Title: Crossfire
Author: Andy McNab
First published January 1, 2007
372 pages, ebook
Rating: 4.01
Overview
When former deniable operator Nick Stone finds himself caught in the middle of an insurgent attack in war-torn Basra, he is saved by the quick actions of a reporter. But when the reporter disappears without a trace, Stone is recruited by the Intelligence Service to find him.
The search takes him on a dangerous journey from Iraq to London, Dublin, and Kabul where he faces the collision of governments, terrorism, and big business. As the hunter becomes the hunted, Stone must fight to stay alive and uncover the truth.
McNab delivers another heart-pounding thriller that is authentic to the core.
About the Author
Andy McNab enlisted in the infantry as a young boy in 1976. Eight years later, he was accepted into the 22 SAS Regiment, where he served for a decade.
During his time with B Squadron 22 SAS, he participated in various special operations across the globe, including counter-terrorist and anti-drug missions in regions such as the Middle and Far East, Central and South America, and Northern Ireland.
McNab received extensive training in counter terrorism, prime target elimination, demolitions, weapons and tactics, covert surveillance and information gathering in hostile environments, and VIP protection. He worked alongside police forces, prison services, anti-drug forces, western-backed guerrilla movements, and conventional special operations.
In Northern Ireland, he worked undercover with the 14th Intelligence Group for two years before becoming an instructor.
Additionally, McNab was a member of the SAS selection and training team, where he served as an instructor for foreign special forces in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and survival training.
McNab has written two bestselling books about his experiences in the SAS. Bravo Two Zero, published in 1993, is the highest-selling war book of all time in the UK, with over 1.7 million copies sold.
It has been translated into 16 languages and published in 17 countries. The audiobook version, narrated by McNab, sold over 60,000 copies, earning a silver disc.
The BBC adapted it into a film starring Sean Bean, which aired on primetime BBC 1 television in 1999 and was later released on DVD in 2000.
In 1995, McNab released his autobiography, Immediate Action, which spent 18 weeks at the top of the UK bestseller lists. It has sold over 1.4 million copies to date.
McNab is also the author of seven fast-paced, action-packed thrillers, all of which have been Sunday Times bestsellers. His books are known for their authenticity, drawing heavily on his knowledge and experiences in Special Forces soldiering.
He has been registered by Nielsen Bookscan as the bestselling British thriller writer of the past year.
Editoral Review
Crossfire by Andy McNab is a heart-pounding thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. McNab, a former SAS soldier and bestselling author, brings his expertise and experience to his writing, creating a realistic world full of danger and intrigue.
Set in war-torn Iraq, Crossfire follows the story of Nick Stone, a former British intelligence officer turned private contractor, who is tasked with securing a group of oil company executives in the middle of a hostile territory. But when the convoy is ambushed, Stone finds himself plunged into a deadly game of survival, with enemies both inside and outside the walls of his safehouse.
McNab expertly builds tension and suspense, with each chapter packing a punch and leaving readers breathless. The action scenes are expertly choreographed and vividly described, immersing readers in the chaos and confusion of battle.
But where Crossfire truly shines is in its character development. Stone is a complex and deeply flawed protagonist, haunted by his past and struggling to come to terms with the often brutal reality of his job.
The supporting cast are equally complex and fully realized, each with their own motivations, fears, and desires. McNab also doesn’t shy away from exploring the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise in a warzone, making Crossfire more than just a pulse-pounding action thriller.
Through Stone’s experiences, the book raises important questions about the nature of conflict, the cost of violence, and the role of individuals in shaping the world around them. The writing in Crossfire is sharp and concise, with McNab’s experience as a soldier lending an authenticity and credibility to the story.
The pacing is spot-on, with each scene building upon the last and propelling the story forward. However, the book is not without its flaws.
Some readers may find the violence and brutality depicted in the book difficult to stomach, and others may take issue with the political implications of the story. Additionally, some of the plot twists and reveals may feel predictable or contrived.
Overall, Crossfire is a must-read for fans of military thrillers and action-packed adventure. It’s a gripping and thought-provoking look at the realities of war, and an expertly crafted tale of survival in the face of danger.
McNab’s experience and expertise shine through on every page, making for a thrilling and unforgettable reading experience. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.