One of the best ways I find good books is from the recommendations of Fareed Zakaria on his Sunday morning show. If you don’t want to watch every show (which is silly…you really should) then here’s a list of the books he has suggested.

One of the books he kept promoting was Blood Money by David Ignatius. It’s a true life spy story set in Pakistan, London, Los Angeles and Washington DC. The book explores the odd relationship between the Pakistani and American intelligence communities, which to say the least is complicated and at times deeply dysfunctional. The story line is dramatic and has plenty of twists and turns, but what makes this book especially good is the accuracy of the writing. This is not a James Bond novel; it’s a story that could actually happen, and perhaps actually has.

Zakaria, who was born and raised in India before becoming an American citizen, is no fan of Pakistan. So his continued promotion of the book made me think it’s going to have an anti-Pakistani agenda. Well, not quite. It certainly doesn’t make the Pakistani intelligence community look like people of honor, but then it doesn’t make them look ridiculous either. It’s a reasonable balance to a mysterious situation.

Blood Money actually spends more time developing the American characters in the book, and it mostly makes them believable. The woman CIA agent is a bit too pretty, and the bad guy is a bit too creepy, but then that’s what most storytelling is like these days. Making it all relevant is Ignatius’ ability to weave post 9/11 viewpoints into the story that includes perspectives from multiple angles.

Summer is here and this is a great easy read that is sure to entertain. Ignatius is a talented writer who has crafted a story that has few holes and plenty of intrigue. You’ll enjoy it.