Olen Steinhauer’s latest thriller The Middleman is an excellent look into the world of domestic terrorism. Special Agent Rachel Proulx, an expert in left-wing fringe groups, is the lead in the investigation of the overnight disappearance of hundreds of followers of revolutionary leader Martin Bishop. Family members worry and the media speculates what Bishop’s group The Massive Brigade could be planning next. Through this premise, the reader witnesses the internal conflicts of the undercover agent, the convert, the bystander, the government handler, the international money man, and several others.
Steinhauer’s writing is sharply attuned to the current political climate. Most of the story takes place in 2017 and 2018 with several allusions to current politicians. The provocative themes of financial gain, government conspiracy, and class warfare play out well as Agent Proulx searches for who is responsible for the crimes committed by the radical faction.
Overall, The Middleman is an authentic, stand-out thriller that has had me thinking: How far will anyone go to ‘protect’ the American people… and themselves?
5 out of 5 stars
Comes out on August 7th, 2018.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and Mr. Steinhauer for an advanced copy to review.
Paul's Picks 