Out in the Cold

Former army combat medic and expert sniper, Special Agent Alex Martel returns in author Steve Urszenyi’s Out in the Cold, an explosive, action-packed sequel to his highly acclaimed Perfect Shot. Readers wondering if the author could match the intensity, insane pace, and action of the first book can rest easy. Not only does Urszenyi match it, he surpasses it.

Strap on the bulletproof gear and settle in for an evening of nonstop, high-octane, cover-to-cover action as Agent Martel goes rogue to uncover the identity of forces whose actions threaten world peace.

Special Agent Alex Martel is aboard a luxury mega-yacht crossing the Mediterranean when explosions rock the ship. On a task force assignment with her temporary CIA boss, Caleb, Martel calls on her deadly skills as a former army sniper to fight off mercenaries and whisk her friend, Director of Interpol Celeste Clicquot, and other visiting dignitaries safely to shore. As other worldwide targets are threatened, political allies agree that all signs point toward Russia planning a massive takeover of Finland, a new NATO ally, potentially setting the stage for a third World War. With tensions high, political advisors in the United States convince the President to bring NATO troops back to the volatile region as a show of support for Finland and in preparation for war should Russia invade. When Martel’s former mentor and friend, Clicquot, is attacked a second time, Martel disobeys orders, abandons her CIA assignment, and goes rogue without backup, vowing to avenge her friend while searching for the mastermind behind the attacks and the aggression against Finland.

Martel’s gut tells her that the facts as they’re known don’t add up, and her gut hasn’t failed her yet. Is it possible there’s a conspiracy setting Russia up to take the fall? Who’s really behind all the espionage and chaos? Can Alex uncover the truth in time to avert a global catastrophe?

If you’re a fan of high-stakes, international espionage thrillers with nonstop action, Out in the Cold is the book for you. While I also highly recommend the first book in this series, Perfect Shot, Steve Urszenyi does a fantastic job of setting the scene with sufficient backstory for readers to enjoy this one as a standalone. Be prepared to be highly engaged as the author brilliantly manipulates characters and readers through a tangled plotline of smoke and mirrors. Outsmarting danger at every turn, Martel’s a dynamite female lead who manages to stay one step ahead of the bad guys while dodging numerous attempts on her life, thanks to her own highly honed skills.

It’s refreshing to find a female character with adept abilities that rival those of any male hero—one who’s deadly yet hides a softer side with a lot of heart, compassion, and kindness. The tease of a possible romantic relationship with Caleb simmers in the background, keeping readers hoping for more. Driven by the growing threat of imminent danger, the blistering pace kept me turning the pages, searching through clues to unmask the mastermind. While my suspicions proved correct, I suspect some readers will be surprised by the author’s last-page reveal.

Well-developed characters battling their way through a complex plotline rich in conspiracy, espionage, and political and international intrigue keep readers highly engaged from the first page to the last in Out in the Cold. Highly recommended to fans of high-action, covert, political thrillers.