I would say this book is one of the better ones that I've read from the author. What makes this book stands out is how the storyline is well developed and how the characters are affected by being part of a secret group to torture prisoners. Other than that, its good to see how the main character, john wells not out to save the world. overall, a good read.

If you like espionage mystery/thrillers, then Berenson is solid. If that isn't your thing it probably won't convert you, but there is plenty to like in the world of John Wells.

I sat down with Alex to discuss his work. Tune in here: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/episode-146-take-five-with-alex-berenson

This is a new series for me -- found the author by perusing the "forthcoming" shelf at the library and finding his latest. So I found an older one and have probably about 10 or 15 minutes of listening to go. I've already put the next one on hold.

Though it is number four in the series, this was the first John Wells book I read. I have since read five others and just ordered a sixth. That should tell you what I think of the series:)

Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com

Didn't have the same level of suspense as the first 3. But I'll probably give him the benefit of the doubt and try #5 anyhow.

I considered not getting this one, because I didn't get into the last book as much. I'm really glad that I did.

Great story! It so clearly demonstrates the difference in perspective of the guys with boots on the ground and the suits back home manipulating them for realpolitik motives.

This is the fourth book in Alex Berenson's series about CIA agent John Wells, which started with The Faithful Spy. It's not necessary to have read all the previous books - in fact, this is a significantly better book than installments 2 and 3. If you're new to the series, all that you need to know is that John Wells is a fluent Arabic speaker who spent several years undercover for the CIA infiltrating the Taliban and then became a national hero after averting a terrorist attack in New York. Since then he has worked for the CIA when they need someone to help with "special problems" that require them to operate outside their usual channels.

The Midnight House which gives this book its name is a secret US interrogation centre based in Poland, set up to deal with terrorists. Around a year after the centre was disbanded, someone is killing off the team members one by one. John Wells is called in to find out who is responsible, which is a difficult task because so many details about what went on at the Midnight House are shrouded in secrecy. Parts of the story are set during the operation of the Midnight House, so that the answers gradually emerge from dual storylines.

This is an enjoyable thriller which is grounded in current events and therefore feels more realistic and credible than books of this genre often do. While there are some exciting action sequences, Berenson has also written an intelligent story with rounded characters. I didn't guess how the book would end, but it's a satisfying and logical conclusion.