Book Review: The Lion's Game

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Lion's Game     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Nelson DeMille
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller
Series: John Corey # 2
Warner, Jan 2000, $26.95, 677 pp.

On April 15, 1986, American planes bombed Libya. Now, the infamous terrorist Asad “The Lion” Khalil is heading to New York allegedly to defect to the west. The FBI, including former NYPD now Fed John Corey, waits for Asad’s arrival. However, when the plane lands, everyone inside is dead and Asad is missing. John thinks Asad killed everyone before escaping somewhere in America.

Asad has a personal agenda, vengeance on those who killed his family in the attack fourteen years ago. He begins a terrorist journey across the nation as John and his cohorts pursue him to stop him. John finds his quarry more cunning and dangerous than anything he has ever dealt with, even on the meanest streets of New York. He knows he must change the rules of THE LION’S GAME if he is to survive let alone defeat his sly opponent.

THE LION’S GAME marks the return of John Corey (see Plum Island) as a winner for fans of taut thrillers. John retains his street savvy, in your face personality, even when he wanders with a fast food-like romance that feels more like filler material. Still as solid and complete as his character is developed, he cannot compare to his incredibly perfected opponent. Though a dangerous assassin, readers will not only understand Asad and his personal Jihad, but, in spite his deadly activities, at times root for him to triumph. The tense story line is fast-paced and filled with action as expected from Nelson DeMille, who is a sure shot to return to the top of the New York Times best seller list.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner