The next book I want to highlight here is Code Red by Kyle Mills, which served as the 22nd entry in the long-running Mitch Rapp series that was originally written by the late Vince Flynn. Following a hyperviolent veteran American spy as he goes up against a range of deadly threats in unusual thriller situations, the Mitch Rapp books are a key part of my yearly reading schedule, and I have really enjoyed several of the latest entries, including Red War, Lethal Agent, Total Power, Enemy at the Gates and Oath of Loyalty.

Plot Synopsis:

Mitch Rapp returns to make a mortal enemy of Russia in this high-octane and up-to-the-minute installment in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from “one of the best thriller writers on the planet” (The Real Book Spy).

Mitch Rapp hates owing anyone a favor—especially when it’s the world’s most powerful crime lord. But when Damian Losa calls, Mitch is honor-bound to answer.

The Syrian government appears to have created a highly addictive new narcotic that it plans to distribute throughout Europe. It’s a major threat to Losa’s business and he’s determined to send someone to keep him on top by any means necessary. Rapp is the perfect choice for the mission. Not only does he have extensive experience operating in the Middle East, but he’s also entirely expendable. As he crosses into war-torn Syria, Rapp quickly discovers a shocking truth. The new drug isn’t being produced by Damascus to prop up the government’s collapsing finances. Instead, it was created by Russia’s asymmetrical warfare unit, not for profit but as a weapon against the West.

With far more than Damian Losa’s interests at stake, Rapp devises a desperate plan that forces him and his team onto a battlefield where the United States is virtually powerless and allegiances shift almost hourly. Further, if Russia uncovers their plot, it will set off a confrontation between the two countries that could change the course of human history.

This was another exciting entry in the Mitch Rapp books, although I must admit this book wasn’t my absolute favourite novel in the series. Don’t get me wrong, Mills came up with a very compelling story that thrust the protagonist into some dangerous situations as he attempts to repay his debt to the entertaining crime lord Damian Losa. However, in some ways Code Red is a little by the numbers, especially as we have just come off several impressive reads where Rapp was in some very ridiculous or deadly situations, such as a massive power-outage impacting all of America, or the last two books where Rapp found himself at war with a corrupt US President. An infiltration mission into Syria seems a little tame in comparison, so this might have coloured my appreciation for Code Red a little.

Despite this minor complaint, Code Red was a great action-packed read that showcased Mitch Rapp doing what he does best, infiltrating the Middle East and frustrating Russian plans. There are loads of firefights and intense action scenes scattered throughout this book, and I thought the underlying Russian plot to destroy economies and weaken Western society through an addictive drug was very intriguing, especially as it also featured some dark scenes of exploitation and utilisation. Easily read as a standalone novel or as an entry into the wider Mitch Rapp series, Code Red was a fantastic novel that I managed to get through quickly, and it is well worth checking out.

To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2024/05/12/quick-reviews-cold-people-code-red-and-ordinary-gods-and-monsters/

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Mitch Rapp is my all time favourite hero and he is back to give you plenty of action and thrills to get the adrenaline pumping.

Mitch Rapp is back for another exciting to give us more thrills and chills. And that he does in this new book. This is a book about drugs, Russia, plenty of action and intrigue as well as great characters and a story that doesn't let up so I never felt bored or felt I had to skip through to the more exciting parts. I do like that in a book.

Rapp once again comes up with a plan and of course puts himself and others in danger. This could have complications for relations between countries but what has to be done will be done. This is thrilling, exciting, intriguing and most certainly a page-turner.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is my first Mitch Rapp story and it was a beauty. Kept me on the edge of my seat from the start and never let up with the action and twists and turns.

One of the aspects I really enjoyed about the story was that it wasn't too complicated with lots and lots of characters. That was a good learning for me too. Sometimes these action hero thrillers are very involved with a number of different sub-plots and a large cast of characters that keeps distracting you with the question of 'who's that again?' I do enjoy those ones too but Mills has written a very well-defined and precise thriller. Yes, there are two bad guys but one could be viewed as a co-conspirator of sorts. Rapp knows what he's got to do and is able to change direction on the fly.

The action scenes are engrossing and well choreographed so that the reader is able to visualise everything that's going on.

I think I might have to go back and read one or two others that Mills has written. I like Rapp as a character, he's believable (mostly) and there's a good support cast. Irene Kennedy, the head of CIA is good. I'd like to see more of her and Rapp's team of mercenaries are loosely defined which works well. I enjoyed the brief times we got to engage with Rapp's partner, Claudia and their daughter, Anna.

I feel fortunate having received and early ebook copy from Simon & Schuster via NetGalley but this had no bearing on my review.