Customer Reviews

The Last Inauguration

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

 

 

A friend gave me the book to read, and after reading the cover flap, I thought it would be a silly book, based off of some hollywood movies of recent. Boy was I wrong. The technical detail, and depth of characters should put this book in the scary section. Thumbs up to this author, I finished the book in 2 days, b/c I couldn't put it down!!

This book is a page turner. The characters, especially Carlos, are extremely well drawn and become alive to the reader. The story line is so believable that you, feel it could be true or really happen. The author has done an outstanding job. This is a must for all readers of spy and action books.

Before 9/11, I would have considered this book an entertaining if light read but just a bit comic-like -- the characters are a little shallow, and the plot (to kill ALL the members of the House & Senate and the U.S. President at the same time) would have seemed unrealistic. But 9/11 has shown us that the horribly impossible is frighteningly possible and, in today's context, "The Last Inauguration" is a tightly plotted and well researched, fast moving drama.

The novel starts with Saddam Hussein paying the terrorist Carlos the Jackal $50 million to kill all members of the U.S. government. The French caught Carlos in 1997 but by this time (in the novel) Carlos has trained 3 of Saddam's soldiers to be terrorists of his own capability and caliber. One of them insinuates himself into Washington life as a student at George Washington University and gains a part-time job at Kennedy Center - where the National Ball is to be held following the next President's inauguration. Carlos has designed an all-too believable method of killing 1500 people at one time - and it's only through some lucky coincidences that his protégé is stopped.

This book reminds me both of Tom Clancy's "Executive Orders" in which a `plane is used as a missile to destroy the U.S. Congress and of the 1975 Robert Redford movie "Three Days of the Condor" in which Redford plays the sole survivor of a group of CIA analysts who do nothing more than read fiction to detect possible terrorist plots. Clancy's book shows us that truth can unfortunately emulate fiction -- so I hope that there are people working on anti-terrorism who really do read well-plotted dramas such as "The Last Inauguration." The book's post 9/11 credibility is further enhanced by the fact that Licthman has actually interviewed Carlos.

Lichtman's talent shines throught from the first page. He dreams up a suspence filled story line and puts the reader close to the story. I cannot wait for the release of "4."

After reading Mr. Lichtman's inaugural piece, I can hardly wait for his next publication. This is a must for anyone interested in the Mideast. He holds the readers attention until the final page has been turned and the mandatory "shot" has been executed.

The use of real names and actual locals makes this book move along extremely fast. It reads as though it is actually happening in front of your eyes. The story-line is excellent and believable.

a very exciting read which makes the reader wonder what will happen next and is than surprised. a exceptional book with a couple of technical glitches that make those few like us talk to ourselves and want for more. Can't wait for the next one by Mr. Lichtman.

I was taken by the realistic scenario that is depicted on the subject and found the book to be full of action, and real life believability. I think the author has done a great job of taking great detail in writing the what if's and making you feel as if this whole story could be unfolding right before your eyes. At times I could not tell if I was reading a book, or the "New York Times" daily edition. Very in tune with the times we are in. Great book!