Dead Man’s Hand is the 18th adventure in the Pike Logan series by Brad Taylor. Though it is in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel.
A group of Ukrainians, know as the Wolves, have made it their mission to assassinate Russian leader Vladimir Putin. There are problems, of course. Putin knows that he is a potential target of violence. He takes steps to make sure that his place in history is secure if something happens to him. Those steps could lead to World War III. Putin has a plan called “Dead Man’s Hand” which he has entrusted to the commander of the Russian National Guard, Victor Petrov. Meanwhile, Sweden and Finland are trying to join NATO, which is something Putin definitely does not want.
A unanimous vote is required to allow Sweden to join NATO. One country seems certain to vote no. Enter Pike Logan and his crew. They must do everything they can to protect Finland and Sweden in their attempts to join. However, once in Sweden, Pike quickly realizes there is more going on than they realize. He and the taskforce are up against the clock to figure it all out and stop Putin from starting a nuclear war.
Author Brad Taylor has the experience to be able to write such a plausible plot. Not only does he entertain us, he teaches about the real world and the problems we face. At the same time, he continues to develop his characters, showing us they are capable yet still vulnerable. He also explores the moral dilemma of deciding if you should let an enemy know they are the target of an assassination attempt. If you stay quiet, are you complicit? If you let the assassination go ahead, will someone worse take over after the victim’s death?
Dead Man’s Hand is a gripping thriller based on current events. The story moves forward convincingly. It is well worth reading. Check it out and see if you agree.
