Customer Reviews

Murder in the CIA

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

 

 

I read this book for a book report and I loved it. Especially because I like the CIA. If you like books that have a lot of action then you should read this.

As a mystery buff, I happened upon one Margaret Truman mystery at a yard sale, and knew I had to read every single book she wrote. Being the daughter of "THE TRUMANS" she has the knowlege of Washington D.C. and environs like nobody else, and her writing is an exciting, fast and thrilling ride through the Capital after a vile murderer. Now I've read them all--wowee, what a feast!

This book is just the thing for a long plane flight, or a series of quiet evenings at home. Its strongest point is excellent plotting. The character development and scene-setting seemed a bit thin to me. Unlike the Smiley series by LeCarre, the writing seems much more commercial -- and it is hard to really feel (and intensely care about) the characters. (There are the usual romantic/sexual/love interests stirred in, but they seem superficial, reflecting Collette Cahill's shallow personality.) On the other hand, Truman's characters outshine Ludlum's stickmen; hers seem like real people (though just acquaintances, not friends). On excellent attribute of 'Murder in the CIA' is that one doesn't know who the 'bad guys' and the 'goods guys' are until just before the end of the tale. I would strongly suggest that readers who don't want to lose track of everyone really should keep a pad to jot down the names of each of the characters. This 303-page potboiler brings in quite a large cast, and many of them are important to the plot. This book was written during the Cold War, and younger readers may have some trouble connecting with the anti-Communist motivations behind a lot of the action. Also some of the devices (post-hypnotic recollections, for example) seem both contrived and dated. Things have changed a lot since 1987. --- In short, 'Murder in the CIA' is not great literature, but it is a fun read.

She did a great job in this book I simply could not put it down! Great suspense and a dry sense of humor go a long way in these great mysreries. who did assk the President's Daughtewr she knows. Great all the way!

Finally, a pretty good read from Truman. Granted, many of the flaws are still there: dangling loose ends, MK-ULTRA psychobabble, naive heroine, poorly inserted exposition...but the plot has enough twists and turns that you can gloss over them, and the characters were written better this time. This would actually make a pretty decent cloak-and-dagger movie.

Margaret Truman's Capital Crime series is a must for anyone who is a mystery buff. This one is on a par with the rest of the series and gives insight into the workings of the most secret governmental entity in this country. The setting descriptions of the CIA and London's Heathrow airport are all on target. This gives the reader a sense of intimacy that is often lacking in other mystery books. Fans of espionage should enjoy this compelling read.

Fairly well written, though a little over-confusing ~ like the life, i daresay, of the protagonist ~ account of the investigation of the murder of a CIA courier. Neither a straightforward murder mystery, nor an entirely convincing account of the secret life. Nevertheless, a good read, and worth at least skimming to the finish. The protagonist is a young woman of somewhat loose morals ~ encouraged by her employer ~ who seeks to discover the meaning behind and avenge her best friend's death.

Who did it? ask the president's daughter. She can simply say who is the murder. Great suspense. Wonderful characters to get along with. You will not want to stop reading any of her books. I wanna read 2 more of her books. The queen stays unbeaten.

This was my first read in the Capitol Crimes Series, and it won't be my last. While being an easy read, it wasn't too easy that I became bored and lost interest. The main character was someone I could relate to, and have sympathy for . It was very surprising who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. This is a good escape book, better than TV in my opinion.

I was looking for a quick reader for a book report and came upon this one. I got it to listen to for an easy way out, but it turned out to be a great book!