The mission is simple … get in, get the memory stick and get out. Marc Portman, code name “Watchman,” is called in at the last minute on this op, but little preparation had been needed. Good thing he picked up a gun after he landed, as it is now coming in handy. Marc knows something is wrong when the first shot at him comes too close for comfort. He can’t see the shooter, but he knows he’s higher than Marc. This isn’t Marc’s first rodeo, and he has the tactical experience to know what to do.

After taking out this shooter and another who is waiting close to his vehicle, Marc learns that his contact is not coming with the memory stick. He’s told by his CIA handler to meet a contact person in town, and she will get him out of the country. The meet-up goes well, but getting out of the country is a little trickier. Marc and this MI6 Field Operative are attacked again. As a matter of fact, from the time they leave Lebanon, fly to Cyprus, then Germany and on to Paris, it seems that whoever is after Marc, knows his every move and exactly where he is going. He’s attacked at each destination, but prevails by taking his assailants out. Can Marc return home safely and can they find the person responsible for these attacks?

A HOSTILE STATE is Adrian Magson’s fifth book in his Marc Portman thriller series. Marc is a “contract” operative who is used by the CIA and other intelligence groups for hostage rescue and other dangerous missions around the world. An alphabet soup of government organizations are involved: US, Russian and British. Marc is quite resilient and a very resourceful character. The supporting characters, other than the bad guys, are a mixed bag of government officials, some with questionable motives. The storyline is filled with secrecy, intrigue, espionage and intelligence-led operations that lead to an unusual conclusion for this strong main character. Marc’s identity may have been compromised … will we see more adventures from him? I certainly hope so, as I’ve always loved Mr. Magson’s character’s thrilling escapades in all his novels. Don’t miss this one!