The Martlet

Extreme Measures Vince Flynn Atria Books 416 pages October 2008

Extreme Measures is thriller author Vince Flynn’s newest novel about the travails of operative Mitch Rapp, who faces as many political threats as security ones.

On the political side, Rapp has to testify before a Senate intelligence committee over his suspected abuse of prisoners at a foreign military base. On the home front, Rapp has to deal with a suspected cell that aims to wreck carnage against the National Counter-terrorism Center in DC, and blow up some famous, heavily patronized DC restaurants.

Hamstrung by the political investigation, Rapp spends the duration of the novel responding to Senatorial critics who say his methods cross the line from interrogation into torture. One Senator in particular, Barbara Lonsdale, wants Rapp prosecuted and arrested to enhance her status within her own party and Washington’s elite, more so than upholding human rights.

Flynn’s book continues his tradition of being well-edited and fast-paced. Although the antagonists in his novel have logical motivations and intelligence, they have doubts about their mission.

Interestingly enough, the crew undergoes military style training to emulate the Navy Seals and Marine Force Recon, planning more of a precision attack than a suicide bombing. Flynn does not break new ground, however, in either the spy genre or the military genre. His book’s subject matter is compelling because it underscores the phrase Nietzsche once wrote that, “Those who fight monsters must be careful not to be become a monster.”

Rapp must fight men who have no limits or qualms, have not signed the Geneva Convention, wear no uniform and who wage asymmetrical warfare. Rapp however, has no need for self-reflection and doubt — his first priority is to get to the heart of the issue, cut through all the bureaucratic red tape and find the truth.

A major criticism with the novel comes from one of the sub-characters, Rick Nash — a thoroughly boring addition to the series. He is unduly elevated into a position where a significant portion of the book is devoted to his melodramatic suburban problems, which come off like filler and padding. These chapters bring the furious pace of the book to a screeching halt. Any future books should have Nash relegated back to a minor role.

Ultimately, Flynn’s Extreme Measures is a quick and readable injection of adrenaline to pass gloomy days. It may not stir intellect, but it will provide the necessary dose of escapism to look forward to.