Nick Mason's unwritten contract with imprisoned crime lord Darius Cole secured Nick's freedom from a 20-year prison sentence in exchange for doing whatever Cole asks him to do -- -- no matter what, 24/7.

At the time of his release, Nick had no idea what his new life would be like. It didn't take long for it to become quite clear. And he knows there is no going back. Nick lives in Cole's sumptuous townhouse with Cole's reluctant mistress under constant surveillance and drives Cole's fancy cars, while Quintero is Nick's perpetual handler. And Nick is being harassed by Chicago Detective Frank Sandoval, who has nothing left in his life except to expose Nick's criminal connection to Cole. But can Nick do something to improve his situation? Is there any way he can devise a strategy to get out of this bizarre situation he's ex experiencing without jeopardizing the lives of everyone he lo loves?

With Darius Cole set for consideration of a retrial, all the earlier witnesses against him must die. As one kill leads to another, Nick is more determined than ever to escape, so he gambles everything by making a deal with a madman. Sean Burke, the assassin who came before Nick, has gone rogue and is now hunting for Nick. With the tables turned and Nick now the prey, everything he hoped for is in extreme danger. When he realizes that everything he believed is a lie, he fears there is no way out. He has no idea just how bad things will get until he learns that Cole may not be the only one pulling all the strings involving Nick's life.

EXIT STRATEGY is the second action-packed adventure in Steve Hamilton's chillingly brilliant Nick Mason saga. With an uncanny ability at scripting totally absorbing and suspenseful plotlines, Hamilton has outdone himself with Nick Mason, an unusual anti-hero I cannot help but root for as he struggles with his conscience and his pride. His fierce love for his daughter, and her protection, is the driving force behind everything Nick strives to accomplish. With a cast of cunningly conceived characters, an edgy and complex plot, and compelling narrative, along with some unforeseen elements, EXIT STRATEGY is a first-rate thriller. While I knew Nick wasn't going to find a way out, I did not anticipate how terrible it would be for him. I cannot wait to see what Steve Hamilton has in store for Nick Mason the next time.