Code Alpha

by Stephen R. Gagin

Fifty odd years ago in the hell that was Korea, a mind altering experiment is performed on American Prisoners of War. Today, Speaker of the House James Hingam is the last survivor of that select group. As the post hypnotic suggestion sits like a dragon’s egg waiting to hatch, the final component to North Korea’s latest attempt to win her war with the world is about to take place-the assassination of the President of the United States. Code Alpha, draws us into the tortured mind of Lt. Brad O’Rourke. A Navy salvage diver who is the lone survivor of an attack on his first ship, Brad fights to keep his nightmares at ay. A sunken fishing boat filled with stolen government supplies and a dead Marine hooks Brad up with NCIS Special Agent Carolyn Hodge. The two piece together and uncover the conspiracy to make Hingam North Korea’s unwitting pawn.

279 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2011

About the author

Stephen Robert Gagin is an insurance agent and an author of adventure novels.

Gagin was an officer in the U.S. Navy, where he specialized in and eventually taught diving and salvage. He served on several salvage ships and shore installations, where he recovered aircraft and towed ships. He retired from the Navy in 1985 and became an insurance agent.

In 2001, Gagin joined the crew of the Russian Research Vessel Akademik Mistislav Keldysh to dive to the wreckage of the R.M.S. Titanic.

Reviews

[Kevin Johnsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code Alpha gripped me from the very first chapter and never let go. The mix of military realism, political conspiracy, and psychological suspense is just masterfully done. I was fascinated—and a little disturbed—by the idea of a decades-old mind-control experiment resurfacing to threaten the President’s life. Lt. Brad O’Rourke is such a raw, layered character—his trauma, courage, and relentless drive make him unforgettable. The underwater scenes are vivid and claustrophobic, while the government intrigue feels chillingly believable. Carolyn Hodge is a total standout—sharp, grounded, and every bit Brad’s equal. Their chemistry adds a human pulse to the high-stakes action. Every twist left me reeling, especially as the story spirals toward its explosive climax. The pacing is pitch-perfect, with no wasted moments or filler. If you're looking for a thriller that blends heart, danger, and shocking realism—Code Alpha delivers it all.

[Kevin Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story pulled me in immediately with its haunting premise—an old, buried mind-control experiment rising from the ashes of war to ignite a modern-day political nightmare. I was absolutely hooked by the idea of Speaker of the House James Hingam being used as a pawn without even knowing it. Lt. Brad O’Rourke’s inner battle with PTSD and guilt added so much depth and weight to the story. His dive into a sunken wreck turns out to be the beginning of a deadly unraveling of secrets, and I couldn’t read fast enough. Carolyn Hodge is fierce, smart, and brings just the right balance to Brad’s haunted intensity. Their partnership crackles with tension, trust, and a growing connection that feels real. Every chapter is layered with suspense, twists, and a sense of urgency that never lets up. The conspiracy at the heart of the plot feels scarily plausible, which made it all the more compelling. Code Alpha is thrilling, thoughtful, and completely unforgettable—I can’t recommend it enough.

[Spce_man · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code Alpha is an absolutely thrilling concept! The combination of psychological intrigue, historical context, and high-stakes espionage is so compelling. The idea of a post-hypnotic suggestion planted in the mind of a war survivor like James Hingam, with the potential to unknowingly trigger an assassination, is such a unique and chilling twist. The psychological depth of Lt. Brad O’Rourke, tormented by his past while uncovering a sinister conspiracy, only adds to the intensity of the plot. It’s a brilliant mix of personal torment and political tension, and the way it builds suspense is truly masterful. This story has so much potential to captivate readers, weaving together a complex narrative that explores both the fragility of the human mind and the intricate webs of international intrigue. What an incredible!

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most? The stakes feel real. The North Korean threat isn’t just a backdrop—it’s an urgent, creeping danger that mirrors real-world tension. And the psychological angle, with post-hypnotic triggers lying dormant for decades, adds an eerie, almost sci-fi edge that made me question just how deep the rabbit hole goes.

This book is a pulse-pounding fusion of military realism, political drama, and emotional depth. Every chapter felt like peeling back another layer of a massive, high-stakes game where the players don’t even know they’re on the board.

Final Verdict:
💥 Code Alpha is a must-read for fans of Tom Clancy, Vince Flynn, or anyone who loves a tightly woven plot packed with action, suspense, and heart.
📘 5/5 stars – I couldn’t put it down. This one lingers in your mind long after the last page.

[Christopher Middletown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love reading stories like Code Alpha! The action, the suspense, and the deep exploration of the characters really pulled me in. It reminded me so much of my uncle, who served in the US military. His bravery and dedication to our nation were unmatched, and this story perfectly captures the spirit of true heroes. Lt. Brad O’Rourke’s struggle with his past and the haunting memories of war, along with the conspiracy they’re trying to unravel, had me hooked from start to finish. Thumbs up to this masterpiece—definitely worth sharing!

[Alona Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Code Alpha has a gripping premise with its mix of historical intrigue and psychological tension. While the concept of a mind-controlled politician and a government conspiracy is fascinating, the story feels predictable at times. The pacing slows in the middle, and the psychological depth could’ve been stronger. Despite these flaws, the characters and the action-packed plot make it a solid, though not groundbreaking, read. Worth your time if you enjoy thrillers, but don’t expect anything too unexpected. 👍🏻👍🏻

[Book Fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading books with this type of action! It really emphasizes the importance of strong leadership in a nation, especially in today's world. The story is gripping and intense, highlighting how vulnerable the world can be when leadership is compromised. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an action-packed, thought-provoking thriller that also addresses deeper, relevant issues.

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot of "Code Alpha" is a compelling exploration of the long-lasting effects of trauma and manipulation. It effectively intertwines the haunting memories of war with present-day political intrigue, illustrating how past atrocities can resurface in unexpected and dangerous ways. Kudos to the author! 👍🏻👍🏻

[Stefan · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚓ Action Meets Conspiracy in the Best Way
“If you're into Navy thrillers or anything military-heavy, this is for you. The underwater scenes? Incredible. You feel the pressure, the claustrophobia, the danger. Then you add in the government cover-ups, political sabotage, and the President’s life hanging in the balance? Unputdownable. One of the best military conspiracy books I've read in years.”

[Bonjour Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎬 "Reads Like a Blockbuster Thriller"-“This book needs to be a movie. It has everything—intense action, political drama, psychological warfare, emotional stakes. You can practically hear the dramatic soundtrack and see the red, white, and blue tension play out on screen. I was visualizing every scene like a Hollywood film.”

[Markus Helmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One of the Best Political Thrillers of the Decade"

“If you love The Manchurian Candidate, Jack Ryan, or anything from the Vince Flynn universe, then stop what you’re doing and read Code Alpha. It’s smart, tense, and incredibly relevant. The Cold War echoes, the modern geopolitical stakes, the psychological manipulation—it all adds up to something unforgettable.”

[Kirk John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just got a copy of "Code Alpha," and I’m so excited! The plot about a mind-altering experiment and a conspiracy to assassinate the President sounds thrilling. I can’t wait to dive into Brad O’Rourke’s story and see how everything unfolds. It looks like it’s going to be an amazing read!

[Thomas Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just got my copy of this book and I’m so excited! The story about a hidden conspiracy and a past experiment sounds super intriguing. I can’t wait to see how the characters handle the intense situation. It seems like a great mix of suspense and emotion, and I’m ready to dive in!

[Welmart Sander · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot about a secret conspiracy and a mind-altering experiment really catches my interest. I’m eager to see how the characters deal with the tension and danger. It sounds like an exciting read, and I can’t wait to start!

[Oliver Timberland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book is absolutely intense! The twists, the suspense, the mind-bending conspiracy—everything about Code Alpha had me hooked from the start. The way it connects the past to the present with that post-hypnotic suggestion inside Hingam is so chilling, and the stakes couldn’t be higher with the assassination of the President on the line. I’m on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next! I NEED to know how this story unfolds, especially with Brad O’Rourke and Agent Carolyn Hodge uncovering such a dangerous plot. I can’t wait for the next part—this can’t be the end! How will they stop this madness? Please tell me there’s more!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the heart of the story is Lt. Brad O’Rourke, a Navy diver tormented by his past. His struggle to escape the shadows of his experiences adds a poignant layer to the narrative. When he teams up with NCIS Agent Carolyn Hodge, their journey to uncover the conspiracy is fraught with tension and personal sacrifice. This powerful tale beautifully weaves themes of memory, trauma, and resilience, making it a must-read for fans. Love it 🙌🙌