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The Cobra

by Frederick Forsyth
Putnam. Aug. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-0-399-15680-9. $26.95. F
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After the almost symbolic death of a black youth from a drug overdose, an American President who is clearly Barack Obama decides to wage war on the Colombian drug cartels. Retired senior CIA operative Paul Devereaux (code named Cobra because he strikes ruthlessly) and former army operative Cal Dexter (The Afghan) are brought back to lead the effort. Given carte blanche to destroy the drug industry, Cobra builds up an elite strike force and, augmented by superb intelligence and technology, launches devastating attacks. The equally ruthless drug lords strike back violently. As the bodies and betrayals pile up, the President has second thoughts about the firestorm he's unleashed.
VERDICT Like almost all Forsyth's novels, beginning with The Day of the Jackal, his latest is a tightly written book that is half thriller and half procedural. With numerous intriguing twists, turns, and betrayals, it is only slightly marred by an improbable ending. Still, highly recommended for Forsyth and thriller fans.
Reviewed by Robert Conroy, Warren, MI , Jul 01, 2010
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