Craig Page is enjoying his new life, complete with a new identity. Fired by the President, Craig lost his position as CIA Director. Undergoing drastic plastic surgery, Craig is now Enrico Marino, an Italian race driver. He just won a major race at Stresa and is eager to share his trophy with good friend and generous sponsor Frederico Castiglione. Castiglione is CEO of the third biggest bank in Milan. When the police tell Craig his friend has been murdered in a faux jewelry robbery, Craig suspects foul play and begins his investigation with old friend EU Counterterrorism Director Giuseppe Mercurio. In time, he finds a connection to his arch enemy, Zhou Yun. As he follows the trail, with the help of Giuseppe, Craig is planning Zhou's capture and arrest. It is a complex mission with a finale that is superb. Allan Topol is a sterling writer, dealing with international intrigue who takes us on a journey filled with drama, deception, and death. I was unable to put THE ITALIAN DIVIDE down, and I particularly enjoyed his approach of setting each chapters with geographical locations. Starting in Biarritz and on to Stresa, Venice, Milan, Rome, London, Paris, Northern Italy, Beijing, Singapore , Washington, North Carolina and Northern Virginia. The locales, filled with delicious description of superb dining at luxury hotels with fine wines, and beautifully attired people added to the exciting action which never ceased. There is murder by Russians, bank takeovers by Chinese, political aspirations for Robert Parelli who has a platform on a New Italy Party, which is controversial but gaining traction. A French journalist and an old love of Craig's, Elizabeth Crowder, covers EU political and economic development for her paper, comes to the assistance in searching for answers and adds some romantic interest.

THE ITALIAN DIVIDE is a thriller I recommend to everyone who enjoys adventure and intrigue in the high stakes world of International banking, reeking with power and revenge, and a hero who is real, daring and dedicated to finding justice. Craig Page is an easy-to-like character who loves his country and is loyal and patriotic. You have a new and loyal fan, Mr. Topol, and I hope a new book is coming soon with Craig/Enrico fighting once more for justice and freedom. 5 stars and counting! Bravo!

Book Summary

When prominent Italian banker Frederico Castiglione is murdered in an apparent jewelry robbery gone wrong, things are not what they seem. Former CIA Director Craig Page is enjoying his new life as Italian race car driver Enrico Marino―but when he hears that his friend and sponsor has been found dead, he suspects foul play. Shortly after Castiglione’s death, Italian banker Andrew Goldoni is asked to sell―or else. When he refuses, his daughter goes missing.

Craig embarks on an investigation to solve the riddles underlying Castiglione’s murder and rescue Goldoni’s daughter, but the pieces don’t quite fit. The murderers are Russian, but the takeovers are based in China, and somehow Roberto Parelli, the Italian separatist candidate for President, is involved.

With the help of Elizabeth Crowder, CIA director Betty Richards, and director of EU Counter Terrorism Giuseppe, Craig discovers a complicated web of mysterious political and financial takeovers across Italy, all linked back to Craig’s sworn enemy, Zhou Yun, and Roberto Parelli.

In The Italian Divide loyalties lie deep, dangerous alliances are made to be broken, and organized crime is omnipotent. Allan Topol’s latest Craig Page thriller is an electrifying foray into the world of international intrigue. Against blackmail, extortion, and treason, can Craig Page still prevail?