The Protector - Hardcover

Morrell, David

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0446530689 ISBN 13: 9780446530682

Publisher: Warner Books, 2003

Synopsis

Cavanaugh, a former member of Delta Force who now works as a protector for those rich enough to afford him and his team, is hired by a brilliant scientist named Prescott who needs protection from a powerful drug lord seeking the highly addictive drug he has invented. At least that is what Cavanaugh is led to believe. After Cavanaugh trains the scientist in escape and evasion, the unthinkable occurs: Cava-naugh's team is viciously attacked and entirely wiped out-and Prescott seems to be in collusion with the attackers. Now Cavanaugh must fight against his own tactics and anticipate his enemy's every move while suffering the consequences of the real secret Prescott is hiding: a unique weapon that induces fear.

About this title

About the Author

David Morrell lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Reviews

"Packed with state-of-the-art tradecraft relating to escape and evasion, car-fighting, mind control, and sophisticated weaponry," crows the galley copy for this latest thriller by the author of numerous brawny tales from First Blood to Long Lost, "[the book]... takes its place alongside the most innovative thrillers ever written." Well, not really. Innovative this tale of a professional "protector" is not, but the "tradecraft" that Morrell apparently researched in person and reveals here in fiction for the first time makes the novel a groovy bet for armchair tough guys. The plot is standard: Protector Cavanaugh (who uses that one-name pseudonym as camouflage) and his company are hired by scientist Daniel Prescott, purportedly to help him escape from a drug gang that is after the perfectly addictive substance Prescott claims he's created while searching for a cure to addiction. But Prescott is not quite what he seems, and soon he and Cavanaugh, plus some vicious shadowy federal operatives, as well as the FBI, are involved in the sort of cat-and-mouse, stalk-and-attack at which Morrell excels, with the life of Cavanaugh's wife hanging in the balance and upping the suspense ante considerably. As one would expect from a veteran pro like Morrell, there are plenty of twists, several impressive action set pieces and a narrative that speeds like the souped-up Taurus (combining power and anonymity) that Cavanaugh likes to drive. Most notable, though, is the advertised "tradecraft"-from clever ways to modify one's ammo and armor to the very best method of taking out a car you're chasing (strike a rear fender corner with the opposite front corner of your car). Readers should keep in mind that these stunts are performed in the novel by trained professionals and are not to be attempted at home.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Cavanaugh, former Delta Force ranger and now a security specialist for Global Protective Services, is directed to rescue Daniel Prescott, a cutting-edge biochemist and the accidental engineer of a breakthrough chemical weapon for the U.S. Defense Department. His compound is so potentially devastating that the DOD shuts the project down, but not before word of its existence leaks to the wrong sources. Cavanaugh successfully extracts Prescott from his New York hideout, but shortly thereafter an assault team snatches him back, killing all the Global operatives except Cavanaugh. Isolated from his support team, Cavanaugh embarks on a mission of revenge and personal redemption. Rambo-creator Morrell is the Sam Peckinpah of literary violence. Bodies drop, buildings burn, choppers roar, and fists fly, all in prose that borders the lyrical. The story unfolds quickly, accelerates to warp speed, and hurtles on to a stunning climax. And amazingly, in the midst of all the mayhem, Morrell draws more than a few complex characters imbued with layered motives and capable of intelligent dialogue. A wonderfully entertaining action adventure. Wes Lukowsky
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Warner Books
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0446530689
• ISBN 13: 9780446530682
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 416