Imminent Threat

At the start of Gunhus’s serviceable sequel to 2019’s Silent Threat, ruthless Jacobslav Scarvan, “a legend in the KGB,” is targeted by Viktor Belchik, another “legend in the KGB,” who’s working with CIA agent James Hawthorn, a “legend among operatives,” and marksman Scott Roberts. About a decade after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Scarvan’s enemies ambush him aboard a trawler in the Aegean Sea, but during the ensuing fracas, Scarvan jumps overboard and is presumed dead. In fact, he washes ashore on a Greek island, where he’s cared for by Father Spiros. During Scarvan’s 20 years in Spiros’s religious community, he finds God, the Old Testament version. At age 71, Scarvan leaves the island, bent on taking revenge on the men who tried to kill him. Fortunately, Roberts—also in his 70s—is still spry, and he has his kick-butt daughter, CIA operative Mara, at his side. Readers should be prepared for simple plotting and stock characters. Those seeking straightforward escapist fare will be rewarded. [em]Agent: Sarah Hershmann, Sarah Hershman Rights Management. (Dec.) [/em]