Tom Clancy: Terminal Velocity by M.P. Woodward

The group who work on the security of a major investment company are in reality a strike force team whose black-ops are sometimes needed to circumvent major international conflicts, acting undercover and in the twilight of legal action in deniable situations. In this intense drama (in the style of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan dramas) a terrorist plot has been uncovered in which a rogue Muslim Emir plans to simultaneously detonate a new bridge and rail project, forging a link between Pakistan, India and China, and unleash nuclear waste into a US river. Jack Ryan Jnr is on a break but ends up in the thick of a dangerous endeavour to derail the terrorists by eliminating the leader. Others in the team must uncover information and eliminate threats before it is too late. 

If you love Tom Clancy … this is another in the same mould. Rich in military jargon, weaponry, technology and combat scenarios, it does require a comfort with the pace, peril and violence of extreme military action. But it is compelling and each of the characters brings their own skills and quirks to the conflict. Jumping between each aspect of the dark action means the story is pacy and will keep readers turning pages!

Themes: International conflict and cooperation, Pakistan-Indian-China relations, Terrorism, Bridge-building, USA black ops.

Carolyn Hull