Title: Lebanon Red
Author: Luke McCaffrey
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
ISBN: 9781685130022
Pages: 176
Genre: Thriller / Crime / Politics
Reviewed by: Manik Chaturmutha

Read Book Review

Lebanon Red by Luke McCaffrey is a thriller which combines crime with politics. Set in the sultry streets of Beirut, the book follows O’Hara Poit, a criminal who finds himself in the murky waters of international politics.

O’Hara is serving time in jail for a case when the prison suddenly releases him because of Covid. However, on coming out, he realizes that a powerful organization is behind his freedom. To pay for this favour, O’Hara has become a tool of the organization’s mission. He has to travel to Beirut to talk to his childhood friend, Red. Red has joined a Russian anarchist militia that is planning to wreak havoc in the United States.

O’Hara, under a false name, has to fight gangsters, spies, and Saudi princes in a land where none can be trusted. The mission to find his friend soon turns into a mission of survival when O’Hara finds himself in a position more dangerous than he could have ever expected.

Lebanon Red is a fast-paced thriller that does not let the reader leave their seat until the last page. The sultry world of Beirut comes alive in this book; the author thoroughly explores the food and political climate of the location. Although the book is very plot focused, the elaborate grey characters add enjoyment for the reader. Every character has a purpose, and none feels unnecessary in the story. They also add a sense of urgency to the book, as no one can be trusted. The humour in this book also creates a window of relief for the readers. I especially enjoyed the interactions between O’Hara and Omar. O’Hara is a brilliant character to follow; he never disappoints the reader. He is the epitome of street-smart and impresses with his wits. McCaffrey writes some incredible action scenes in the book. The editing of the book is immaculate. There are a few instances in the novel where the passage of time tends to be confusing, but it doesn’t meddle with the reader’s enjoyment.

Lebanon Red by Luke McCaffrey is a political thriller that will have you racing toward the end. It is ideal for readers who like the combination of crime and politics, and a speck of shady organizations and conspiracy theories. This book is perfect for binge-reading.