The black widow by Daniel Silva

"The black widow" by Daniel Silva. This book is published by HarperLuxe in 2016 and has 720 pages. This is Book 16 of Gabriel Allon series. 

A conference in Paris, brainstorming about status of Jews (after a series of attacks on Jews by Muslim fundamentalists in France), is bombed. The convener bequeaths her Van Gogh painting to Gabriel, the Israeli spy who is to become the Spy Chief. French would allow the painting to leave France only if Gabriel helps track the mastermind, Saladin and the perpetrator, a Black Widow, and dismantle the terror network.

Will Gabriel agree to accept French condition and delay becoming Spy Chief? How to fight this new face of terror? What are plans of ISIS? What is the counter measure?

The new face of terror is female. European white females convert to Islam and join the cause. They are more educated than men. Since they are forbidden from taking active role, they take supportive role. They marry 'soon to be martyred'  terrorist and become 'Black Widows'. 

An elaborate plot is hatched to insert an informant into the most dreaded and vicious terrorist organization ISIS. Israel, Jordan, France team up and recruit an agent. ISIS is planning something big. No spy agency knows what? All hopes are on this agent, all eyes are on this agent. Will the agent deliver? 

Although it's a thriller with the central theme of terrorism, it's still a fresh story. There is a novelty in this agent. The training, however, is a bit hasty. Portion of Syria in ISIS control is a dystopian society. Yet fanatics are ready to die for it for the promise of heaven. Narration is good, so is the flow. 

Towards the end, attack on America begins. It appears as if we are heading for a climax but it turns out to be a counter climax. Tables are turned and that brings Gabriel into live action for the real climax and damage control. 

The end of the book drags. It's a winding end where author tries to tie all loose ends like Gabriel's Coronation, the last kill, reconciliation with ex-wife etc. However while trying to tie loose ends, the story loses  momentum. 

It's a peculiar story that does not end with the victory of god guys. Rather it ends with victory to bad guys. It's courageous of author to end the book with a defeat. So the battle is lost but war is not over. It will continue in the series. Threat of ISIS can't be ignored. 

What is the distinguishing feature of Gabriel Allon? He has grey temples, since he was young, and has greenest if green eyes. 

Why did I read this book? Title. 

What I didn't like? Winding end. 

What did I like? Concept. Author courage to portray defeat. 

Recommend reading.