The Walk-In
by Gary Berntsen and Ralph Pezzullo
Published by Crown Publishers
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Reviewed by Patty Inglish
This novel was written by a former CIA operative that led counterterrorism initiatives in the Middle East, Latin America, and East Africa for over 20 years, even confronting Osama Bin Laden.
Gary Berntsen, then, brings a degree of austere realism to an international spy drama that rings true and captivates the reader. I felt that I was in the room or on-site with each of the characters as they acted.
Writing partner Ralph Pezzullo brings a flow and buildup of storyline that is uncommon and presents paramilitary operations in a gripping fashion. It is sometimes hard to tell what side some of the actors support, just as in real life, but the resolution of the storyline is satisfying. An important function of the story is to bring greater understanding of what is happening within global terrorism, making the book valuable public information.
A high-level Iranian intelligence officer “walks in” the U.S. Embassy and meets with Matt Freed, delivering secret information that America will be attacked in its most vital spots within two weeks. The story could be false, but U.S. forces prepare for battle and counterintelligence.
Feeling preparations are lacking, Freed organizes his own initiative. He leads his group to an Afghan prison in search of an important senior citizen, to an Uzbek biohazards dump of an arms facility, and to a Moscow hospital to see an arms dealer dying of bio-warfare results. Freed is left on his own in his wide ranging actions, the U.S. government not daring to avow knowledge of them. A mysterious white-haired operative repeatedly appears at each skirmish or point of intrigue, but what side does he represent?
In the end, the “walk-in,” the Iranian intelligence man, was working only for his own side. He attempts to unleash far-reaching biohazards in the U.S. and several people are affected, along with Freed’s personal life.
This book is full of action and the horrors of terrorism, but is good information with a minimum of harsh language.
Anyone interested in America’s position in the War On Terror should read The Walk-In.
Authors’ Web site: Gary Berntsen—http://www.berntsengroup.com
Ralph Pezzullo—http://www.RalphPezzullo.com