A mysterious phone call from a dark stranger in Germany has Teller on a plane to Berlin quicker than you can spell CIGAR. The character is led into black places and dreary haunts as he dances the quick step around his superiors, which included locking his boss in the bathroom as he goes to meet the strange man who declares he is an East German SS officer.

Teller, in the dark, is informed of a conspiracy in the works to assassinate President John F. Kennedy, but is held to conditions to speak to no one. Why? Because the plot originates from JFK’s own people from the USA and reaches into the dark dredges of Eastern Europe, pre-Iron Curtain takedown. He finds refuge in the home of a young woman who is the sister of Jack’s drinking buddy, and finds a spark of something? Or is she part of the plot?

Tom Gabbay spins a tale of intrigue and espionage that draws the reader to the dark side of politics, woven with irony of a man who is a little bit alcoholic, a little bit bitter, a lot sarcastic, but has a strong love of country and a wry sense of humor.

The result is an excellent tale of mystery, espionage and conspiracy, mixed with historical fact. There were times that I found myself wondering if this had really happened and asking myself, "Why don’t I remember this?" Then I had to remind me that I was reading fiction. Definitely a good read for Kennedy era historical buffs as well as conspiracy theorists.

I liked this book and was surprised to find that it’s the author’s first. His future is bright.