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The Identity Factor
This edition of The Identity is currently defunct and out of print. A new edition from Regis Books, complete with new cover, is available now.
- GenresFiction
356 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2007
24 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
James Houston Turner
14 books97 followersWinner of numerous awards, including “Best Thriller,” bestselling author James Houston Turner is known for his Aleksandr Talanov series of action thrillers. Talanov the fictional character was inspired by the actual KGB agent who once leaked word out of Moscow that James was on a KGB watchlist for his smuggling activities behind the old Iron Curtain.
Holding a bachelor’s degree from Baker University and a master’s degree from the University of Houston Clear Lake, James is also a cancer survivor after doctors in Australia removed a tumor the size of an orange from his face. “I was told if I lived eighteen months I would probably live to be one hundred. That was in 1991, so I am happy to report I am well on my way toward that goal. These experiences influenced my storytelling, whether in magazines, novels, or now in film. My stories are ‘overcomer stories,’ because that’s what I’ve had to do, and is why I want my stories to leave people with the same hope and faith that strengthened me.”
After twenty years in Australia, James and his wife, Wendy, now live in Austin, Texas.
Holding a bachelor’s degree from Baker University and a master’s degree from the University of Houston Clear Lake, James is also a cancer survivor after doctors in Australia removed a tumor the size of an orange from his face. “I was told if I lived eighteen months I would probably live to be one hundred. That was in 1991, so I am happy to report I am well on my way toward that goal. These experiences influenced my storytelling, whether in magazines, novels, or now in film. My stories are ‘overcomer stories,’ because that’s what I’ve had to do, and is why I want my stories to leave people with the same hope and faith that strengthened me.”
After twenty years in Australia, James and his wife, Wendy, now live in Austin, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 11, 2011
"Abu Nazer is the world's most elusive terrorist. His identity is unknown, his list of crimes unimaginable. But Abu Nazer knows the CIA is closing in. Which is why he must change identities. He devises a scheme involving an ancient stone tablet discovered in the Sinai Peninsula in 1919."
What a ORIGINAL plot-so well written and researched- James Houston Turner is an author to not only read- but to savor! Characters are so finely drawn, that one feels they know them personally- locations are spot on.
A JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER-THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
What a ORIGINAL plot-so well written and researched- James Houston Turner is an author to not only read- but to savor! Characters are so finely drawn, that one feels they know them personally- locations are spot on.
A JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER-THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
July 15, 2020
✨Suspense,Spunky,Stunning✨
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I’m super excited to be talking about The Identity Factor by James Turner . This is another brilliant International crime novel and I’m humbled the Author trusted me to proofread it💛. Swipe to spot me in the Acknowledgment section.
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SYNOPSIS->
Abu Nazer is the world’s most elusive terrorist. But Abu Nazer knows the CIA is closing in. He devises a strategy involving an ancient stone tablet. The tablet makes a shocking declaration about Jerusalem that has the CIA running scared. They fear he will use it to ignite Armageddon, and Abu Nazer has been using that fear against them because someone at the agency has been leaking him information. With Journalist Tyler and CIA agent Zoe chasing the hot trail of the tablet, seeking answers can be deadly when everyone has secrets.
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REVIEW->
Firstly, there is a character crossover from his previous book - Dragon Head. And we know how much I love a good crossover! The narrative has witty characters–who outsmart each other at every turn-be it the CIA Agents or the Terrorists or Civilians with hidden agendas. And every character has a secret that makes them suspicious, so I couldn’t trust any of them. I enjoyed the suspense this created.
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The plethora of characters can get a little confusing, but when all the plot twists come together at the end, it is a very gratifying story. The whole book feels like a spiderweb that is being spun from the outside to the center- know what I mean? And the fast pace of the story kept me hooked to the end. Go into the book expecting tons of juicy doublecrossing and amazing action sequences!!
.
.
I’m super excited to be talking about The Identity Factor by James Turner . This is another brilliant International crime novel and I’m humbled the Author trusted me to proofread it💛. Swipe to spot me in the Acknowledgment section.
.
SYNOPSIS->
Abu Nazer is the world’s most elusive terrorist. But Abu Nazer knows the CIA is closing in. He devises a strategy involving an ancient stone tablet. The tablet makes a shocking declaration about Jerusalem that has the CIA running scared. They fear he will use it to ignite Armageddon, and Abu Nazer has been using that fear against them because someone at the agency has been leaking him information. With Journalist Tyler and CIA agent Zoe chasing the hot trail of the tablet, seeking answers can be deadly when everyone has secrets.
.
REVIEW->
Firstly, there is a character crossover from his previous book - Dragon Head. And we know how much I love a good crossover! The narrative has witty characters–who outsmart each other at every turn-be it the CIA Agents or the Terrorists or Civilians with hidden agendas. And every character has a secret that makes them suspicious, so I couldn’t trust any of them. I enjoyed the suspense this created.
.
The plethora of characters can get a little confusing, but when all the plot twists come together at the end, it is a very gratifying story. The whole book feels like a spiderweb that is being spun from the outside to the center- know what I mean? And the fast pace of the story kept me hooked to the end. Go into the book expecting tons of juicy doublecrossing and amazing action sequences!!
April 7, 2021
Fantastic super book
The action The Conspiracies And not knowing what was going to happen next I love the book and James turner has Done a wonderful job writing this story
The action The Conspiracies And not knowing what was going to happen next I love the book and James turner has Done a wonderful job writing this story
October 11, 2020
James Houston Turner’s debut novel launched in 2007, but the sensitive topics it touches on continue to be relevant today. Turner brings awareness to the deep conflicts tearing apart the Middle East, and the struggles to rise above one’s past in this gripping action thriller. His dynamic characters, multi-layered plot, and shocking twists make this book well worth the read.
A hotly contested religious artifact and a terrorist threat bring FBI analyst, Zoe Gustaves, into conflict with mysteriously famous journalist, Rutherford Tyler, as they both seek to reveal the true identity of the prime suspect – Abu Nazer, and his allies – before the middle east erupts like never before.
Turner knows how to create compelling characters. He capitalizes on stereotypes, turning them on their heads to surprise readers. Most of his characters are more than what they appear, and the personal histories that shape them into complex individuals shine through. The multilayered nature of his plot means this book is best read relatively quickly. Spreading it out over a week or more runs the risk of readers losing track of some of the threads in this finely woven novel. Although all those threads finish neatly tied up with a bow, the narrative keeps readers on their toes trying to figure out who’s playing for which side to the very end.
There are a few signs this was an early work for Turner. A few patches of the book feel a little too hurried with rapid fire, unattributed dialogue. Readers should nonetheless be able to follow the conversation in these patches without getting lost. There are also a handful of minor proofreading errors, but nothing uncommon for a digital edition.
Turner brings together depth of character with a complex, twisty storyline to create an engaging thriller that inspires reflection on the real world. I highly recommend this stand-alone novel to lovers of action with international and thought-provoking flavors.
A hotly contested religious artifact and a terrorist threat bring FBI analyst, Zoe Gustaves, into conflict with mysteriously famous journalist, Rutherford Tyler, as they both seek to reveal the true identity of the prime suspect – Abu Nazer, and his allies – before the middle east erupts like never before.
Turner knows how to create compelling characters. He capitalizes on stereotypes, turning them on their heads to surprise readers. Most of his characters are more than what they appear, and the personal histories that shape them into complex individuals shine through. The multilayered nature of his plot means this book is best read relatively quickly. Spreading it out over a week or more runs the risk of readers losing track of some of the threads in this finely woven novel. Although all those threads finish neatly tied up with a bow, the narrative keeps readers on their toes trying to figure out who’s playing for which side to the very end.
There are a few signs this was an early work for Turner. A few patches of the book feel a little too hurried with rapid fire, unattributed dialogue. Readers should nonetheless be able to follow the conversation in these patches without getting lost. There are also a handful of minor proofreading errors, but nothing uncommon for a digital edition.
Turner brings together depth of character with a complex, twisty storyline to create an engaging thriller that inspires reflection on the real world. I highly recommend this stand-alone novel to lovers of action with international and thought-provoking flavors.
March 4, 2023
A Real Page Turner
This book begins as a typical political thriller, but quickly becomes a tangled web of plots and subplots. Unfortunately, the characterization isn't as satisfying, at least to me. There is enough backstory on Tyler and VAL to explain some of their choices, but not nearly enough on the other characters to suit me. Still, I enjoyed the book and would read more of Turner's work.
This book begins as a typical political thriller, but quickly becomes a tangled web of plots and subplots. Unfortunately, the characterization isn't as satisfying, at least to me. There is enough backstory on Tyler and VAL to explain some of their choices, but not nearly enough on the other characters to suit me. Still, I enjoyed the book and would read more of Turner's work.
September 8, 2021
Not my favorite of James Houston Turner's works. I found it difficult to read due to so many characters and difficult names. Otherwise I enjoyed the Austin setting as I was from that area and it gave a flavor of the Texas Capital city.
August 9, 2011
This book was written well! It will keep you on the edge of your seat, very suspenseful and it is hard to put the book down. There are so many twists and turns and the end just blows you away! I will definitely be checking out more material from James Houston Turner.
August 8, 2011
Won from Good reads!! A bit confusing to follow sometimes with all the people but I liked the mystery. I didn't like the questioning the Bible. I hated that part. I fully believe the Bible 100% nothing added, nothing taken away. There is no alternate history.
August 8, 2019
I loved this book from the beginning to end.
July 18, 2012
Superlative book!!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews