The Carrier by Mattias Berg is a riveting thriller that delves into the intricate world of international espionage and high-stakes politics. The story centers around Erasmus Levine, a seemingly unremarkable individual tasked with carrying the nuclear codes for the President of the United States. As a carrier, Levine is privy to some of the world's most guarded secrets, making him a key player in global security. However, when he decides to defect, his life is turned upside down, plunging him into a perilous game of cat and mouse. Berg’s narrative is a masterful blend of suspense and intellect, filled with meticulously researched details that lend credibility and depth to the story.

Berg’s writing is both engaging and thought-provoking, painting a vivid picture of the tension and paranoia that define the world of espionage. Levine is a complex protagonist whose internal conflicts and moral dilemmas add layers to the narrative. The fast-paced plot is peppered with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. As secrets are uncovered and alliances shift, The Carrier explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the ethical boundaries of power. This gripping thriller is a must-read for fans of espionage fiction, offering a thrilling journey into the shadows of global politics.

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was unfortunately a slow and difficult novel to follow with several time jumps and an uninspiring protagonist. This did not hold my interest although the plot was intriguing.

Free ARC from NET GALLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fantastic story, original thriller with in depth characters. The premise that the "football" goes AWOL is a concept I never thought about. The tunnels were a nice touch of fiction but were not over done. This makes me what to read some more of this guy if I can find it. Nice job here all around sir!!

Mattias Berg's gift to us was a huggpod of characters with the Carrier being Erasmus Levine or called my treasure by Ingrid Oskarsson the Alpha. Edelweiss was the U.S. equivalent to the bomb master with Kurt and John and Zafirah as his enforcers. Jesús Maria was the nurse from Mexico and Ingrid's best friend. Sixten Lundberg was Ingrid's squeeze 20 years ago and the father of her child Lise. His now wife Aina Lundberg was having her 70 birthday. Lise Meitner is called the mother of the atom bomb.
What we have is the attempt by pacifists to destroy all of the bombs in the world and make them obsolete. Double dealing, hurt feelings, people killed, and people giving themselves up in different scenarios to save others. Mattias keeps us utterly engrossed in the story always changing with action ever increasing. From Sweden to the U.S., to Italy to Greenland. The story is to be written for posterity by the Carrier.

Mattias Berg's The Carrier is a most unusual sort of spy thriller. Its lead is Erasmus Levine, carrier of the US nuclear briefcase. He travels with the US President, accompanied by a team of operatives, whose very existence is a secret.

The story moves (confusingly) back and forth in time, to reveal Levine's recruitment, training and ongoing involvement with a cabal (led by Alpha) planning to steal the briefcase.

The question - for both the idealistic Erasmus and the reader - is whether the end game really is to eliminate the world's nuclear arsenals or to bring on apocalypse?

Unfortunately, though the concept behind this story intrigued me, I found it very hard to follow, with characters who failed to hold my interest.

Interesting concept when we ponder the potential of exploiting the nuclear “football”. Story works well to keep the reader guessing and thinking.