This story is set primarily in and around the US Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan and the plot is in essence the build-up to an attack on the Embassy. There is a lot of detail regarding the staffing/personnel of the Embassy and its procedures, highlighting the weaknesses that allow the attack to occur. The story is relatively slow-paced, if you're looking for a fast-paced, action-packed thriller, this is not it, but if you're looking for a detailed description of the preconditions for the attack, then yes. The characters and their interplay seemed interesting and authentic.