The Arctic Event

James H. Cobb
Hachette Audio (2007)
ISBN 9781594836541
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/07)


 “The Artic Event” is part of the Covert One Series that was created by Robert Ludlum.  This novel, written by James H. Cobb, is a fast-paced, suspense-filled, espionage thriller.  It takes place on a frozen island in the Canadian Artic.  The plot actually begins over fifty years ago when a Soviet bomber mysteriously crash lands on the island.  It was carrying a biological weapon that consisted of four thousand pounds of anthrax.  For some reason, Russia never attempted to rescue the crew or the plane and its cargo.  The reason that the plane had been in the area seems very suspicious, especially since it was during the Cold War.  The Russian’s claim it to have been on a training mission gone awry.

The Covert One team is sent to the island to see that the anthrax is contained and to investigate what really happened.  When they arrive, they discover that not only are the Russians trying to cover something up, but another group is trying to gain control of the anthrax.  The team’s lives are in danger.  Rushing against time with two groups out to kill them, and incredibly cold weather, they have to rely on their wits and their special training to survive and to save thousands of lives.

I was immediately drawn into the novel.  It was very fast-paced all the way through.  I had goose bumps the whole time I was reading it. Being that it is about 110 degrees where I live, Cobb was really able to make me feel like I was on that frozen island.  The characters are very well-developed and I was thrilled that there were two, not just one, women on the team.  Cobb takes you into their minds and lets you know how they think and how they have to rely on their inner strength and disciplined training to make it through alive.  The leader of the team, Lieutenant Colonel Jon Smith, has an incredible sense of integrity that hugely factors into the story.

“The Arctic Event” is perfect for fans of espionage thrillers.  Both men and women will find themselves immediately hooked and unable to put the book down.  Ludlum fans will not be disappointed in the seventh novel of this series.  If you have not read any of James H. Cobb’s novels before, you will be thrilled to discover him.  

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