Extreme Measures

Author: Listening Guy

Written by Vince Flynn
read by George Guidall

This was my first time reading Vince Flynn. I'd actually never heard of him before...but the reader reviews looked strong, and I was drawn in by the fact that it was read by George Guidall, who had read the Neil Gaiman book that I enjoyed so much over the summer.

The story revolves around Mitch Rapp (a recurring character for Flynn...9 in the series so far) and Mike Nash. Both are employed by the CIA. Nash is a creative problem-solver with a bit of a sensitive side...he's struggling to balance the stress of his rather intense job with his family's need for attention. He can be tough when he needs to...but he's trying not to be neglectful on the home front. Rapp is a hard-bitten warrior with an attitude brought on by years of dealing with Washington red tape. He's seen it all, and he's tired. But he's never lost his passion or his sense of mission. If he felt it necessary, and there were no way out, he'd walk into a situation where his life would be required of him...but he'd be looking to take down as many bad guys as possible.

Representing the Red Tape brigade is Barbara Lonsdale, the beautiful Senator who is determined to bring Rapp down and to bring the intelligence community to heel...no more torture, no more secrecy, no more, period.

Islamic extremists are the baddies, and we learn early on that, while two cells were sniffed out and stopped, there's a third cell out there...and it's planning something very big. We spend a lot of time inside the skull of the leader of the third cell...ruthless and idealistic...as he leads his men on their mission to shake the US to its core.

I was completely engaged in Flynn's snappy writing. I was right there with him through the entire story. The characters were solid and sufficiently complex, and when you felt that Flynn might be telegraphing his next move...it generally didn't happen (i.e., I didn't find the story predictable), although the one unresolved part of the story does seem to suggest where the next Mitch Rapp novel will start.

Now to the narration: George Guidall is simply one of the best. Some of his characterizations are slightly overlapped...i.e., he doesn't have the greatest range in the world (although I seem to recall more of a separation in the Gaiman book), but his reading is superb...relaxed, engaging and intense when appropriate. Terrific voice and delivery. I'd listen to him any day.

I enjoyed this one a lot (only wish it could have gone on longer...), and fully intend to check out some more of Flynn's work!

6 Responses for "Extreme Measures"

1. NFL Belt Buckles
It is an excellent read, Ive read a few of Vince's other works and it has earned him some respect with me. I will buy all of his new books.

2. John
Sounds really interesting...this is the first I heard of this author and this book. I look forward to reading for myself...thanks for the insight.

3. Chad from Myrtle Beach Home Builders
I read the book and thought it would have made a great movie - I love movies based on these types of plots because it reaches a wider base of people.

4. Paul from Pontoon Boats
I have never heard of Vince Flynn but the breakdown of this book that you gave makes Extreme Measures seem pretty interesting, so I will pick it up and hopefully enjoy it I am always looking for new books to read(or hear:))

5. Jason from Titan Paint Sprayer
So, where are all the beautiful senators? You made reference to one in the book...well that is so unbelievable :)

6. Lilly from Maine Author
I read this book and enjoyed it from cover to cover. I love government conspiracy/intrigue books anyway. The author developed the characters well. I'll have to get the audio version for the car so I can revisit it while I drive to work sometime in the future.