With The Geneva Decision by Seely James, I finally get to review a book in my beloved thriller genre. Though in spots I had some mixed feelings about the story, overall, the author delivers a story lovers of the genre will appreciate. At its heart, this story is also a mystery. Someone is killing people in the banking world, and it appears the murder spree seeks to cover up a conspiracy.

Structured as a fast page turner with lots of action and intrigue, The Geneva Decision takes us through the Pia Sabel’s initial journey as she transitions from a life as an international soccer star to a post at the top of her own international security agency. It is with Pia that this reader found the most enjoyment and also, at times, a mild level of frustration.

On the one hand, given her troubled past and the challenges suddenly thrust upon her, I found her a sympathetic character. She’s no female weakling, either, and I appreciated her assertiveness and fearlessness as she took on threats and difficulties from all quarters. Pia also exemplifies several strong character flaws that at places in the story cost her and those around her dearly. Without spoiling the plot, Pia’s strong-headed approach to life, though well-suited for a soccer pitch, also display an immaturity that hinders her effectiveness to lead her company and the team assigned to her current investigation. Her penchant for risk-taking often seems foolish rather than brave. In the end I had to accept her more than like her. But that’s all right. A character need not be fluffy-likeable in every respect, and I applaud the author for presenting us with a real person.

Though I don’t like to quibble over the minor stuff, I will briefly ask: really, dart guns with limited range? When the other guys are spraying you with real bullets? I found that part of the story less than credible and frustrating. Pia’s insistence on using the crippled guns provides yet another example of her lack of wisdom or appreciation for the danger such a decision represented for both her and her team.

Other reviews have faulted Pia for being too “bad a__” of a character. Why? Because her athleticism and skill in martial arts are unrealistic? Though I was tempted to feel likewise, in the end I had to admit that came down more to my bias about the physicality of women than the realism of one with Pia’s abilities. Surely at least one of them can do such things: why not Pia?

All in all, I plowed through this story with the gusto of someone who can’t wait until the story resolves the questions and mysteries that emerge along the way. On that plane, I can’t but recommend The Geneva Decision as an enjoyable read for anyone who like me loves a good thriller.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars