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MWSA Review
In Russian, “Doveryai, no proveryai” means “trust but verify.” Originally, the aphorism was related to President Ronald Reagan’s arms negotiations with the Soviet Union. Trust but Verify also happens to be the title of Karna Small Bodman’s newest page-turning thriller. But this time, rather than the now-defunct Soviet Union, the main characters in Bodman’s novel are dealing with ruthless Russian mafia criminal organizations and their foot soldiers. In her book, Bodman gives us a much-needed update on the phrase. In fact, her compellingly-told yarn might lead you to change your view of the expression. When applied to the Russian mafia types in that country today, perhaps it would be better to say, “Don’t Trust at All and Verify a Lot!”
White House Homeland Security Director, Samantha Reid knew she had a tough job, but she didn’t think her life was in danger. After a large explosion rips through a high-profile cocktail party she’s attending, the authorities rush to figure out who did it and why. Racing to find clues as to who’s trying to kill her, Samantha teams up with FBI Special Agent Brett Keating. The duo quickly learns that things are even worse than they feared. With help from her conscientious FBI agent collaborator, they race to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.
Will the US economy take a large hit? Will at least some of the bad guys repent? Will these two crime fighters track down the bad guys or will they die trying? You’ll have to read this book to find out!
Review by John Cathcart (April 2020)
Author's Synopsis
Samantha Reid, the brilliant Director of the White House Office of Homeland Security, is enjoying a rare evening away from Washington at a Florida charity ball when an explosion sends the well-heeled attendees stampeding into the night. Narrowly escaping the blast, Reid returns to the White House where she has been investigating the finances and illicit arms sales of a shadowy group of Russian oligarchs . . . who want her eliminated. But she is not alone. When FBI special agent Brett Keating discovers Samantha was the target of the Florida attack, he resolves to protect her while also endeavoring to unravel a brazen plot that threatens the lives of international financial leaders and stock markets worldwide.
ISBN/ASIN: 978-1-62157-779-9, 978-1-62157-854-3, 978-17213-5878-6, BO7PODITN9P, BO7BTHHLVX
Book Format(s): Hard cover, Kindle, Audiobook
Review Genre: Fiction—Mystery/Thriller
Number of Pages: 358