# The Lions of Lucerne

The Lions of Lucerne is a 2002 spy novel by Brad Thor.
Thor's first novel with the character of Scot Harvath, an ex-Navy SEAL and current U.S. Secret Service agent, The Lions of Lucerne relates how Harvath survives an attack which leaves 30 of his fellow agents dead and the president of the United States kidnapped. Harvath then begins a search for those responsible and attempts to rescue the president.

## Plot

On the snowy slopes of Utah, an avalanche strikes, leading to the disappearance of the President of the United States. His Secret Service detail is decimated, leaving only Scot Harvath, an ex-Navy SEAL, as the sole survivor. Harvath, skeptical of the official narrative blaming Middle Eastern terrorists, embarks on a personal mission to uncover the truth. As he navigates the treacherous terrain, both literal and metaphorical, Harvath is driven by a sense of duty and a personal vendetta to find the President and bring those responsible to justice.
Harvath, refusing to accept the official story, begins his own investigation. He is convinced that the avalanche was not a natural disaster but a cover for a more sinister plot. Despite being framed for murder and facing immense pressure, Harvath's resolve only strengthens. His instincts tell him that the answers lie in the details, and he is determined to follow every lead, no matter how dangerous, to uncover the truth behind the President's disappearance.
As Harvath delves deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy that reaches far beyond the snowy mountains of Utah. A shadowy cabal, with interests spanning the globe, is behind the President's kidnapping. Their motives are protection, involving political power plays and financial gain. Harvath realizes that he is up against a highly organized and lethal group, and the quietly are higher than he ever imagined. The clock is ticking, and Harvath must act quickly to prevent a catastrophe.
Harvath's investigation leads him to a remote farmhouse in Midway, where he discovers the bodies of an elderly couple, executed in cold blood. The scene is a chilling reminder of the ruthlessness of those he is up against. As Harvath pieces together the evidence, he realizes that the farmhouse was a key location in the kidnappers' escape plan. The discovery fuels his determination to bring the perpetrators to justice and rescue the President.
Harvath's pursuit of the truth is fraught with danger and deception. He encounters numerous obstacles, including a sophisticated jamming device that disrupted communications during the avalanche. The deeper he digs, the more he realizes that the conspiracy is intricately woven, without orders of deceit designed to mislead and confuse. Harvath must rely on his training and instincts to navigate this web and stay one step ahead of his adversaries.
Despite the odds stacked against him, Harvath's pursuit of justice is unwavering. He is driven by a deep sense of responsibility for the lives lost and the President's safety. As he follows the trail of clues, Harvath's resolve is tested, but his determination never wavers. He knows that time is running out, and every second counts in his race against time to uncover the truth and save the President.
The conspiracy begins and the quietly higher than ever, Harvath is in a race against time to prevent a disaster. The clock is ticking, and the lives of many hang in the balance. Harvath must use all his skills and resources to outsmart his enemies and bring the President home safely. The hostile on the war is imminent, and Harvath is prepared to risk everything to achieve his mission.
Scot Harvath, framed for murder and the President's kidnapping, flees to Switzerland, following a lead from André Martin's documents. Disguised and on the run, he navigates the Swiss Alps, hoping to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy. His instincts tell him the answers lie in the heart of Switzerland, where he believes the kidnappers are hiding. As he arrives in Interlaken, he prepares for a dangerous man of hit and run, determined to clear his name and find the President.
Harvath sends a cryptic letter to a mysterious Aunt Jane, hoping to draw out the conspirators. He plans a meeting at the Jungfraujoch, a high-altitude tourist spot, to confront whoever retrieves the letter. As he waits, he reflects on the clues that led him here, including a Swiss chocolate wrapper and a post office box address. The stakes are high, and Harvath knows this meeting could be his only chance to unravel the conspiracy and save the President.
Vice President Marshfield, now acting President, is entangled in a debt of honor. Senators Snyder and Rolander manipulate him, promising power and a secure presidency if he plays along with their scheme. Marshfield struggles with the pressure, especially after receiving a severed finger, presumably the President's, as a warning. The Senators assure him that everything is under control, but Marshfield's fear and guilt grow as the conspiracy spirals out of control.
At the Jungfraujoch, Harvath's plan to meet Aunt Jane turns deadly. A woman confronts him with a gun, revealing she knows his true identity. Before he can act, they are attacked by another shooter. Harvath narrowly escapes, realizing the depth of the conspiracy and the danger he faces. The encounter confirms his suspicions that powerful forces are at play, and he must tread carefully to survive and uncover the truth.
The kidnappers, known as the Lions, make a ransom demand from Vice President Marshfield, threatening to kill the President if their demands are not met. Marshfield, already overwhelmed by the situation, is pushed to his limits. The Senators, however, see this as an opportunity to solidify their power, willing to sacrifice the President if it means achieving their political goals. The Lions' greed and the Senators' ambition create a volatile situation that could have catastrophic consequences.
The conspiracy closing in, Harvath devises a plan to escape and gather more evidence. He knows he must act quickly to stay ahead of his pursuers and find a way to save the President. As he navigates the treacherous of the Swiss Alps, Harvath's resolve is tested. He must rely on his training and instincts to outsmart his enemies and bring the truth to light before it's too late.
Scot Harvath finds himself in a perilous situation on the icy slopes of Jungfraujoch, narrowly escaping an ambush by armed men. Using his wits and survival skills, he manages to evade capture, blending into a group of tourists to make his escape. Despite the relentless pursuit by his enemies, Harvath's determination to uncover the truth and rescue the President drives him forward. His journey is fraught with danger, but his resolve remains unshaken as he navigates the treacherous game.
The final begins, Harvath's journey leads him to a hidden fortress where the President is being held. Harvath confronts the mastermind behind the conspiracy, Gerhard Miner. The battle is fierce, with Harvath using every ounce of his strength and skill to overcome his adversary. The confrontation is a test of wills, with Harvath determined to bring Miner to justice and save the President. The outcome is uncertain, but Harvath's courage and determination shine through.

## Characters

* Scot Harvath: The main protagonist, a former Navy SEAL and Secret Service agent who is the protagonist of the story.
* Donald Fawcett: A high-ranking government official who is involved in a conspiracy.
* Russell Rolander: A wealthy businessman who is part of a shadowy coalition.
* David Snyder: A Secret Service agent who is killed in the attack on the President.
* Mitchell Conti: A Secret Service agent who is killed in the attack on the President.
* Gerhard Miner, also known as Henk Van DenHuevel: A member of the Lions, a group of professional killers.
* Claudia Mueller: A Swiss Federal Attorney who assists Scot Harvath in his investigation.
* Arianne Kuess: Claudia's boss at the Federal Attorney's Office.
* Urs Schnell: Deputy Federal Attorney at the Federal Attorney's Office.
* Wilhelm Schroeppel: Gerhard Miner's cousin.
* Jack Rutledge: President of the United States.
* Amanda Rutledge: First Daughter of the United States.
* Sam Harper, also known as Sound: The head of president's protective detail.
* William Shaw, also known as Fury: Director of Secret Service Operations for the White House.
* Agent Maxwell: A Secret Service agent on First Daughter's protective detail.
* Agent Ahern: A Secret Service agent on President's protective detail.
* Agent Houchins: A Secret Service agent on President's protective detail.
* Hassan Useff: A member of the Lions.
* Klaus Dryer: A member of the Lions.
* Tom Hollenbeck: A Secret Service agent on protective detail.
* Chris Longo: A Secret Service agent on protective detail, Tom Hollenbeck's assistant.
* Agent Palmer: A Secret Service agent on protective detail, attractive, young female agent.
* Anton Schebel: A member of the Lions.
* Joe Maddux: Harvath's eldest son.
* Mary Maddux: Harvath's lawyer.
* Dr. Skip Trawick: Harvath's brother.
* Dr. John Paulos: Harvath's cousin.
* Gary Lawlor: Deputy Director of FBI.
* Agent Zuschnitt: FBI Agent.
* André Martin: A friend of Scot Harvath.
* Vance Boyson: A friend of Scot Harvath.
* Nick Slattery: A friend of Scot Harvath.
* Deputy MacIntyre: A deputy of Wasatch County Sheriff's Department, member of Church of Latter Day Saints.
* Jody Burnis: A CNN reporter.
* Agent Patrasso: An FBI Agent.
* Agent Sprecher: An FBI Agent.
* Dr. Sarah Helsabeck: Claudia Mueller's sister.
* Stan Jameson: Director of Secret Service.
* General Paul Venrick: Commander of Joint Special Operations Command.
* Adam Marshfield, also known as Star Gazer: Vice-President of the United States.
* Edward DeFina: Vice-President Marshfield's chief of staff.
* Director Vaile: Director of CIA.
* Director Sorce: Director of FBI.
* Nataile Sperando: Assistant to the Social Secretary of the White House, friend of Scot Harvath and André Martin.
* Herman Toffle, also known as Herman the German: A friend of Scot Harvath, wife is Diana.
* Diana Toffle: Herman Toffle's wife.
* Jackie Kreppler: A friend of Scot Harvath and Claudia Mueller.
* Rolf Kreppler: A husband of Jackie Kreppler, jealous of Scot Harvath.
* Johanus Schepp: Food and Beverage manager of Hotel des Balances'.

## Reception

Publishers Weekly wrote "it's hard to get past the novel's many graceless shortcomings, clichéd language [...], cartoonish scenes and a protagonist whose superhero character desperately needs fleshing out." A reviewer for Kirkus Reviews called Thor's prose "tangled" at times. Library Journal, however, highly recommended the novel, calling it "an assured debut" and concluding that "this international thriller will delight readers with its nonstop action, relentless suspense, strong protagonist, and wintry settings in Utah, D.C., and Switzerland. Well researched, high-voltage entertainment reminiscent of Robert Ludlum and David Morrell [...]."
Other media, notably regional titles, were just as positive. The Anniston Star wrote that Thor had recreated "a genre that has been firmly in the grasp of Tom Clancy for so long is not an easy feat. Fortunately for military intrigue devotees, Brad Thor has done just that — and on his first time out too." The Tacoma Reporter wrote "this book is one of the best entries into the military thriller genre since the early works of Tom Clancy" and that Harvath "will definitely take a place beside Cussler's Dirk Pitt and Clancy's Jack Ryan."
Named one of the 10 of The Best Political Thrillers Ever by Barnes and Noble