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Titus Ray Thrillers #1
One Night in Tehran
On the prowl for a mystery/suspense book?
Read the first novel in a new series of thrillers featuring intelligence officer Titus Ray.
Trained in lies, a covert agent learns the truth
Veteran CIA officer, Titus Ray--on the run from the Iranian secret police--finds shelter with a group of Iranian Christians in Tehran. While urging Titus to become a believer in Jesus Christ, they manage to smuggle him out of Iran to freedom in Turkey.
Will it help him deal with his past?
Returning to the States, he discovers his Iranian mission failed because of political infighting within the Agency. In a hot-tempered outburst, he delivers a scathing indictment against the Deputy Director of Operations, and, as a result, the deputy forces Titus to take a year's medical leave in Oklahoma.
How will it change his future?
Before leaving Langley, Virginia, Titus learns he's been targeted by a Hezbollah assassin hired by the Iranians. Now, while trying to figure out what it means to be a follower of Christ, he must decide if the Iranian couple he meets in Norman, Oklahoma has ties to the man who's trying to kill him, and if Nikki Saxon, a local detective with an intriguing past, can be trusted with his secrets.
Read the first novel in a new series of thrillers featuring intelligence officer Titus Ray.
Trained in lies, a covert agent learns the truth
Veteran CIA officer, Titus Ray--on the run from the Iranian secret police--finds shelter with a group of Iranian Christians in Tehran. While urging Titus to become a believer in Jesus Christ, they manage to smuggle him out of Iran to freedom in Turkey.
Will it help him deal with his past?
Returning to the States, he discovers his Iranian mission failed because of political infighting within the Agency. In a hot-tempered outburst, he delivers a scathing indictment against the Deputy Director of Operations, and, as a result, the deputy forces Titus to take a year's medical leave in Oklahoma.
How will it change his future?
Before leaving Langley, Virginia, Titus learns he's been targeted by a Hezbollah assassin hired by the Iranians. Now, while trying to figure out what it means to be a follower of Christ, he must decide if the Iranian couple he meets in Norman, Oklahoma has ties to the man who's trying to kill him, and if Nikki Saxon, a local detective with an intriguing past, can be trusted with his secrets.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2014
About the author
Luana Ehrlich
34 books303 followersLuana Ehrlich is a USA Today bestselling author, known for her award-winning Titus Ray Thrillers, Mylas Grey Mysteries, and Silas McKay Suspense. Her novels are clean reads with intriguing plots, fascinating characters, jaw-dropping twists, and occasional touches of humor and heart-warming romance.
Although she developed her passion for spy thrillers and mystery novels at an early age, she didn’t write her first novel until her husband retired from the ministry. Now, she writes from an undisclosed location, trying to avoid the torture of mundane housework, grocery shopping, and golf stories. However, she occasionally comes out of hiding to visit with her two grandsons or to enjoy a Starbucks caramel macchiato.
Luana and her husband, former missionaries to Costa Rica and Venezuela, are now residents of Norman, Oklahoma. Email her at author@luanaehrlich.com. She loves to hear from her readers!!
Visit Luana on--
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LuanaEhrlichAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/luanasbooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorluana...
Devotional Blog: www.hisglorymyjoy.wordpress.com.
Although she developed her passion for spy thrillers and mystery novels at an early age, she didn’t write her first novel until her husband retired from the ministry. Now, she writes from an undisclosed location, trying to avoid the torture of mundane housework, grocery shopping, and golf stories. However, she occasionally comes out of hiding to visit with her two grandsons or to enjoy a Starbucks caramel macchiato.
Luana and her husband, former missionaries to Costa Rica and Venezuela, are now residents of Norman, Oklahoma. Email her at author@luanaehrlich.com. She loves to hear from her readers!!
Visit Luana on--
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LuanaEhrlichAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/luanasbooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorluana...
Devotional Blog: www.hisglorymyjoy.wordpress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
December 3, 2015
Wow. This book never stopped! It grabbed my attention at the beginning and did not let go. It still hasn't let go of me; and I find myself wishing that I had book 2 (please tell me there's a second book coming!) in had so that I could just keep right on reading!
Obviously, one thing I loved about this book is that the majority of the story takes place in my home state of Oklahoma. :) While I have been to Norman several times, I'm not very familiar with the area. This book had me wanting to tour Norman just to see all the sights that Titus saw. (And I must say I'm curious about how many, if any, of the places mentioned are actually real.)
The suspense was great! Definitely kept me reading and wanting to know what would happen next. I found the story line to be very interesting. And I really liked the characters too -- I'm looking forward to more development with some of these characters in the next book or two (please tell me there will be more!).
When I realized that this book was written in first person, I wasn't sure about it. I'm not against first person at all -- in fact, I love it... when it's done right -- but some people just can't write it well. I'm happy to say that Luana Ehrlich is not one of those people. I thought it was very smooth, natural, and well-written. I love her writing style!
I will definitely be recommending this book to my family, friends, and local library. I can't wait to read this author's next book!
Obviously, one thing I loved about this book is that the majority of the story takes place in my home state of Oklahoma. :) While I have been to Norman several times, I'm not very familiar with the area. This book had me wanting to tour Norman just to see all the sights that Titus saw. (And I must say I'm curious about how many, if any, of the places mentioned are actually real.)
The suspense was great! Definitely kept me reading and wanting to know what would happen next. I found the story line to be very interesting. And I really liked the characters too -- I'm looking forward to more development with some of these characters in the next book or two (please tell me there will be more!).
When I realized that this book was written in first person, I wasn't sure about it. I'm not against first person at all -- in fact, I love it... when it's done right -- but some people just can't write it well. I'm happy to say that Luana Ehrlich is not one of those people. I thought it was very smooth, natural, and well-written. I love her writing style!
I will definitely be recommending this book to my family, friends, and local library. I can't wait to read this author's next book!
January 20, 2015
Brilliantly Written Thriller
What gives One Night in Tehran its authentic feel is the author's knowledge of the situation in the Middle East, her familiarity with its customs and her intense research into the processes of the FBI and the CIA. All is extremely convincing. But it takes more than depth of research to grab a reader's attention from the beginning of a story and hold it to the very end. That requires imagination and the skill to turn that imagination into words. Ms. Erlich has that enviable quality in her writing that really good actors have. The writing never obtrudes or causes the reader to look at it in any questioning way. It is that perfect mix of quality prose and dialogue that is so natural that reader is aware only of story, drawn unwittingly into the very heart of what is happening.
This is part spy story, part detective novel and it succeeds brilliantly on both counts. There is plenty of action and intrigue and the reader is surprised by the speed at which the pages fly by. The characters are drawn with skill and depth and I was particularly impressed with the convincing manner in which the various ‘spooks’ and their bosses were drawn. I can see these people in future Titus Ray books playing vigorous roles on a much larger Middle Eastern stage.
There is, too, a budding romance between Titus and the woman police detective who comes to investigate the murder of an Iranian student at the centre where Titus is working part-time. It is a heart-warming aside and a relief from the bloody events that have taken place but the book never strays into the pointlessness of gratuitous sex and violence to grab the readers' attention. A big congratulation to Luana for that. Her story does not suffer the slightest disadvantage because of this.
I really enjoyed reading One Night in Tehran and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. It is a book that I would highly recommend to all those who love thrillers and crime stories.
What gives One Night in Tehran its authentic feel is the author's knowledge of the situation in the Middle East, her familiarity with its customs and her intense research into the processes of the FBI and the CIA. All is extremely convincing. But it takes more than depth of research to grab a reader's attention from the beginning of a story and hold it to the very end. That requires imagination and the skill to turn that imagination into words. Ms. Erlich has that enviable quality in her writing that really good actors have. The writing never obtrudes or causes the reader to look at it in any questioning way. It is that perfect mix of quality prose and dialogue that is so natural that reader is aware only of story, drawn unwittingly into the very heart of what is happening.
This is part spy story, part detective novel and it succeeds brilliantly on both counts. There is plenty of action and intrigue and the reader is surprised by the speed at which the pages fly by. The characters are drawn with skill and depth and I was particularly impressed with the convincing manner in which the various ‘spooks’ and their bosses were drawn. I can see these people in future Titus Ray books playing vigorous roles on a much larger Middle Eastern stage.
There is, too, a budding romance between Titus and the woman police detective who comes to investigate the murder of an Iranian student at the centre where Titus is working part-time. It is a heart-warming aside and a relief from the bloody events that have taken place but the book never strays into the pointlessness of gratuitous sex and violence to grab the readers' attention. A big congratulation to Luana for that. Her story does not suffer the slightest disadvantage because of this.
I really enjoyed reading One Night in Tehran and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. It is a book that I would highly recommend to all those who love thrillers and crime stories.
January 20, 2022
Once again, I enjoyed this book even though it's not my usual style. Titus's observant habits and way of inserting random bits of backstory into everything make for a bit of a rambling narrative, although those were also easily some of my favorite parts of the book. There's more in the procedural details and general description categories than I usually like, which, combined with the more-or-less bare bones style, could have made this a very dry read--except it really wasn't. There was enough built-up tension from the danger of an assassin lingering in the background that even the parts where it felt like nothing was happening didn't really seem boring--more like I was waiting for the action to start but feeling like it could start any minute, and I wasn't sure what seemingly little circumstance might be an important clue.
Watching Titus take the first baby steps to walk in his new faith was very interesting and different--especially since he's had basically no instruction in what he's doing since becoming a Christian--but the mixture of cautious feeling his way and almost childlike obedience when he finally received a direction was really interesting and sweet to watch. It does make things different from your normal Christian fiction, but that's not a bad thing--just don't go into it expecting a fully-drawn sermon. ;)
I very much enjoyed what we got to see of Nikki and am looking forward to seeing more of her in future books. :) Also loved Stormy and the way that whole thing came about! :D I'll definitely be reading more of the series.
Content--mentions of murders, blood, wounds, and dead bodies (not overly graphic); mentions of alcoholism and drug use; mentions of anti-Semitic attitudes (not condoned); mentions of a bad marriage and a divorce (before conversion)
Watching Titus take the first baby steps to walk in his new faith was very interesting and different--especially since he's had basically no instruction in what he's doing since becoming a Christian--but the mixture of cautious feeling his way and almost childlike obedience when he finally received a direction was really interesting and sweet to watch. It does make things different from your normal Christian fiction, but that's not a bad thing--just don't go into it expecting a fully-drawn sermon. ;)
I very much enjoyed what we got to see of Nikki and am looking forward to seeing more of her in future books. :) Also loved Stormy and the way that whole thing came about! :D I'll definitely be reading more of the series.
Content--mentions of murders, blood, wounds, and dead bodies (not overly graphic); mentions of alcoholism and drug use; mentions of anti-Semitic attitudes (not condoned); mentions of a bad marriage and a divorce (before conversion)
April 13, 2022
3.5 stars
Well, that was fun.
I’m not usually someone who reads thrillers, so I’d been hesitant to even try this book. However, I enjoyed it. Perhaps it was because it was told in first person, and Titus kept reflecting on other things that had happened in his life so the tension, while still there, didn’t feel as heavy or . . . tense?
I liked getting a small glimpse into the CIA and things that go on to help keep our country safe. This story takes place almost all in America, so we also got local police and the FBI and the State Bureau of Investigation, which was fun.
Another thing I liked was the bit of Christianity that was in the book. It wasn’t a lot, but it wasn’t your typical Christian story either. Titus didn’t have any Christian upbringing and what he’d learned was from Christians in Iran or what he read in the Bible.
There were some murders (found after the fact) and mentions of blood and wounds, but nothing felt really gory or detailed.
Now I want to read the next book.
Well, that was fun.
I’m not usually someone who reads thrillers, so I’d been hesitant to even try this book. However, I enjoyed it. Perhaps it was because it was told in first person, and Titus kept reflecting on other things that had happened in his life so the tension, while still there, didn’t feel as heavy or . . . tense?
I liked getting a small glimpse into the CIA and things that go on to help keep our country safe. This story takes place almost all in America, so we also got local police and the FBI and the State Bureau of Investigation, which was fun.
Another thing I liked was the bit of Christianity that was in the book. It wasn’t a lot, but it wasn’t your typical Christian story either. Titus didn’t have any Christian upbringing and what he’d learned was from Christians in Iran or what he read in the Bible.
There were some murders (found after the fact) and mentions of blood and wounds, but nothing felt really gory or detailed.
Now I want to read the next book.
January 1, 2019
Spy thriller
Titus Ray is supposed to be on medical leave in Oklahoma but he can't seem to help avoid being caught up in international intrigue. He is a new Christian and he is learning how his faith effects his life and job in the CIA. This is a fascinating story involving Iranian Christians and terrorists infiltrating America.
Titus Ray is supposed to be on medical leave in Oklahoma but he can't seem to help avoid being caught up in international intrigue. He is a new Christian and he is learning how his faith effects his life and job in the CIA. This is a fascinating story involving Iranian Christians and terrorists infiltrating America.
September 26, 2014
"One Night in Tehran" is a well-written, suspenseful page turner of a book. We first meet the protagonist, Titus Ray, as he makes a daring escape from Iran. We hear him recount his mission to his CIA colleagues in a debriefing session. Both the escape and the debriefing set up the greater thrills yet to come when Titus relocates to Norman, Oklahoma.
If you like suspense novels, spy novels, current events, "fish out of water" stories, or stories about 21st century life in an American college town; you will like this book.
The story is timely and plausible. It contains characters that grow emotionally and spiritually as the events of the book unfold. As the story ends, we find ourselves wanting to follow Titus Ray on his next adventure - an adventure promises to be coming soon.
If you like suspense novels, spy novels, current events, "fish out of water" stories, or stories about 21st century life in an American college town; you will like this book.
The story is timely and plausible. It contains characters that grow emotionally and spiritually as the events of the book unfold. As the story ends, we find ourselves wanting to follow Titus Ray on his next adventure - an adventure promises to be coming soon.
July 17, 2017
An excellent suspense book following Titus Ray, a CIA operative in Tehran. Ehrlich did an excellent job keeping this reader on the edge of her seat.
No language. No inappropriate scenes. A new Christian, Titus struggles with how to reconcile his investigative, yet deceptive or covert lifestyle with having a conscious and the desire to tell the truth.
This book is very interesting! It is book one of a three book series. To quote Paul Harvey, I'm looking forward to reading "the rest of the story."
No language. No inappropriate scenes. A new Christian, Titus struggles with how to reconcile his investigative, yet deceptive or covert lifestyle with having a conscious and the desire to tell the truth.
This book is very interesting! It is book one of a three book series. To quote Paul Harvey, I'm looking forward to reading "the rest of the story."
August 9, 2024
A Titus Ray Thriller Book #1
This book was a promotion I picked up a few years back and it finally reached the top of my very very long list of kindle books, books I rarely open. This story really caught me by surprise being described as a Christian fiction and focussing on religion and spirituality definitely is not a type of book I would usually go for, then why did I ask for it?
After reading it I can say I enjoy this well-written page turner and did not mind the very small parts pertaining to moments of faith since every religious element were subdued and did not interfere with the pacing and my enjoyment.
What an interesting, intricate and easily believable plot it turned out to be. There is a lot of action and dialogue and the writing is done with excellence. This first novel features intelligence officer Titus Ray, a man trained in lies now on the run from Iranian secret police. A group of Iranian Christians manages to smuggle him out of Iran to eventually end up in the States...there things got out of hand...
By grapping my attention from the beginning and never let go this well thought out plot has given me an exceptional journey filled with suspense. The first person narration, always wins me.
This story is well-written and well- said. Kudo Ms. Ehrlich
This book was a promotion I picked up a few years back and it finally reached the top of my very very long list of kindle books, books I rarely open. This story really caught me by surprise being described as a Christian fiction and focussing on religion and spirituality definitely is not a type of book I would usually go for, then why did I ask for it?
After reading it I can say I enjoy this well-written page turner and did not mind the very small parts pertaining to moments of faith since every religious element were subdued and did not interfere with the pacing and my enjoyment.
What an interesting, intricate and easily believable plot it turned out to be. There is a lot of action and dialogue and the writing is done with excellence. This first novel features intelligence officer Titus Ray, a man trained in lies now on the run from Iranian secret police. A group of Iranian Christians manages to smuggle him out of Iran to eventually end up in the States...there things got out of hand...
By grapping my attention from the beginning and never let go this well thought out plot has given me an exceptional journey filled with suspense. The first person narration, always wins me.
This story is well-written and well- said. Kudo Ms. Ehrlich
February 12, 2020
Great spy novel. A little light on action for being a “thriller,” but the characters make for an intriguing story line. I’m looking forward to more in the series about CIA agent Titus Ray. A great Kindle Unlimited selection.
July 16, 2016
Most of my book review opportunities come as offers. This one didn't. I recently started getting emails from a place that lists new books of all genre's - some that I wouldn't consider even reading - and it gives the authors' information if you're interested in reviewing a book. This book was the only Christian book in the email, so I emailed the author and she agreed to send me a copy of her debut novel.
I started to read it last night. That was a mistake, as I didn't have enough time to read the whole book, so I had to put it down until this evening, and I picked it up again and did read it through to the finish.
This is a self-published book. And it is an excellent debut novel, especially for being a self-published book (not that self-published books are bad). It is a spy novel, with the main character being a CIA covert agent. I loved the main character, and thought the author did a great job on creating him and spinning a suspenseful, yet believable story around him.
There is a lot of meetings, spy talk, and the like in the book, but I didn't find those parts hard to read at all, but found the entire book an interesting and exciting read. There is a total absence of vulgar language and sex in the book, which is a big plus for me. The main character, Titus, has recently become a Christian, and the book follows his slow progress as he starts reading his Bible, attending a church, and praying. He is no super saint by the end of the book, but I loved the character and spiritual development of him throughout the book. And might I add, it was written in the first person point of view, which is not a favorite of mine, but it worked well for this book and helps the reader gain more insight into the main character.
There is no graphic violence either in the book, and the shooting and action scenes are done well.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and was only disappointed at coming to the end of the book and having it end. The book does say it is a "Titus Ray Thriller", so I assume there will be more books to follow with this same hero. I hope so. Ms. Ehrlich has written a great debut novel that begs for a sequel or two, and I will be watching for any to be published.
I started to read it last night. That was a mistake, as I didn't have enough time to read the whole book, so I had to put it down until this evening, and I picked it up again and did read it through to the finish.
This is a self-published book. And it is an excellent debut novel, especially for being a self-published book (not that self-published books are bad). It is a spy novel, with the main character being a CIA covert agent. I loved the main character, and thought the author did a great job on creating him and spinning a suspenseful, yet believable story around him.
There is a lot of meetings, spy talk, and the like in the book, but I didn't find those parts hard to read at all, but found the entire book an interesting and exciting read. There is a total absence of vulgar language and sex in the book, which is a big plus for me. The main character, Titus, has recently become a Christian, and the book follows his slow progress as he starts reading his Bible, attending a church, and praying. He is no super saint by the end of the book, but I loved the character and spiritual development of him throughout the book. And might I add, it was written in the first person point of view, which is not a favorite of mine, but it worked well for this book and helps the reader gain more insight into the main character.
There is no graphic violence either in the book, and the shooting and action scenes are done well.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and was only disappointed at coming to the end of the book and having it end. The book does say it is a "Titus Ray Thriller", so I assume there will be more books to follow with this same hero. I hope so. Ms. Ehrlich has written a great debut novel that begs for a sequel or two, and I will be watching for any to be published.
June 1, 2019
Hm. This book was recommended to me by my mother in law, and I stuck with it to the end because I would like to say truthfully that I have read it. I suppose I am a sucker for a story, so I also read it to the end because I was curious about what would happen. Some parts of it were interesting and it was very readable, but I found the subplot about converting to christianity and giving god the credit for coincidences and moments of good luck rather distracting and theologically cheesy. I found the book's politics exasperating and unsubtle, and unlikely to contribute to fostering the kind of awareness and attitudes that might lead to world peace. The authorial voice lost any credibility for me when it was claimed that the Israeli military punished illegal violence by its own forces, while muslims worldwide had rejoiced over 9/11, which is such a false comparison, and such an appalling and destructive untruth, when we know the majority of muslims grieved these events alongside the world, and suffer in far greater numbers from the ongoing actions of evil extremists. Maybe in the sequels there will be realistic and differentiated muslim characters who are actually good people, but I will never know because I won't be reading them.
September 13, 2014
I received the book for free from the author for an honest review.
Positives:
1) It was an enjoyable read.
2) It has pretty decent character development.
3) It had a nice Christian tone to the whole book, which I enjoyed.
4) It was a great Mystery/Spy/Suspense/Thriller book.
5) I enjoyed the book so much that I finished it in 2 days.
6) I am definitely looking forward for the next book in the series. I was drawn in and want to see where it will go.
Negatives:
1) Only negative is that even though the book has a nice finishing point, it definitely is continuing in the the next book.
Conclusion:
I think this book would be an enjoyable read to anyone into the spy/thriller/mystery genres. This author will definitely be on my radar, and I will be waiting for more books. Anyone that is looking for a book that is clean, entertaining, and has some nice wholesome influences, will enjoy this.
Positives:
1) It was an enjoyable read.
2) It has pretty decent character development.
3) It had a nice Christian tone to the whole book, which I enjoyed.
4) It was a great Mystery/Spy/Suspense/Thriller book.
5) I enjoyed the book so much that I finished it in 2 days.
6) I am definitely looking forward for the next book in the series. I was drawn in and want to see where it will go.
Negatives:
1) Only negative is that even though the book has a nice finishing point, it definitely is continuing in the the next book.
Conclusion:
I think this book would be an enjoyable read to anyone into the spy/thriller/mystery genres. This author will definitely be on my radar, and I will be waiting for more books. Anyone that is looking for a book that is clean, entertaining, and has some nice wholesome influences, will enjoy this.
July 11, 2015
3.5 Stars! Because One Night In Teharan was tweeted over and over on twitter, I decided to check it out! I finished the book in less than a day, being so engrossed in the story. One Night In Tehran is not your typical action-packed, high-suspense spy novel, but it is an interesting read with the suspenseful flare and pacing as say, HBO's hit t.v series, Homeland, which I love! The protagonist, Titus Ray, is a root-for-character trying to fight for his position in the CIA, engage on a sort of soul-seeking journey and find his place in the world as a lonely intelligence operative on medical leave. However, is "vacation" is short-lived when he discovers that an Iraqi assassin is hot on his trail! One Night in Tehran is a mix of murder suspense and high-strung mystery, that will have you looking over your shoulder and finding yourself haunted with questions, and just a tad bit more curious about all those government secrets!!
December 30, 2016
This is a great spy thriller - not just your average spy thriller though, it has some interesting twists that make it pretty original.
I found the main character to be incredibly likable. Titus Ray has the type of personality I would have loved to run across in my days at the CIA. Actually, I probably did meet one person like him, but that is a story for another day - or, I should say, another book - (mine). In all seriousness, I related to his inclination to be a loner. Ms. Ehrlich writes very skillfully about the inner workings of the Agency and gets some of the attitudes and personalities just right. On more than one occasion while reading this book I wondered if she had perhaps once been a CIA officer herself!
I found the main character to be incredibly likable. Titus Ray has the type of personality I would have loved to run across in my days at the CIA. Actually, I probably did meet one person like him, but that is a story for another day - or, I should say, another book - (mine). In all seriousness, I related to his inclination to be a loner. Ms. Ehrlich writes very skillfully about the inner workings of the Agency and gets some of the attitudes and personalities just right. On more than one occasion while reading this book I wondered if she had perhaps once been a CIA officer herself!
June 28, 2020
I enjoy clean spy stories so I decided to try this book. Bravo for a well-written, interesting story that is convincing without bad language and sexual situations! The main character and the plot were so interesting that I finished the book in 2 days, then went on to the second one in the series. The author clearly has a lot of knowledge about the way CIA operations work.
I'll be keeping the rest of the series in mind for another time, though. The first person perspective wears on me, because I can't see a "whole" picture and felt I was missing some information that would have helped the book read more like a novel than a report. It would have been good to have seen the main character through another character's eyes.
I'll be keeping the rest of the series in mind for another time, though. The first person perspective wears on me, because I can't see a "whole" picture and felt I was missing some information that would have helped the book read more like a novel than a report. It would have been good to have seen the main character through another character's eyes.
October 26, 2021
What a fantastic thriller! I can't believe I haven't read it sooner. It's been languishing in my TBR pile for awhile and I'm kinda mad at myself for waiting this long to get around to it because it was SO GOOD! It hooked me with that very exciting beginning and didn't let me go. I was completely invested and glued to the pages.
Titus was very easy to like, so I enjoyed his first-person narration. He's a new Christian, so it was interesting to watch the beginnings of him trying to figure out how to balance his faith and his work in covert operations. I'm curious to see where this leads in future installments, which I'm super excited to dive into soon. If you're a fan of spy thrillers, I think you'll really enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.
Titus was very easy to like, so I enjoyed his first-person narration. He's a new Christian, so it was interesting to watch the beginnings of him trying to figure out how to balance his faith and his work in covert operations. I'm curious to see where this leads in future installments, which I'm super excited to dive into soon. If you're a fan of spy thrillers, I think you'll really enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.
February 4, 2022
Luana was a new author to me and I really like the way she writes. There's a lot of government detail but she does well with explaining and also keeps it moving. It's done in first person but that just served to help me know and like Titus more. It's very believable and quite scary to realize this is the world we live in. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a clean spy thriller. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
May 7, 2018
Another great espionage book. Titus Ray, CIA operative, on medical leave gets involved in a matter that becomes one of the new directions his life is taking. Great cast of characters and a great story line makes this well worth the read.
Want to read
September 24, 2021Author gift
September 12, 2017
Awesome book. It was action packed, full of adventure and excitement. I couldn't put the book down. Escaping a foreign country, international spy life, murder, homeland security, what is not to love. Great book, I highly recommend it. Great book! It was well written, flowed well.
July 25, 2024
I confess that I’ve passed up books by Luana Ehrlich a number of times, just because it didn’t look compelling and not my usual genre; wow, was I Wrong.
I discovered Luana a short time ago, via an interesting podcast by Sarah Hamaker who interviews Christian Suspense writers. Luana’s interview was articulate and that grabbed my attention. If this author could be this coherent, cogent, and frankly comfortable with communicating, I felt compelled to find and read the first book in her Titus Ray series.
As I began reading, One Night in Tehran, I kept thinking, “This is good, this is really good.” The description of CIA modus operandi was impressive. Is it correct? I wouldn’t know, but nevertheless, for me it definitely felt credible. This book also sailed to the top of my “love the book” list for how it handled the aspect of faith. Faith was integral and integrated into the believing characters. You saw baby Christian characters making honest, baby steps in building their faith and living out their faith. This wasn’t a Christian lite piece of fiction.
The plot was engaging, the supporting characters were interesting with some pull-you-in quirkiness, which I enjoyed. I also feel Ehrlich treated potentially gritty scenes with a deft hand, kudos. This was my first book of Ehrlich, but it definitely will not be my last. What a wonderful read.
I discovered Luana a short time ago, via an interesting podcast by Sarah Hamaker who interviews Christian Suspense writers. Luana’s interview was articulate and that grabbed my attention. If this author could be this coherent, cogent, and frankly comfortable with communicating, I felt compelled to find and read the first book in her Titus Ray series.
As I began reading, One Night in Tehran, I kept thinking, “This is good, this is really good.” The description of CIA modus operandi was impressive. Is it correct? I wouldn’t know, but nevertheless, for me it definitely felt credible. This book also sailed to the top of my “love the book” list for how it handled the aspect of faith. Faith was integral and integrated into the believing characters. You saw baby Christian characters making honest, baby steps in building their faith and living out their faith. This wasn’t a Christian lite piece of fiction.
The plot was engaging, the supporting characters were interesting with some pull-you-in quirkiness, which I enjoyed. I also feel Ehrlich treated potentially gritty scenes with a deft hand, kudos. This was my first book of Ehrlich, but it definitely will not be my last. What a wonderful read.
July 18, 2024
Really enjoyed this thriller. It was realistic, the hero wasn’t some invincible killing machine. The author had a Christian theme running throughout but it wasn’t overbearing and added to the tale.
I already have the second book in the series and downloaded the prequel novella.
I enjoyed the writer’s style and how I was kept in suspense the whole way.
I already have the second book in the series and downloaded the prequel novella.
I enjoyed the writer’s style and how I was kept in suspense the whole way.
June 16, 2015
I read ONE NIGHT IN TEHRAN by Luana Ehrlich as a judge in the Grace Awards. Right in the first pages, its authenticity floored me and made me want to keep reading. The author has such a vast knowledge of CIA protocols, one wonders if she’s had some type of connection to that highly secretive world.
The story begins in Tehran. Titus Ray, an undercover American CIA agent is being hunted by Iranian authorities, but manages to escape the country. Back in the states, he learns he’s been targeted by an Iranian assassin. The CIA gives him a new cover story (a legend) and ships him to Oklahoma for his own safety. The rest of the story plays out on American soil and is a skillful combination of detective novel and spy story.
This book was a finalist in the Action-Adventure/Thriller/Western/Epic Novel category of the Grace Awards 2014 because it’s main character, CIA agent Titus Ray, was deeply affected by the Christian family who gave him shelter while he hid in Tehran. Thus he began a personal, spiritual search and converted to Christianity. The faith element of the novel doesn’t at all intrude on the action-adventure, spy story. It simply gives the main character depth.
The novel is well written, exciting, actually. It kept me fully engaged. My only criticism is that it seems to end abruptly with a major string untied. This is deliberate on the part of the author, a literary choice she made. I recommend this novel and will indeed be reading the sequel.
The story begins in Tehran. Titus Ray, an undercover American CIA agent is being hunted by Iranian authorities, but manages to escape the country. Back in the states, he learns he’s been targeted by an Iranian assassin. The CIA gives him a new cover story (a legend) and ships him to Oklahoma for his own safety. The rest of the story plays out on American soil and is a skillful combination of detective novel and spy story.
This book was a finalist in the Action-Adventure/Thriller/Western/Epic Novel category of the Grace Awards 2014 because it’s main character, CIA agent Titus Ray, was deeply affected by the Christian family who gave him shelter while he hid in Tehran. Thus he began a personal, spiritual search and converted to Christianity. The faith element of the novel doesn’t at all intrude on the action-adventure, spy story. It simply gives the main character depth.
The novel is well written, exciting, actually. It kept me fully engaged. My only criticism is that it seems to end abruptly with a major string untied. This is deliberate on the part of the author, a literary choice she made. I recommend this novel and will indeed be reading the sequel.
February 16, 2015
The plot captivated me to begin with, but there were some things that just didn't work for me. I think it's very difficult to write in the first person, but it took me awhile to figure that out. Who when they are thinking to themselves says, "For example"? No one I know. There was a stretch where the word "however" was way over used, and again, no person I know of uses that word when thinking to himself. Halfway through the book I picked up Daniel Silva's, "A Rembrandt Affair" and realized pretty quickly the difference. Silva writes in the third person and is an excellent story teller. For a spy thriller, there is nothing unseemingly in "One Night in Tehran." No cursing, no sex. The main character is a CIA operative who came to faith in Christ while hiding with a Christian Iranian family in Iran. Titus's newfound identity as a Christian is not overdone and is reasonable and faithful. The book was free. I'm not sorry I read it.
January 4, 2017
I received this book as a gift and surprised myself by reading it in a few days. For me it was a witty and riveting tale written by an author who understands the inner workings of the CIA and FBI. It is a plausible and gripping story that takes place in a modern day setting focused on clandestine operations in the Middle-East and US.
As a spy/detective book, I found it refreshing. The story had intrigue, covert agents, confrontations and plot twists without over the top violence. It was an entertaining well-written story on its own with believable characters. I definitely will be reading the next installment in this series.
As a spy/detective book, I found it refreshing. The story had intrigue, covert agents, confrontations and plot twists without over the top violence. It was an entertaining well-written story on its own with believable characters. I definitely will be reading the next installment in this series.
September 16, 2020
This was a different kind of read for me. There were murders and intrigue. The main character was a member of the CIA and being hunted for elimination by foreign hit men. Assisted in his escape from Tehran by a Christian couple he accepted Christ before fleeing the country. Herein lies the dichotomy. I, personally, found it difficult to mesh CIA and Christianity when lying and killing seemed to be necessary repetitive activities in order to accomplish his goals. Were the goals justified? I guess so. But I don't really think that a Christian would be glorying in a career that centered around so much violence and murder.
March 16, 2015
I enjoyed this CIA "thriller," especially since it's from a Christian perspective. The book is filled with details and facts about spies, governmental agencies, and terrorists that make you think the author has possibly been involved in some undercover activities herself. :) If you like books or tv shows about CIA operatives, you'll enjoy "One Night in Tehran." I look forward to reading the next story.
August 24, 2017
This book was Book 1 in the Ray Titus series & given the title, went at a much slower pace than I expected. The final few chapters picked up the pace & added an unexpected twist that could have really been developed further if it had happened earlier in the storyline. Nevertheless, the latter part of the book & ending peaked my interest enough to put Book 2 in this series on my very long "To Read" list.
July 23, 2016
Excellent book! I read it through in about two sittings. It has a steady, quick pace, developed characters and descriptions that make you feel as if you were there. The intelligence agent aspect is well-flushed out and you find yourself rooting for the characters. I look forward to book two and highly recommend this first book in the series.
October 1, 2021
Disappointing
I would not have ordered this book had I known it was promoting Christianity. It was ridiculous in trying to convince the reader that reading a few passages of the bible could convert many of both the non religious, but also life long Muslims . the story line otherwise was interesting.
I would not have ordered this book had I known it was promoting Christianity. It was ridiculous in trying to convince the reader that reading a few passages of the bible could convert many of both the non religious, but also life long Muslims . the story line otherwise was interesting.
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