The Apostle by Brad Thor

Brad Thor has previously written several best-selling novels dealing with world-wide intrigue, espionage, and deadly conflicts. His latest The Apostle, takes the reader on an exciting ride into international politics and how it can turn dangerous for the innocent.

A young American doctor, Julio Gallo, is kidnapped in Afghanistan and her interpreter brutally murdered. Her captors demand the release of al-Qaeda leader, Mustafe Khan, before Dr. Gallo will be returned. Khan is actually being imprisoned by the Afghan government, who are not willing to trade their dangerous convict for an American.

Scot Harvath, a counterterrorist expert, has recently been relieved of his dutes by the new government administration due to the current President's desire to achieve world peace. He is suddenly called in by the President to deal with the Gallo kidnapping. It appears Julia Gallo is the daughter of the President's close friend and financial supporter Stephanie Gallo. She has pressured the President to do whatever is necessary, no expenses spared, to bring her daughter home alive. It becomes apparent to Harvath the only way to achieve this is to break Khan out of prison himself and present him to the Taliban. He makes contact with old friend "Baba G" Gallagher and they carefully map out their plans.

In a seperate story line, female Secret Service Elise Campbell, who is assigned to guard the President, overhears a conversation between the President and Stephanie Gallo which indicates Stephanie knows a secret which could threaten the presidency. Elise, realizing she is putting her career on the line, goes forward with an investigation of her own.

The author is a master at creating fascinating characters, each with unique and believable personalities. The story itself will keep you glued to the pages, but also will give readers an appreciation for the lifestyle of ordinary Afghanistan citizens. This book is well worth the effort just for the glimpse into the world of terrorism and the ripple effects of its actions.