Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’’s Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Alex Martel is ex-Interpol and is now working in the CIA. She is off the Southern coast of France on the yacht of her ex-boss’ wealthy new Finnish boyfriend when it is attacked and they barely make it back to shore alive. This all turns out to mean the Finland is under attack from Russia.

This is a well written book that just isn’t my thing. I was offered a widget and this seemed to be on the edge of what I would like. Turns out it was over the edge.. The early action sequence was out of an action movie, which I am not into and I am just not interested in war and CIA stories. I love international intrigue so I thought I might like this. I am giving it 4 stars because I think it is well done but I am the wrong audience.

3.5 stars rounded down for a spy thriller that will appeal to James Bond fans. Alexandra Martel is a CIA agent who has transferred from the FBI. She was a sniper in the US Army and served in combat in Afghanistan. The book opens with her aboard a yacht in the Mediterranean sea off the coast of France. The yacht is attacked by terrorists in Zodiac style boats. Alex, Caleb, another CIA agent aboard, and security aboard the boat take on the terrorists. This is a fast paced thriller with a lot of action.
Alex and Caleb manage to unravel the sinister forces behind this attack and the others that follow with the help of other CIA employees and some unlikely allies.
Pros: The action was non stop. The plot moved along briskly. It is book 2 in the series, but worked as a stand alone for me.
Cons: The author describes every weapon and bullet used in great detail, which will appeal to gun enthusiasts, but probably not the general reader. The author is a retired paramedic with the Ontario, Canada, Provincial Police.
One quote, describing Alex's gun : "She retrieved her everyday carry--every day, that is, except when she was on company time-- a Kimber R7 Mako subcompact pistol with an attached Crimson reflex sight, and tucked it into the back of her jeans, the cold frame sending goose bumps up her spine."
Thank You Steve Erickson at St. Martin’s Publishing Group for sending me this eARC through NetGalley

Pub Date Nov 12 2024

Alexandra(Alex) Martel returns to action in the follow up, Out in the Cold, by Steve Urszenyi. A banger of a thriller and Alex kicks ass once again, as a contractor for the CIA. The book was hard to put down, with almost non-stop action. Good character development, fast paced plot, and the usual
3 letter agencies trying to play nice with one another.
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for letting me read this ARC. I totally recommend reading the fantastic thriller and can't wait for the follow up next year. The author, Steve Urszenyi, is the real deal in thriller writing.

Special Agent Alex Martel returns in the 2nd book in this series, and Out In The Cold Is another winner. Martel, since dismissed from the FBI due to her insubordinate, albeit heroic actions in thwarting a nuclear attack, is now working for the CIA, and is drawn into what appears to be a series of terrorist actions by the Russians in Finland. But these attacks may be orchestrated by someone closer to home. The book once again leans on Alex’s sniper skills, as well as her penchant for attracting trouble as she battles enemies on all fronts, and one enemy becomes an unlikely ally. Lots of action here, and although the plot is not unique, it still holds the reader’s interest throughout the book, which starts off quick and continues that pace. The ending felt a little rushed and unfinished, which apparently sets up the next book in this entertaining series. Definitely recommended. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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.

Alex Martel is a strong, smart and cunning woman who is amazing her job! This action packed story keeps you turning pages. I can't wait for her next adventure.

I loved book one Perfect Shot. So I got super excited about starting book two Out in the Cold an Alex Martel Thriller series by Steve Urszenyi.
This engaging, fast paced thriller featuring the extraordinary FBI special agent Alexandra Martel is such an exciting read.
I couldn’t stop reading this book once I started. This action packed adventure was such a thrilling ride.
And I can’t wait to see what is in store for the third book.

I knew Alex had it in her in Perfect Shot and Out in the Cold scores 4-stars with well paced action, good character development, and none of the technical problems of Perfect Shot. Urszenyi has a winner on his hands with this series.

The tension is palpable, the action relentless, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With sharp prose and intricate plotting, this novel delivers a rollercoaster of suspense and intrigue that has me hooked from start to finish.

Former Army sniper, FBI, Interpol, and now CIA agent Alex Martel is back in the second installment of the series and it's just as exciting as the first one. Alex is onboard a yacht with the Director of Interpol and several other VIPs when they are attacked by mercenaries. Alex immediately jumps into action and helps save the Director and billionaire yacht owner but were they the only targets or is someone also after Alex as well? The action starts from the first few pages and never lets up as Alex is assigned to a task force investigation into Russian aggressions toward Finland. Is the crazy Russian president trying to provoke Finland and it's NATO partners into WWIII or is something else really going on behind the scenes. If you like whirlwind-paced thrillers with authentic details, covert agendas, and a great female lead character, I would definitely recommend this series. #NetGalley #OutintheCold

Once again, Special Agent Alex Martel is up to her neck in intrigue. As a CIA contractor, she is involved in investigating a series of incidents that may be designed to provoke a war between the U.S. and Russia. An interesting plot with a fast pace and plenty of twist and turns makes this a good read. Although I enjoyed this novel more than the first in the series, I again found some of the dialogue — and the description of thoughts whirling around in Andrea’s mind — to be pretty trite. Nonetheless, I look forward to more of Alex’s adventures.

Grabbed me right away and it didn't let up. I found it hard to put the book down. The characters are well written and the plot flows nicely. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

Action packed story. Love Alex's kick ass, take no prisoners attitude. She travels the world tracking who is responsible for the unrest. Made to look like Russia is creating chaos. Alex and her select few friends search to find the truth. A good story, good characters and loved the action.

This is an enjoyable read. It took me a little while to get into the story, but then it started to pick up the pace. After that it was a quick read with all the events occurring. Likeable characters. Sometimes people aren't what they seem. If you can afford it ($15.00), this is a good read. Recommended.

Special Agent Alex Martel is back as a CIA contractor. While on a mega yacht with Secretary General of Interpol
Celeste Cliquot is attacked, Cliquot and Lehtonen, the wealthy owner of the yacht are safely removed from
the yacht while Alex and Lehtonen's security team handle the intruders. The question arises as to who is the real target?
Alex is recalled to the states and joins a taskforce investigating a series of incidents involving Finland. Tension escalates
between the US and Russia, seen as the perpetrator of the incidents. Will it escalate to war? As information
is uncovered, Alex and her teammates seek to discover who is behind the attacks and how to stop them.
A fast paced, page turning read. Alex is a highly skilled sniper who values loyalty and is willing to sacrifice her
career in order to do what she thinks is right.
#OutintheCold #StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley

Out in the Cold by Steve Urszenyi is the second book in the Alex Martel series. She is an accomplished soldier and sniper.
The book opens on a luxury yacht that is attacked by mercenaries. She makes sure her boss Celeste Clicquot, the yacht’s owner Lehtonen and the Finnish NATO Ambassador are all saved.
It turns out the attack is just the beginning to cause havoc for Finland.
Alex and CIA operative Caleb Copeland are sent out to find out who is behind it all.
The book is nonstop action – Someone is trying to start a war and pin it on someone else. It is up to Alex and Caleb to find out who and stop it.
I read the first book in the series and enjoyed it. This one was better and kept me reading.

This is the second book i am reading in the alex martel series. I loved the first one and have enjoyed reading this one too.. Very nicely written and presented. The plot created is interesting and very much relevant in the current geopolitical situation. The fact that most of the players who were the criminals were outed in the second half, except for the leader of that group, did not give much scope for me to wonder who were the villains. But this is still better that overly complicated stories where the villain seems force fitted in retrospect.

Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley

When the luxury megayacht, Aurora, is attacked by Afghan mercenaries, Alexandra Martel uses her skill to make certain the secretary general of Interpol, Celeste Clicquot, the Aurora’s owner, Valtteri Lehtonen, and Finland’s NATO Ambassador, Mikko Selänne, all make it to shore safely.

Alex soon learns of a series of attacks against Finland. Designed to create turmoil, can Alex and CIA Agent Caleb Copeland, stop the villains before their actions cause a world war?

=========

In this, the second in the author’s Special Agent Alexandra Martel series [following “Perfect Shot”], readers will find there is sufficient backstory here for the book to work well as a standalone. With well-developed characters, a compelling plot, and plenty of unexpected revelations, readers will find it impossible to set this book aside before turning the final page.

Nonstop action, a twisty plot filled with unforeseen surprises, political chicanery, and international intrigue all work together to keep the reader involved in the unfolding narrative. Readers who enjoy political drama, spy stories, and tales of derring-do will find much to appreciate here as the unputdownable story races toward an extremely thought-provoking denouement.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#OutintheCold #NetGalley

I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martin Press and Steve Urszenyi for a chance to read Out in the Cold. The first time for me reading a book by this author. I definitely would recommend this book. The main Character Alex Martel is person I would be honored to have on my side. I really found this character to be what made this story along with her supporting characters. If you want a book that definitely keeps you guessing then this is the one. I never expected the twists and the ending. It made me think about what could happen if this story was a real life event. I couldn't put down this book. It is one I would read over. I look forward to reading another book by this author.

A very action packed read that keeps you on a roll. Many spy agencies and action around the globe. Our heroine has much to figure out in order to stop a possible WWIII. You go girl!