Review by amahstone -- Waterworks by Jack Winnick

amahstone · Post by **amahstone** » 05 Dec 2020, 16:21

[Following is a volunteer review of "Waterworks" by Jack Winnick.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Waterworks by Jack Winnick is the fifth installment in his engaging espionage thriller series. This time, terrorists from the Middle East have contaminated the Los Angeles water supply with the extremely lethal chemical polonium. Thanks to a few observant and quick-thinking employees, the contamination is discovered before the problem becomes severe and the incident is handled with minimal casualties. Following their unsuccessful attempt to poison Los Angeles residents, the terrorists are plotting another attack. Former FBI agent Lara Edmond and her husband Uri Levin are Mossad agents called in to thwart further acts of terrorism. They go undercover in Iran to learn where the next attack may occur and where the terrorists are producing the polonium.

While this is part of a book series, I did not have any trouble jumping into this book having only read the second installment. It is self-contained and previous knowledge of the series is not necessary to enjoy this novel. Similar to the second installment, I really enjoyed the interactions between Lara and Uri. Winnick has effectively developed two very likable protagonists. Although I have no law enforcement or spy experience, I can easily identify with aspects of both of their personalities.

I really admire Winnick for his ability to craft an exciting story that is grounded in reality. Everything that happens is plausible and does not require you to suspend your disbelief. It is not far-fetched to say that this could happen in our world. Winnick has really done his research and it shows. A small detail that I enjoyed at the beginning of the novel was the goldfish at the filtration plant. It acts as a canary in a coal mine would and is what initially alerts the employees that there is trouble.

Waterworks would definitely appeal to someone who enjoys spy novels. Readers who already have some familiarity with politics in the Middle East and its history may also enjoy this book. However, as someone with limited knowledge of political affairs in the Middle East, the novel was still very engaging and kept me hooked. I read this story in one sitting, as I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.

I would rate this book a 4 out of 4. It is a fantastic addition to the Lara and Uri series and contains minimal errors. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and didn’t find anything to dislike about it. I would recommend this book to mature readers as there is some profanity, terroristic violence, and sexual references.

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Waterworks
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Hazel Arnaiz · Post by **Hazel Arnaiz** » 29 Dec 2020, 10:27

A small detail that I enjoyed at the beginning of the novel was the goldfish at the filtration plant. It acts as a canary in a coal mine would and is what initially alerts the employees that there is trouble.

Oh! An interesting analogy. I did not know about the canary in a coal mine. Thanks for the insights.

Stephen Somtochukwu Ezeme · Post by **Stephen Somtochukwu Ezeme** » 29 May 2024, 17:05

"The Waterworks" by Jack Winnick made me understand that firearms and explosives are not the only life-threatening, society-wrecking inventions in society. The author exposes the silent but deadly killer, which is water poisoning. I also appreciate the suspense and action in the book. It is worth spending time on.