Red Swan

Doctor Preston Allender, the distinctive protagonist of Deutermann’s fascinating contemporary spy thriller, works for the CIA as a medical consultant at the rank of assistant deputy director. His official job is making sure that those involved in shaping the careers of clandestine operatives be psychologically sound. His most obvious unusual trait is his disturbing, deep-set, golden-amber eyes, an oddity that has earned him the nickname Dragon Eyes, but it’s his uncanny ability as an interrogator that fuels the speculation that he can read minds. Allender implements a scheme known as a “black swan” to discredit Maj. Gen. Chiang Liange-fu, the chief of the Ministry of Security Services at the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., and therefore strike a blow against the Chinese national security agency. The plan works, but the fallout results in Allender being forced out of his job. After agency deputy director Hank Wallace is reported dead, Allender is asked to take over the investigation as a private contractor to liaise with the FBI. Deutermann (The Commodore) spins his tale with such cunning that readers will rush through the pages to find out what happens next. Agent: Nick Ellison, Nick Ellison Agency. (Aug.)