The Mark of the Assassin" by Daniel Silva

"The Mark of the Assassin" by Daniel Silva. This book is published by Signet in 2003 and has 528 pages.

A known Palestinian terrorist shoots down an American civilian airliner. 200 dead. The terrorist is also found dead, shot 3 times in the face. Michael from CIA is on the case. He has previously encountered an assassin who shoots his victims 3 times in the face. It's the mark of this assassin.

Who is behind the attack on airliner? Who is the assassin? Why does he have a mark? Can Michael catch him?

It's a classic tale of a high profile CIA operative and world's best assassin. Here both are hunting for each other. Author has also introduced a personal angle in the story that makes it more appealing.

Elaborate plot by the wealthy & powerful to become wealthier and more powerful, use of terrorists and assassins to achieve the goal, misleading, deception, campaign financing, espionage, love; the story contains everything.

Daniel has written a good story. It has a crisp pace. Doesn't slow down. Nails you to the book. Characterization is good. The book ends where the next book will start. It's not over yet, wait for the sequel.

Recommend reading.

The last man by Vince Flynn

"The last man", latest thriller by Vince Flynn (2012). This is his 13th book of 'Mitch Rapp' series and now I have read all but one.

Mitch Rapp is a top CIA operative who has little regard for authority & rules when national security is in question. He is difficult to manage but is best at what he does that is killing tge bad guys.

One important CIA operative (Rick) goes missing in Jalalabad. Rapp goes to find him and an assassination attempt is made on him by a killer from his past. In the fight for his life Rapp sustains head injuries and has a short term memory loss.

Will he find Rick? Is he alive? Is it the doing of intelligence agency of another country? Is there a bigger plot than what meets the eyes?

There are multiple layers of deception & misinformation is difficult to segregate from fact. The plot is full of subplots. Story takes place mainly in Afghanistan, USA and Pakistan. Its a real thriller.    
                             
Loss of nemory and recovery brings a new dimension to Rapp's personality. The end also sows seeds for the next book that is expected this year.

Vince Flynn's writing style is very good. It is very difficult to put the book down. Story is well paced and keeps you on tenterhook. (It is hard to believe that Vince Flynn was a dyslexic.)

All in all worth spending the time.

Those who like thrillers should read Vince Flynn.