Messenger for the Dead

Messenger for the Dead is an entry in the Mathieu James Thriller series by Matthew Fults. This intense, globe-trotting thriller follows the ongoing hunt for the world's most wanted terrorist, Aadan Mukhtaar. Last seen leaping off a Scottish pier pursued by justice, terrorist mastermind Aadan Mukhtaar vanishes into the shadows, leaving chaos in his wake. Investigative journalist Mathieu James and British operative Conan MacGregor race across Europe and beyond, unraveling a web of deception that spans Oslo, Moscow, and Washington. The story features a web of international espionage, military operations, and covert intelligence agencies, as various teams across Norway, the UK, Russia, and the US race to locate and capture or eliminate Mukhtaar. Covert agents and military units in different countries track him through surveillance, high-stakes raids, and cyber reconnaissance, revealing an intricate plot involving Russian operatives, NATO allies, and deep-state agencies.

Matthew Fults doesn’t disappoint. I marveled at the consistency in writing and the fluidity in the narrative voice that keeps you invested in the story. The tension builds from page to page, and you are always uncertain about what Mukhtaar might do next. This suspenseful thriller is twisty, cleverly crafted, and brimming with action. Fults’ gift for character shines through the pages. His characters are characterized by their solidity, intricate exploration, and lasting impact. The dialogue sparkles through every page, and the descriptions are terrific. Messenger for the Dead is a book you can’t miss if you enjoy thrillers with well-designed motivation in the characters, pulsating action, and biting suspense. The setting spans icy Oslo, gritty Los Angeles, historic Edinburgh, and the Arctic wilderness, creating a fascinating backdrop for the high-stakes conflict and international scope of the story. Fults’s meticulous detail and fast-paced narrative position this thriller alongside bestsellers like Brad Taylor's The Devil's Ransom, David Baldacci's The Finisher, and Kyle Mills’ American Assassin. I couldn’t put it down.