The Third Option [Mass Market Paperback]

Much of what I would say about this book and the Mitch Rapp character has been covered by other reviewers, but I must add this: do NOT read "Separation of Power" before this one. "Separation of Power" is somewhat better than this book, but is clearly "part two." This is "part one" of a "to be continued" - it stands up well om its own, but if you read "Separation of Power" before this one, you'll kick yourself for weeks.

If you want to know whether this book and "Separation of Power" are worth your while, just pick up Flynn's second novel, "Transfer of Power." You'll likely be hooked very quickly. After "Transfer of Power," don't forget the required order - read this book and then "Separation of Power."

Using his well-honed survival skills, he eludes capture and returns to the US to put the pieces back together. He clears gravely-ill CIA Director Thomas Stansfield and his presumptive successor Dr. Irene Kennedy of any wrong-doing in the Germany fiasco and forges a plan to work back up the conspirator's chain to find the duplicitous soul. In an attempt to eliminate any link between himself and the events in the German chateau, Senator Hank Clark is erasing anyone who was involved. Rapp must find one of the henchmen alive before the trail goes cold.

I found this book to be remarkably different from the first Rapp book, Transfer of Power. Third Option replaces some of the action with a greater degree of suspense, intrigue, and emotion. Rapp's girlfriend, Anna Rielly, plays a greater role in the emotional storyline and is the root cause of inner-conflict for Rapp. His codename is Ironman for his ability to be a one-man killing machine, but their burgeoning relationship puts him in a dilemma which he must resolve. He is determined to leave the business and follow his heart but he knows he will not be able to make a clean break until he hunts down the person that sought to destroy him. I applaud Flynn's decision to add a level of intrigue to this book. I enjoyed the intertwined, suspenseful storylines while keeping the majority of the action-packed sequences. It was a noticeable improvement and shows his growth as an author.

One warning to potential readers!! The book ends with some unresolved issues. It closed enough issues to allow this book to stand on its own but definitely compels a reader to get the next book. If you must have closure or do not want to read two books to complete the plotline, I advise against this book. It would be a shame as this is very good fiction and another hit in the Mitch Rapp series.

I recommend this book.