Adrenaline

Starred review from May 23, 2011
Edgar-finalist Abbott's outstanding tale of high intrigue set primarily in London and Amsterdam, the first in a series, introduces Sam Capra, a London-based CIA agent. When a terrorist group bombs the agency's British headquarters, killing 20 people, the authorities believe that Sam's pregnant wife, Lucy, also a U.S. spy, helped the terrorists and disappeared with them. Immediately suspected of being part of the bombing plot, Sam winds up in secret CIA custody and tortured. Refusing to believe Lucy has turned traitor, Sam finally escapes and begins his headlong search for her and his son, whom he believes has now been born. Sam offs terrorists, cracks wise, and shows a genuinely moving concern for his wife and son. Abbott (Panic), displaying a greater mastery of the genre than in previous books, hits full stride early on and never lets up. Readers who thrive on a relentless narrative pace and a straight line to the finish won't be disappointed.

Brilliant, athletic Sam Capra is a star analyst with the CIA, with a bright future unfolding before him. All that changes when a bomb kills his colleagues and a mysterious group abducts his pregnant wife and fellow analyst, Lucy. Kevin T. Collins provides a bravura narration to Abbott's fast-paced, emotional story. He's great at keeping listeners on edge during the many action scenes and making them feel Sam's pain as he searches for his wife and the killers of his co-workers. The complex plot also involves military espionage. Collins digs his teeth into his performance as he provides the right levels of emotion and intensity in any given scene. A terrific thriller--terrifically read. J.P.M. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine