I enjoyed David McCloskey’s Damascus Station, which reflects his insider knowledge of CIA operational modalities and tradecraft, as well as his knowledge of Damascus, the Syrian revolt, and Levantine Arab culture having served in the region. I once lived in the Middle East as well, and was gratified to read a spy thriller set in the region, and particularly in Syria, where such tumultuous events occurred, demanding the attention of global players including the United States. I get a little tired of the typical spy thrillers set in Russia or Eastern Europe, so more please set in the less-traveled regions. Sometimes the insider knowledge overwhelmed the story. I don’t always need to know the arcane details of how the bombs go off. There might have been a trimming of storylines, as well. Otherwise, a noteworthy debut novel by McCloskey. I’m sure he’s set for success in the genre.