Alexa Hunt , Homeland Security

Homeland Security

Alexa Hunt

Forge, Mar 2007, $24.95

ISBN 076531150X

President Samson testified at a Congressional session that repealing the Martial Law Act, established eight years ago in reaction to the Columbian Cartel Slaughter terrorist attack, is the right thing to do for the country. Apparently the Bureau of Illegal Substance Control (BISC) abused its authority that the law granted it when it allowed instant execution of drug traffickers due to it being classified as a treasonous offense. Former Senator Adam Manchester, who was one of three members of Congress to oppose the law and now is running for president, claimed BISC was ripe for a coup.

A week after Samson's testimony, Islamic Fundamentalists overthrow the Saudi royal family and establish Holy Arabia. This coup upsets the United States at a time the country is divided and an acrimonious presidential election season has begun. Meanwhile, reporter Elliott Delgado and former assassin Leah Berglund learn that dirty suitcase nukes have been smuggled into the country through the porous Mexican border. They wonder if perhaps a group loyal to the new Holy Arabia nation plans a terrorist attack on American soil; or could it be the Cartel back for a second round? They join with FBI Director Paul Oppermann and Senator Manchester in an attempt to prevent another slaughter.

The sequel to the fantastic CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY, HOMELAND SECURITY is a tense thriller that readers will enjoy as Alexa Hunt continues to look at the long-term effect of the Global War Against Terrorism deteriorating liberties. The storyline is fast-paced with the intrepid duo knowing that besides the two prime suspected groups, others like the Fidelistas might be the cause. Though the teaming up of the FBI Director, the leading Republican candidate for the White House with the reporter and the former assassin seems no way possible, fans will enjoy this fascinating look at the war between security and freedom.

Harriet Klausner