Catalog
From a stunning new voice in international intrigue comes a dramatic story of high-stakes missions, treachery, honor, an unlikely hero, and the ultimate terrorist attack…
Six hundred sixty tons of Semtex is detonated in a massive explosion in Libya – the last of a deadly stockpile. The operation seems to have gone smoothly, but within minutes of the explosion, CIA agent Richard Lawrence discovers that one shipment of the explosive was hijacked en route to the destruction point. Days later, a glory-seeking “Emir” broadcasts to the world that he is planning a massive terrorist strike against a major U.S. landmark. And he gives a timeline of one month.
Now a desperate chase covers four continents, as the men bent on attacking the United States use every weapon at their disposal to evade the American authorities. Time and again they prove willing to destroy anything – and anyone – standing in their way. But Hamilton Turbee, an autistic computer mastermind at the secretive and newly created TTIC agency, discovers a way to follow their tracks. His flawed genius gives the nation its only chance at stopping the attack… if the American leadership will listen. As the enemies near their destination, and an attack becomes imminent, it is up to the TTIC team, still without a true leader, to stop the massive explosion that could destroy the lives of millions.
As the world watches in horror, the President asks TTIC two questions…
Where will the attack be?
And can it be stopped…
Here’s what people are saying about Gauntlet...
"Cutting-edge research, complex plotting and in-depth characterizations lift Aaron's debut, a terrorist thriller. Afghan Yousseff Said al-Sabbhan, who's built an enormous drug-smuggling enterprise, has worked out with his co-conspirator, 'the Emir,' a plan to destroy an American city and bring the country to its knees. Opposing the plotters is the Terrorist Threat Integration Center, a secret agency staffed by men and women drawn from every sector of the U.S. intelligence community. Autistic mathematician Hamilton Turbee, a TTIC employee, is a standout in a vast cast of characters, surely one of the most interesting and endearing heroes ever to star in an action adventure novel. Despite the incredible amount of detail and the constant flashbacks, Aaron keeps the action moving swiftly forward. Some readers may be frustrated by the abrupt ending as well as patches of mundane prose, but all will eagerly await the two projected sequels."
– Publishers Weekly
"First novelist Aaron writes rich dialog and vivid action, not to mention fascinating characters."
– Library Journal
“Amazing scope … Richard Aaron gives us a stunning look at what really drives terrorism in a breathtaking thriller that's in step with our fast-paced world … outperforms 24.”
– New York Times Bestselling Author David Morrell
"Wow, wow, wow! Gauntlet is a tour de force of exuberant storytelling… the definitive reality-based global thriller. Great suspense, a killer plot, and – amazingly – real characters. An absolute winner."
– New York Times Bestselling Author John Lescroart
“Loads of really good writing... Aaron knows his stuff. Gauntlet [is] a damn fine novel.”
– David Hagberg, bestselling author of Dance with the Dragon,
Joshua's Hammer, Soldier of God, and Allah's Scorpion
“A good writer [with] a good story takes you to places you haven’t been and introduces you to new concepts, [without] your having to go there and put your own life on the line. Richard Aaron did just that. The plot of his story is riveting... the possibility that this could happen [frightening]. [An] emotionally thrilling novel, well worth the read.”
– John Foxjohn, bestselling author of Cold Tears,
winner of the Readers’ Award for best mystery
"Wow, what a story! I absolutely couldn't put it down. Can't wait to work on the movie."
– Quay Terry, Hollywood Military consultant, Jarhead, Flags of Our Fathers, Stop-Loss, Wolverine
“Normally, when I'm hired to promote a novel, I read a couple of chapters and the synopsis. But Gauntlet kept pulling at me… interfering with my work. I [snuck in] a few chapters every time I stepped away from the computer, [and suddenly] I'd read the whole thing. You'd never guess it's a first novel.”
– Shel Horowitz, book marketing consultant and author of Grassroots Marketing for Authors and Publishers
“Amazing – complex and twisted… with bad guys so devilishly clever that they would rival Satan himself. You don’t see what’s coming until it hits you … until then you’re cheering your heart out for the good guys. An astounding first stab.”
– Mike Karanikolas, Los Angeles, owner and president of Revolveclothing.com
“I started reading and couldn't stop until I had finished it … a can't-put-down book right out of the headlines … wonderfully written, intelligent, and completely suspenseful. I wouldn't mind reading it again, and again, and again…”
– Karen Bierstedt, editor, Ramona, CA
“This is excellent. It's as good as Vince Flynn, James Rollins, or Steve Barry. What a pleasure to see someone who's headed for literary greatness in this stage of his career. “
– Paul Krupin, Direct Contact PR
“Advance copy read was great. Can't wait to get the final version. Great characters, real and human with real problems and personalities. Plot-unique, full of suspense and twists. Great research and detail. A BANG for the ending with the promise of more coming. ‘A’ for reading pleasure.”
– Advance reader review