Divide & Conquer in SSG: Spy/Spec-Ops Group

Jun 03, 2012 Steven Konkoly rated it it was amazing

Divide and Conquer grabbed my attention from the very beginning and continued to deliver non-stop action, intelligent twists and unparalleled conspiracy. Despite some well-placed and clever clues, I was blown away by the shocking “reveal” in the final scene. I was convinced that I had a complete handle on the full scope of the conspiracy driving the story, but it goes deeper. Way deeper.

Sean Fox, a dedicated covert operative, returns to the U.S. from a long stint fighting the Taliban in the mou Divide and Conquer grabbed my attention from the very beginning and continued to deliver non-stop action, intelligent twists and unparalleled conspiracy. Despite some well-placed and clever clues, I was blown away by the shocking “reveal” in the final scene. I was convinced that I had a complete handle on the full scope of the conspiracy driving the story, but it goes deeper. Way deeper.

Sean Fox, a dedicated covert operative, returns to the U.S. from a long stint fighting the Taliban in the mountains of Afghanistan. He’s focused on one thing. A permanent beach vacation. He’s through fighting, having served the CIA faithfully for years. There’s only one problem with his arrival. Sean Fox was killed three months ago by a ruthless Mexican cartel boss just south of the Texas border. Not only does his sudden rebirth confound customs officials and the FBI, his arrival triggers long forgotten alarms deep inside the most secretive intelligence agencies within the U.S. and Russia. What follows is an incredible journey, as Sean struggles to unravel his own mystery, while dodging skilled Spetznaz assassins and brutal Mexican cartel hit men.

Choosing the violent and shady world of Mexican drug cartels serves as a unique and refreshing background for a story based on Cold War conspiracy. All of the players are out of their usual element, with the exception of the drug cartel thugs. The back and forth action between Fox and the cartels is brilliant, culminating in an incredible showdown worthy of a screenplay. The focus gradually shifts from the immediate survival of Sean Fox and his “twin” brother’s family, to a Russian conspiracy that rivals anything I have previously read. As Sean Fox and his American brethren start to put the pieces together, the fear of renewed Cold War quickly surfaces. The truth is much more sinister and devastating.

Divide and Conquer is the second novel I’ve read by Murray McDonald. I look forward to reading his remaining offering, Critical Error, and eagerly await any future releases. It has been a pleasure to discover a refreshing new author in the techno thriller genre, and I would recommend this book to any thriller readers interested in well written, fast paced action.
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