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Special Agent Alexandra Martel #2
Out in the Cold
Win a free print copy of this book!
15 days and 13:15:55
25 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
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.
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.
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.
- GenresMystery Thriller
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication November 12, 2024
About the author
Steve Urszenyi
4 books132 followersSteve Urszenyi served for many years as a paramedic and a police tactical medic. He is an expert in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) incident response. When not writing, Steve loves international travel and touring on his Harley-Davidson with his wife, Lynne.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 13, 2024
Special Agent Alex Martel is back, this time as a CIA contractor on a special taskforce. Of course, where Alex is involved, it is not going to be smooth sailing; in this case, quite literally, as the mega yacht she is on with the Secretary General of Interpol (Celeste Cliquot) comes under attack. But who was the target -- Cliquot? Valtteri Lehtonen, the wealthy Finnish businessman who owned the yacht? Mikko Selanne, the Finnish ambassador to NATO? Alex is able to help neutralize the immediate threat, but will she be able to stop future attacks?
Over the past year there have been a series of incidents in Finland, such as massive blackouts and cyberattacks on critical systems, aimed at destabilizing the country, and these incidents all have the hallmark of Russian operation. This is escalating tension between NATO (of which Finland is one of the newest members) and Russia. Not everyone is convinced that Russia is behind these attacks, but those who suspect a different mastermind are not sure who they can trust in their own governments or allied governments. When a second attack on Cliquot proves more successful (though only partially) and the Deputy Director of the CIA refuses to authorize Alex to check on her friend's health and safety and investigate the attacks, Alex sees no choice but to go rogue.
However, she will soon find herself with new allies, as well as the unexpected assistance of a deadly adversary. Alex will need all the help she can get to unravel a plot that reaches deep into the US government and is aimed at starting WWIII.
Over the past year there have been a series of incidents in Finland, such as massive blackouts and cyberattacks on critical systems, aimed at destabilizing the country, and these incidents all have the hallmark of Russian operation. This is escalating tension between NATO (of which Finland is one of the newest members) and Russia. Not everyone is convinced that Russia is behind these attacks, but those who suspect a different mastermind are not sure who they can trust in their own governments or allied governments. When a second attack on Cliquot proves more successful (though only partially) and the Deputy Director of the CIA refuses to authorize Alex to check on her friend's health and safety and investigate the attacks, Alex sees no choice but to go rogue.
However, she will soon find herself with new allies, as well as the unexpected assistance of a deadly adversary. Alex will need all the help she can get to unravel a plot that reaches deep into the US government and is aimed at starting WWIII.
June 30, 2024
I was grateful to receive an early copy of this book from NetGalley. I hadn’t yet read the first Alex Martel novel, it had heard good things and wanted to get the series going. I feel like I was handicapped a little starting with this one first as I had to quickly get up to speed with the characters and history from the first novel.
But once I was comfortable, the story progresses excellently. Good characters, classic protagonist with their flaws, dilemmas and in this case, two masters that she wants to satisfy.
Alex is torn throughout the novel with her decisions, not wanting to upset one person, but knowing what she really wanted and needed to do.
This story has the typical end of world quandary, it goes about it in a fresh way. Until the reveal, you are not sure who is behind what and the writing makes you guess and be wrong a couple of times.
Good writing and a story that grabs you until the end, with twists and turns.
I look forward to finding the first novel to read it now.
But once I was comfortable, the story progresses excellently. Good characters, classic protagonist with their flaws, dilemmas and in this case, two masters that she wants to satisfy.
Alex is torn throughout the novel with her decisions, not wanting to upset one person, but knowing what she really wanted and needed to do.
This story has the typical end of world quandary, it goes about it in a fresh way. Until the reveal, you are not sure who is behind what and the writing makes you guess and be wrong a couple of times.
Good writing and a story that grabs you until the end, with twists and turns.
I look forward to finding the first novel to read it now.
July 21, 2024
Out in the Cold should be hot on the bookstore shelves upon release. I'll confess I did not read the first book by Steve Urszenyi in this series, but I will right that wrong. This is an amazing Alex Martel adventure. It is full of extraordinary action. I loved the plot which is full of international intrigue and very timely for readers in 2024. There are a lot of alphabet agencies at play in this book and Urszenyi uses them well. Martel is a superstar character but the book soars to great heights because it is populated by other memorable characters too. Bravo to the author for the satisfying conclusion to this thriller.
July 22, 2024
While Steve Urszenyi's new thriller "Out in the Cold" isn't short on action, what it does lack is exposition. While each military grade device and weapon is given a thorough description, the main character doesn't get any such description until several chapters in, where only her outfit is described. This book may speak more to those with a military background or extensive knowledge of military-grade weapons, but as an ordinary reader I found my eyes glazing over unable to get involved with the characters or the plot. {DNF}
Thank you to St. Martin's Press & Minotaur Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press & Minotaur Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 26, 2024
I liked this book overall. It had action and a good storyline. The only things I didn’t like is making it seem as if Caleb is less competent than Alex just to support the writers theme that women are always discriminated against even though they are just as capable, which I believe they are. However, it keeps being beaten over the head with that narrative all through the story, and it gets old. I reiterate though that I did like this book overall.
July 30, 2024
(3). Big fun here. Not quite the tale that the first Alexandra Martel book was but this one has plenty of hooks to hang your hat on. Caleb is sill in the picture, and Alex is just too much of a cool badass to be anything but enjoyed. The story has been told before so the characters have to carry the day and Alex is up to the job. I am sure the next one will be enjoyable as well. Good stuff.
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July 22, 2024The author has created an excellent action thriller that makes up for the lack of depth in the characters by providing a plot that keeps the reader engaged. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews