Critical Mass    by Whitley Strieber Order:  USA  Can Forge, 2009 (2009) Hardcover, CD Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Early in Whitley Strieber's Critical Mass, something happens that the world has long feared - terrorists complete a long-laid plan and succeed in a nuclear attack against a U.S. city (soon followed by a European one). They threaten to set off many more bombs in major cities around the world unless their demands are met. It looks like Washington will be the next target and the clock is ticking fast. Of course, the bad guys don't have it all their own way. Ruthlessly committed superspy and CIA contract employee James Deutsch is on the trail of the conspiracy (beginning with small radiation-sick children smuggled in from Mexico), while fighting off regular attacks on his person triggered by traitors 'embedded in the American enforcement and intelligence communities.' Deutsch is estranged from his gorgeous former wife Nabila (an Arab-American who works for the CIA, as does her brother Rashid). Nabila could not deal with the long absences required by her husband's work. Deutsch eventually makes contact with President Fitzgerald at the White House, and also asks for help from Nabila and Rashid. They race against time - and against those trying to stop them - to save Washington. At the same time, the President must decide whether or not to execute Dream Angel, a systematic retaliation designed to decimate the Muslim world. Readers are also introduced to those who planned these horrific attacks - a self-styled Mahdi and his followers - and to their Russian connection. And all over the world, people march for peace. Though there are betrayals on all sides, Deutsch and Nabila find their way back to each other, and they prevail ... this time. It's clear there will be a next. Though at times predictable, Critical Mass is an often gripping read, addressing very disturbing subject matter. If you like spy thrillers with a save-the-world theme, then you should read Critical Mass. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews