OUT IN THE COLD (An Alex Martel Thriller) by Steve Urszenyi

4 stars

Just get through the curse-packed opening action attack scene on a luxury yacht (where our heroine Alexandra Martel drops a few too many f-bombs and the narration uses constantly changing insider military lingo that gets in the way of plot) to settle into a fabulous spy mystery. Russia seems on the verge of attacking Finland: based on a year of civilian attacks as well as assassination attempts on key Finnish leaders, along with a build-up on Russian troops on their border facing Finland. Government Hawks in the United States get the President to call back NATO troops that had been doing joint exercises outside of Finland and urge him to be ready to strike back at Russia for their continuing aggression outside of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Alex- who’s a one-time combat medic turned highly trained long-range shooter and assassin- has just ended her gig working for the FBI on assignment to Interpol in Oslo. Alex’s close mentor and friend, Celeste, who heads up Interpol, narrowly escaped with her life from the luxury yacht attack, alongside Celeste’s billionaire Finnish boyfriend. When another attempt is taken on Celeste’s life, Alex abandons her temporary assignment to an international squad in the CIA in D.C. so she can return to Finland to both protect and avenge Celeste. Alex’s new CIA boss (and crush) Caleb is exasperated to have Alex flying off on her own.

But while in Finland, Celeste quickly realizes that a U.S. based conspiracy by highly placed and wealthy Americans may be behind the attacks in hopes of provoking an all-out war with Russia and reestablishing U.S. world dominance. Bullets fly and bodies tumble as Alex, the private security team of the billionaire, the Finnish prime minister, and Alex’s CIA superiors try to figure out what’s really going on and to avert an all-out war with Russia if indeed this conspiracy has U.S. origins. Alex proves herself to be both a successful, rogue loner and ultimately a reluctant team player in getting to the heart of what’s really going on.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader’s copy.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.