The Providence File by Amanda Kyle Williams

The Providence File
by Amanda Kyle Williams
Pages: 246
Date: January 1 1991
Publisher: Naiad Press
Series: Madison McGurie (2nd in series)

Review
Rating: 4.25
Read: September 7 to 15 2016

I rather enjoyed this one (though using the word 'enjoyed' about a terrorist book seems . . . wrong), slightly more so than the previous book in the series.

The previous book was set in 1978 (though published in 1990), and this book here is . . . no clue. That's the one main problem I had with this book. No specific date was given, and the date hints were all over the place.

The first date hint was a terrorist and mention that he has been in Ireland for the last ten years. His name seemed vaguely familiar (there was one middle eastern guy who he might have been from prior book, though I suspect they weren't actually the same person). If that had been the same guy, then that 'has spent the last ten years hiding in Ireland' would have been a huge hint - and would have made a certain amount of sense. Since the main character was in a perfect position to take a longish break after the prior book. So that would put the date around 1988. (note, some of the information from that section was later seen to be either wrong or misread by me - like the part where they guy had been there all that time - no, he travels around as well, he does not just stay in that specific location in Ireland, like it seemed to imply).

Second date hint - New CIA director left active field service in 1957. Did a few things behind the desk and the like. Got noticed by new president, made CIA director. So . . um . . 1958, 1960? Wait no - he is given freer hand like in 1950s, unlike the 1970s; so this is 1980s.

Third date hint comes form Madison (main character). It's a year later. So 1979. But . . but previos date hint said that we were out of the 1970s. mmphs.

Fourth date hint - some big shot trrorist did something huge in 1985 - relayed in a 'this was some significant time ago' way (well, I mean at least a year or 5). So . . .1988?

What bloody year are we in?

Right, so. Story. Madison is talked into doing a mission. By taking it, it implodes her current relationship. Her mission is to go undercover in the Providence terrorist group. Who are working to 'free the Palestine people'.

The book was actually a lot more detailed, action packed, and filled with spy-stuff than I somewhat expected. Quite enjoyabe. I put it on my 4.25 shelf, which is probably close-ish to correct. Maybe if I had more shelves, I'd put it closer to 4.35.

September 17 2016