Savage Son

Former Navy SEAL James Reece takes refuge in the mountains of Montana, where he recuperates from brain surgery, in the pseudonymous Carr’s impressive third Terminal List thriller (after 2019’s True Believer). Meanwhile, a treasonous CIA officer from Reece’s past joins forces with a Russian mafia kingpin to assassinate him. The planned ambush catches the attention of a sociopathic Russian spymaster, who wants to hunt Reece for sport and warns Reece of the ambush. The attack, which fails, and the kidnapping of a friend’s sister draw Reece back into action. Geopolitical realism and tactical authenticity mark Reece’s efforts to build a team of former operatives to take the fight to his enemies. Carr, a former Navy SEAL himself and a Thriller Award finalist, immerses the reader in the plot with near-omniscient access to the expansive cast of characters. Though his keen eye for detail and the in-depth backstory slow the pace at times, Carr is best when bullets are flying. Vince Flynn fans will enjoy the explosive action; those seeking the subtlety and subtext of John le Carré may want to pass. Agent: Alexandra Machinist, ICM. (Apr.)