The American Mission Audiobook By Matthew Palmer cover art

The American Mission

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The American Mission

By: Matthew Palmer
Narrated by: Erik Singer
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Global 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.

©2014 Matthew Palmer (P)2014 Penguin Audio Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Political Spies & Politics Suspense Thriller & Suspense War & Military Espionage Africa Military

Critic reviews

"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, number one New York Times best-selling author)

"A thriller of great integrity and intelligence.... I highly recommend it." (Douglas Preston, number one New York Times best-selling 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, number one New York Times best-selling author of Live to See Tomorrow)
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Would you consider the audio edition of The American Mission to be better than the print version?

Can't comment: Have not seen/read the print version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Hammer of God: smart, colorful, perceptive, caring and a bit eccentric

What about Erik Singer’s performance did you like?

Very good voices for different characters; great accents, diction, intonations and pronunciations for the different languages

Become informed AND Entertained

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I’ve read few novels set in Africa and I felt that the author did a great job of putting together a very engaging story in a beautiful and enigmatic land, offering a view into an oft forgotten part of the world.

Thoughtful and insightful look at diplomacy

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Not sure what I saw in this book. It wasn't the story I expected and it felt a little preachy at times. I didn't like the characters, and by the time the third act rolled around, I just didn't care anymore. This is the rare book that I couldn't finish.

I just didn't care about this story

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