Atria Books
Cry Havoc: A Tom Reece Thriller
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From the "hottest author on the thriller scene today" (The Real Book Spy), #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr brings the worlds of special operations and CIA paramilitary units into direct collision in the jungles of Vietnam with his explosive new thriller introducing young Navy SEAL Tom Reece, a man torn between the blurred lines and allegiances of the military and the increasingly murky world of intelligence. This is how it all began...
1968. A time of division. A time of civil unrest. A time of war.
Just before the Tet Offensive, before President Johnson announces he will not run for reelection, before the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy, as riots and protests rage across the nation, a spy ship is captured by communist forces off the coast of North Korea.
The crew thought they had destroyed everything of intelligence value. They were wrong.
As a KGB "illegal" elicits information from a high-ranking NSA official, and teams of special operators infiltrating into Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam disappear without a trace, an ambitious Soviet advisor launches an ingenious plan that could forever alter the world balance of power.
Tom Reece, a SEAL operator attached to the highly classified and shadowy MACV-SOG is about to be thrust into a bloody battle to discover the truth.
From the Kremlin to the White House, from the streets of Saigon to the rugged A Shau Valley, along the paths of Ho Chi Minh Trail and into the secret war in Laos, Navy SEAL Tom Reece has an official mission assigned by Military Assistance Command, Vietnam-Studies and Observations Group, but it's his unofficial mission that might get him killed.
From "master novelist" (Ballistic) Jack Carr comes a fast-paced and brutally realistic thriller, one that will make you question all you thought you knew about Vietnam, pressing "emotional buttons that other writers wouldn't dare explore" (The Real Book Spy).
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Book Details
ISBN:
9781668095256
EAN:
9781668095256
Binding:
Hardcover
Pages:
560
Authors:
Jack Carr
Publisher:
Atria Books
One of the best books I have read in a number of years. In context I have read a few Jack Carr books and generally enjoy them, but I think he has done an outstanding job with this book. The backdrop of the Vietnam War made this an interesting point of difference from other recent spy thrillers. Great mix of history; including locations, events and people gave an extra authenticity to the story and helped transport the reader back to Vietnam in 1968. Great story, look forward to more Tom Reece novels. Highly recommend
The book is extremely well researched and written. For those of us who participated in that war, it’s too well written. To the characters (Vietnamese, Americans and French)in the novel (I’d call it historical fiction) it’s clear in the mid to late 60s that we are losing and stand no chance of winning. Had someone in a leadership role with the foresight and the intestinal fortitude to make that obvious call at the time and act on it, or better yet, never have us go in to SE Asia, lots of lives and fortunes would’ve been saved.It’s probably the most depressing book I’ve ever read. But I’m glad I read it and I hope lots more people read it and absorb it. The message is clear.
I haven’t read a lot of Carrs books but I’ve enjoyed them very much. I had my doubts about this one only due to the time period. The only Vietnam War books I’m inclined to read are about the air campaign, war aviation being one of my favorite subjects. I’m starting to really enjoy historical fiction, so many books are being written so well these days. It’s an enticing way to learn history as long as you realize they may not be 100% accurate. I thought this was an excellent portrayal of the special op and CIA involvement in the Vietnam War. Again, I have not read much about it and I’m sure there were more factual and historically accurate books written. But for me, the style of writing in the intrigue, had me thoroughly enjoying the story. I look forward to a follow up.
Book Review: Cry Havoc by Jack CarrCry Havoc is more than a thriller. It is an experience that brought to life the same spirit and purpose I felt during my own time in the Navy. Jack Carr captures that intensity with a realism that feels authentic and earned. His storytelling reminded me of listening to the real legends of MACV SOG such as John Stryker Myer and Dick Thompson. Their courage and sacrifice helped shape the foundation of modern special operations, and Carr honors that history perfectly.Reading this book took me back to the 1980s when the Walker Spy Ring was exposed. I was serving in the Navy at that time, and it forced major cleanup and security work aboard the USS Kitty Hawk while we were on cruise. Those were defining moments when trust and vigilance mattered every single day, and Carr captures that same sense of duty and betrayal throughout Cry Havoc.What makes this book even more powerful is how Jack ties it to The Terminal List universe by introducing Tom Reece’s father. It connects generations of service and sacrifice in a way that feels personal and real. Jack’s writing makes you feel like you are part of the mission and standing right alongside the characters.This book even inspired small changes in my own life. I put away my Apple Watch and started wearing my Rolex again as a reminder of where I came from and what matters. I also had the honor of exchanging challenge coins with Jack Carr himself and sharing a photograph that I will always value.Jack Carr has officially become my favorite author. He does not chase politics or popularity. He writes about good people who still fight for what is right, even when no one is watching. Cry Havoc proves that courage and honor are timeless and that great storytelling can still move you to action.I highly recommend this book and every one Jack Carr has written. He continues to raise the standard for modern thrillers and gives readers like me a reason to feel proud and connected to something greater.
I really enjoyed Cry Havoc: A Tom Reece Thriller. From the very first chapter, it hooked me with the author's attention to detail. Especially in the descriptions of clothing, gear, and tactical setups. You can tell the author did their homework.What I loved most, was how the story jumped between different perspectives and timelines. At first, it feels like you’re piecing together separate stories, but as the book goes on, everything clicks into place in such a satisfying way. The shifting viewpoints keep the tension high and give you a deeper understanding of each character’s motivations.By the time the threads came together at the end, I couldn’t put it down. If you like thrillers that blend sharp technical detail with strong storytelling and clever structure, Cry Havoc delivers in every way.It should be noted that I'm a big fan of Jack Carr and his series of books focused on James Reece. Therefore, I wasn't surprised that I enjoyed this book as well.
