Book Review: The Damascus Threat by Matt Rees

The Damascus Threat
Author: Matt Rees
Series: A Dominic Verrazzano Thriller (Book 1)
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (August 9, 2016)

Description: ICE Special Agent Dominic Verrazzano’s vigilance pays off when he uncovers a plot to launch a chemical attack in New York, but he doesn’t know what the target is or how deep the conspiracy goes. And potentially thousands of lives hang in the balance.

The only woman who could have answered his questions is murdered just before she reaches him. In her last moments, she manages to send him a single clue. It will have to be enough. Her tip leads him to Syria, where he must negotiate the treacherous alleys of the casbah in the midst of civil war to track the weapon--before it's too late. Unless it’s already too late.

Sharp as a scimitar and relentlessly suspenseful, Matt Rees's The Damascus Threat will keep readers’ hearts pounding until the very last page.

My Thoughts: THE DAMASCUS THREAT is an action-packed thrill ride. Agent Dominic Verrazzano needs to track down some pretty obscure clues to stop a chemical attack in New York. This twisty plot has a secret organization trying to bring the Middle East to war so that it can profit by selling weapons to all sides.

Verrazzano travels from New York to Syria and back again battling a wide variety of bad guys every step of the way. It seemed like he was near death every few pages in this story, Threats ranged from sarin gas to drowning to every hazard in between.

This story was told from multiple viewpoints including one of the villains, other agents working with Dominic, and some of the people who were manipulated into furthering the villain's plans. 

I liked the fast pace. I liked the characters who weren't superheroes but good people trying to do the right thing in very difficult circumstances. This situation is solved but the ultimate villain lives to plot another day. I can't wait for the next book about Dominic Verrazzano.

Favorite Quote:

Verrazzano's smile was grim. "That's why we're lucky to be ICE agents. Other people get night sweats about public speaking and clowns—terrifying shit they can't do anything about. We get to toss and turn over money launderers and cybercriminals and people traffickers. But they're not as scary."

"They're not?"

"Sure. Because we get to arrest them in the end." He put a hand on her shoulder. "Sweet dreams."

I got this one in exchange for an honest review from Crooked Lane Books. You can buy your copy here.