Kyle Mills continues the Mitch Rapp saga created by the late Vince Flynn in Oath of Loyalty, the 21st book in A Mitch Rapp Novel Series.
Anthony and Catherine Cook have taken the White House by storm, determined to "transform", to use an old familiar political term, America by manipulating the people they consider easily swayed by Anthony's charisma and faked concern for them. Of course, they want what's good for the people when in fact, of course, they could care less, their lusts are for the control their position has given them. There are only two problems: they need to eliminate Irene Kennedy and Mitch Rapp to feel completely comfortable to proceed.
In the beginning of their "reign" it's the two of them collaborating on decisions with Catherine usually the mastermind who knows how to keep "Tony" turning on the charm to his adoring followers (reminiscent perhaps of the Clintons). Her hopes are to follow his two terms as POTUS with her own two terms. When Irene is fired from her position as CIA Director, she's replaced by a sorry excuse for the job, Darren Hargrave, who idolizes Anthony "Tony" Cook and plots to create a separation of sorts from his wife. Catherine sees right through him, but Darren is gaining more of her husband's attention, suggesting that Rapp is a huge danger to Tony which puts a special kind of fear in the man.
Irene is able to manufacture a truce between Rapp and Cook which Catherine thinks is wise, but Darren gins up all kinds of fear by stating that he doubts Rapp will stick to the oath. Tony becomes obsessively afraid of Rapp, and security is upgraded to the highest levels with the FBI surveilling Rapp's and Claudia's home in South Africa, Rapp's team wherever they are, and having Rapp followed wherever he goes.
This is the premise for the story.
When Rapp's and Claudia's home is attacked by what look like unprofessional killers which Rapp manages to handle, Rapp, Claudia and Anna escape. This is only the beginning of a bizarre network of murderous plans that have an unusual origin.
I have to admit that Kyle Mills has made Claudia somewhat likable in this story for the first time since she became Rapp's love interest. We got to see a deeper, more emotional Claudia, one whose regrets are real and tangible. She's well aware she's used her skills for evil and is grateful that they can combat some of what she's done before it catches up to her and her family.
The two characters hired from Irene's and Rapp's past to make their offbeat, twisted plan to gain the knowledge of and draw out what is thought to be an assassination team provide both comic relief and real frustration for Rapp as he's forced to endure their idiosyncrasies to ensure their talents are used in this crazy op.
The concluding scene in Chapter 48 is sterling. This is the classic, real Mitch Rapp we've all come to love and admire, written perfectly. And Chapter 49 is exquisite, particularly the final two paragraphs. Bravo, Kyle!
Father, I'm sure to the unbeliever, my prayers seem pointless, silly, or amusing. You use foolishness to confound the wise. May each of those you've gifted with the ability to write and tell stories realize from whom their inspiration and dedication come. Bless them, Lord, with that knowledge. And please continue to bless Kyle as he creates the stories you have just for him to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.