Living Lies

A Novel of the Iranian Nuclear Weapons Program (The Guild Series, Book 1)

By: James Lawler

Narrated by: Bob Johnson

Living Lies is an enthralling story about espionage, human frailty, and loyalty. The plot focuses on a covert Iranian nuclear weapons program, as written by a senior CIA operations officer whose career was devoted to battling the spread of weapons of mass destruction. He also led the CIA team which disrupted the deadliest nuclear weapons network in history. This is the first installment of a series of espionage thrillers.

The story begins as the US is eagerly pursuing negotiations with Iran regarding their nuclear weapons program. A well-placed source in the Iranian delegation provides seemingly critical intelligence on their positions after he volunteers to a gullible CIA officer. The Iranian source, however, is a double agent controlled by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. A more talented CIA officer, Lane Andrews, recruits a legitimate source. His source discovers the stark truth in Iran and reports back at great risk to himself.

Lane struggles in vain to convince the CIA that there is a double agent influencing the negotiations, but the US and Iran strike a deal. The CIA director, a narcissistic billionaire, is delighted that Iran has caved into the US demands. Except it secretly hasn't.

Living Lies will keep listeners on the edge, as they embark on a thrilling adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns. Lane must find a way to do the right thing and prevent largescale death and destruction in a world where trustworthiness is nonexistent. This is an unforgettable espionage thriller that will keep you coming back for more. Get ready for an adventure filled with thrills, danger, and excitement in Living Lies!

©2021 James C. Lawler (P)2023 James C. Lawler

Incredible story - both thrilling and terrifying

The book is as thrilling as the plot is terrifying and realistic. The novel was very well done and will no doubt be adopted into a mega budget blockbuster at some point

An Adventurous Tale and Timely

Living Lies is every bit an exhilarating espionage thriller, but more. It gives deep insights into the intelligence and counterintelligence processes, and in relevant and timely context in current international events. The scientific explanations are well-presented, interesting, and easy to understand. Jim Lawler’s portrayals of his characters are authentic and ring true regarding human nature, feelings, emotions, and motivations. An uncommon virtue in spy dramas. The characters are relatable, and thus, they are easy to root for or hate. Sure, there are plenty of “races against time”, passion, and violence, but it is never gratuitous or overdone. Overall, the story is perfectly balanced and conveys the idea that national security and international relations are dangerous games and must be played by courageous and remarkable individuals, willing to sacrifice for the good of all. Bravo, Mr. Lawler. I look forward to the next book, In the Twinkling of an Eye.

Great spy thriller!

Fascinating story with compelling characters. Comes across as very realistic, with characters having to balance corroborating and conflicting sources to figure out the truth. Look forward to seeing the sequel come out in Audiobook format!