Cold Shot

Henshaw combines inspired data analysis, corrupt geopolitical maneuvering, and searing action in this bustling sequel to 2012’s Red Cell. An egregious mistake by Iranian nuclear proliferator Hossein Ahmadi provides the slim clue that allows CIA analysts to discover an Iranian ship with a secret cargo headed for Venezuela. CIA analyst Kyra Stryker, a former field agent, volunteers to go to Venezuela to gather information. With U.S. president Daniel Rostow looking to use the situation to his advantage and Venezuelan president Diego Avila seeking weapons of mass destruction, the stage is set for serious confrontation. Fellow CIA analyst Jonathan Burke follows Stryker to Venezuela, where the agents engage in a dangerous attempt to locate the mysterious cargo, identify it, and obtain proof to justify further action. Henshaw, a CIA analyst himself, handles everything from naval operations to CIA decision making competently, but really excels when tackling the ground-level action scenes pitting Stryker and Burke against a well-guarded base deep in hostile territory. [em]Agent: Jason Yarn, Paradigm Agency. (May) [/em]