complex plan against the USA and Israel. I'm not surprised to see that Jack Winnick is described as a Middle East scholar, as he shows the different positions that exist in Arab countries, which are sometimes their own worst enemies. He skillfully depicts those complexities without slowing down the pace too much by adding details here and there and through quick conversations.
One thing I didn't appreciate about this novel is the negative depiction of the European Union, seen as weak in its position towards Israel and terrorist threats. A complete explanation would be longer than the actual review, so I'll just point out that strong statements of support for Israel came from European countries after the most recent attacks suffered by the Jewish country. In my opinion, support doesn't only mean supplying weapons.
Overall, I think that Devil Among Us is another terrific novel in this series. It has a proper ending, so you can read it as a standalone story even if it's part of a series. It includes some developments in Lara and Uri's personal relationships, though only some kissing is told explicitly. I appreciated that their relationship and its development are not cheesy.
I recommend Devil Among Us to grown-up readers because of some complexities connected to the social and political situations in various countries and some violent bits connected to fights depicted in the story. There are a few errors that didn't detract from my enjoyment, so I happily rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars. I think it's a must-read if you like spy thrillers and plots that include big plans at an international level.
******
Devil Among Us
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
I love the way this author packs his pages full of action, and for the most part, I find the plots he presents realistic. With everything going on in the Middle East today, these books are a reminder of the impermanence of peace and the persistent conflicts facing some nations. I am curious to read what you mentioned in terms of the politics of the European Union. I enjoyed reading your review; thanks so much for sharing it with us. Until next time...