Customer Reviews

STINGER

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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Stinger keeps you enthralled from the first to the last page. It's more than just a political thriller, it gives you page-turning backstory that helps you better understand what is currently going on in Afghanistan and the Taliban's rise to power. It's an inside look at the myriad factions, the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and the role both the Soviet Union and the US played in Afghanistan. Stinger is also a romantic thriller, extremely well-written with an exciting and engaging cast of characters. A great read!

Nick Daley is an unorthodox CIA officers who is called into action when a shipment of American Stinger missiles goes missing, complicated further by murder and the arrival of San Francisco journalist Robin Reeves. "Stinger" by Diana R. Chambers ( a member of the Writers Guild of America and the writer's group PEN) is a ripping good novel of page-turning suspense and plot-twisting intrigue taking for its background the story of how the ancient 'Silk Road' has once again become a crossroads and backdrop for contemporary invaders and spies. A superbly crafted and highly recommended political thriller, "Stinger" is about the conflict between Russia and American interests in Afghanistan that led to the rise of the Taliban and was to eventually provide a staging base for Al Queda and the attack of 9/11.

The writing easily takes you to the mysterious places where the story unfolds. You feel the heat and smell the fragrance of Peshawar and cringe on the dangerous roads of Afghanistan. This novel holds your attention because it is intriguing, informative, exciting and moves quickly.

After reading author Diana R. Chambers' first spy thriller, The Company She Keeps, I could hardly wait for the next installment. The next "installment" turns out to be a prequel, which revolves around CIA operative Nick, a female journalist and a mysterious Afghan guerrilla leader. This plot eases you in with a twisting, turning sequence of possibilities. I say possibilities because if you are trying to figure out the end of this story or even the end of the chapter, you'll undoubtedly veer in the wrong direction. There are surprises with the turn of every page.

Surprises that begin with the sudden disappearance of a shipment of American-made Stingers. The term Stinger refers to anti-aircraft, shoulder-fired missiles. And everybody wants them--the Soviet invaders, Afghan mujahideen, Pakistani power brokers and Chinese weapons dealers.

Along with the spy-versus-spy story, you learn much about a secret chapter of U.S. history in 1986 West Asia, the political wranglings of the era, Afghan life and the Islamic religion. You will feel the danger in this place that seemed like "the wild west with turbans instead of cowboy hats...." You will smell the rice and smoke fires and hear the sarod. As you can imagine, a love triangle develops between the three main characters. And, you will be shocked to discover who gets the gal in the final chapter.

This novel is more than an absorbing tale about drugs, arms, and politics. Stinger is a mix of history, culture, adventure and romance, its characters locked in multiple roles, intertwining. The mystery is who is manipulating whom, and who will get away with it. A fascinating read.

"Chambers has done it again with her new spy thriller, Stinger. Twisted tales of deception and wickedly woven webs lure the reader to question not only where the story is going, but their own knowledge of the events unfolding in our world. Her perspicuous knowledge of current and historical events in Southwestern Asia keeps the reader locked into detailed imagery that doesn't let go. With "close to home" scenarios, uncommon characters, and steamy trysts, this is a great read for men and women alike." Robby Schumacher~Host of Novel Dialogue

I have just finished reading "Stinger" and I couldn't put it down. It is said to be a page turner and indeed it is. A great summer read.