Review of Absinthe and Chocolate by Dale Amidei
Synopsis
The "intel" game is changing; international intelligence entities react to the growing influence of
an emergent private sector effort. The USIC's Director of National Intelligence assigns a female
case officer, empowered to take any necessary action, to safeguard the firm's growing data store.
Attacks, targeting key company players, force suspending operations in securing corporate
infrastructure and remaining personnel. The agent responsible for covertly shepherding
InterLynk responds to direct action targeting her principals; to counterbalance an attempted
hostile takeover of the private company, she gathers her own assets.
Ranging from Switzerland through New York City to the Russian forests, the resulting covert
conflict pits committed professionals from the spectrum of international intelligence against
equals. The prize: technology housing intelligence that could reverse the balance of power
between East and West.
I found this to be a very well written, enjoyable novel from start to finish. With innovative
settings and a well thought out cast of characters, the story moves along at a frenetic pace,
without losing anything of the interpretation of the action. With twists and turns galore, it is
sometimes a little difficult to follow unless you are paying close attention, but it does not detract
from the readability in any way. In fact, it forces you to concentrate on the details all the more.
Rebecca Boone Hildebrandt is the consummate spy; capable, trustworthy and extremely
adaptable to any situation, as well as smart and sexy. She is also vulnerable for several reasons,
and the twist toward the end I should have seen coming, but didn’t. Thoroughly enjoyable
throughout, it is an edge of your seat thriller. Well done, I look forward to the next one.
Five well deserved stars
Reviewed by John Andersen for Julie’s Book Review.
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