Meslin demonstrates an impressive knowledge of Cold War politics and nuclear security protocols, bringing authenticity to the complex plot involving a U.S. Nuclear Emergency Search Team, a veteran Mossad agent, a determined KGB investigator, and classic spy-thriller twists like a sleeper agent, presented with welcome plausibility. He particularly excels in both presenting and making dramatic the technical aspects of nuclear security and satellite surveillance, all without letting his expertise slow down narrative momentum. Especially engaging is the depiction of the Soviet Union's final days, capturing the political tensions and power vacuum that could make a nuclear crisis possible.
Reflecting the global crisis, the narrative frequently shifts between Moscow, Washington, Israel, geostationary orbit, and more, creating a brisk but at times disjointed reading experience. Still, the challenge of keeping up with the many interest parties will pay off for lovers of smart, real-world thrillers, as Meslin builds to a tense climax that effectively pays off its many plotlines.
Takeaway: Sophisticated thriller of international crisis management as the Soviet Union collapses.
Comparable Titles: Owen Matthews’s Black Sun Trilogy, Brian Freemantle’s Bomb Grade.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
