Customer Reviews

Countdown in Cairo (Russian Trilogy, The)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read the Russian Trilogy in order over the past week. I thought the first two books were very entertaining but, frankly, I debated on whether or not I should read this last book. Thankfully, my compulsion to finish something after starting it took over and I bought "Countdown in Cairo". I was blown away! The characters were fully developed now and, of course, all loose ends were tied. The political background and international intrigue were somewhat forced in the previous books but flowed effortlessly in "Cairo". I did not think it was slow in the middle at all. It was a true page turner! What impressed me the most was the author's style and storytelling ability, which shone in this last book. It helped that the story, itself, is fantastic. Not to be missed!

*I do think this book can stand alone but is immensely better if read after "Conspiracy in Kiev" and "Midnight in Madrid", in that order.*

Countdown in Cairo starts out with a dramatic beginning with the morgue as the backdrop and then drops back to the beginning of the story. The set up to the main story was slow at times, but that is because the story is rich in detail of locations and background. It is certainly worth the wait! There are a number of background facts about the Russian events mixed in with the fiction creating an interesting blend.

All three of the books feature Alexandra LaDuca, a strong female character that is smart, formidable, and a woman of faith. There were more spiritual elements to this story than the other books as Alex has struggles with moral consequences in her employment and with forgiveness. This is another GREAT book by this author.

I got an early copy of this last book in the trilogy by Noel Hynd and was not disappointed. Far from it. It was fabulous. I felt I'd been living with a friend (Alex, the main character) through her career with the Treasury Department, her loves, her friends, her enemies, (<<<overlapping there) and her efforts to rebuild her life after 'Kiev'.....Hynd is very savvy with history, spies and inside information and detail and yet then it was the emotional impact of the series' conclusion that really got me. The conclusion absolutely blew me away. I ended up reading the final 100 pages in one swoop, far too late at night, then went back and re-read the next night, knocked out again at the intricate plotting of the first book that pulled the rug out from under me in the 3rd. This story line would seem to be complete, but I'm hoping the character continues. Bravo!

I am an unapolgetic fan of this series. 'Cairo' wraps up Alex's relationship with the hateful/lovable Russian-Ukaranian mobster Yuri Federov in stunning fashion. Yes, I fully admit that there are some uneven stretches in this series, the author rambles into history and Judeo-Christian philosophy, but in the end, the story pays off.(I for one don't feel any religious message is being pushed, rather the beliefs are used as moral guideposts.) I have a feeling this series is a love it or hate it thing and those who liked the first two Noel Hynd books in this series will love this one. There are some glitches, there are times when the author could have gotten to the point faster, but the same can be said for much of Stephen King or Robert Ludlum. Points that may have been left hanging a bit in the first two books come in out of the fog here and all tend to come together at the end in an old cemetery in Switerland. All in all, the series worked for me. Not at every single moment, but in the end and in its entuirety. Thanks for some fun, thought-provoking and fascinating reading.

In a world where Vince Flynn and James Patterson top bestseller lists, it seems strange to call a thriller "intelligent." Noel Hynd's writing hearkens back to the days of John LeCarre and Morris West, when books were well-researched, and it was not a weakness to provide historical details, character depth, or spiritual musings in place of--yawn!--another car chase and gun fight.

"Countdown in Cairo" is a spy novel, nonetheless, and you will find some tense action scenes. Once again, Alex LaDuca is called into action, brushing shoulders with Russian gangsters and Italian police officers. (There are some fun connections to the previous books in the Russian Trilogy, but no need to read those first if this is your introduction.) In the midst of facing decisions about her career, her faith, and her love life, beautiful and feisty Alex must track down a man believed by many to be dead. It seems he is selling off state secrets, and a number of governments want him stopped. Alex exchanges her trendy Glock for the more traditional Beretta, and journeys from the U.S. to Italy to Egypt. Along the way she will learn the truth about who she can trust.

While mixing current Russian politics with Middle Eastern issues, Noel Hynd gives us educated glimpses into the world of espionage. He doesn't shove his characters through a list of obstacle courses and call it a thriller; he expects us to engage with the cultures and intrigue of the modern world. Alex is struggling with loneliness, ethics in her chosen career, and a tendency to turn to alcohol for comfort. She is a multifaceted protagonist. I loved "Conspiracy in Kiev." Although I enjoyed "Midnight in Madrid," it didn't engage me to the same degree. "Countdown in Cairo" is a great climax to this trilogy, another trip with memorable friends and foes.

In the same way Alex exchanged trendy for traditional, Hynd gives us novels that go deeper than shoot 'em up action into the more traditional and more believable stories of espionage. For that, I am thankful.

I bought a Kindle at the end of 2009. Countdown in Cairo, which is book one of the Russian Trilogy, was provided as a free book for a limited time. I have been downloading many of the Kindle free books and have discovered many new authors. Noel Hynd has become one of my favorite authors. His books on Kindle are very reasonably priced and a good investment because I will read the whole trilogy again. I have to admit that I read pretty fast because I was dying to know what was going to happen! I'd like to read it again more slowly to appreciate the details. His work is easy to read and exciting. I liked the characters and the way things were described. Also, it was easy to follow as it flowed well unlike some books that I just get frustrated reading because it jumps all over and I get confused. Overall an excellent book!

I enjoyed the entire trilogy, and would say that they are all good reads, but best when read together. As the closer, this one provides a good ending without missing any of the excitement of the first two in the series. I enjoyed the espionage and the characters (having already become somewhat 'attached' during the previous 2 books)! The review on the description page states that the book wasn't 'too preachy' - personally, I think it could have been more preachy and it would have added to the story; however, it stands fine even for a Christian fiction fan.

I bought these for quick reads on my Kindle and really enjoyed them. As it is a trilogy, I highly recommend reading them in order however as each book builds upon the other. For example, in Countdown, you won't get the emotional depth of the ending (no spoilers here) without reading the other two books.

As a whole, I enjoy Christian pulp lit. Noel Hynd has joined the Thayne's in my favorite author list. I hope he brings back Alex in another series as her story obviously did not end with this trilogy. Plus I just have to know what her new job in NYC brings, and what has happened in S. America, you name it.

I have just finished reading all three books in the Russian Trilogy by Noel Hynd and had trouble putting the books down long enough to get other things done. Great stories, believable characters and I am so looking forward to the next book in the series. If I had to choose a favourite, it probably would be 'Countdown in Cairo', the last of the trilogy which started with 'Conspiracy in Kiev' and then 'Midnight in Madrid'. When I read the opening chapter in Cairo, I had to re-read it to be sure I read it correctly. I will not enlarge on this because I do not want to spoil the story for others but it certainly kept me reading long into the night. If you like spy stories as I do, the Russian Trilogy ranks up there with John Le Carre and Grahame Green.

As I have stated before, this has got to be one of my favorite suspense series of all time. The writing is just top notch, the lead character is wonderful and I love the jet setting travel that takes place. The research is done extremely well and I really appreciate the fact that modern political figures are actually used as opposed to fake figureheads. As a history major, these books are also wonderful in examining the political history of countries that aren't knowledgeable to the average reader.

In this story, we are taken to many destinations with the highlight being Egypt. I would love to one day visit the pyramids and see all the ancient sites but after reading this book, I think I might wait. I really felt like I was a part of the story. Alex is a wonderful character. Yes she's female but she can totally kick butt like any other male spy. One thing I really like is that the author does not try to push a romantic relationship with her just because she is female. She can handle things totally on her own and is brave and resourceful when in a tough situation. There are several intense situations in the book, and things can bet a bit squeamish at times so be prepared for a thrill ride while you read.

I don't find these books to be preachy at all. I mean the main character is a Christian yes, but she smokes and she drinks. She's not a chain smoker nor is she an alcoholic. She just enjoys doing both and neither are a detriment to her faith. Are they evil? No, obviously this book shows that one can handle both, still be a Christian and won't be called a hypocrite. In fact, as I have stated before with the previous books in the series, I wouldn't call this book a Christian fiction novel, just a fiction novel under a Christian publisher. I absolutely adored this book and I was REALLY sad to see it end. I love Hynd's style of writing and am looking forward to finding his backlist in my library so I can read his other books. This has got to be one of the best suspense series I have ever read and I honestly cannot stop praising it. VERY HIGHLY recommended.

One small quibble though that I needed to point out was the mention of the basketball team the Washington Bullets. As someone that lives in the DC Metro area and watches the sports news every night, I wanted to point out that the Bullets don't exist anymore. The team changed their name to the Washington Wizards back in 1997. I only point this out because this seemed to be the only factual error I found in the book, and because I live in the area it just really stood out to me.