Perfect Shot by Steve Urszenyi

In Steve Urszenyi's Perfect Shot, the debut of an electrifying new series, former Army sniper turned FBI Special Agent Alexandra Martel turns to high-stakes international espionage following the mysterious death of a friend. Urszenyi, drawing on a diverse array of locales from London to Moscow, Iraq to Turkey, crafts a narrative that's as rich in geographic scope as it is in suspense. Martel's probe into the death of her friend uncovers a chilling nuclear conspiracy that tests her skills in a world where she never knows who is trying to recruit her and who is trying to kill her.

Urszenyi's narrative smoothly weaves action sequences with introspective moments that delve into Martel's complex past as both a fighter and a survivor. There are even some Da Vinci Code level puzzles as Alex races across London, and memorable characters like Gareth, an Afghanistan war veteran turned stunt driving cabbie, add warmth and texture to the storytelling.

Drawing on decades as a tactical medic with the Ontario Provincial Police, Urszenyi brings an authoritative perspective to the depiction of international law enforcement agencies, from the FBI to Interpol. His portrayal of their inner workings, bolstered by insights from various experts cited in the acknowledgements, lends an air of authenticity that enriches the reader's understanding of global intelligence power dynamics. Perfect Shot is a confident start to a new series, and I look forward to seeing how Alex’s character grows in Book 2, Out in the Cold.