Outlaw: A Robin Monarch Novel
Sullivan skillfully handles familiar plot elements and characters in his exciting second Robin Monarch novel (after 2012's Rogue). While the U.S. secretary of state, Agnes Lawton, is secretly negotiating with the foreign ministers of China and India aboard a freighter in the South China Sea, armed terrorists seize the ship. The group claiming responsibility, the Sons of Prophecy, demands the release of all political prisoners in the U.S., China, and India, as well as a ransom of $500 million from each country. Meanwhile, the man pulling the intricate strings of the operation, wealthy Cantonese triad chief Long Chan-Juan (aka the Moon Dragon), has a multilayered plan that he expects will secure him billions of dollars and immense power. Ex-CIA agent Monarch and Chinese Ministry of State Security agent Song Le have less than five days to save Lawton and the others. Thriller fans fond of high-stakes rescue scenarios will be more than satisfied. Agent: Meg Ruley, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Oct.)