CHÂTELET

In this thriller sequel, a Secret Service agent chases a homicidal terrorist plotting global cyberattacks against nuclear power plants.

Izzy Stone’s trip to the beautiful city of Paris is “a matter of national security.” The Secret Service agent’s mysterious friend Victor believes terrorist attacks in the United States and France are imminent, and he’ll only give the details to Izzy. But Victor, who lives in Paris’ catacombs, offers mere possibilities: North Korea may be planning the attacks, which likely involve Lalo, a wanted terrorist whose real identity is unknown. The man with all the actual specifics is already dead; in fact, Izzy was riding the metro when someone gunned him down—a murder that no one witnessed. Apparently, a killer targets anyone with information on the impending strike, which includes someone close to Izzy. Convinced Lalo is the culprit, Izzy races to track him down, a pursuit that takes her back to America. He’s not only dangerous, but an elusive master of disguises as well. Meanwhile, a hacker infiltrates nuclear power plants in Georgia. As this is surely a precursor to full-scale cyberattacks, thousands are at risk of catastrophic radiation. Aragon’s gripping story moves at a steady clip, keeping the capable hero on her toes. It’s moreover delightfully complex, at least for a time; tied to the diabolical plot is a mysterious Russian woman covertly working for rival agencies. Action scenes pop: “Izzy withdrew her Sig Sauer and chambered a round, moving fast and low, eyes sweeping left and right.” While Izzy is certainly shrewd, readers may question why she hoards so much intelligence (for example, a known terrorist possibly on American soil). Nevertheless, she’s endlessly intriguing, like her romantic entanglements with both the U.S. president (whom she’s saved more than once) and an MI6 agent. The indelible denouement leaves a lasting impression.

A superb protagonist headlines this brisk, riveting espionage tale.