Appointment in Tehran: The Snake Eater Chronicles 2

The takeover of the American embassy in Tehran by Iranian revolutionaries on Nov. 4, 1979, propels Stejskal’s fine sequel to 2020’s A Question of Time. After 52 Americans are taken hostage, the U.S. government immediately begins preparing a rescue mission involving Special Forces “A” teams based in Berlin led by Army Master Sgt. Kim Becker and Staff Sgt. Paul Stavros. Meanwhile, Jonny Panagasos, a CIA agent stationed in Tehran who was away from the embassy at the time of its seizure, must avoid capture and get a tactical nuke, which was to be used to interdict the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, out of Iran before either the Iranians or the Russians can steal the weapon. Stejskal expertly weaves the two story lines together, leaving readers guessing whether the nuclear weapon plot could have been as real as the hostage-rescue operation. The action ramps up, along with the suspense, after Becker and Stavros and their units enter Iran and link up with Panagasos. This is a treat for fiction and nonfiction fans alike. (Sept.)