Close Quarters (A Marc Portman Thriller, 2)

The title is right, this is a real thriller. The action takes places on many levels surrounding the escape of an American diplomat from war-torn Ukraine, with the help of a CIA contractor. While they run into problems with the Russian mafia and separatist militias, the biggest problems are in Washington DC, where a conniving Senator sabotages their efforts in hopes of making money for himself and his co-conspirators. The characters are described in depth and come across as real people.. The action is continuous in both DC and Ukraine. The ending is unexpected but satisfying. I recommend this book for a good read.

“Close Quarters” take place in Washington DC and the Ukraine.

Marc Portman (codename: Watchman) protects people in foreign countries who get into trouble with the local authorities. Arash Bagheri, a low ranking US State Department Official is abducted while in the Ukraine and Watchman is hired by the CIA to find, protect and safely extract him. Easy-peasy…right? Not so, because the Ukraine is on the verge of a civil war. From the get-go Watchman realizes this is not going to be easy because there isn’t anyone he can trust…not even the US officials because this has the ear-mark of a set-up from the top brass…but just how high does it go and why?

“Close Quarters” is definitely a nail-biting thriller guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat, holding your breath. As the events unfold, this story has more twists and turns than a cork screw. With each twist and turn Watchman is faced with a new enemy from the Ukrainian Special Forces to Russians, snipers and power crazy police. Even someone in the US doesn’t want him to get to Moldova and the extraction point.

My biggest disappointment was it ended to soon. I couldn’t put it down and it left me wanting more. This is the first work I have read by Mr. Magson and I am looking forward to reading more of his work. In my opinion it is a thriller must read. It is however for the adult as it has at times graphic content.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, Severn House Publishers, through Net Galley, blogger program for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.

'Close Quarters' is the second Marc Portman thriller. I haven't read ' The Watchman', the first book featuring this character but there is enough background in this story to make it enjoyable as a standalone read.

The setting and political climate is contemporary and relevant. Told from Marc Portman's point of view, in a PI style, Marc Portman is likeable and realistic. Unlike many novels of its ilk, 'Close Quarters' is not overly graphic in terms of violence. The story still portrays the menace and violence of the circumstances Portman experiences, which evidences quality writing.

The political conspiracy theme in the novel is not new but Portman's role as a close protection expert, rather than a member of the special services, offers enough original insight to make it worth reading. The supporting characters and antagonists are complex characters and allow the reader glimpses into the conspiracy and the danger Portman faces, whilst he remains in ignorance, creating powerful dramatic irony.

This is an easy to read, well paced story with strong characters. I am intrigued enough to read more of this author's stories.
I received a copy of this book from Severn House Publishers via NetGalley in return for an honest review.