Abuse of Power    by Michael Savage Order:  USA  Can Macmillan Audio, 2011 (2011) Hardcover, CD, e-Book     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Jack Hatfield, the protagonist of Michael Savage's debut thriller Abuse of Power, is a former war correspondent and (like the author) a well-known radio talk-show host. He's been discredited by leftist enemies who accused him of extreme prejudice against Muslims, and has been reduced to working as a freelance news producer in San Francisco. A ride-along with a close friend in the SFPD bomb squad takes Jack to the scene of a gang wannabe carjacking that uncovered a bomb. After it explodes and kills Jack's friend as he tries to defuse the bomb, the FBI execute a rather crude cover-up, that only makes Jack more determined to discover the truth. As another old friend dies, and he himself is targeted, Jack finds links to a terrorist organization, the Hand of Allah. His quest takes him to Tel Aviv, London (despite his being banned from entering Britain), Paris, and back again to San Francisco. Along the way he teams up with a lovely agent working with a private anti-terrorist group. It's all rather improbable (especially the involvement of high levels of British officials in a plot against the U.S.) but exciting. There are the anticipated captures and escapes, betrayals from on high, and a race against time - and the authorities - to stop a horrific attack on San Francisco. I listened to the audiobook version (unabridged, 9 CDs, 11 hours) of the story read by Peter Larkin. His voice seemed old for some of the characters, but he did well with the range of personalities. And though I found the ongoing political commentary detracted from the plot, it is one that will be enjoyed by thriller fans and conspiracy theorists alike. 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