Book Review

Djibouti by Elmore Leonard

In ten words or less: Somali pirates and al-Qaeda terrorists are subjects of filmmaker's documentary.

Review: Best-selling author Elmore Leonard combines Somali pirates and al-Qaeda terrorists in his latest novel. Dara Barr, an award winning documentary filmmaker, heads to Africa to film modern day pirates in action. With her is Xavier LeBo, a 72-year-old African-American seafarer, as her right-hand man and expert on all things nautical.
Pirates have captured a liquefied natural gas tanker and are negotiating for a ransom. Texas billionaire Billy Wynn and his girlfriend Helene are sailing around the world, and Billy hints to Dara that he might be CIA. Meanwhile, jama Raisuli, a young ex-con from Miami turned al-Qaeda terrorist, is plotting to blow up something big.
Are the pirates more interested in riding around Djibouti in their luxury autos, wearing their $200 shoes, or are they in league with al-Qaeda?

Why bother? In an Elmore Leonard story, the women are always gorgeous, the bad guys nefarious, the action is nonstop, and the humor comes in short, sharp jabs. No one is who they seem. No one does it better.