The Geneva Option: A Yael Azoulay Novel    by Adam Lebor Order:  USA  Can HarperCollins, 2013 (2013) Softcover, e-Book      Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Yael Azoulay works for the United Nations doing their dirty work. Cutting deals and cutting corners, she spends a great deal of time in mostly African countries. She also works in Afghanistan as well as Israel. But she has reached close to the breaking point when she must confront a Hutu warlord who is wanted for genocide. He will give himself up if she can make the charges go away. This man's arrogance is more than she can swallow, but now she realizes that he is responsible for the death of the love of her life! Unfortunately, the Congo has an abundance of a valuable mineral used in the making of computers and cell phones. This means that a great deal of money can be made from mining coltan, the mineral in question. Never mind the child labor used in its acquisition. Yael's goal is to maintain regional stability, but the killings of Tutsi continues. The United Nations were sadly unable to save the people of Rwanda, nor are they ready to address the plight of the Congo. (On a personal note, I have never understood the relevance of the UN in today's world.) But The Geneva Option by Adam Lebor is a thrilling novel that will not only keep you guessing but will have you grinding your teeth in frustration at those who shirk the duty of their positions. Fiction it may be. But this book is so timely, you almost feel as though you are reading headlines of a local newspaper. The thread of the story snakes its way through the pages, drawing tighter and tighter. The pace is breathtaking. The word thriller doesn't do justice to this fourth of Lebor's books - the question is what in it is real life and what is the author's imagination? 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