The Phalanx Dragon

Rizzi's newest military thriller finds Major General ``Duke'' James, stalwart hero of the author's Nightstalker and Strike of the Cobra, immersed in a dire Iranian-American conflict. When an advanced American cruise missile goes astray and lands in Iranian territory, Iranian engineers seize the opportunity to duplicate it for their own use. Fanatical military and government leaders attempt to ignite the patriotism of their countrymen by attacking American interests, beginning with the bombardment of U.S.-escorted oil tankers. The government officials of both powers bicker among themselves-and one especially bull-headed Navy admiral makes life difficult for the warriors. Aiding James's exploits are a brilliant Iranian woman engineer and the ``humint'' (intelligence data gathered by a person) produced by crafty agent Mark Collins. Though elaborate explanations for the various pieces of military equipment become somewhat intrusive, Rizzi's credible scenario and action-filled pace once again carry the day. (Sept.)