The Third Option

Vince Flynn

Nov 2001 · A Mitch Rapp Novel Book 4 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this eBook

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of American Assassin comes a pulse-pounding thriller that “is an old school spy story…updated with heavy helpings of international intrigue and domestic politicking and betrayal” (Library Journal) and puts CIA agent Mitch Rapp in the crosshairs of an enemy even he did not anticipate.

When diplomacy fails and military intervention is inappropriate, our leaders sometimes take a third option and Mitch Rapp has been assigned just such an “unofficial” task—targeting a German industrialist who is supplying a notorious terror sponsor.

But when the mission is dangerously compromised, Rapp realizes he’s been deemed an expendable asset in a power struggle on home turf: the battle over who will become the successor of the dying CIA director. But no one counted on Mitch Rapp’s return…or how far he’ll go to find out who set him up.

An explosive thriller that is ripped from the headlines, The Third Option proves that “in the world of black-ops thrillers, Mitch Rapp remains the gold standard” (Booklist, starred review of Red War).

Ratings and reviews

One of the great joys of a book reader is finding an author you like who already has written a lot of books and is also prolific. Vince Flynn was such a discovery for me in late 2008. Third Option is the third book that Mr. Flynn has written. The books all fall in the same universe so I recommend for continuity sake that you start Term Limits and Transfer of Power. Third Option is a fun read. The characters continue to be strong with the development of Mitch Rapp coming to the fore. These stories all flow quickly, with strong dialogue and good action. I would rate Mr. Flynn slightly behind WEB Griffin in dialogue but far ahead of him in action. The book suffers in that it is a middle book. By the last 50 pages it becomes apparent that you are being set up for the next book. This isn't a problem though because the next book, Separation of Power, is waiting to be read.

I'm not much of a fiction reader, but this series captures my attention. It has enough non-fiction references to make it realistic. Vince Flynn really knew how to write. Great action and character development throughout the series. The details written allow me to completely picture the scenes in my mind like I'm watching a movie. Each chapter and book has cliff hangers that make it almost impossible to put the book down.

I agree, not as action-packed. However, I was ready for less blood and guts. Aside from a few unplausible dialogues, it was a winner.

About the author

#1 New York Times bestselling author Vince Flynn (1966–2013) created one of contemporary fiction’s most popular heroes: CIA counterterrorist agent Mitch Rapp, featured in thirteen of Flynn’s acclaimed political thrillers. All of his novels are New York Times bestsellers, including his stand-alone debut novel, Term Limits.