Pulse: A National Security Thriller

Recent diplomatic events have overtaken Cook’s unconvincing third thriller featuring Alejandro Mohammed “Alex” Cuchulain (after 2013’s Patriot and Assassin). In a post-Obama near future, America is still negotiating with Iran, offering to end economic sanctions in exchange for a halt to its nuclear weapons program. Even though Alex is a “notorious killer who happens to be an Arab sheikh but the son of an American hero,” the U.S. president is relying on Alex, an accomplished CIA special operative, to infiltrate Iran in the midst of an attack aimed at destroying its nuclear arsenal. Once in place, Alex is supposed to facilitate the introduction of a new, pro-American government. On top of that implausible plot line, Cook adds details that don’t ring true. For example, the Iranian leaders draft a press release with the subject line: “Annihilation of Israel Infrastructure.” Those who agree with the foreign policies of Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfield will appreciate the upbeat ending. (Jan.)