Another realistic story by Jeanette Windle that leaves you thinking that this could truly happen. It is a story of deep intrigue in the heart of Columbia, South America in the heart of the jungle. The quote on the back of the book and in the story is one that sticks out in my mind as I finish this story, "Those who are not willing to bleed and die for what they hold dear will always be held hostage by those who are."

When strange things start happening deep in the Colombian demilitarized zone, especially the strange deaths of 3 Americans, there is a contingent of politicians and media that are sent down to investigate. Julie Baker, who grew up in Columbia with her missionary parents, finds herself returning to her birth place as one of the media people. She hasn't been back since her parents died down there, helping the people they went there to serve. Julie is eventually taken hostage by the guerrillas who think she is an American spy. The real American spy must blow his cover down there and help Julie escape. They must survive in the jungle and try to figure out what is scaring the tribal people and killing them and who is out to do harm to America.

This story read like a true story to me, although I know it is a work of fiction, sadly the hatred that some people have for America though is sadly true. I especially appreciated the author's keen insight into how far off base some of these environmentalist people are when it comes to wanting to save the tribal people from the "outside world". This was a book that will keep you thinking about it long after you read it. I have read alot by this author and have never been disappointed by any of her work. Another great job! ( )

The DMZ is a political thriller set in the jungles of Columbia.

After three U.S. missions fail and the whereabouts of the participants unknown, the media is informed and attack the story from all sides. Feeling pressure from the media and public outcry's the Colombian officials have no choice but to clear their names in the matter and invite a contingency, made up of doctors, reporters, cameramen and politicians, down to investigate.

Julie Baker begs her editor to send her on this mission, even though she is green and has many ghosts from her past to deal with. When Julie was a child, her parents were missionaries in the Columbian jungle and while she was away at school, her parents died, leaving Julie with many angry questions at God and the people her parents deemed worthy to "save".

However, this mission isn't what it appears to be when Julie comes to realize that some people aren't who they are, everyone has a mission but is everyone's mission for or against the United States government. After slipping out of camp, she makes her way to the village of her past and is confronted by the villagers who take Julie to the graves of her parents. It is here that Julie begins her healing however, before she can thank the villagers, things turn for the worse when she is kidnapped by the guerillas.

Along the journey we uncover the secrets being hidden under the thick jungle canopy, the traitors and the political machinations that surrounds it all. We watch as Julie grows in spirit and strength to right the injustices that occurred and with an unexpected friend, they both join forces with the tribes of the jungle to stop the destruction that is about to occur.

I found the main characters were believably written and the back story was enough to keep you focused on the surroundings in that they both tied into one another. The survival techniques dispersed throughout the pages was interesting to note, I would never have thought of tying huge banana leaves around my feet to stop them from blistering. I wasn't really impressed with the antagonists in the story, they lacked any real life and I felt the author rushed past them without given them much depth. I guess the "write-what-you-know" terminology would fit here, it is easier to write about the Colombian jungle and missionary life if you have experienced it, as Jeanette Windle has in growing up under the canopy. I liked the references to God throughout the pages without being too preachy, Julie's spiritual struggle was well-written. If you enjoy political thrillers, then The DMZ is a book you won't want to miss~!! ( )