Layover in Dubai: A Novel

I read a lot of crime and spy fiction, usually series. I read Dan Fesperman’s stand-alone novel, “Layover in Dubai”, (LD) for three reasons – I had just read some very favorable comments about Dan while scanning a review of another author’s work, the Amazon readers’ reviews were well over a 4.0, and I wanted to learn more about Dubai. In my occasional flights to and fro India, I often have a brief layover in Dubai, Doha and other exotic places, but have never ventured beyond the airports. After reading this book I’m thinking “good decision”.There is plenty of local flavor in LD; it’s clear the author speaks from personal experiences and observations. There is a lot about the incredible wealth, the towering office buildings, the extravagant malls. But there is also a good deal about local customs, and not only women’s rights in public, but at home as well. Dan also touches on the very stunning demographics of the Dubai residents, including the native birth of clusters of its police force. And the incredible wealth, and the incredible cars, speeds, crashes, jams. And then there’s the seamier side as well, human trafficking for example., a key plot point of LD.Our hero, Sam Keller, is a bit of a rising star at his NYC-based pharmaceutical corporation. He is tasked with accompanying one of the company’s more senior reps on a trip to the Middle East, in large part to keep the gentleman from misbehaving; it is to be a quick trip, a layover of sorts. But Sam is in Dubai for only hours before being pursued by police Lt. Assad for the murder of his companion. Sam is rescued, temporarily by Sharaf, another police officer and opponent of Assad. Sharaf puts Sam up at his home for one night where Sam gets a taste of Dubai home life, but not of Sharaf’s stunningly attractive and capable 25 year old daughter. And he crosses paths with Mama, Amina.The story is well written, fast-paced, well plotted, and has interesting characters; it gave me everything in the way of local color that I was hoping for. It includes a fight to the death atop a tower under construction on the edge of an elevator shaft. And a very good climax and good ending. I will read more of Dan’s works, and will get “The Letter Writer” in the near future, and likely “Safe Houses” and “The Arms Maker of Berlin” afterwords.

Layover in Dubai is my second Dan Fesperman thriller. Each had me up way past my bedtime because it was impossible to get to sleep without finishing them first.As someone who has been working in the UAE for more than fifteen years, I can attest to the veracity of all the local nuances contained in this novel. That's why I live in Abu Dhabi 😀.

Fesperman falters here with overblown violence and thin corporate intrigue. More a disappointment than a failure considering his usual terrific work.

It has been awhile since I read this book, but found it interesting and insightful. I worked in Saudi Arabia for seven years and have more than a casual interest in problems, terrorism, cultural, and other matters involving the Mid East. I twice visited Dubai, unfortunately in years preceding its unprecedented growth, which I wish I could afford to visit just for the look-see. Thank heavens for email and superb pictures of Dubai in its new "glory," which emerged when Hong Kong ceased to be the international traveler's destination when English gave up the rule.

It was a bit slow setting the frame for this story. I was pulled into the story by it 's background story. As the story developed I came to love it and it's complexity. International and corporate intrigue, cultural differences and the desire to set things right no matter what. I enjoyed reading it.

Dan Fesperman's knowledge of the Middle East combined with his ability to weave a clever plot intersecting corporate greed in the US with local corruption (Dubai) , pitted against the efforts of two honest and fallible men makes a page turning read.J. MacKenzie

An incisive view into a piece of the world in which Westerners have little clone toon. And a classic page turner that moves with surprises. And Fesperman's "fiction' again appears to have more "fact" behind it than alleged non-fiction.

"Layover in Dubai" was certainly the best book of the summer. It kept me guessing until the last few pages. As a past resident of the Arabian Gulf, I can attest to the fact that the author had his cultural facts straight and it was clear he has been to the Gulf or had an editor who knows the region personally. I give this book a top rating and recommend it to all mystery/murder fans.

Although I was given delivery dates it was still quite a surprise that this product took so long to arrive. Not of very good quality but, for the price, reasonably good value. Good story

Excellent book. It should have been published in the UK as well as USA.

Dan in great form