The Faithful Spy [Paperback]

#1New York TimesBestseller
Winner of the Edgar® Award

Drawing from his experience as a correspondent in Iraq, Alex Berenson exploded onto the thriller scene with this perfectly crafted, highly-acclaimed debut novel—“a timely reminder of the extremely precarious way we live now” (The Washington Post).

Years ago, John Wells was an all-American boy from Montana. Now, he is roaming the mountains of Pakistan as a member of al Qaeda. 

After a decade away from home, he despises the United States for its decadence. He hates America’s shallow, mindless culture of vice and violence. He is a devout Muslim. He is a brave warrior for Allah.

He is a CIA operative. And he is coming home…“A well-crafted page-turner that addresses the most important issue of our time. It will keep you reading well into the night.”—Vince Flynn

“Berenson offers a very American story—a sort of terroristHigh Noon…exciting.”—The New York Times 

“A hold-your-breath thriller…a grabber.”—St. Louis Post-Dispatch 

“An intriguing thriller studded with alarming possibilities.”—New York Daily News

“A thriller worthy of Le Carré.”—Kirkus Reviews(starred review)
As a reporter forThe New York Times,Alex Berensonhas covered topics ranging from the occupation of Iraq to the flooding of New Orleans to the financial crimes of Bernie Madoff. He is the #1New York Timesbestselling author of the John Wells series, includingThe Faithful Spy, which won winner of the 2007 Edgar Award. He lives in New York City.Chapter 1

Present Day

North-West Frontier, on the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan

sheikh gul scowled at his congregation. “These days ló,