This is the eighth book in the Department Q series. In it we finally learn about Assad’s past
which has been an unsolved mystery since his appearance in the first novel.
The body of a refugee washes up on shore in Cyprus. She is initially thought to have drowned
attempting to cross the Mediterranean, but it is discovered that she was
murdered. From a photo, Assad recognizes
her as the woman who sheltered him and his family many years ago in Syria. Shaken by her death, Assad finally opens up
and tells his Department Q colleagues about his past. Then, he also recognizes a terrorist known as
Ghaalib and becomes convinced he is planning an act of terror and a plot of revenge against Assad. He and Carl leave
for Germany to find Ghaalib. In the
meantime, Rose and Gordon are left to find an obsessive video game player who
is planning carnage in Copenhagen.
All of the Department Q characters are back, including Rose. Readers familiar with this quirky cast will
find them behaving as usual. There are
certainly touches of humour as expected, though there is a lot of action and
suspense because there are two races against time taking place. There are several surprises for both Carl and
Assad.
The point of view of several characters is given: Carl, Assad, Ghaalib, Alexander – the video
game player, Joan - a Catalan journalist, and Rose. Because we are privy to the thoughts of the
villains (Ghaalib and Alexander), we know more than the investigators. This
approach adds suspense, but it also develops character and clarifies
motivations.
I did have some issues with Assad’s back story. Certain events, especially an escape from a
notorious prison, are not realistic. Also,
considering how much Assad has suffered, his loyalty towards the two men
responsible for events in Iraq doesn’t make sense. He should be angry and resentful, especially
because they escape relatively unscathed.
I would not recommend this book to people who have not read previous
books in the series. There is much to be
gained by reading the books in sequence.
Apparently, there are two more books to finish the series. I will definitely read them.
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