Mitch Rapp 23
My version: Hardback
Genre: Fiction, Thriller, Terrorism
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
First published: 2024
ISBN: 978-1-3985-3299-1
Pages: 447
Bought
From the cover:
“As war looms in the Middle East, ony Mitch Rapp can deliver truth and justice.
2011. On a remote mountaintop overlooking the remains of the Iranian nuclear weapons programme, Azad Ashani witnesses a Quds Force demonstration of a capability meant to upend America’s war in the Middle East. Ashani, director of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security and Irene Kennedy’s former back channel to the Iranian government, recognises the demonstration’s true significance and the nation-ending conflict it will provoke.
In Washington DC, CIA Director Kennedy briefs the president that the operational window to kill or capture Osama bin Laden is rapidly closing. But before he’ll authorise a commando raid on Pakistani soil, the president demands irrefutable proof of bin Laden’s presence.
Proof he trusts just one man to provide…”
Personally, I think old Don Bentley has done a super job of continuing with Vince Flynn’s legacy of the Mitch Rapp character. I can see why Kyle Mills decided to drop out (if it wasn’t planned after a certain number of books, you never know) and I can see what Don Bentley has had in mind for the development of the character in his tenure. A kind of back to the beginning affair, restating the fundamentals of the character, where he’s come from, where he’s going. As always, as you can see from the re-vamped Jason Bourne, my idea that these books shouldn’t try and go for world-ending scenarios the whole time, they work best when they come a little closer to what really (might) happen(s) in the real world.
Obviously nowadays, and perhaps for many years to come, there are a few problems for a character that is in close contact with the CIA and the USA President. The Persidents in all these sort of novels, are responsible, intelligent, consciencious people. Not blithering, narcissistic, shit-gibbon, diaper-wearing, senile, kiddy fiddlers with diarrhoea. I mean, how are we to take seriously a ‘President” that does the right thing because the right thing is the thing to do? Thriller righters these days and, as I surmise, long in to the future, are gonna face an uphill battle trying to convince, especially European readers, that the ‘President’ they feature is a compentent cross between Obama and Kennedy.
And speaking of Kennedy – an independent CIA? That doesn’t just say “yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir!” “What, no evidence for anything you’re saying – we’ll make some then!” That too is gonna take some time. Making out there’s a USA that takes a responsible part in the World’s current and future affairs is gonna take a hell of a lot of tip-top writing.
As for the actual story, war is always looming, if not actually taking place, in the Middle East, so he’s on pretty safe, ‘yeah, I can go along with that scenario,’ ground here. Though the traditional sides have changed somewhat. With Israel being the perpetrator of genocide these days and all. Can’t be easy trying to keep up as a thriller writer lately.
So, Capture or Kill marks a new chapter for the Mitch Rapp saga, seamlessly passing the torch to author Don Bentley while honoring the relentless legacy of action built by Vince Flynn. It is set in the weeks leading up to the historic 2011 raid on Osama bin Laden (the bad guys were easier to point to back then), the prequel structure allows Bentley to showcase a younger, leaner, and ruthlessly effective Rapp at the absolute top of his game. The plot weaves real-world intelligence history with a fictional crisis, forcing Rapp to balance verifying bin Laden’s location in Pakistan with dismantling a rogue Iranian plot that threatens to ignite a catastrophic war. It is a quintessential political thriller—explosive, deeply authentic, and hard to put down.
Bentley’s background as a military pilot (I hadn’t realised) and intelligence operative injects a layer of realism into the narrative, making every firefight, tactical decision, and covert tradecraft maneuver feel grounded and lethal. His writing captures the energy fans have come to love in the Mitch Rapp stories, complete with sharp-witted dialogue and the brutal, decisive action that defines the series. Furthermore, the novel delivers immense nostalgic value for longtime fans by bringing back beloved fan-favorite characters like Irene Kennedy, Stan Hurley, and Mike Nash, showcasing their classic dynamics with fresh intensity. Extrq pointes for fans who can read about Hurley without seeing Michael Keaton’s face. I can’t now.
Ultimately, Capture or Kill proves that Mitch Rapp is in exceptionally capable hands. Bentley doesn’t just replicate the series’ traditional style; he elevates it with sophisticated geopolitical chess matches, complex character alliances, and relentless pacing. The book bridges the gap between historical fact and pulse-pounding fiction with precision, delivering a thrilling ride that will leave both die-hard Flynn enthusiasts and action-thriller newcomers eagerly anticipating Bentley’s next installment. As I am / was.
You can buy Capture Or Kill by Vince Flynn, Don Bentley from Amazon
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