I love a book with action and romance and Operation Snowdrop by Michelle Medhat more than fulfills what I look for. With a storyline that could be a current headline, Medhat leads her reader through a top-secret assignment. From the first page, I was drawn into this intense tale. Anti-terrorism agent Matthew Kinley of MI6, British Secret Intelligence, is part of a team that is embarking on an undercover operation that will likely result in someone’s death.

            Married to the woman of his dreams, Kinley often must engage in actions he views as betrayals to his wife who knows nothing of his job. Working with agent and friend Sam Noor he is taking on one of the deadliest assignments of his career. Confident but aware of the risks, the men set up their plans knowing the risks involved. Both men are married to women who are unaware of the dangerous lives they lead.

A terrorist organization, Al Nadir, is wreaking havoc on the world. Led by Dr. Salim Al Douri, and his right hand, Dr. Sabena Sanantoni, they are determined to buy a new high tech weapon; a weapon that would increase their power and bring them closer to global domination. Summanus is being offered for sale in Florence, Italy and Sabena is going to make sure Al Nadir gets it.

Along with Sam and Matt, agents Daniel Carter, Jim Stagg, and Greg Selman embark on the journey to Florence. But gaining control of the weapon is only part of the mission. Matt has a more difficult job. He is to infiltrate Al Nadir and he plans to use Sabena to do it.

Medhat has a unique ability to simplify complex political terms making them relatable. Taking the reader into the mysterious world of terrorism and anti-terrorism, she weaves a tale that is eye-opening. It is easy to imagine Operation Snowdrop taking place somewhere in the world. Frightening in its realism, the book carried me along, unable to set it down until its surprising denouement. I don’t want to give anything away but suffice to say the conclusion leads neatly into Medhat’s brilliant “What She Isn’t Telling”. I highly recommend starting with this book, then diving into the series.

This book is made for fans of spy thrillers and science fiction fans. There is definitely more to these stories than meet the eye.

“The leader, Al Douri, has created an infiltrating and influential world power with vast destructive potential. His second in command, Sabena Sanantoni, is an evil and remarkable force. Her sadistic habits and savage behaviour have coined her The Slayer. Even her closest allies cannot predict her next cruel move. But nobody doubts her status.”