An internationally acclaimed thriller of love, espionage and subterfuge, in which Middle East meets West with dangerous consequences.

Years of training have transformed Michel Khoury into a skilled intelligence operative. A refugee whose family was murdered by extremists, he has one mission: the peaceful resolution of the Middle East conflict that upended his life.

An alluring enigma, he attracts the attention of Helen, a pretty English girl who lives in the adjacent apartment. As their relationship develops, Michel is unable to tell Helen about his past–or the collection of passports and unmarked bills he’s concealed in the bathroom they share.

When Michel’s secrets turn deadly, Helen and Michel find themselves pursued through the streets of London, Berlin and the Scottish countryside, on the run from the very people they thought they could trust.

A critically celebrated novel that “recalls the cool detachment and compelling eye for ordinary detail that characterized the early thrillers of Graham Greene” (Independent on Sunday), SHAKE OFF is that rare breed of riveting tale–of intrigue and suspense, love and betrayal–that announces a bold new voice for our increasingly global times.

My Thoughts

I was thrilled to read this book an a recent trip to London, England. It was exciting to be in the neighborhoods as the characters.

The overall book was good. The theme of the book is about being rescued. Michel the main character is rescued from a prison camp, his alter ego-Roberto, drug dependency, nightmares in his mind and from political prison.  There were several parts in the book that were choppy and the dialogue did not seem to flow in the book; Michel and Helen’s first date.

Helen is a crude woman without high moral standards, definitely not your stereotypical “girl next door”. It is amazing how she is the one that is able to help Michel find who he is supposed to be. I suppose you never know where you will find love.

Terri
Review Crew