If high-stakes espionage and morally complex situations get your heart racing, Stinger delivers a relentless and nerve-wracking thriller. Gregory D. Lee crafts a story set against the backdrop of global intrigue, terrorism, and betrayal, beginning with a heart-stopping kidnapping in Lebanon and spiraling into a tangled web of secret deals and dangerous alliances. The plot centers on Robaire Assaly, a former DEA informant coerced by the CIA into a precarious operation to secure a Stinger missile for a shadowy buyer in hopes of rescuing his kidnapped family. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Lee pulls no punches as he propels the reader through a world where trust is a luxury no one can afford.

What I loved most about Stinger is its pacing. The story starts with a bang, literally with an intense kidnapping scene that had me gripping the edges of the book. The writing here is visceral; I could feel the tension as the characters navigated dangerous roads in Beirut. Lee’s law enforcement background shines through in meticulous detail, lending authenticity to the narrative. However, some readers might find the intricate plotting around the mechanics of acquiring and dealing military-grade weapons overly technical—it’s fascinating but can feel dense if you’re here more for the thrill than the intricacies.

The characters are where this book really stands out. Robaire Assaly, the reluctant hero, is both flawed and endearing. His desperation to save his family while balancing the fine line of deceit makes him a character you root for, even when he’s making questionable choices. One of my favorite moments was when Robaire is forced to interact with Amir Rahimi, a suave and calculating villain who exudes menace with every word. Their conversations, layered with subtext and tension, were some of the most gripping parts of the novel.

The setting is another triumph of the book. Whether it’s the chaotic streets of Beirut or the shadowy corners of Los Angeles, Lee paints vivid pictures that feel alive and real. The scenes in the Bonaventure Hotel, where a pivotal meeting takes place, are particularly well-drawn, dripping with suspense as layers of deception unfold.

Stinger is a rollercoaster of suspense, betrayal, and survival. I would highly recommend it to fans of international thrillers. While the book’s heavy use of procedural detail may not be for everyone, it’s a must-read for anyone who loves a story steeped in realism and moral complexity.

Pages: 309 | ASIN: B0CT1LSNF1