Series: Special Agent Alexandra Martel #2
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Release Day: Nov. 12, 2024
Many thanks to Minotaur Books for an arc of this title! Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Review published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine
Special Agent Alex Martel is thrown back into a deadly world of deception when a series of attacks threaten to incite World War III in this action-packed thriller.
Review:
Special Agent Alex Martel, former army combat medic, sniper and assassin, returns in Author Steve Urszenyi's OUT IN THE COLD, an explosive, action-packed follow up to his highly acclaimed PERFECT SHOT. Readers wondering if the author could match the intensity, insane pace and action of book one can rest easy. Not only does Urszenyi match it, he surpasses it and then some. Strap on the bullet proof gear and settle in for an evening of nonstop, high-octane, cover-to-cover action as Agent Martel goes rogue to uncover the identity of forces whose actions threaten world peace.
Special Agent Alex Martel is aboard a luxury mega-yacht crossing the Mediterranean when explosions rock the ship. On a task force assignment with her temporary CIA boss, Caleb, Martel engages her unique skills as a former army sniper to fight off mercenaries and whisk her friend and Director of Interpol, Celeste Clicquot, and other dignitaries to shore safely. As other attacks ensue, political allies agree that all signs point toward Russia planning a massive takeover of Finland, a new NATO ally, potentially setting the stage for a third World War. With tensions high, political advisors in the United States convince the President to bring NATO troops back to the region in preparation of being ready to strike back should Russia invade Finland. When Martel's former mentor and friend, Cliquot, is attacked a second time, Martel disobeys orders, abandons her CIA assignment, and goes rogue with no backup vowing to avenge her friend while searching for the mastermind behind the attacks and the aggression against Finland. Martel's gut tells her the facts as they're known don't add up, and her gut hasn't failed her yet. Is it possible there's a conspiracy setting Russia up to take the fall? Who's really behind all the espionage and chaos? Are the answers to be found on American soil? Can Alex uncover the truth in time to advert a global catastrophe?
If you're a fan of high stake, international espionage thrillers with nonstop action, OUT IN THE COLD is the book for you. While I also highly recommend the first book in this series, PERFECT SHOT,
Author Steve Urszenyi does a fantastic job of setting the scene with sufficient backstory for readers to enjoy this one as a standalone. Be prepared to be highly engaged as the author brilliantly manipulates characters and readers through a tangled plot line of smoke'n'mirrors. Laden with danger at every turn, Martel is a dynamite female lead who manages to stay one step ahead of the bad guys while dodging numerous attempts on her life through her own highly honed skills. It's refreshing to find a female character with adept abilities that rival those of any male hero - one who's deadly and yet still harbors a softer side with a lot of heart, compassion and kindness. The tease of a possible romantic relationship with Caleb is simmering in the background, keeping readers hoping for more. A blistering pace driven by the constant threat of imminent danger kept me burning up the pages searching for the identity of the mastermind, and while my suspicions were correct, I suspect some readers will be surprised by the author's last page reveal.
Well-developed characters fighting their way through a complex plot line rich in conspiracy, espionage, political and international intrigue keeps readers highly engaged from the first page to the final line in OUT IN THE COLD. Highly recommended to fans of high action, covert, espionage style thrillers such as the Alex Cross series by James Patterson. Author Steve Urszenyi is authentic, and here to stay!
Synopsis:
While sailing across the Mediterranean, the megayacht Aurora is rocked with explosions, taken under siege by unknown assailants. On board are some of Europe’s wealthiest and most powerful political players, including the secretary general of Interpol, a high-ranking Finnish diplomat, and Special Agent Alex Martel―whose lethal sniper skills kick in to bring them safely to shore.
Someone is waging a ruthless campaign of attacks against Finland, one of NATO’s newest members, in an attempt to throw the Alliance into turmoil. Teaming back up with CIA agent Caleb, Alex is thrust into the middle of the fray, pursuing the villains from the waters off of Monaco to the Baltic Sea and home to American soil.
As the US is pulled deeper into the conflict, a global catastrophe seems inevitable. But who is really responsible for these escalating attacks on Finland? The Russians, or someone much closer to home? As new allies surface and old enemies reappear, Alex has no way of knowing who to trust―and she might only have one last shot to keep the world from going to war.
Someone is waging a ruthless campaign of attacks against Finland, one of NATO’s newest members, in an attempt to throw the Alliance into turmoil. Teaming back up with CIA agent Caleb, Alex is thrust into the middle of the fray, pursuing the villains from the waters off of Monaco to the Baltic Sea and home to American soil.
As the US is pulled deeper into the conflict, a global catastrophe seems inevitable. But who is really responsible for these escalating attacks on Finland? The Russians, or someone much closer to home? As new allies surface and old enemies reappear, Alex has no way of knowing who to trust―and she might only have one last shot to keep the world from going to war.
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