Targets of Opportunity    by Jeffrey Stephens Order:  USA  Can Simon & Schuster, 2011 (2011) Hardcover, e-Book     Reviewed by Bob Walch CIA agent Jordan Sandor returns for an encore after his successful introduction in Targets of Deception. In exchange for protection from his former bosses, Ahmad Jaber offers Sandor a deal he can't pass up. He tells Sandor that an alliance among a dangerous South American, Middle East operatives and North Korea has been formed, creating a volatile situation that points to a strike against America. Jaber claims to know the details of the plan and is willing to share them if he gets what he wants. The sinister plan is put in motion when a passenger plane is downed in the Caribbean and an assault is made on a French intelligence installation. This is only a diversion, though, and Sandor counters the move with one of his own. Assembling his own small unit to penetrate North Korea, Sandor knows he is sending them on what could be a one-way mission, but the information gathered will be essential in stopping the terrorist's main attack. In a race against time and a clever adversary, the target must be revealed if disaster is to be averted. A raging storm in the Gulf of Mexico covering the tracks of two sinister submarines carrying nuclear warheads means that Sandor and a few daring Navy SEALS hold the fate of millions of people in their hands. Can they avert a disaster of an unprecedented magnitude? Of course, but it is going to be a very close call and one guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoy thrillers that focus on international terrorism, you'll find this novel much to your liking. Jeffrey Stephens knows how to spin a good adventure yarn and give it a plausible ring that makes it as hair-raising and alarming as it is authentic. 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