The Last Testament is a mystery-thriller set against the backdrop of a potential peace accords in the Middle East. Israel is severely divided by a controversial proposal to divide Jerusalem. Just as the accords are about to be reached, an academic, Shimon Guttman, makes a startling discovery- an ancient testament, the contents of which will be a startling revelation to Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike. Guttman is killed before he can reveal the contents of this testament to the Israeli Prime Minister. Maggie Costello, a former diplomat who has been trying to run from her past, is brought out of semi-retirement to assist with the negotiations. She soon finds herself on the trail of the testament, along with Guttman's son Uri.Despite the fact that people connected to the testament keep turning up dead, and Maggie and Uri are frequently pursued by parties unknown, the first half of the book moves at a slow pace. There is a great deal of political discussion, and Bourne inserts several chapters that tell the story of the discovery of the testament, following it to the point at which Guttman obtains it. Bourne draws out the mystery by only revealing to the reader the first portion of the testament. Once Maggie and Uri discover its existence, we play the waiting game along with them as they must discover its location and find out who is trying to stop them.
The Last Testament has an interesting premise, and some clever bits, particularly in respect to how Guttman hid the clues to the location of the testament. I would have enjoyed faster pacing of the plot, and a little more reason to care about Maggie. We know she is a good negotiator who did something very unprofessional, and has now let herself slip into a relationship with a controlling boyfriend. Beyond that, she simply moves through the story, and we get minimal exploration of her character. The climax of the story is a little bit cliche, but satisfying. Overall, I recommend The Last Testament for readers who are interested in Middle Eastern affairs, or enjoy a heavy dose of political intrigue.
The Last Testament has an interesting premise, and some clever bits, particularly in respect to how Guttman hid the clues to the location of the testament. I would have enjoyed faster pacing of the plot, and a little more reason to care about Maggie. We know she is a good negotiator who did something very unprofessional, and has now let herself slip into a relationship with a controlling boyfriend. Beyond that, she simply moves through the story, and we get minimal exploration of her character. The climax of the story is a little bit cliche, but satisfying. Overall, I recommend The Last Testament for readers who are interested in Middle Eastern affairs, or enjoy a heavy dose of political intrigue.
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