by Sabin Willett

Sabin Willett's first novel, The Deal, was hailed as a worthy successor to the novels of Scott Turow and other masterworks of the literary legal thriller. That sentiment is more than justified for this tightly plotted novel of political corruption, international arms dealing, and assassination. In 409 pages Willett's heroine, Louisa Shidler, transforms from dutiful public servant to convicted traitor and then to a fugitive betrayed and abandoned by almost everyone--everyone, that is, except her resourceful 12-year-old daughter, an irascible old newsman, and a pot-smoking trucker named Bear. Yet, despite such dramatic shifts and odd pairings, Willett's keen characterizations allow the willing suspension of disbelief. Although the pace is relentless, as the action moves from Dubai to D.C. to Geneva to Paris to Cody, Wyoming, the writing is so deft and occasionally brilliant that readers will want to take a deep breath, slow down, and appreciate Willett's descriptive talents. --Jane Adams