Scorpion Deception (Scorpion Novels, 4)

A shocking assault on a U.S. embassy in Switzerland sends the Scorpion on a dangerous series of encounters throughout Europe, before being inserted into Iran to track down the terror attack’s architect. Known only as “The Gardener”, he’s the most feared man in Iran, his identity known to only a few – and the Scorpion has to eliminate him without even knowing who he is. IF he can't, there will be war.It’s a decent page-turner, with the U.S. itching to attack Iran if it can be proven it was behind the attack. But Scorpion can’t understand: why would Iran do such an attack knowing the likely American response? Meanwhile, the Israelis are lurking in the background, concerned about Iran’s nuclear program, knowing an American attack on Iran will put them in jeopardy, and making hints that they’ll attack first.There are a lot of twists and turns as the Scorpion uses his matchless tradecraft to move in and out of countries and cities, to develop and carry out ingenious tactics and to stay one step ahead of all those who’d like to kill him.He’s kind of a bloodless hero, though. Kaplan gives him a love interest here to flesh him out a bit; a French doctor doing charity work in an African refugee camp where Scorpion, wanting out of the business, has gone to lose himself and think about what to do with his life.I found some minor anomalies. There are multiple references to Scorpion’s favorite Glock, worn on his ankle, but he crosses several borders, including airport security searches, without it being detected. That’s not likely. And in Iran, he is given a high-tech sniper rifle, and then makes his long-range shot without ever having zeroed his scope (which requires practice-shooting it, I believe) to ensure its accurate synching with the weapon.Still, Scorpion is a resourceful lone operator (he’s a freelancer) whose adventures make good reading. The scenes of his operating on his own in Iran are particularly good, as is his dramatic extraction. There are a lot of twists and turns that continue right up until the end.

Great twists and turns keep you reading so you can't put down. Scorpion always has slot of action going on, never a dull moment. Its also a thrilling spy mystery with a bit of romance amid the job duties of a freelance good guy assassin. The is a great series, one of my favorites. Glad I found Andrew Kaplan the author. Bring us more.

This was an ongoing fast and furious high adrenalin action packed novel that was fun to read. First book of the series I have read. To be honest, it was so action packed that in my mind I quickly came to the conclusion that it was not really realistic because no one individual, not even Scorpion, could survive all the shooting and mayhem that just goes on and on. But then I reasoned it did not have to be realistic. In my heart and mind I supported Scorpion and wished that in real life the good old USA had a dozen more just like him. If we did we wouldn't be in the mess we are in. It takes place ( of course ) in the Middle East and that had a resonance with me.So, while this is a book in a series, and I don't think I can read all of them one after another, I darn well plan on reading the other books and keep on rooting for him. Now if we just had another dozen..........

I enjoyed this, the fourth book in the author's Scorpion series. I find myself in agreement with all of the other reviews (except the obviously fake one). The book is good, yet somewhat formulaic, and seems to be just barely credible. There are also a couple of major plot errors which I will leave for you to discover so as not to reveal too much.Overall the book has a lot of pluses, and I liked it. But, it was not what I had come to expect from Kaplan. I've always been curious why Kaplan, a good writer when he wrote the first Scorpion novel more than 25 years ago....took a break until 2012 before writing another book...then writes 3 more Scorpion novels in less than 2 years. It is strange. What was he doing during the 25 year hiatus??I'm hoping the next Scorpion novel (and we know there will be one as you'll see) is a little tighter, more credible, and a bit more like the original Scorpion novel. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there is definitely room for improvement.

Scorpion Deception is the novel for all lovers of fast-pacing action-packed political thrillers.The book grips you from the start when unknown terrorists storm the US Embassy in Switzerland and brutally kill all staff and goes on with CIA agent Scorpion chasing those terrorists and uncovering the complicated conspiracy behind those murders.Well, that might sound like a lot of other novels, but Mr.Kaplan's plot is excellent and his writing style is highly-professional, all in all the book is a wonderful read!And though Scorpion Deception is a fiction written for our entertainment, as many other fictions it is based on a real work of intelligence agencies, which I highly respect and appreciate because that work is a safety barrier between us and the world of terrorism.

The plot to this book was very interesting, a sort of back door secret agent. The idea that Iran would just declare war on the United States, is a little far out. considering the relative military strenghts of both powers. The idea of planting a deep cover mole, by the israelis, is not so far out. I strongly suspect that if we thought we could pull it off, we would go for it. Because it is obvious that the quickest way to bring down an enemy regime is from within. I would recommend this book to suspense fans, I like the way the author moves the characters and plot around, that keeps the plot from growing stale. JRV

Well, Andrew has done it again. Robbed me of my sleep because I could not put one of his books down. This latest installment in the Scorpion series was a fast-paced, compelling adventure that left me ready for the next book in the series - can't wait for it to come out. I don't want to spoil the details of the book but it is timely, riveting and keeps you on your toes as a reader. I had my Dad read it first and he loved it as well! Kudos to Andrew on the book - I'm looking forward to more installments and to read his work on the Homeland series.

A well written spy thriller, which has an exciting and modern storyline. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Great book, hard to put down.

I have read all of the books in the Scorpion series and I can say this one is my favorite, without any doubt. I think the plot is very interesting, smart and full of action. As well, in this book, we see a human Scorpion and I really loved it.I hope the author will write another book soon.

This story starts out with a bang- a truly horrific massacre and the action just kerps building. Scorpion is always at his best in this shadowy world of mixed loyalties, lies, and outright confusion. This is a great spy story in the tradition of Ludlum and Le Carre.

Just finished this book and it was a great read. Could not put it down. Would recommend to anyone who likes modern day espionage.