The Valley of Shadows    by Mark Terry Order:  USA  Can Oceanview, 2011 (2011) Hardcover, e-Book Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth I opened The Valley of Shadows by Mark Terry, expecting another one of those nuclear spy thriller thingies that are so popular just now. To my delight, it caught my attention on the first page and didn't lose it even after I finished the last page. A thoroughly good book, it is a must-read. Derek Stillwater, troubleshooter for the Department of Homeland Security, is assigned to locate terrorists and their weapons in the Los Angeles area, in order to prevent an attack. Attacks have already been successful in other large cities. Stillwater believes their true purpose is to divert attention from a really big thrust that will arouse world-wide attention. An upcoming presidential election, with the candidates flying on their campaign trails, is a huge worry for him and his task force. A tightly written plot is what we expect from Terry, and does he deliver! I had to keep reminding myself that the book I was reading was fiction. But the thought that it could so very easily be fact is frightening. While the plot of this exciting story is so serious, Terry is not averse to throwing in a touch of humor which gives the reader a chance to take a breath before moving on. This makes exciting beach reading while surrounded by other sun bathers. Caution – do not read it while alone. 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