This is an example of a "miss" in the "hit and miss" pattern of the John Wells series. "The Night Ranger" was great but I didn't finish this one. ( )

Ex-Ranger John Wells is asked by the head of the CIA to investigate Asscrackistan (Afghanistan), where the station has become crippled by a mass killing and subsequent poor leadership. John is quickly drawn into a soldier's death by friendly fire and drug dealing by a special forces officer, where the latter is merely a ruse to develop an alliance with Talibs for a political assasination. Good thriller. ( )

Really enjoyable. I also like the main character, he isn't like many of the cookie-cutter heroes right out of central casting. I also appreciate that Berenson includes a view of Islam in his stories that touch the Muslim world. ( )

I like the subject matter here. I think my lower review comes from the fact that I read this book without any experience with the other books featuring the John Wells character. All of the characterization of Wells relies heavily on what happened in previous books. I may well pick up those books and maybe I'll feel different about this book in the future. The other knock on this book was the obvious and pat ending. ( )

Good, action-packed mystery set in present day Afganistan. The writing is crisp and orderly. The mystery unfolds in a plausible way. Perhaps the only real shortcoming is the ending where the hero acquires super powers. I will read more of Berenson's work. ( )