Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn

Set in modern day Baghdad, Lion of Babylon is a complex and compelling thriller.

When a CIA operative goes missing in Iraq, together with a humanitarian aid worker and a high ranking Iraqi civilian, Marc Royce is sent on an undercover mission to find them.

Marc is not the obvious first choice. Sacked from the intelligence service by the same man who now needs him to head to Iraq, he is not inclined to do any favours. But then the bombshell is dropped - the missing operative is Marc's close friend Alex.

I get to see a LOT of books, but when I come across a book which is not only in a genre I regularly read for pleasure, but which has some stunning early reviews I can't help but sit up and take notice.

Here are a couple of those comments:

"Bunn's work emphasizes the genuine relevance of real faith in the contemporary world. Read carefully and reflect on its message of hope and reconciliation."
Revd Nicholas Wood, Director of the Centre for Christianity and Culture, Regent's Park College, Oxford

"A phenomenal read - far more than simply a great thriller."
Keith Hazard, Deputy Director (ret), CIA

"I couldn't put this one down. A fast-paced, gripping thriller, Lion of Babylon is rich not only with adventure but also with visual details and dramatic, snapshot insights into the Middle East, its traditions, history, and people."
Phyllis Tickle, Senior Consulting Editor, Publishers Weekly

Now you may be sceptical of reviews, no matter who they're written by. If you like thrillers though, I can personally thoroughly recommend that you give this one a try so that you can make up your own mind!