Title: Signals From Saipan
Author: Reginald Nelson
Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
ISBN: 978-1684861460
Pages: 468
Genre: Mystery / Thriller & Suspense
Reviewed by: Arthur Thares
Pacifi Book Review
Spy books are a fine art because they have to balance the action of a thriller with the espionage of an undercover agent. Unfortunately, it is not as popular a genre as it once was, perhaps because it is synonymous with James Bond or because it is so difficult to write. Either way, Reginald Nelson is bringing it back in a big way with his I.N.C.I.S.O.R. series, which is a must-read. If you are a fan of down-to-earth fiction with realistic plots and relatable characters you will want to know more about this story.
In this sequel, the I.N.C.I.S.O.R. team is looking to expand while managing a new mission and exacting revenge for the loss of one of their own. As the title suggests, a significant portion of the book takes place in Saipan, where the team uses radio signals to trick a terrorist organization that is being helped by a foreign government. While there is an overarching plot to the book there are many subplots that are just as interesting as the main story. There is not a lot of heavy action, but the book moves along at a nice clip until the final chapters, when a series of events makes for a climactic ending.
It is undeniable that Signals From Saipan is a great story, but I think that Reginald Nelson could turn a story about grass growing into a compelling read. There is something so real about these stories starting with the Meta fact that the author is the book’s main character. He manages to integrate current events into the story in a way that the reader can relate to now but will remain evergreen in the future. What is more interesting is the flawless balance that Nelson manages throughout the story flowing back and forth between the characters’ personal and professional lives. Furthermore, he can tell multiple stories with multiple characters simultaneously without it becoming cluttered or overwhelming thanks to impeccable organization.
The I.N.C.I.S.O.R. series is just getting off the ground, but if this sequel is any indication, there is a healthy future for the series and Reginald Nelson. This book ends with a setup to a sequel, but even if it did not, there are so many ways this book can be the jumping-off point for future I.N.C.I.S.O.R. novels. Ultimately, you will have a lot of fun reading Signals From Saipan, and it will leave you with a sense of satisfaction and looking forward to following more adventures of the I.N.C.I.S.O.R. crew.
