The Trident Deception: A Novel

Rick Campbell

Mar 2014 · Trident Deception Series Book 1 · Sold by St. Martin's Press

About this ebook

"The best submarine novel since Tom Clancy's The Hunt for Red October." —Booklist (starred review)

The USS Kentucky—a Trident ballistic missile submarine carrying a full complement of 192 nuclear warheads—is about to go on a routine patrol. Not long after it reaches the open sea, however, the Kentucky receives a launch order. After receiving that launch order, it is cut off from all counter-orders and disappears into the Pacific while it makes the eight-day transit to the launch site. What the Kentucky's crew doesn't know is that those launch orders haven't actually come from the U.S. government.

Rogue elements within the Mossad have learned that Iran has developed its first nuclear weapon and, in ten days, will detonate it—and the target is Israel. The suspected weapon complex is too far underground for conventional weapons to harm it, and the only choice is a pre-emptive nuclear strike. With limited time, this rogue group initiates a long-planned operation called the Trident Deception. They'll transmit false orders and use a U.S. nuclear submarine to launch the attack.

In this thriller from Rick Campbell, with only 8 days before the Kentucky is in launch range and with the submarine cut off from any outside communication, one senior officer, the father of one of the officers aboard the submarine, must assemble and lead a team of attack submarines to find, intercept and neutralize the Kentucky before it can unknowingly unleash a devastating nuclear attack.

Ratings and reviews

I couldn't finish this book. Every character has had some sort of epic tragedy attached to them. EVERY single one. It seemed a little hokey. It just got less believable the deeper I went. Hardly in the vein of Clancy.

I like the premise of the book and was a quick read. Had several late nights because I couldn't put it down. If you enjoy realistic military fiction you will enjoy this book.

technothriller, suspense, political-intrigue, military The initial setup was a bit mystifying, partly because of the preponderance of background characters, but always necessary. The continuing characters are clearly presented and compelling, each in their own way. The plot moves along swiftly and the suspense just keeps on adding up! No sense in doing a recap as the publisher's blurb is a good teaser, and other reviewers have done it to death. Bottom line is that this is an intense read probably aimed at a particular kind of geek but totally engrossing to any thrill junkie (hand in air here). Yes, it is hardly first in series and might bother some readers, but they'd probably complain about Cussler, too. Personally, I loved it and will read others by this author soon. I requested and received a free ARC from St Martin's Press.

About the author

RICK CAMPBELL, a retired Navy Commander, spent more than twenty-five years on multiple submarine tours, finishing his career with tours with the Naval Operations staff in the Pentagon and in the Washington Navy Yard. On his last tour, he was one of the two men whose permission is required to launch the submarine's nuclear warhead-tipped missiles. Rick lives with his wife and three children in the greater Washington, D.C. area, and is finishing the sequel to The Trident Deception.