First published 2014
Paul Janson once earned the nickname "The Machine" for his lethal precision in covert operations. Now he works as a private security consultant, partnered with expert marksman Jessica Kincaid. They select only missions that serve a greater purpose. When oil executive Kingsman Helms pleads for help rescuing his wife Allegra from Somali pirates, Janson sees an opportunity. He and Kincaid can infiltrate American Synergy Corporation while appearing to help, then expose the company's plot to transform independent African nations into corporate subsidiaries. Somalia proves more dangerous than anticipated. The pirates represent just one threat among many in the lawless territory. Janson begins questioning whether Allegra's capture is genuine or whether her husband orchestrated the kidnapping for his own political gains. Multiple conspiracies emerge as Janson and Kincaid fight to stay alive. Their mission spirals beyond a simple rescue operation into a conflict that could destabilize the entire region.
Genres: military-fiction, adventure, suspense, action, espionage, political-thriller
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Africa, Somalia
Period: Contemporary
368 pages · Hardcover · Grand Central Publishing
Content warnings: violence