Chasing Shadows

In this relatively compact book, Johnson draws a line connecting a DEA agent in the United States, drug cartels in Colombia, big-time organized crime figures in Italy, and notorious terrorists on many “the most wanted” lists across the globe stationed mainly in the Middle East. He picks 3 real-life figures, handling them like characters to be developed, and from then on, the ink sprawls to connect with other bolts.

Two of these three characters are on the opposite ends of the spectrum; a DEA agent on one end, and a terrorist on the other. The third character falls somewhere in the middle, bringing about all it takes to connect the previous two.

The pacing leaves much to be desired since it is not evenly organized across the three main characters. I can assume that it is entirely due to source material problems. I think the writer had had direct access to one of the figures, and ample evidence and archival material regarding the other, but when it comes to the third figure, the limitations start to show themselves.

It is noteworthy that what the book lacks in pacing, very well makes up in other aspects. And I must say that I'm eagerly waiting for Johnson's next book, whatever that might be.