The Mind of God - Bevan Frank

The Mind of God
Bevan Frank
ELM Park Publishing
ISBN 9780993359217
eISBN 9780993359200
ASIN B0145UEXVC

This is the type of story I read from time to time.  It is a bit mystery, a  little bit suspense, and a whole lot of action. It reminds me a bit of Robert B. Parker's works, and it also reminds me of Lee Childs, James Rollins or Tom CLancy. There is a lot going on in this book, and a number of different pieces moving on the board. It made it a fun read. The description of this book states:

"When Liz Greene discovers that her father is missing, she is unwittingly drawn into a plot that could change the world forever. Before he went missing, Professor Harry Greene had been working on the black box global consciousness project. Now, Liz needs to find both her father, and his ground breaking research before it's too late. On the same day, President of the United States Daniel Rafferty is in Cape Town to give an address at the Convention Centre. Is it a coincidence that the black box was stolen while Rafferty is in the same city, or is there an even more sinister terrorist plot at play? Follow Liz, as she and her friend, Tim Fletcher, decode one clue after another in a deadly hunt around Cape Town, all the while being pursued by an assassin and a CIA agent."

It is an interesting mix of typical spy story, and a great bad guy twist. The story moves along at a break neck pace. I devoured the book in two sittings. For a first novel the writing is very tight. There are a number of key characters in the cast of the story, a brilliant scientist, his daughter, her male friend, a disgraced CIA agent, a mysterious villain, an assassin who will do anything for a price, the leader of a biker gang. All mixed in the back drop of Cape Town during a visit from the American President. Combine that with the real world science of the Global Consciousness Project and you have some very interesting plot lines indeed!

As stated this is a very good first effort. And it will be interesting to see if Bevan continues with one or more of these characters. There are a number of possible spin off points from this story. And yet it stands well on its own. I enjoyed this book enough that I have recommended it to a few friends. And would definitely read others by the author if they become available.  A very good novel well worth giving a try!