Silent thunder

Review by Booklist Review

The cold war heats up again in Johansen's latest thriller, when marine architect Hannah Bryson's brother, Connor, is killed in an explosion aboard a decommissioned Russian submarine they're preparing for a nautical museum exhibit. Although the U.S. government official appointed to handle the investigation wants Hannah to believe Connor's death was accidental, Hannah thinks otherwise. Just minutes before he died, Connor discovered cryptic symbols etched into metal panels hidden deep within Silent Thunder, and Hannah knows that if she's ever to learn the truth about her brother's murder, she'll have to solve the code's mystery. Doing so, however, involves her in a protracted feud between two Russian operatives, Kirov and Pavski, who have a blatant disregard for human life when their missions are threatened. It's clearly a case of not knowing who one's friends or enemies are, as Hannah has to decide if Kirov's deep-seated hatred of Pavski equals her own need for revenge. Though the inherent distrust of all things related to Russia and its military complex has long been a staple of the international thriller genre and, as such, runs the risk of appearing trite and stale Johansen's collaboration with her crime-novelist son imbues their saga with muscular characters and a brisk immediacy that keep it gripping and relevant.--Haggas, Carol Copyright 2008 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.

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Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

The talented Johansens--mother and son, teamed for the first time--offer a rousing adventure that follows marine architect Hannah Bryson as she struggles to uncover a terrorist threat aboard a nuclear submarine, all in the name of tourism, of course. Though the plot is far-fetched, this thriller is read with passion and vigor by Jennifer Van Dyck. Her voice is steeped in mystery, creating an absolutely stirring and brooding atmosphere. Van Dyck's characters are each as original and thoughtfully crafted, her wide-ranging dialects ring true and bring an air of authenticity. Van Dyck's passionate reading serves the story well, drawing listeners into the tale from the opening paragraph. A St. Martin's hardcover (Reviews, May 12). (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

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Review by Library Journal Review

The brother of marine architect Hannah Bryson is helping her ready a Russian nuclear sub for display in America when he discovers something unusual on board-and is promptly murdered. From best seller Iris and her Edgar Award-winning son. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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PROLOGUE HELSINKI SEPTEMBER 21 Kirov! No, it couldn't be Kirov, Jennings thought frantically, as he ran down the dock. Kirov was dead. Pavski had given him his word that the stories were all lies. He'd laughed and said that a ghost couldn't kill. And the person behind him was no ghost. It didn't have to be Kirov. Jennings had made a lot of enemies in his life, and any one of them might be the man behind him. But there was no one behind him now. A quick glance behind him revealed an empty dock. His heart slowed as he drew a deep, relieved breath. He'd lost him. Maybe it had only been a thief. Yes, that was it. It was a lousy section of town, and the man had just targeted his wallet. Not his life. He shouldn't have panicked. But after he'd heard about Lantz's death, his nerves had been on edge. He'd be glad to be done with this business. His pace slowed as he approached the pier where the sub was moored. The Silent Thunder lay still and lethal as if crouching, waiting for prey, waiting to take another life. Prey. He tried to suppress the shiver that went through him. He only had to get on the sub and do what Pavski had asked him to do. Nothing was going to happen. It was no more a death ship than Kirov was a ghost. But, God, he didn't want to go on that sub, he thought desperately as he reached the end of the block. He should have never listened to Pavski and stayed undercover. No amount of money was worth this-- A leather noose slipped around his neck from behind! Pain. He struggled wildly to turn his head to see the man who had stepped out of the shadows. He only had an impression of height and broad shoulders as he started to black out. He couldn't breathe... The garrote tightened around his neck. The sub... He could see the Silent Thunder before him, patiently waiting, ready to take him to hell as it had all the others. His vision was fading, and he could see nothing but that monster of a sub. He was going to die, he realized incredulously. No! He struggled harder. "Stop it." The order was a soft murmur in his ear. "I don't want to kill you yet. They say you might still be useful." Kirov. My God. Damn you, Pavski. Lies. Lies. Lies. Kill the bastard. His hand closed on the knife holstered on his left arm. "Well, actually I do want to kill you now," Kirov said. "Thank you for giving me the excuse." He twisted the garrote, jerked backward, and broke his victim's neck. Excerpted from Silent Thunder by Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen Copyright (c) 2008 by Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen Published in 2008 by St. Martin's Press All rights reserved. This work is protected under copyright laws and reproduction is strictly prohibited. Permission to reproduce the material in any manner or medium must be secured from the Publisher Excerpted from Silent Thunder by Iris Johansen, Roy Johansen All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.

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