The Hidden Assassins

Robert Wilson
Harcourt Books (2006)
ISBN 0151012393
Reviewed by Joanne Benham for Reader Views (02/07)

On a warm summer morning in Seville, Chief Inspector Javier Falcon was investigating the murder of a man found without his head or hands when an explosion rocked the city.  A mosque is discovered in the basement of the wrecked apartment building that bore the brunt of the blast, raising terrorism alarm bells that put the city on red alert.  When a van with an encoded copy of the Koran is discovered in the immediate area of the blast, the investigation goes into fever pitch.  Is this the work of a terrorist group?  If so, which one?

Falcon continues working his murder but is also brought into the bomb investigation by the CNI, Spain’s intelligence service.  Falcon spends his days and most of his nights chasing down elusive leads, struggling to make sense of the chaos around him.

But other police work must continue, despite the high priority of the bombing.  A citizen discovers a prominent, philandering judge as he tries to dispose of the body of his wife whom he has just murdered.  Falcon is called to the scene by the police dispatcher who is unaware that the murder victim is Falcon’s ex-wife.  Already hounded by the press about the bombing, the police must tread carefully to avoid even a hint of cover-up as they work this case, even as they seem to finally find the elusive clue that will lead them to the bombers.

But things are not always what they seem.  As Falcon continues to probe the bombing, he finds terrifying evidence that could put not only his beloved city in danger, but also a large portion of Europe.

I enjoyed this book, especially because of the background information I read.  There are amazing parallels about immigration between the citizens of Spain and the citizens of the United States.  One memorable moment was the account of a local man who lost his wife and two children in the bombing.  While part of you decries what he says, another part is in full sympathy because you know the pain he is enduring.

As soon as I finished reading “The Hidden Assassins,” I went to e-bay looking for more books featuring Inspector Falcon and I wasn’t disappointed.  I have another one on its way to me now.

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