Why read Victor in the Rubble?

Book cover of Victor in the Rubble

Book description

Victor Caro is a counterterrorism officer with the CYA, caught in a world where job security trumps national security. On assignment in West Africa in a post-9/11 world, he is tasked with hunting down the terrorist Omar al-Suqqit, who is looking to launch his group of ragtag militants onto the…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Victor in the Rubble as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Susan Hasler

Author

I never met Alex Finley, but we worked for some of the same people, and her book triggered a flood of memories for me. Black humor thrives in counterterrorism work—partly because laughing is a more acceptable way to release tension in the workplace than crying or punching tech support.

This is broad satire but with a hefty dose of authenticity. Anyone who has worked in a bureaucracy will laugh at this novel, but if you’ve worked in an intelligence bureaucracy, you’ll be snorting coffee from your nose.

From Susan's list on The best spy books beyond Bond: spot-on novels by former intelligence officers.

Todd Moss

Author

Also, by a former CIA officer, this is a completely different kind of book, a goofy satire poking fun at both the US and its enemies. Alex Finley (not her real name) brings wit and searing insights to the often ridiculous nature of what American officials are trying to do worldwide. A preview: the terrorist target is Omar al-Suqqit.

From Todd's list on The best thrillers about how the US government really works.