Have you ever read a story that sounded so true to life you weren’t sure if it was fiction or fact? Maybe it was fiction based on facts. That’s what I love about these spies/espionage thrillers of today.

These authors take a look at the political and International temperatures and craft stories that are so plausible it can be downright scary. Maybe it’s already happening but either way, it makes for an amazing story.

This book follows a female operator who is transferred from agency to agency and she’s definitely got her hands full.

Not knowing who to trust or where to turn, oftentimes she’s on her own. The story does refer back to a prior book in terms of people that she has met or actions that have happened, however, that does not impair this book in the least. It just makes you want to go back and read the first book!

Out in the Cold is fast-paced and full of action, twists that you don’t expect, friends, allies, and foes. The author does an amazing job with the storytelling and plot sequences. He keeps us on our toes and the pace of the book is perfect.

The good thing is this is an ongoing series so while there is a conclusion and closing, there’s always the next book that will take us on yet another adventure of our main characters.

Out in the Cold is one of those reads you do not want to put down and cannot wait to read again to get all of the nuances! So damn good!

This book is fast paced and a spy thriller. Alex has more lives than a cat, but she might run out soon. Who can she trust? Sometimes things aren’t as they seem on the surface. This book is part of a series but I don’t feel like I missed anything by not reading the first. This is also the first book I have read by this author and I will read him again. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

4. 5 stars which I will gladly round up to a resounding 5 star read.

Out in the Cold is fast paced, full of non stop action that sees the return of Special Agent Alex Martel.

The book opens with a bang and the action builds quickly and is non stop.

Russia is on the verge of war with Finland and Alex is battling enemies on all fronts.

Who can she trust.

Steve Urszenyi is a master of building suspense that has you holding your breath and turning the pages quickly while crossing your fingers .

Out in the Cold can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend you read Perfect Shot first.

I will be first in line for Book 3 ( no pressure).

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for another outstanding book in the Special Agent Alexandra Martel series.

Another action packed adventure for special agent Alex Martel. Steve Urszenyi did not disappoint with his sequel to Perfect Shot, OUT IN THE COLD.

The story starts on a yacht and takes off from there with Alex (now working for the CIA) engaging in non-stop action.


Thank you NetGalley and the publisher.

Readers seeking an espionage thriller in which the stakes are high and there’s plenty of action might want to give “Out in the Cold” a try. I liked most of it but had problems with some of it. Overall, I thought it an entertaining, topical tale well-suited for readers who enjoy the spy and adventure stories written by authors like Ian Fleming, Tom Clancy, Lee Child, and Robert Ludlum.

It’s the second book in the “Alex Martel” series. (I’d not read the first, but I never felt at a loss since “Out in the Cold” adequately explains past events.) Martel is an attractive young woman who is ex-military, ex-FBI, ex-Interpol, and now a contract agent for the CIA’s paramilitary operations section. She’s an expert medic and a deadly sniper. She’s also good in a close-quarters fight. In the last novel, she saves Paris from being destroyed, for which she receives the Medal of Freedom from the President and her walking papers from the FBI for exceeding her orders. So, she’s also very independent and has no problem ignoring orders and/or the chain of command.

As the story begins, Alex is at a party aboard an industrialist’s mega-yacht cruising the Mediterranean. She’s there to meet with her close friend, Interpol’s Director General, who is romantically involved with the industrialist and who also is meeting with Finland’s ambassador to NATO. Tensions between Russia and the West are high. During the past year, there have been assaults upon Finland and her industries, which many believe have been caused by Russia which seems to want to invade and occupy its neighbor.

Without warning, the yacht is attacked by mercenaries aboard high-speed powerboats. Alex leaps into action and helps to repel the attack and spirit the Director General, the industrialist, and the ambassador away. Many think that this is another Russian attack, which increases tensions even further. But some wonder whether different actors might be at work. Alex and the team she is part of must now discover who is responsible for the attacks against Finland and their motives.

Out in the Cold is well-written, for the most part. The prose is clear. The dialogue is realistic. Author Steve Urszenyi is at his best when writing action scenes, maintaining high levels of tension. He seems intimately acquainted with his settings including the French Riviera, Washington, D.C. and its environs, and Helsinki and other parts of Finland. He seems equally familiar with all the hardware utilized in his novel (e.g., boats, cars, computers, weaponry, etc.). Clearly, he’s done his research.

He’s also given us a plot that seems somewhat realistic when compared with today’s current events. Although all the characters are fictional, there’s a Russian president who seeks to expand his country's boundaries, no matter what the cost, and Americans who insist that America fulfill its potential for greatness, no matter what the cost—even if the cost is a nuclear war that destroys the planet. High stakes, indeed.

On the negative side, I thought protagonist Alex Martel was not as well-drawn as she might have been. For me, she was a character of too many contradictions. Sometimes she’s tough and ruthless. Sometimes she’s soft and vulnerable. She’s a healing medic and a deadly assassin. She’s heroic, but independent to the point of insubordination. She’s a loner but torn between two love interests. She’s supposed to be a clever wunderkind of an agent, and yet we never really see any of that cleverness at work. In short, I sometimes had trouble believing in Alex Martel. However, it should be noted that many other readers/reviewers have expressed admiration for the character, so my opinion may well be in the minority.

I also thought Mr. Urszenyi’s decision to embed a conspiracy into the novel regrettable. It’s a device that’s been used many times before in books and films like “Seven Days in May,” “The X-Files,” “The Manchurian Candidate,” Robert Ludlum’s “Jason Bourne” novels, and Ian Fleming's "James Bond" novels, to mention only a few. Unfortunately, Mr. Urszenyi was unable to bring anything new or fresh to the concept.

Nevertheless, for the most part, I enjoyed “Out in the Cold” and think it deserves a rating of 3.75 stars rounded up to four

My thanks to NetGalley, author Steve Urszenyi, and publisher St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for providing me with a complimentary ARC. All of the foregoing is my independent opinion.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’’s Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Alex Martel is ex-Interpol and is now working in the CIA. She is off the Southern coast of France on the yacht of her ex-boss’ wealthy new Finnish boyfriend when it is attacked and they barely make it back to shore alive. This all turns out to mean the Finland is under attack from Russia.

This is a well written book that just isn’t my thing. I was offered a widget and this seemed to be on the edge of what I would like. Turns out it was over the edge.. The early action sequence was out of an action movie, which I am not into and I am just not interested in war and CIA stories. I love international intrigue so I thought I might like this. I am giving it 4 stars because I think it is well done but I am the wrong audience.

3.5 stars rounded down for a spy thriller that will appeal to James Bond fans. Alexandra Martel is a CIA agent who has transferred from the FBI. She was a sniper in the US Army and served in combat in Afghanistan. The book opens with her aboard a yacht in the Mediterranean sea off the coast of France. The yacht is attacked by terrorists in Zodiac style boats. Alex, Caleb, another CIA agent aboard, and security aboard the boat take on the terrorists. This is a fast paced thriller with a lot of action.
Alex and Caleb manage to unravel the sinister forces behind this attack and the others that follow with the help of other CIA employees and some unlikely allies.
Pros: The action was non stop. The plot moved along briskly. It is book 2 in the series, but worked as a stand alone for me.
Cons: The author describes every weapon and bullet used in great detail, which will appeal to gun enthusiasts, but probably not the general reader. The author is a retired paramedic with the Ontario, Canada, Provincial Police.
One quote, describing Alex's gun : "She retrieved her everyday carry--every day, that is, except when she was on company time-- a Kimber R7 Mako subcompact pistol with an attached Crimson reflex sight, and tucked it into the back of her jeans, the cold frame sending goose bumps up her spine."
Thank You Steve Erickson at St. Martin’s Publishing Group for sending me this eARC through NetGalley

Pub Date Nov 12 2024

Alexandra(Alex) Martel returns to action in the follow up, Out in the Cold, by Steve Urszenyi. A banger of a thriller and Alex kicks ass once again, as a contractor for the CIA. The book was hard to put down, with almost non-stop action. Good character development, fast paced plot, and the usual
3 letter agencies trying to play nice with one another.
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for letting me read this ARC. I totally recommend reading the fantastic thriller and can't wait for the follow up next year. The author, Steve Urszenyi, is the real deal in thriller writing.

Special Agent Alex Martel returns in the 2nd book in this series, and Out In The Cold Is another winner. Martel, since dismissed from the FBI due to her insubordinate, albeit heroic actions in thwarting a nuclear attack, is now working for the CIA, and is drawn into what appears to be a series of terrorist actions by the Russians in Finland. But these attacks may be orchestrated by someone closer to home. The book once again leans on Alex’s sniper skills, as well as her penchant for attracting trouble as she battles enemies on all fronts, and one enemy becomes an unlikely ally. Lots of action here, and although the plot is not unique, it still holds the reader’s interest throughout the book, which starts off quick and continues that pace. The ending felt a little rushed and unfinished, which apparently sets up the next book in this entertaining series. Definitely recommended. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Just get through the curse-packed opening action attack scene on a luxury yacht (where our heroine Alexandra Martel drops a few too many f-bombs and the narration uses constantly changing insider military lingo that gets in the way of plot) to settle into a fabulous spy mystery. Russia seems on the verge of attacking Finland: based on a year of civilian attacks as well as assassination attempts on key Finnish leaders, along with a build-up on Russian troops on their border facing Finland. Government Hawks in the United States get the President to call back NATO troops that had been doing joint exercises outside of Finland and urge him to be ready to strike back at Russia for their continuing aggression outside of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Alex- who’s a one-time combat medic turned highly trained long-range shooter and assassin- has just ended her gig working for the FBI on assignment to Interpol in Oslo. Alex’s close mentor and friend, Celeste, who heads up Interpol, narrowly escaped with her life from the luxury yacht attack, alongside Celeste’s billionaire Finnish boyfriend. When another attempt is taken on Celeste’s life, Alex abandons her temporary assignment to an international squad in the CIA in D.C. so she can return to Finland to both protect and avenge Celeste. Alex’s new CIA boss (and crush) Caleb is exasperated to have Alex flying off on her own.

But while in Finland, Celeste quickly realizes that a U.S. based conspiracy by highly placed and wealthy Americans may be behind the attacks in hopes of provoking an all-out war with Russia and reestablishing U.S. world dominance. Bullets fly and bodies tumble as Alex, the private security team of the billionaire, the Finnish prime minister, and Alex’s CIA superiors try to figure out what’s really going on and to avert an all-out war with Russia if indeed this conspiracy has U.S. origins. Alex proves herself to be both a successful, rogue loner and ultimately a reluctant team player in getting to the heart of what’s really going on.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader’s copy.

Alex Martel is a strong, smart and cunning woman who is amazing her job! This action packed story keeps you turning pages. I can't wait for her next adventure.

I loved book one Perfect Shot. So I got super excited about starting book two Out in the Cold an Alex Martel Thriller series by Steve Urszenyi.
This engaging, fast paced thriller featuring the extraordinary FBI special agent Alexandra Martel is such an exciting read.
I couldn’t stop reading this book once I started. This action packed adventure was such a thrilling ride.
And I can’t wait to see what is in store for the third book.

I knew Alex had it in her in Perfect Shot and Out in the Cold scores 4-stars with well paced action, good character development, and none of the technical problems of Perfect Shot. Urszenyi has a winner on his hands with this series.

The tension is palpable, the action relentless, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With sharp prose and intricate plotting, this novel delivers a rollercoaster of suspense and intrigue that has me hooked from start to finish.

Former Army sniper, FBI, Interpol, and now CIA agent Alex Martel is back in the second installment of the series and it's just as exciting as the first one. Alex is onboard a yacht with the Director of Interpol and several other VIPs when they are attacked by mercenaries. Alex immediately jumps into action and helps save the Director and billionaire yacht owner but were they the only targets or is someone also after Alex as well? The action starts from the first few pages and never lets up as Alex is assigned to a task force investigation into Russian aggressions toward Finland. Is the crazy Russian president trying to provoke Finland and it's NATO partners into WWIII or is something else really going on behind the scenes. If you like whirlwind-paced thrillers with authentic details, covert agendas, and a great female lead character, I would definitely recommend this series. #NetGalley #OutintheCold

Once again, Special Agent Alex Martel is up to her neck in intrigue. As a CIA contractor, she is involved in investigating a series of incidents that may be designed to provoke a war between the U.S. and Russia. An interesting plot with a fast pace and plenty of twist and turns makes this a good read. Although I enjoyed this novel more than the first in the series, I again found some of the dialogue — and the description of thoughts whirling around in Andrea’s mind — to be pretty trite. Nonetheless, I look forward to more of Alex’s adventures.

Grabbed me right away and it didn't let up. I found it hard to put the book down. The characters are well written and the plot flows nicely. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

Action packed story. Love Alex's kick ass, take no prisoners attitude. She travels the world tracking who is responsible for the unrest. Made to look like Russia is creating chaos. Alex and her select few friends search to find the truth. A good story, good characters and loved the action.

This is an enjoyable read. It took me a little while to get into the story, but then it started to pick up the pace. After that it was a quick read with all the events occurring. Likeable characters. Sometimes people aren't what they seem. If you can afford it ($15.00), this is a good read. Recommended.

Special Agent Alex Martel is back as a CIA contractor. While on a mega yacht with Secretary General of Interpol
Celeste Cliquot is attacked, Cliquot and Lehtonen, the wealthy owner of the yacht are safely removed from
the yacht while Alex and Lehtonen's security team handle the intruders. The question arises as to who is the real target?
Alex is recalled to the states and joins a taskforce investigating a series of incidents involving Finland. Tension escalates
between the US and Russia, seen as the perpetrator of the incidents. Will it escalate to war? As information
is uncovered, Alex and her teammates seek to discover who is behind the attacks and how to stop them.
A fast paced, page turning read. Alex is a highly skilled sniper who values loyalty and is willing to sacrifice her
career in order to do what she thinks is right.
#OutintheCold #StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley