I received a sample for this review/feature. Opinions expressed are my own.
I so rarely read books that aren’t for children so when I do I am fairly picky in what books I select because I only have so much time for myself. I really enjoy reading books from the internationally best-selling author Allan Topol. I absolutely love his international intrigue novels about super-spy Craig Page and his latest action-packed thriller, The Italian Divide, is real page turner! This time Page uncovers a global conspiracy after the mysterious death of his good friend, a big-time Italian banker.
Loyalties lie deep, dangerous alliances are made to be broken, and organized crime is omnipotent. Allan Topol’s twelfth novel, the latest Craig Page thriller is an electrifying foray into the world of international intrigue. Against blackmail, extortion, and treason, can Craig Page still prevail?
When prominent Italian banker Frederico Castiglione is murdered in an apparent jewelry robbery gone wrong, things are not what they seem. Former CIA Director Craig Page is enjoying his new life as Italian race car driver Enrico Marino-but when he hears that his friend and sponsor has been found dead, he suspects foul play. Shortly after Castiglione’s death, Italian banker Andrew Goldoni is asked to sell-or else. When he refuses, his daughter goes missing.
Craig embarks on an investigation to solve the riddles underlying Castiglione’s murder and rescue Goldoni’s daughter, but the pieces don’t quite fit. The murderers are Russian, but the takeovers are based in China, and somehow Roberto Parelli, the Italian separatist candidate for President, is involved.
With the help of Elizabeth Crowder, CIA director Betty Richards, and director of EU Counter Terrorism Giuseppe, Craig discovers a complicated web of mysterious political and financial takeovers across Italy, all linked back to Craig’s sworn enemy, Zhou Yun, and Roberto Parelli.
The Italian Divide is Topol’s 12th novel of international intrigue; Spy Dance and Enemy My Enemy, were national best sellers. His novels have been translated into Japanese, Portuguese and Hebrew. One was optioned and three are in development for movies which I will most definitely go to see! In addition to his fiction writing, Allan Topol is a graduate of Yale Law School, he is a partner in a major Washington law firm, and an avid wine collector, he has traveled extensively, researching dramatic locations for his novels. He has also wrote a weekly column for Military.com and has published articles in numerous periodicals including the New York Times, Washington Post, and Yale Law Journal. He also has blogged for Huffington Post.
Even if you have not read any of the Craig Page thrillers you will still be able to follow along with the story and enjoy it. This is a stay up all night to finish kind of book. A book I put the kids to bed early for just so I could dive head first into the story and fully immerse myself. I even pushed the husband out of the bedroom and sent him off to watch tv because I wanted the book all to myself. I love a good thriller and Topol has an amazing talent for weaving an intricate story from start to finish but full of so many ups and down, twists and turns while still coming to a complete finish at the end.
Connect: You can connect with Allan Topol on Facebook.
I love these types of books and want to read this the Italian Divide. I will have to look for it in the store. Thanks for the review!