I too, have read all of Daniel Silva’s books and while I very much enjoyed this one, it somehow lacked the flow of The Marching Season or The Mark of the Assassin. Perhaps it is because of the subject matter, i.e. Middle East peace or the lack thereof. There are wheels within wheels on both sides of the issue and to explain that to a reader in a manner which still holds one’s attention, probably explains the somewhat less than frantic pace of the action in this book. There are facinating insights into the working of the mind of Yassir Arafat and there is some interesting philosophy shared among the Israeli participants as well. I actually turned down the corner on page 75 where Ari Shamron, an Israeli spymaster tells Gabriel Allon, the assasin he has brought back into service, ’’All right, if you want my opinion, I believe we will be no more secure after a peace deal than before it. If you want my opinion, I believe the fire in the Palestinian heart will never be extinguished until the Jews are driven into the sea....I would much rather do battle with a sworn enemy than with an enemy who finds expediency in posing as a friend.’’ I happen to believe there is more truth in those words than in all of the posturing that came out of the Clinton peace process which ended with one of the participants being voted out of office. So with patience and clear character development, Silva weaves us through the passions and terror of the Middle East which spreads its effect throughout the globe. You will learn from reading this book and you will be well entertained. Not a bad combination!