Description

Two men bring Masud a message. He leads a guerrilla force in Afghanistan. Jean-Pierre is French. Ellis is American. They serve rival sides in the Cold War. Both love the same woman. Their mission leads to the Valley of the Five Lions. This place lies deep in the mountains. An old legend surrounds it. Russian forces seek Masud, dead or alive.

Ken Follett’s thriller joins a spy mission with a love triangle. It suits readers who like tales of deceit and torn loyalties. The plot starts with terrorist bombs in Paris. It then moves to war in Afghanistan. The woman betrays them, which sets off a chase. It crosses steep, harsh mountain land. The chase ends in a grim clash.

Follett was born in Cardiff, Wales, in 1949. He studied philosophy at University College in London. He later worked at the Evening News and ran Everest Books. His novel The Eye of the Needle won an Edgar award. The Mystery Writers of America gave it the best novel prize. His work in culture includes a UK advisory role. He serves on that committee for Reading Is Fundamental. He belongs to the Royal Society of Arts. He also belongs to the National Literacy Trust and Welsh Academy. He is a member of the National Academy of Writers’ board.

This is a translation. Its original title is Lie Down with Lions.