The Analyst describes the events surrounding a Middle East peace conference held in Saudi Arabia to establish a permanent Palestinian homeland. Unfortunately, the Iranian delegation uses the meeting as a pretense to capture the American president and launch a nuclear attack on Israel.
SMU Professor Russell Conrad finds himself in the middle of the plot after he receives a call to fly to Washington. CIA consultant Conrad doesn't expect to end up in Saudi Arabia trying to rescue the President and prevent a nuclear war. President Omar Sanjar's, America's first African-American commander-in-chief, hopes of forming a lasting Middle East peace are shattered when the United States mission is kidnapped. Their captors’ ransom demands present a moral dilemma that threatens to plunge the Middle East into a nuclear war. Conrad’s role is transformed from advisor to agent as he tries to rescue Sanjar and warn Israel of an impending missile attack.
Written by Allen Mesch (see About You below)
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What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?
Allen Mesch
The book is not the usual one man against the world political thriller. It has strong characters who play leading roles. Conrad has friends in both the CIA and Mossad. The book uses the current political situation as a backdrop. The novel is populated with different enthnic characters. Conrad is comfortable working with smart women, Muslims, Jews, and Ivy leaguers.
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Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?
Allen Mesch
Most people who have read the book think it would make a good movie. They try to guess who is the mole in the US government.
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Did researching and writing this book teach you anything or influence your thinking in any way?
Allen Mesch
As a first time author, my learning curve was quite steep. I really enjoyed checking out the details of military arms, reading about the Secret Service, CIA, and Mossad.
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What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?
Allen Mesch
It moves fast after the first few introductory and scene-setting chapters. It would make a good summer read.
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Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?
Allen Mesch
What prompted you to write the book?
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How can readers help you promote this book?
Allen Mesch
Write a nice comment on my Amazon site, suggest me to a book club, or ask your librarian to order the book.
About You: Allen Mesch
The book is the first novel by north Texas author Allen Mesch. Allen drew heavily on his forty-five years of business and academic experiences in writing The Analyst. He received an M.S. degree in chemical engineering from MIT and worked for international oil companies. Allen is President of PetroStrategies, Inc., an oil and gas education and research organization. His knowledge of higher education comes from academic positions as an adjunct professor at UTD, TWU, and SMU. He was also Director of SMU’s Maguire Energy Institute. He serves as a media resource on oil and gas issues with appearances on local and national television and quotes in leading publications.
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Why do you write?
Allen Mesch
Writing is like problem solving. I know where I want to end the story. The getting there is where the challenge and fun comes in. I like a variety of topics from history to legal thrillers. Writing allows me to create my own reading experience that I hope others will enjoy.
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What is your greatest strength as a writer?
Allen Mesch
I guess perseverance. This first book taught me how much effort is required. As an engineer, I enjoy building the plot and a logical
chain of events.
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What quality do you most value in yourself?
Allen Mesch
My sense of humor. I try not to take myself too seriously.
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In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?
Allen Mesch
My family. I am also an avid student of the American Civil War. In The Analyst both President Omar Sanjar and Russell Conrad are Civil War buffs.
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What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
Allen Mesch
Two very successful adult children and six terrific grandkids.
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Is there any new or established author whom you feel deserves more attention, and what is it that strikes you about his or her work?
Allen Mesch
H. W. Brands. Excellent historian who brings history alive.
Find out More about Allen Mesch at his website
