Move Over Jason Bourne - I Want Jordan Sandor

I don't care for the Bourne movies a whole lot, though I admit to being biased since I also just don't believe Matt Damon as an action hero. But I do love spy movies, action stories and political thrillers.

So I approached THE PORTOFINO DECEPTION by Jeffrey S. Stephens with mixed feelings. But I was pleasantly surprised to find I not only enjoyed the book, but also liked the character of Jordan Sandor.

Sandor is a former CIA agent turned journalist who stumbled upon a shooting while on his way to meet a source a friend of his set him up with. The friend gets injured, as well as a police officer at the scene. But little of this is coincidence and as Sandor begins to look into what happened, we learn there's a lot more involved than just bad timing.

Sandor uncovers an international plot being masterminded by a former colleague turned traitor. The book touches on Homeland Security, terror fears and military operations. But there is humor and a very human kindness, too.

I only had a couple of small problems with the book. Stephens alternated between the main character's first and last name a lot, making it confusing, particularly when done in the same paragraph. And, the bad guy talks too much at the end - spilling his guts - which I just have a hard time believing would ever happen.

Otherwise, I really enjoyed it and hope to read some more about Jordan Sandor.

Nicole