The Natanz Directive: A Jake Conlan Thriller

A special operation to infiltrate Iran’s main nuclear facility at Natanz brings 25-year CIA vet Jake Conlan out of retirement in this timely thriller from former intelligence professional Simmons and coauthor Graham (The Fire Theft). After traveling undercover through Europe, Conlan parachutes into the countryside outside Tehran, and begins making contact with opposition leaders—and one old romantic flame—who help him reach the underground bomb factory. Once there, Conlan makes a code red discovery: the Iranians not only have 21 long-range nuclear missiles but they’re set to launch in three days at targets in Israel and several major European cities. Throughout, Graham’s prose and plotting matches his hero’s ways—brisk and no-nonsense—and Simmons’s contribution pays off in credible detail. Of particular note are the fine descriptions of Tehran and its people. Agent: Peter Rubie, FinePrint Literary Management. (Sept.)