Brad Thor fans are in for another roller coaster ride with his latest thriller, “Dead Fall.” For more than two decades, Mr. Thor has captured imaginations and hearts with his Scot Harvath adventures. This is his 22nd in the series.
If you are unfamiliar with his action-packed chillers or his alter-ego champion, you won’t be disappointed to discover a captivating character and the rough-and-tumble scenarios in which he excels. Older and no doubt wiser, Harvath returns as America’s top sleuth and hero to grace the pages of another riveting narrative, this one with primary action taking place in Ukraine.
Mr. Thor intentionally sets his novels in contemporary hot spots around the globe. With the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia making international headlines, reading this one is that much more powerful. Mr. Thor weaves scenes of atrocities into the background upon which Harvath becomes a source of light and hope.
As with his other novels, chapters are designed to introduce readers to the players and their respective playgrounds: be that in war-torn villages in Ukraine, inside FBI headquarters in Washington, at tucked-away restaurants in Boston, or at clandestine meetings in Kyiv or Moscow.
The characters are as vividly described as are the scenes. You can visualize them as Mr. Thor throws in details such as the designer brand of suit they are wearing or the wristwatch they sport. It all adds to the flavor and spice of the characters with whom Harvath is dealing as he takes on another mission.
And while there is always a question of whether to dive into another boiling cauldron, Harvath never hesitates long. He believes in America, he is a patriot, he is highly skilled at what he does, and because he’s a near one-man force, for him, there is no option. Regardless of specific missions, his overall purpose in life is to protect and defend. He doesn’t don a cape and can’t fly, nor does he possess other supernatural abilities, but he’s definitely a high-profile hero and one with a huge heart.
Harvath to the Rescue
Early chapters introduce young Anna Royko, an American of Ukrainian descent. Horrified by the bombing of a children’s hospital and maternity ward, she becomes embroiled in action when a small nonprofit takes her on; helping young orphans becomes her calling. It also makes her a target for a rogue mercenary group. This violent set of combatants includes former convicts and mental patients. Its leader has established himself as a ruthless torturer.Resistance to these mercenaries has been minimal, as most able-bodied men are off fighting the war. Royko is one of their victims, among many aid workers, but it’s Harvath’s mission to find and rescue her. Obstructing his efforts are a lack of men and supplies, shady behind-the-scenes politics, and an unsolved death from a fancy high rise in Washington.
And while the rogue thugs, known as the Ravens, are committing their acts of barbarism, another rogue team is out looting artwork and priceless cultural treasures that have been hidden away.
War Is Hell
Mr. Thor is never without his personal perspective on global politics. What if this war had been stopped sooner? Perhaps all of this lunacy could have been avoided. Harvath laments that people have forgotten history or choose to ignore it.As Mr. Thor describes Harvath’s thoughts, readers get a taste of his sensibilities:
Harvath’s unique skill set to take down the bad guys is often chilling and cold. He’s very laser focused and acts with lightning-quick decisions when it comes to eliminating threats. He’s equally focused on taking care of all under his wing. He’s not to be messed with.
He’s a lethal weapon. He’s also well-educated and -cultured, has exquisite tastes, is a romantic, and has a wry sense of humor.
