I recently read Vince Flynn's book Consent To Kill. It was the first I ever read of the author and of his protagonist Mitch Rapp. I liked the book. In it there where many references to Washington DC and an atomic bomb in the hands of extreme Islamic fundamentalists. I wanted to learn more about it so I decided to read the previous book of Flynn's, Memorial Day. It, like Consent to Kill was on the New York Times Best Seller list.
Memorial Day is an adrenalin rush of a book that includes a clandestine raid into the mountains of Pakistan where American troops take in prisoners that are out to harm the USA. A computer with information describing a plot to plant an A-Bomb in Washington DC on Memorial Day during the international ceremonies opening the the new WWII Memorial is found in the caves of Pakistan's mountains.
With the clock ticking the author pits Mitch Rapp against ruthless terrorists and a political atmosphere, that though directly threatened with imminent danger, has a state and Justice department that wants to treat these prisoners as criminals with full American rights to council and trial. Mitch Rapp feels torture in such instances is not only applicable but quite necessary.
A Note Of Disgust
The book has a DC map in its front pages giving a view of the city including streets, bridges and waterways where a bomb could be brought into that city. I found that a particularly helpful guide during specific parts of the book. I happen to enjoy studying maps and using it while following the terrorist plans and movement was a huge plus.
The map of course also shows prominent places like the White House, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and other noteable buildings. Also included is the new National WWII Memorial and the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. Totally missing, and I suppose apropos knowing its other unfortunate name the "Forgotten War", was the Korean War Veterans Memorial. The area where it should be is plain as day but not a marking was it given. Shame on the editors and I suppose too, the writer. In all honesty, I wanted more reason to slam this book when I noticed that slight.
Pops Thoughts
That omission aside I found this an excellent political/terrorist thriller. From the very first pages the author Flynn had me glued to the story and turning pages quickly. Observing Mitch Rapp follow leads and quiz terrorists in his personal style of no-nonsense interrogation, while I, at the same time followed evil deeds of others executing their ruthless plans on US soil kept me on the edge of my seat from cover to cover. The story line with such blatant torture and in your face arguments between Rapp and the president and heads of his cabinet seemed a bit stretched but, as fiction, I enjoyed it. I easily forgive such overblown scenarios when I am otherwise entertained. I suppose though, from a personal view, I would like to see such a character state the things he does for the sake of national security and the lives of thousands of Americans if this nation were ever threatened in such a way.
Flynn's easy to read style was however interrupted from time to time (to many times) by quick chapter changes. Many chapters were but two or three pages long, bouncing from one character to another. I did find that distracting at times but once I started that next chapter, I was once again engrossed in the novel. This however was like having speed bumps on an Interstate.
Reading this book also gave me better insight into the following book, Consent To Kill. I believe author Vince Flynn has Mitch Rapp as a character in about four or five other previous books and I look forward to reading his latest, Act Of Treason that has an excerpt following the end of Memorial Day.
Vince Flynn brings Mitch Rapp back again in a another political thriller
Consent To Kill
Act of Treason
Recommended:
