The American Mission, Matthew Palmer
The American Mission, Matthew Palmer
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The American Mission

Author: Matthew Palmer

Narrator: Erik Singer

Unabridged: 12 hr 58 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Published: 06/26/2014

Synopsis

“There's the mission the public knows, and the mission we'll never see.  Matthew Palmer knows both, which is what makes The American Mission crackle with complexity and authenticity.  What a debut.”—Brad Meltzer, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Fifth AssassinGlobal headlines come to life as intrigue and international politics collide in the Congo in this electrifying debut thriller from Matthew Palmer.

After a devastating experience in Darfur strips Alex Baines, former rising star of the State Department, of his security clearances, he is faced with two choices: spend the rest of his career in visa-stamping limbo or move to the private sector. On the verge of resigning, he receives a call from his old mentor with an incredible opportunity to start over, restoring both his security clearances and his reputation.

The job isn’t quite what Alex imagined it to be when he finds a shady U.S.-based mining company everywhere he turns.

As violence in the political climate escalates, Alex struggles to balance the best interests of the United States with the fate of the Congo and its people. His loyalties are put to the test as he races to determine the right course of action. 

About The Author

Matthew Palmer is a twenty-year veteran of the U.S. Foreign Service, currently serving as political counselor at the American Embassy in Belgrade. A life member of the Council of Foreign Relations, Palmer has worked as a diplomat all over the world. While on the secretary of state’s policy planning staff, Palmer helped design and implement the Kimberly Process for certifying African diamonds as “conflict-free.” It was this experience in Africa that served as that foundation for The American Mission. 

Reviews

Goodreads review by Kathleen on May 29, 2014

The beginning chapter of The American Mission begins with a deadly raid on a refugee camp in the Sudan. American Foreign Service Officer (FSO) Alex Baines escapes, but the fallout ruins his career and changes his life. An ambassador in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and lifelong friend, calls Ale......more

Goodreads review by Mark on July 05, 2015

Matthew Palmer's debut novel felt like two stories in one - the beginning was a slow building political thriller, the final third a fast paced action saga. I disagree with other reviewers who felt the book was "perfect for eighth graders" but I mean, it's a political thriller in paperback - it's per......more

Goodreads review by Jill on July 01, 2014

If you have read anything about the history of the Congo (such as the horrific but excellent and unforgettable account by Adam Hochschild, King Leopold’s Ghost), you know that this region’s sad legacy of violence and exploitation is a reflection both of its holdings of a wealth of natural resources......more

Goodreads review by Mal on October 14, 2020

At times it seems that Africa is at war with itself. The list of border conflicts, civil wars, insurrections, and terrorist attacks in recent decades seems endless. They’re too numerous to mention, but three stand out for their scope and ferocity: the Rwanda genocide, Darfur, and the unending wars i......more

Goodreads review by Edward Gregory on October 21, 2014

Ok first effort. The level of detail is exhausting. I learned a lot about the Congo and state department operations in Africa and mining as well. I don't need 4 lines to tell me how a satellite phone call works. But the novel has no suspense. It just travels along at the same pace. Overall disappoin......more

Quotes

“There’s the mission the public knows, and the mission we’ll never see. Matthew Palmer knows both, which is what makes this novel crackle with complexity and authority. What a debut.”—Brad Meltzer, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“A thriller of great integrity and intelligence…I highly recommend it.”—Douglas Preston, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“The American Mission is one of those wonderful novels, where great storytelling is woven through with the intricate detail only a knowledgeable insider can supply. I loved it!”—Iris Johansen, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Live to See Tomorrow

“Superb!...With The American Mission, Palmer joins the exalted ranks of Follett, Forsythe, and Clancy.”—Tess Gerritsen, International Bestselling Author

“Reminiscent of Graham Greene, Mr. Palmer is far better than John le Carre. This is the sort of book you don’t want to end.”—Gayle Lynds, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Spies

 

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