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Dec 27, 2019jeh106 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I last read a BRAD THOR thriller in March 2018. For the last few months, I have been reading authors new to me but I felt the need to return a tried and trusted author. Reading Brad’s newest book was like snuggling up with my spouse – very comfortable. BACKLASH is number 19 in the Scot Harvath series and is one of the best. Harvath has left his government career (Navy SEAL, Secret Service, C.I.A.) and has entered the world of private security working for Reed Carlson, an old friend. Carlson’s company has many former agents and operatives from the the same world as Harvath. The story opens at a murder scene in rural New Hampshire. The victims are identified and stuff hits the fan in Washington, D.C. The victims include Harvath’s fiancé Lara, Lydia Ryan (former high-ranking C.I.A. executive) and Reed Carlson. Harvath is initially suspected as the killer and he has disappeared. When Scot finally surfaces, he is on a Russian airplane, a victim of a snatch and grab by mysterious parties but definitely Russian. He has been beaten and tortured. His destination is unknown. However, as fate would have it, the plane crashes in an area a little south of Murmansk, Russia in the middle of winter. Harvath survives. The story details how Harvath will try to survive. His enemies are the cold (it is very, very cold) and military mercenaries who are trying to find him, on personal and secret orders from the Russian President. Scot enlists the help of a widowed, Russian doctor who has connections with the native population. His “people” in Washington, D.C. eventually find out where he is and launch a rescue plan. However, “Murphy” intervenes and things do not go as planned. The praise for Thor’s latest is universally five star. His writing, as usual, is top notch. Thor’s descriptions of the winter landscape and weather had me bundling up with sweaters and blankets to stay warm. The action is nonstop. There are hints of love and romance. If you are a reader of this genre, I highly recommend this book. GO! BUY! READ!