The Bin Laden Plot

Campbell’s normally kinetic Trident Deception series slows down for this leisurely seventh entry (after Deep Strike) about deadly treason within American ranks. The U.S.S. Stethem is cruising the Persian Gulf when a torpedo strike sends it to the bottom. In Washington, D.C., newly appointed CIA director Christine O’Connor is meeting with the president when Navy Secretary Brenda Verbeck reports that the Stethem was likely sunk by one of America’s own unmanned underwater vehicles, or UUVs, gone rogue. Because the UUV in question is still on the loose and equipped with another torpedo, Verbeck suggests sending the U.S.S. Michigan, a submarine commanded by Capt. Murry Wilson, to hunt it down and destroy it. Then one of the key U.S.S. Michigan personnel is murdered by ex-Navy SEAL Lonnie Mixell, who­—it’s quickly revealed—was hired by Secretary Verbeck to do the job. O’Connor taps former CIA agent Jake Harrison to hunt Mixell, and he discovers the assassin has been sent to target the SEALs who killed Bin Laden. But why? While Campbell delivers some satisfying action, he spends too much time linking the various pasts of his two-dimensional characters, and reader mileage may vary on the final reveal. This feels like deck clearing—series fans will hope the next adventure is full steam ahead. Agent: John Talbot, John Talbot Agency. (Apr.)