BLOODMONEY

Revenge is a jagged-edged puzzle, and within the espionage community it can be even more lethal. Firdous Bamji grounds us firmly in the unfamiliar settings of Pakistan and the Middle East with clear, fluid name and place pronunciations. They’re never stumbling blocks though the intricate mesh of relationships, clans, and shifting loyalties are all part of the deadly game played by the CIA, ISI, and now a new off-the-books, super-clandestine American outfit. Informed details and cultural anthropology are hallmarks of David Ignatius's intelligent thrillers, and that richness carries well into the audio format. Narrator Bamji hides in plain sight, a spy's trick. For listeners this means no overly strong presence—but instead the recessive storyteller making sure all goes according to plan. If you liked BODY OF LIES, find more engaging listening here. R.F.W. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2011]