Zero Point

Mirza's present-day political thriller set in Pakistan begins in dramatic fashion, but is undone by a contrived plot. Malik Jahangir, a strong candidate to become his country's next prime minister, is shot to death while addressing a campaign rally in Rawalpindi. Suspicions about his death are fueled when authorities prevent doctors from performing an autopsy. Among those suspicious about the country's official line on the tragedy is Dr. Kamran Haidar, who teams up with reporter Sana Aziz to investigate the slaying. Early sections of the book introducing Jack Donaldson, a Texas senator and presidential aspirant, and Bronx hitman Vincent Portelli, suggest a possible American role in the assassination. Meanwhile, Haidar%E2%80%94risking his career%E2%80%94steals blood specimens drawn from Jahangir for independent analysis. He soon finds himself in the crosshairs of an assassin, who%E2%80%94improbably and conveniently for the plot%E2%80%94fails to confirm the death of a target. Fans of political suspense novels may be intrigued by the exotic setting, but will likely be disappointed by the illogical story line.