CHILDREN OF THE SHADOW

In this debut novel, colleagues at an American pharmaceutical company investigate a planned terrorist strike of global proportions.

Sibelius “Sandy” Sanford is in Saudi Arabia for his company, Sibelius Pharmaceuticals. But Fahad bin Mansour al-Yamani, a financial adviser, has an unexpected story for Sandy and his neuroscientist colleague Dr. Stan Breslow. Fahad claims local jihadi Ahmad ibn Khalil al-Saud, inspired by a vision, is planning to eliminate most of humanity and start anew. The adviser fears for his own life because the man who told Fahad of Ahmad’s vision is now dead. Sure enough, after Sandy and Stan return to Massachusetts, someone tries to kill them as well by placing bombs under their cars. The two then relay everything to Dr. Jonathan Paratore, another neuroscientist at the company. But they opt to tell no one else, as they want to gather more credible evidence to hand over to United States agencies. There’s also the possibility of moles; in fact, notable figures in the U.S. seem intent on allowing or even encouraging Islamic terrorists to start a nuclear war. Sandy, Stan, and Jonathan work to decipher Ahmad’s specific plot, which entails a “cloud of death.” While Sandy and Stan make efforts to elude further assassination attempts, Ahmad and his allies still have their eyes on the three men. This precipitates an abduction in order for the terrorists to extract information. It’s clear that Sandy, Stan, and Jonathan will need help to thwart their enemies, both in America and overseas.

Coli’s dialogue-laden narrative primarily comprises characters’ discussions, such as Ahmad mapping out his terrifying strategy. But this technique successfully develops the characters. For example, Stan has mild Asperger’s syndrome; he takes everything literally and can’t always pick up on emotional cues. Even the villains are well established; flashbacks reveal one culprit’s childhood and the genesis of his radical views. Along the way, the author deftly includes some chilling details in the story. Readers will understand the full extent of Ahmad’s terrorist plot when he says he’s “been stockpiling nuclear weapons,” and the abducted victim’s predicament is unquestionably dire by the sounds of the kidnapper’s physical assault. Unfortunately, some scenes are prolonged, especially Jonathan’s relationship with Amelia DeBliss. Their meet-cute is delightful; she’s among the picketers protesting Sibelius Pharmaceuticals’ supposed mistreatment of research animals. But their ensuing series of dates and eventual romance are essentially a lengthy subplot. Since the relationship starts soon after someone tries killing Jonathan’s colleagues, it lessens the urgency of the danger Sandy and Stan face. The narrative’s action scenes are minimal and reserved for the latter half. They involve Sandy and the scientists and manage to be convincing, with Jonathan showing off his judo and karate skills and the three men ultimately garnering others’ aid. Though this tale is set in the near future, the new tech is realistic, including a search engine apparently superior to Google and hyperefficient mobile devices called Percoms, or Percs. The ending is exciting but somewhat predictable since the narrative is actually one player’s recorded account.

Meticulous characterizations enhance this measured thriller.