Description:

From Monte Carlo to Morocco to Egypt and into Petra, Marwan Accad is pursued by authorities for murders he did not commit. Tracked by advanced intelligence-surveillance technology, his every location is eventually found out, His closest friend and ally hides him, only to have his family put in mortal danger; his brother and business partner help cover his tracks, but only for a brief time. Is it possible that this is an inside job, trying to kill him and set him up for the murders he didn’t commit? Marwan races against time to find his pursuers and their motives.

My Review:

The action in “The Witness” begins right with the first chapter, with murder, pursuit and attempted assassinations. The reader follows Marwan through Europe and into North Africa as he tries to escape those who hunt him. The action scenes grip you and don’t let go. Marwan is a believable hero and a sympathetic character.

The writing style was very unique but put you right inside Marwan’s thoughts and actions. I wanted more out of the female lead but still found her likable. But I have to say, author Josh McDowell’s secondary characters were by far the strongest, from the villains to the trusted friends.

The setting is rich, taking you all over the countryside and Cairo. From the pyramids to camel rides, this book feels like a journey itself.

I loved the tension and the chase of the police, always on Marwan’s tail. However, there were some elements to the plot I doubted as realistic and struggled with. Sometimes, the sense of urgency and danger disappeared completely, which diminished the pursuit and the lives at stake.

The mystery and the suspense were top-notch, however, and I finished the book within a few days. This is a great summer read for anyone looking for an escape and a moving tale of friendship and God’s love.

This book was provided to me by Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.