Shadow of Doubt

Scot Harvath #23

by Brad Thor

In a world shrouded in shadows, where doubt is the only weapon, can one spy expose the truth?

A mysterious cargo plane, flanked by a squadron of Russia’s most lethal fighters, has just taken off from a remote airbase. Closely monitored by the United States, no one inside the Pentagon has any idea where it’s going or what it’s carrying.

A high-level Russian defector, a walking vault of secrets that could shatter the West, seeks asylum in Norway. Across the continent, in the heart of Paris, a lone French agent stumbles upon a conspiracy so explosive it could ignite a global firestorm.

As alarm bells ring in Washington, the CIA’s most lethal weapon, Scot Harvath, is forced to choose between his conscience and his country.

You’ll be left breathless as Harvath is swept into a whirlwind of double agents, international intrigue, and heart-stopping chases.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Espionage, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Spy Thriller, Mystery

365 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 6, 2024

About the author

BRAD THOR is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-six thrillers, including COLD ZERO, EDGE OF HONOR, SHADOW OF DOUBT, BLACK ICE (ThrillerFix Best Thriller of the Year), NEAR DARK (one of Suspense Magazine’s Best Books of the Year), BACKLASH (nominated for the Barry Award for Best Thriller of the Year), SPYMASTER (“One of the all-time best thriller novels” —The Washington Times), THE LAST PATRIOT (nominated Best Thriller of the Year by the International Thriller Writers Association), and BLOWBACK (one of the “Top 100 Killer Thrillers of All Time” —NPR).

COLD ZERO is on sale now. For more information, visit BradThor.com.

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well thought, well written and well done.

[Max · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed all the previous books in the series, and this was the worst.

At over 350 pages, with a small font and narrow page margins, this book took forever to read. There are five main plot threads, including (1) a murder in Paris handled by civilian authorities, (2) an interrogation of a high level Russian defector, (3) double-agents within the US, French, and Norwegian espionage and political branches, (4) protection for aforementioned Russian defector from Russian hit squads, and (5) Scot's Horvath revenge story against his dead wife's killers.

It's all too much and well before any one thread gains traction, we teleport to another story. In the end, I didn't care about any of these stories and there was never any doubt how each would turn out. Plot twists are not part of Brad Thor's repertoire. The book reads very slowly. This book screams for an editor who can rein in the author's urge to overwrite.

As for Scot Harvath, there is no character growth. He is the same hard-charging, no-nonsense guy with barely a sense of humor as he was in book #1. The dialogue was standard for this genre (one step above grunts). the bad guys are really terrible, and none of the other characters have interesting things to say or do.

One line really irked me. I think it was the US President, speaking (I believe for the author). He complains that he doesn't understand why US citizens don't trust their government. They don't appreciate all the good things he is doing on their behalf. The entire book is about a black ops team that conducts unsanctioned assassinations around the world, with no accountability to anybody but the US President, and in gross violation of US and international law! No kidding that the public doesn't trust their government.

Read the other books in the series - they are ok. Skip this one.

[Pierre Tassé (Enjoying Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book that deserves the assignment of 5 stars. A few bumps in the road but a true believable and fun story to listen to

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In true Scot Harvath style there was a lot of twists and turns in this book. Scot and Sylvie are thrown into a mystery based on a Russian defector, a leak within the system and Harvath’s need for retribution for his wife’s assassination. Plus, Scot and Sylvie are planning their wedding. There is a lot of action and showdowns which Scot’s friends help him out with. In all I would give this novel a 4.5 ⭐️ rating.

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

As another reviewer said , rinse repeat. There is nothing new to see here. This book was boring and disjointed. The first act felt like filler. I’m still unsure why the plane scene even happened.
At least Thor has toned down the political rhetoric - other than that this is a library pick up.

[Barnabas Piper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun thriller. Bad writing. If one played a drinking game for every time Thor uses the word “incredibly” one would be dead by chapter 11.

[David Eppenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewing Thor's books has become a rather difficult task for me over the past few years. His books are well written though I do have a couple of criticisms and they are good escapist fun but they have become rather monotonous. This book is simply another addition to Brad's non-stop action adventures and its edge skirting violence. He does deserve a lot of credit for his imagination because his plots are quite involved and faceted. What I am really starting to find annoying is the attention and detail he gives to the weaponry he employs in his stories. At times reading a Thor book is like reading the catalog of an arms dealer. Add to this are the descriptions and specific mentions of the liquors and foods indulged in by his characters. If this were a movie the product placements would be glaring and quite tacky. Frankly I was not overly impressed with this book because it is what I expected from a Thor adventure. I was entirely entertained even though I didn't care a bit about the weaponry or the fancy drinking and dining depicted. The plot was involved enough to keep me guessing and my heart beating but it was the same old thing from Brad Thor. I was tempted to give it my good book 3 stars but that would have been too subjective. The average reader would probably not be as critical so I gave it 4 stars. Now what exactly is the book about?

A Russian intelligence agent defects to Norway and Scott Harvath's Norwegian Intelligence agent fiance is one of the agents protecting this defector. The safe house where the defector is being hidden is attacked by Russians and only the defector and fiancé escape. The fiancé now knows there is a mole in her intelligence department so she reaches out to Harvath for help as she can't bring the defector in knowing her agency is compromised. Meanwhile in D.C. American intelligence has learned that the Russians have moved tactical nuclear weapons into Belarus and may be planning to use them on Ukraine or some other European target. Then there's Paris where a French intelligence agent has learned that the French government has several key members on the Russian payroll and this agent is murdered before he can disclose this information. How all of this comes together is a long, complicated, dangerous, and violent path that ends in a quicky marriage. Well maybe it isn't entirely a routine Thor thriller but Thor does need a new and fresh outlook to his writing before readers like me just simply tire out. Enjoy.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brad Thor is back with another explosive Scot Harvard thriller! As the reader is thrust into the middle of a high-impact story, Harvath is pushed to the limit once more. A Russian defector falls into Harvath’s sphere, leading the Mother Country to engage in their own form of kidnap and retribution. As Harvath makes an effort to settle the score, he also has a personal chip in the game that could change it all. Brad Thor does well to spin yet another strong story well worth the reader’s attention.

When a cargo plane takes off, its mystery is strengthened as a number of Russian fighter jets surround it in a form of airborne security. While the US has an eye on the plane, they have no idea what could be inside or whether it will prove to be a headache for the Western world.

Soon thereafter, a Russian of significant importance appears in Norway. He seeks to defect and bring along numerous secrets that could help the West better understand the latest plans Russia has in store. This is paralleled with news that a massive conspiracy is being hatched. A French agent in the heart of Paris is onto it, but the pieces are still too confusing.

The CIA is sure that something is about to happen, but cannot yet decipher what awaits them. This is where Scot Harvath comes into play, as he must eke out the truth and solve things in a timely manner. However, with a number of personal investments he hopes to foster, Harvath may not want to put it all on the line this time around. Brad Thor dazzles and impresses once again.

I have long enjoyed this series and Brad Thor has yet to disappoint. A story that pulls on strong themes in the news today, things progress well as the narrative pushes things forward. Detailed descriptions of characters and settings provide great flavouring to the story, keeping the reader highly entertained. A plot that rushes things along and provides some unpredictable aspects for the reader makes for a captivating reading experience.

Kudos, Mr. Thor, for keeping Scot enticing all these novels later!


Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow of Doubt by Brad Thor is another great book that deals a little with the ongoing war in Ukraine. It also deals with Harvaths past and future. Scot has not really recuperated from his last adventure when he is thrown into the next. This time it starts with if he should spy on his fiance or just help her out no matter the consequences? I found the book just as well written as I expected from this author and the different events where tied together in a great way. I can only say if you like thrillers that deals with current events and are filled with action and deception this is one for you.

[William de_Rham · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Shadow of Doubt” is a high-stakes espionage thriller. It’s well-plotted, features interesting characters and current events, and is set in a variety of captivating foreign locations including Paris, Nice, and Oslo. Author Brad Thor writes knowledgeably about the subjects he chooses to illuminate, whether it be mountaineering, how Parisians interact with each other, police procedures, or events involved in the war in Ukraine. I did find some aspects of his story a little far-fetched. Then again, this is a fictional entertainment. All in all, “Shadow of Doubt” kept me absorbed and turning its pages.

[Todd Hawkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would give this about 3.5, but rounding down. It was a book that was really more like a bunch of smaller stories mashed together, and the "main" story seemed like an afterthought. It just seemed like the book jumped around a lot between the smaller stories, and Harvath would go off on one mission after another. Now, the missions did have a lot of action and excitement in them, so I appreciated that. But it was not a book where "you could not put it down". Just was a fun read to go from action story to action story and see how Harvath could escape death once again.
The best Brad Thor book in my opinion is "Full Black". That was 5 stars, and was just an awesome book. This book fell way below that 5 star threshold.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars 🌟

It's that time of year again. I always get so excited when the yearly release of the latest Brad Thor book comes out. It's one of the very few that I actually pre-order in both audio and print formats. I's hard to believe we are already at book 23 - where in the world does the time go?

I looked back on my review from the last book and while I am a huge fan of this series, the last book left me feeling a little bit let down. With that being said, it didn't change the fact that I was THRILLED and excited to start this latest book - it is just one of those things that happens - we ARE 23 books into this series after all.

This book takes place fairly quickly after the end of the last book and the happenings in Ukraine. We are back to the plots of these more recent books focusing on Russia and those surrounding countries and this book is no different. Norway, of course, always tends to become tangentially involved as well. Scot IS about to marry Solvi Kolstad - an operative for the Norwegian Intelligence Service after all.

This time there are several storylines that we are immediately dropped into and we end up following each separate story arc throughout the book until the end when they all eventually come together. There is a Russian intelligence officer who has defected to Norway. He is a "catch" for the services with all of the information that he had access to. Solvi is in charge of his debriefing - and lets just say that the Russians are NOT going to let him go easily.

Then there is something that the Americans discover during their daily satellite coverage that has them concerned. Russia seems to have flown some very secretive things into Belarus and those in the know think it might be Russian nukes being moved or stored - moving important pieces on the chessboard. Then, there is a situation in France with another operative who seems to have discovered some intel that is EXTREMELY important, and very sensitive - enough to get him killed before he can let others know. Yep - lots going on.

With Solvi involved, that brings Scot into the picture and when he becomes involved, he discovers that there is one name, one person that has escaped Scot's "justice" in the death of his wife's murder. You know what that means.....that person has to die.

So let the games begin. Things are action packed and drama filled from beginning to end. To me, this book felt more like the books that I am used to from Mr. Thor. There is the feeling that SOMEHOW these things are all related, but the HOW of it is not clear until much later.

I enjoyed this book tremendously - and as usual Armand Schultz does a fantastic job with the narration. The ending left me a little nervous - I'm hoping this is not the last book in this series. I'm not ready to say goodbye to Scot Harvath yet. But, hopefully, I'm completely wrong about that.

So, fingers crossed, the wait begins for book 24.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brad Thor is one of my favorite thriller writers and the annual release of the latest book in his Scot Harvath series is always a summer highlight. As usual, I couldn't put it down...

4.5 stars.

[Pamela Small · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Brad Thor is uneven in his writing prowess. I’ve given him 4 and 5 stars in previous novels. This installment lacks the thrills. A lot of telling not showing. Excessive detailing of weaponry and action planning. Furthermore, there are FIVE storylines and it becomes too convoluted as the chapters jump from one thread to another. At the 33% mark, I gave up and decided I didn’t want to keep track of how these separate threads might interweave and come together in the end. It wasn’t worth the effort to me. Editing a lot of verbiage and staying with one or two storylines would make it a more enticing read, IMHO.

[Mike Reinking · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit over the top with nonstop gun battles, this was an exceptionally fun read. Enjoyed it very much.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid if unspectacular entry from Brad Thor. I guess when you’re 20 novels in maybe it’s hard to craft an absolutely amazing story. Solid and worth the read. I read it twice.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Russian plane with a mysterious cargo lands in Belarus. Turns out to be nukes!

Norway has a Russian defector, and the CIA wants to know what he knows, but Norway isn't talking. The lead Norway agent is Scot Harvath's fiancee. The CIA wants his help. Then everything hits the fan.

Based on a true historical incident, this is not unlike a 1980's Cold War espionage novel, and that's a good thing.

[Marc Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the BEST Scot Harvath thrillers! Might crack my top 5. Hell, maybe even the top 3. The pacing was fast, and the action was super intense. Brad focused a decent amount on geopolitics in this one, and it felt like a fresh breath on the series.

[Dave Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Action from beginning to end with an excellent plot. I truly enjoyed reading this book.

[Manon (mysterymanon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

that was a lotta gunfire

[Rosalind Reisner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another thriller--escape reading for the summer, but I won't read any more thrillers. My brain needs some nourishment. Brad Thor writes thrillers that focus on weapons technology rather than character, writing, or even plot. You've seen the movies, read the books about a team of women and men, like the old Mission Impossible, where everyone has just the right skills and loyalty to the leader. All the women are gorgeous and brilliant, etc, etc. Lots of murder and mayhem, betrayals, and high-tech weapons.

[Grandma Susan]

DNF at 12%. Extreme, excessive profanity.

[Jeremy Campbell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wash. Rinse. Repeat

Nothing new to see here. They call these books “thrillers” but if you read this series and compare to others in the genre you’ll notice the main protagonist is never in any serious danger. Sure he’s in fire fights and fistfights but he’s never harmed, never takes a bullet, gets knocked out. Nothing. So what’s the point? Couldn’t you put a little effort and age him? These stories are more thrilling and exciting when the main characters have flaws when they do get hurt when there’s actual danger…but that won’t happen with this series. Wash rinse repeat…

[Rod Gregg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brad Thor rarely fails to excel. This novel was no exception. Perhaps Scot Harvath was a bit more violent than we are used to. His fiance, Solvi found herself in a fight for her life protecting a Russian defector that had information about others that had murdered Harvath's wife and mentor. Harvath and the gang were running and gunning around France against Russian operators. The story was chock full of espionage, betrayal, and heroism like never before. The story dove-tailed from chapter to chapter with smooth transitions and a steady, pulse-pounding pace that kept me up for hours, never wanting to put the book down. Keep writing them Brad, and I'll keep reading them!

[Pat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Compared to some other authors such as Mark Greaney, Brad Taylor and Simon Gervais, Brad Thor is just not as good. His stories are blah and his last few books seem to me as if he is mailing it in and he’s too busy with other things. I’ll probably continue to read but I’ll not be in a rush to buy it.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scot Horvath returns in the latest thriller in this series, Shadow Of Doubt. Once again, the Russians are at the forefront, as the US is on edge when they move nuclear weapons to Belarus, easily within striking distance of Ukraine. Meanwhile, other plot threads play out, with Scot central to all. This is the best book in this series in a while, as the author keeps his political musings to a minimum, resulting in a faster pace, a straightforward plot, and enough Scot Horvath badassery to please avid readers. Scot is once again with his supporting cast, and that always creates more excitement than when he’s flying solo. Lots to like about this one.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to make fun of the students in college who were hooked on "All My Children," but I’ve come to realize that certain book series can have the same addictive pull, and Brad Thor’s definitely do as well. I get those addicted students now...In "Shadow of Doubt," Thor once again delivers an action‑packed, spine‑tingling thriller. The story unfolds across multiple high‑stakes threads: dramatic escalations in the war in Ukraine, Solvi fighting for her life as she protects a Russian defector with explosive information about the murder of Harvath’s wife, and the discovery of moles embedded throughout NATO member nations...Loaded with espionage, betrayal, and heroism, "Shadow of Doubt" moves at a pulse‑pounding pace that keeps the pages flying. Fun stuff.

[Bailey Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid fun in the thriller template. Plot and action drive this entertaining story. The timely conspiracy fits right into the current events, which is always fun and hard to do, since world events usually move faster than publishers.

As always, I'll already waiting to buy the next Scott Harvath novel the day it comes out.

[TJ Milby · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Brad Thor book — really enjoyed it! Scott Horvath is John Wick meets Jack Reacher with an added layer of deep government conspiracy. Doesn’t get much better than that! Classic situation of many storylines/POVs that ultimately converge. Really exciting ending with lots of action and excitement. Definitely plan to go on a Brad Thor kick here at the beginning of the year!

[David Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly anticipated and highly enjoyed - better than the last. Action packed and fun plot that had some things that seemed pretty real in today’s global political spectrum. Curious how Harvath will continue on after this adventure.