The American Mission

Global headlines come to life as intrigue and international politics collide in this electrifying debut thriller from Matthew Palmer. After a devastating experience in Darfur strips Alex Baines, former rising star of the State Department, of his security clearances, he is faced with two choices: spend the rest of his career in visa-stamping limbo or move to the private sector. On the verge of resigning, he receives a call from his old mentor with an incredible opportunity to start over, restoring both his security clearances and his reputation. The job isn't quite what Alex imagined it to be when he finds a shady US-based mining company everywhere he turns. As violence in the political climate escalates, Alex struggles to balance the best interests of the United States with the fate of the Congo and its people. His loyalties are put to the test as he races to determine the right course of action.

Review :
"The American Mission by Matthew Palmer cuts so close to the bone it could be nonfiction. It opens with one of the most horrific scenes I have ever read, which segues into a fast and furious story of international intrigue and corporate corruption, with nonstop action, vivid characters, and crisp dialog. This is a thriller of great integrity and intelligence, written by an author who really knows his stuff. I highly recommend it." -- "Douglas Preston, #1 New York Times bestselling author" "The American Mission is one of those wonderful novels, where great storytelling is woven through with the intricate detail only a knowledgeable insider can supply. I loved it!" -- "Iris Johansen, New York Times bestselling author" "A captivating debut thriller by a longtime foreign service officer explores the complicated politics of the Congo...This is first-rate fiction. Let's hope Palmer has a sequel in the works." -- "Kirkus Reviews (starred review)" "Bristling with high adventure and low-down international politics, The American Mission has it all--unforgettable characters, razor-sharp dialog, insider details that only an American diplomat would know, and an exciting love story. Reminiscent of Graham Greene, Mr. Palmer is far better than John le Carré. This is the sort of book you don't want to end, and when it does, you crave the next one. Mr. Palmer is a rare talent. You won't want to miss The American Mission." -- "Gayle Lynds, New York Times bestselling author" "Narrator Eric Singer's versatile range and skill capture Baines's elation when he's unexpectedly reassigned to the Congolese-American diplomatic mission. Singer's polished performance crackles with authenticity in his portrayal of Baines's dealings with international mining interests, Congolese rebels, an imperial dictator, invading Sudanese rebels, and opposition in his own embassy. His realistic portrayal of Baines's hostage negotiation with the terrorist leader known as 'the Hammer of God' is riveting, chilling, and believable." -- "AudioFile" "Palmer, a twenty-year veteran of the US Foreign Service currently assigned to the American embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, brings his professional expertise to his debut, a timely thriller...A satisfying finale and a nuanced view of the diplomatic life." -- "Publishers Weekly" "Palmer's first novel offers an insider's look at the world of American diplomats stationed in foreign countries...Palmer creates full-bodied characters and an intriguing story that showcases the difficult choices ambassadors face on a daily basis." -- "Booklist" "Superb! Embassy insider Matthew Palmer takes us inside the secret 'club' of international diplomacy and races his characters through political tightropes and hair-raising encounters. I read this tale at warp speed, thrilled all the way. With The American Mission, Palmer joins the exalted ranks of Follett, Forsythe, and Clancy." -- "Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author" "Talk about writing what you know--Palmer is a veteran diplomat, and it shows on every page of his debut novel. Crackling with authenticity that sizzles with emotional clout, this is a superb debut by a coming star in the thriller genre. Five stars by any review." -- "Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author" "There's the mission the public knows and the mission we'll never see. Matthew Palmer knows both, which is what makes The American Mission crackle with complexity and authenticity. What a debut." -- "Brad Meltzer, #1 New York Times bestselling author" "What a fantastic debut thriller...Only an insider with years of service in the diplomatic corps could detail the intrigues of the international and domestic politics of Africa." -- "Taylor Stevens, New York Times bestselling author"