The Hidden Assassins

by: Robert Wilson

Published by: Harcourt Books

Reviewed by Peg Brantley

Dead bodies, bombs, subterfuge and international intrigue make up this intricately written procedural.

Oh yes, there's a love interest as well.

Inspector Jefe Javier Falcon begins his immersion into conflict and potential catastrophe when he investigates the death surrounding a mutilated, faceless corpse. As he opens that investigation, a powerful explosion sets the city of Seville on edge and pressure mounts for explanations and resolution. Are religious fanatics involved--there was a mosque located in the basement of the targeted building--and are there other targets? And when Falcon finds a connection between the unidentified, disfigured corpse and the bombing, the clock starts ticking down to disaster.

Details slowed the pace of the story from time to time, but as they say, "The devil is in the details." However, in addition to those scenes where I was anxious to get on with the story, Wilson also writes some scenes that are moving and powerful in their introspection. I was more than happy to slow up and read those with measured deliberation.

Armchair Interviews says: If you enjoy a large cast of characters, thoroughly researched and real-time plots, you will enjoy The Hidden Assassins.