Out in the Cold

Special Agent Alexandra Martel #2

by Steve Urszenyi

Special Agent Alex Martel is thrown back into a deadly world of deception when a series of attacks threaten to incite World War III in this action-packed thriller.

While sailing across the Mediterranean, the megayacht Aurora is rocked with explosions, taken under siege by unknown assailants. On board are some of Europe’s wealthiest and most powerful political players, including the secretary general of Interpol, a high-ranking Finnish diplomat, and Special Agent Alex Martel―whose lethal sniper skills kick in to bring them safely to shore.

Someone is waging a ruthless campaign of attacks against Finland, one of NATO’s newest members, in an attempt to throw the Alliance into turmoil. Teaming back up with CIA agent Caleb, Alex is thrust into the middle of the fray, pursuing the villains from the waters off of Monaco to the Baltic Sea and home to American soil.

As the US is pulled deeper into the conflict, a global catastrophe seems inevitable. But who is really responsible for these escalating attacks on Finland? The Russians, or someone much closer to home? As new allies surface and old enemies reappear, Alex has no way of knowing who to trust―and she might only have one last shot to keep the world from going to war.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Espionage, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Contemporary, Suspense

464 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published September 30, 2025

About the author

Steve Urszenyi served for many years as a paramedic and a police tactical medic. He is an expert in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) incident response. When not writing, Steve loves international travel and touring on his Harley-Davidson with his wife, Lynne.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Urszenyi gives readers another powerful start in Out in the Cold, the second book in the Special Agent Alexandra (Alex) Martel series. It’s a combination of a political thriller and an espionage thriller. Alex, a decorated Army sniper, combat medic, and ex-FBI special agent, is now a contractor with the CIA. Aboard a yacht with the secretary general of Interpol and a high-ranking Finnish diplomat, the ship is soon under siege by unknown assailants. This follows several attacks and disruptions in Finland. As the USA is pulled deeper into the conflict, it seems war is likely. But who is really behind the attacks? With scenes from the Mediterranean Sea to the coast of France to Washington D.C., Virginia, and Helsinki, this novel is action-filled. Teaming up with CIA agent Caleb Copeland, can they stop the perpetrators before the situation escalates into a devastating car?

Alex loves action, is a problem solver, trustworthy, intelligent, and courageous. She’s a strong warrior protagonist who believes in justice, duty, and honor, and she feels satisfied when she halts a threat. She’s also a formidable investigator. While she can be charming, she’s not subtle, and doesn’t always follow orders well. Caleb has a calm and casual façade, but he is confident, effective, and lethal. While he is also cleaver and charming, he has a temper. I enjoyed their banter and want to know where it will go in the future.

Exciting action scenes and a couple of surprises kept me captivated from beginning to end. The riveting plot moves at a sizzling pace and the tension level was high throughout. Nearly everyone had agendas and the novel features deception, betrayal, espionage, power, protecting political careers, compromise, cooperation, and more. There are some extensive discussions of weaponry and scenery, but that didn’t detract me from the main action and story line.

This book felt like it could happen all too easily despite some over-the-top action scenes. Real-world issues were incorporated into the story that added an extra layer of suspense. Do we have an Alex ready to save the world?

Overall, this intense and exciting thriller keeps readers on an emotional rollercoaster, quickly turning pages with the hope that the world will be safe. This was an excellent addition to what I hope will be a long high-octane and dynamic series. I can’t wait to read the next book featuring Alex and Caleb. Don’t miss out on this series.

St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and Steve Urszenyi provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 12, 2024.
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My 4.67 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

We first met Special Agent Alex Martel in Perfect Shot where she was involved in hunting down a stolen nuclear weapon in the streets of Paris. Fierce, indomitable, skilled and relentless this human dynamo stops at nothing to achieve her goals and now she’s back in an explosive new thriller. This time Finland has been subject to a series of attacks. Appearing to originate from Russia, tensions between NATO and Russia are rising as Russia appears ready to invade Finland and the world soon finds itself on the brink of WW3 - a chilling scenario all too easy to imagine in the current world political climate. The US is pulled into finding out who is really pulling the strings – is it Russia or are there other malevolent forces involved?

After an explosion on a super yacht, nearly kills Alex’s friend, the Director of Interpol, Alex abandons the special CIA group she is working with to head to Finland on her own, much to the annoyance of her boss Caleb. Fast paced and action packed, the tension never lets up. Perfect for die-hard fans of intense espionage thrillers! 4.5★

With thanks to St Martin's via Netgalley for a copy to read

[Sandra Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special Agent Alex Martel, former army combat medic, sniper and assassin, returns in Author Steve Urszenyi's OUT IN THE COLD, an explosive, action-packed follow up to his highly acclaimed PERFECT SHOT. Readers wondering if the author could match the intensity, insane pace and action of book one can rest easy. Not only does Urszenyi match it, he surpasses it and then some. Strap on the bullet proof gear and settle in for an evening of nonstop, high-octane, cover-to-cover action as Agent Martel goes rogue to uncover the identity of forces whose actions threaten world peace.

Special Agent Alex Martel is aboard a luxury mega-yacht crossing the Mediterranean when explosions rock the ship. On a task force assignment with her temporary CIA boss, Caleb, Martel engages her unique skills as a former army sniper to fight off mercenaries and whisk her friend and Director of Interpol, Celeste Clicquot, and other dignitaries to shore safely. As other attacks ensue, political allies agree that all signs point toward Russia planning a massive takeover of Finland, a new NATO ally, potentially setting the stage for a third World War. With tensions high, political advisors in the United States convince the President to bring NATO troops back to the region in preparation of being ready to strike back should Russia invade Finland. When Martel's former mentor and friend, Cliquot, is attacked a second time, Martel disobeys orders, abandons her CIA assignment, and goes rogue with no backup vowing to avenge her friend while searching for the mastermind behind the attacks and the aggression against Finland. Martel's gut tells her the facts as they're known don't add up, and her gut hasn't failed her yet. Is it possible there's a conspiracy setting Russia up to take the fall? Who's really behind all the espionage and chaos? Are the answers to be found on American soil? Can Alex uncover the truth in time to advert a global catastrophe?

If you're a fan of high stake, international espionage thrillers with nonstop action, OUT IN THE COLD is the book for you. While I also highly recommend the first book in this series, PERFECT SHOT, Author Steve Urszenyi does a fantastic job of setting the scene with sufficient backstory for readers to enjoy this one as a standalone. Be prepared to be highly engaged as the author brilliantly manipulates characters and readers through a tangled plot line of smoke'n'mirrors. Laden with danger at every turn, Martel is a dynamite female lead who manages to stay one step ahead of the bad guys while dodging numerous attempts on her life through her own highly honed skills. It's refreshing to find a female character with adept abilities that rival those of any male hero - one who's deadly and yet still harbors a softer side with a lot of heart, compassion and kindness. The tease of a possible romantic relationship with Caleb is simmering in the background, keeping readers hoping for more. A blistering pace driven by the constant threat of imminent danger kept me burning up the pages searching for the identity of the mastermind, and while my suspicions were correct, I suspect some readers will be surprised by the author's last page reveal.

Well-developed characters fighting their way through a complex plot line rich in conspiracy, espionage, political and international intrigue keeps readers highly engaged from the first page to the final line in OUT IN THE COLD. Highly recommended to fans of high action, covert, espionage style thrillers.
Special thanks to Minotaur Books for a gifted arc of this title which is scheduled for release Nov. 12, 2024. My review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is now available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/out-in-the-c...

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does Louise Penny, David Morrell and Simon Gervais have in common? Well apart from writing great thrillers, they are all from Canada. If you like these writers you now need to add Steve Urszenyi. He is about to release his second book about Alexandra Martel titled Out in the Cold. I am actually stumped how to describe this great follow up. It starts with some great action filled scenes off the coast of France, then we get a build up to the following events in the Netherlands, Finland and finally on US soil. You will not get much time to recuperate between scenes, maybe a quick snack and drink maybe inspired by the culinary elements in the book. I believe the author tried a lot of good stuff researching the book. I found the first book really good but this his second is beyond that. Mr. Urszenyi has for sure earned a place among my favorite authors. I must thank Edelweiss , Netgalley , Macmillan and Minotaur Books for letting me read this advance copy.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Alexandra Martel series. The first one had me captivated from the start and I was glad to see this book was available.

Description:
While sailing across the Mediterranean, the megayacht Aurora is rocked with explosions, taken under siege by unknown assailants. On board are some of Europe’s wealthiest and most powerful political players, including the secretary general of Interpol, a high-ranking Finnish diplomat, and Special Agent Alex Martel―whose lethal sniper skills kick in to bring them safely to shore.

Someone is waging a ruthless campaign of attacks against Finland, one of NATO’s newest members, in an attempt to throw the Alliance into turmoil. Teaming back up with CIA agent Caleb, Alex is thrust into the middle of the fray, pursuing the villains from the waters off of Monaco to the Baltic Sea and home to American soil.

As the US is pulled deeper into the conflict, a global catastrophe seems inevitable. But who is really responsible for these escalating attacks on Finland? The Russians, or someone much closer to home? As new allies surface and old enemies reappear, Alex has no way of knowing who to trust―and she might only have one last shot to keep the world from going to war.

My Thoughts:
A gripping, action-packed thriller involing wealth and politics. Alexandra Martel is a strong heroine who gets into extremely difficult life-threatening situations. I was on the edge of my seat most of the time while reading this book. This one hooked me from the start and the tension never let up. If you like thrillers and espionage you will like this book.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.

[Jeremy Peers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special Agent Alex Martel shines as a fearless protagonist in Steve Urszenyi's thrilling novel "Out In The Cold". The intense opening action scene is bananas, making it a standout moment that could translate to a 93-minute movie scene. Bond movies wish they had this opening sequence. Martel's dynamic partnership with CIA agent Caleb adds depth to the narrative, their chemistry driving the story forward with a mix of intrigue and a will-they-won't-they vibe. Readers will be drawn--like a moth to a flame--to the duo's compelling dynamic, ensuring they return for whatever is next.

Thank you to Minataur Books for the advanced copy of Out in the Cold via NetGalley.

[Bam cooks the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out in the Cold: the second book in the Special Agent Alexandra Martel series. Alex is now a CIA contractor, a paramilitary operations officer on an elite team called Ground Branch. She's tough and feisty, loyal to her friends. When her former boss at Interpol is seriously injured in an attack, she's determined to find out who is responsible, even if she has to go 'out in the cold.'

An enjoyable thriller with timely topics, dipping into the tangled machinations of world politics. Good thing someone like Alex is out there ready and willing to save the world.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new thriller via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finland has been under sneaky attacks from several fronts for months and things point to Russia being the culprit. With Finland being a NATO ally this spells disaster if things keep up requiring a strong response that could lead to World War III. However, information comes to Agent Alex Martel from unexpected places. Can Alex and Caleb get to the bottom of the attacks, find the culprit and stay alive? That’s the challenge since Alex and her friends are under fire, left and right!

Out in the Cold is action packed from chapter one, and it was an exciting read! Alex is scrappy and undeterred, no matter the odds against her. There are several bad actors here, political zealots with no regard for life as they push their world vision through and benefit financially, too. It mirrors (unfortunately) some of the things you see in real life in this political climate. The ending was a satisfying and just conclusion. However, there was one bad character undiscovered, and I wonder how that will affect the future for Alex and Caleb.

I voluntarily read and advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Laura A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex is involved in a very tense situation in Europe. He's going to need everything he's learned to diffuse the situation. I liked this book.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: November 12, 2024

Former paramedic and explosives expert, Steve Urszenyi, brings Special Agent Alex Martel back in “Out in the Cold”, the second novel in the series.

On board a mega yacht sailing across the Mediterranean is some of the wealthiest and most influential people in the world. When an explosion rocks the yacht, sending the vessel and its occupants into peril, Alex is one of the few who is able to utilize her military training in order to bring the boat safely ashore. But what was the cause and who was the target? Through random and unknown attacks, it seems someone or something is targeting Finland, the newest NATO addition, in order to organize an attack against NATO’s enemies. But Alex doesn’t believe that Russia is behind the attacks, as her colleagues claim, and she needs to convince the U.S government that the violence was instigated on native soil, before its too late.

I read the first Alex Martel novel, “Perfect Shot”, and was excited to see her return in “Out in the Cold”. Like the previous novel, there is a lot of action, a lot of characters and a lot of weapons, as well as an even larger collection of United States government acronyms (CIA, FBI and all of their branches), so this is not a novel that you can skim over. It isn’t entirely necessary to read the first novel, as the plot line is entirely different, but I recommend it as it will definitely help keep the main players and their histories straight.

Primarily told from Alex’s point of view, there are a few short chapters narrated by other characters in the story, which add to the mystery and intrigue. I am a sucker for a strong, bad-ass female protagonist and Alex checks every box. Her will-they, won’t-they relationship with her partner, Caleb, is still simmering behind the scenes in this one too, as well as a charming (and Scottish) possibility to add some romance to the dramatic plot.

The plot is well-developed and flows well, from one high octane event to another. There is a lot of technical language, such as the specifics of different weapons and the steps to operating them, and a lot of government acronyms to keep straight, but the struggle is worth it. The ending had just the right amount of surprise and satisfaction. Fans of Jason Bourne who are looking for a bad-ass female to cheer for, will devour Urszenyi’s Alex Martel series.

[Stacy DeBroff · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sacha · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Alex Martel is back, and she is exactly who and what I need to be reading at the end of election week: a woman in a position of power? Yes. Us in NATO still? Yes. It's almost a guarantee that this is one of many books I'll be reminiscing about from The Colonies in January.

Though this second installment in the series can be read as a standalone, that'd be a real loss for readers since its predecessor is just as gripping and engaging as this follow-up. Alex is a smart and proactive character whose loyalties to her country are matched if not exceeded by her commitment to individuals she respects, and I love that she is both capable and concerned for others. Her relationships make her feel round but never overwhelm her sense of purpose.

I enjoy this series and especially its central character very much and hope that there are many entries to follow. The audiobook is also well narrated, though in this particular version, I experienced some noticeably and strangely long pauses at times (mostly but not exclusively between chapters). Of course this is completely separate from the narrative itself, and while it did distract, it wasn't severe enough to impact the overall experience.

Thanks to Urszenyi for this great read at a time when the title really seems to fit for some of us.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mandy K · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
Book 2 in the Alexandra Martel series.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this amazing ARC Goodreads Giveaway win!

In preparation for reading this book, I purchased the first book in the series (audiobook). I thought book #2 was even better than the first! I really enjoy FMC Alex. It’s easy to fly through the chapters, especially with the non-stop action and various POVs. I highly recommend this series for anyone who enjoys military thrillers. The writing is very well done.

Publication date: November 11, 2024

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kathryn E Hagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Out in the Cold" by Steve Urszenyi features Alexandra Martel in her second appearance. The first book in the series was "Perfect Shot" and was it exciting! I was pleasantly surprised to find that "Out in the Cold" is even more exciting.

Alex has skills-- shooting, hand-to-hand combat, you name it. The other characters seem in awe of her. As they should! Even the secret alphabet-soup organizations of the world admire her abilities-- even the one that fired her for committing some petty (to her) infraction.

In this book, someone is trying to start a war and have it blamed on someone else. Alex and her co-worker/secret crush Caleb get into all kinds of life-threatening situations, as do their friends. Who will live to tell the tale? And, also important, will they learn who's putting the world at risk and put a stop to it?

I thought I recognized some of the American political figures in this book. Even if I'm wrong, the characters had some recognizable behaviors that gave me a good laugh in between the periods where I was holding my breath in fear.

I could not put this book down. It sped by as I told myself, "Just one more chapter!" I hope the next Alex Martel installment will appear soon.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. This is my honest review.

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out in the Cold is the second book in the Alex Martel spy thriller series about a maverick former sniper and army medic turned Special Agent who is now working for the CIA. I was rather lukewarm about the first book, Perfect Shot, and hadn’t intended to continue the series, but then the ARC became available and I felt I should give the author another try, because I do usually like this kind of action novel. I’m glad I did because I enjoyed this one a lot more - the things that annoyed me last time do not recur, and this was a fun fast paced story with a suitably kick-ass heroine. You don’t need to have read the first instalment to follow what’s going on here and there are no major spoilers for it here.

Alex Martel is enjoying some down time in the South of France with her mentor and friend Celeste, the head of Interpol, when the luxury superyacht they are travelling on is boarded my pirates. Alex is able to save her friends but it turns out this is just part of a conspiracy targeting Finland with a series of attacks. How can one woman stop the powerful figures intent on bringing about war between Russia and the USA when she doesn’t know who she can trust even on her own side?

I loved how this book wasted no time throwing our heroine into a Die Hard on a Boat scenario - the movie is referenced so it’s clearly a deliberate homage. The action takes her from France to Washington to The Hague and finally to Finland, and a showdown with global implications. Alex is stroppy, brave, resourceful and happy to take down anyone who gets in her way, but also willing to accept help from unexpected sources. Looking forward to the next one!

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC and apologies for the late review. Out in the Cold is available now.

[Amy Proctor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out in the Cold by Steve Urszenyi is a heart pounding thriller that had me on the edge of my seat. I often found myself holding my breath without even knowing it! Alexandra Martel is what readers want in a strong female protagonist.

One minor bone to pick from an Augusta native…The famed Green Jacket given to the each Masters Champion by the Augusta National Golf Club remains on the premises of the club. The winners are allowed to keep the jacket during the year of their respective win, but it is returned to club where it remains and is worn each year for the Champions Dinner - or another Masters title.

I enjoyed Cynthia Farrell’s narration, but some of the kinks need to be smoothed in the editing process to remove pauses, breaths, and background noise.

Thank you to Minotaur Books for providing an advanced review copy of this title as well as RBmedia and NetGalley for an audio version of this title for an honest review.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Diane Saul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting twist to new technology. A mystery revolving around an AI app and bitcoin. The story was good with an u expected twist at the end. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

[KK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable second entry in the series.

Spoilers so stop reading now as this is my plot summary to revisit before I read book #3 in the series: Alex and Caleb save the day (again). Alex is still working as a CIA contractor and Alex and Caleb’s relationship isn’t developed yet. But both have feelings for one another!

[Amorak Huey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nearly unreadable. But I guess not quite.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read a good thriller in a long time until Out in the Cold. It has loads of action, written in a very visual manner, characters you like and admire and best of all, intelligence. It’s written in a way that lets the reader feel they are reading today’s newspapers, only with better use of language and better plots. Thanks to Net Galley and Minotaur Books for an ARC for an honest review.

[Princess Joules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special Agent Alexandra Martel returns in Out In The Cold, the follow up to the highly acclaimed book one Perfect Shot.

This spy thriller is super action packed and I guarantee you, you'll be on the edge of your seat. It's an intense, gripping, and compelling story. This book was so hard to put down, I'm a huge fan of Alex Martel. I also think that Caleb and Alex are meant to be together. And now comes the exciting announcement of Alexandra Martel three titled Blood Oath.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling, action packed, edge of your seat, spy thriller.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Mystery / Thriller
*Rating* 4.0

*Thoughts*

Out in the Cold is the second installment in author Steve Urszenyi's Special Agent Alexandra Martel series. Martel, who was dismissed from the FBI for insubordination because of her actions in saving Paris, now has a new job, new bosses, and a new mission to save the world from powerful entities who are intentionally trying to manipulate world events to create a War between adversaries, US and Russia. While sailing across the Mediterranean, the mega yacht Aurora is rocked with explosions, and taken under siege by unknown assailants.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one the author has hit out of the park!

Non-stop action! Fast paced!
CIA, FBI, Military, Government…and any other letters you can think of…they’re all here!

Alex Martel is back in book #2! She’s UNSTOPPABLE! But, she is only human…

This time we are in Finland and NATO meetings are happening, while suspicious attacks are also occurring. Things are pointing to the Russians, but when one of their top agents gives some intel to our top agent Alex, well, things are not always as they seem…

Sometimes, things might be happening right under your nose without you knowing a thing! 😮🫣

Another one where you’re sitting on the edge of your seat…biting your nails…wondering if this might just be the LAST book she’ll ever be in…

Keeps you guessing til the end! Thank God for friends, teams, and sometimes even enemies…

#OutInTheCold by #SteveUrszenyi and narrated by #CynthiaFarrell.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #RBMedia for an ARC of the audiobook which is due to be released in a few days on ***** 11/12/24! *****

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
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Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Marti Perronie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review of Out In The Cold by Steve Urszenyi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to @stmartinspress and @netgalley for this early release.

I loved this book because it's a thriller, with the espionage theme, but mostly because @steveurszenyi has a badass woman in it.

This is out 11/12/2024, so make sure you grab it.

Alex Martel is our heroine and we find her on a yacht in the Mediterranean with her old boss, secretary general of Interpol and her boyfriend as well as a special guest, a diplomat from Finland. When an explosion happens and the yacht is attacked by masked gunmen, Alex uses everything she's got to get them to shore safely. After this, another attempt on her old boss's life and an attempt on Alex's life, while trying to figure out what is happening with her old boss! With the US blaming Russia for escalating issues against Finland, Alex and CIA agent Caleb Copeland are a race to get to the bottom of it all before World War 3 breaks out!
This one is fast paced and keeps you guessing.
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[Wicked Words · Rating 1 out of 5]

While Steve Urszenyi's new thriller "Out in the Cold" isn't short on action, what it does lack is exposition. While each military grade device and weapon is given a thorough description, the main character doesn't get any such description until several chapters in, where only her outfit is described. This book may speak more to those with a military background or extensive knowledge of military-grade weapons, but as an ordinary reader I found my eyes glazing over unable to get involved with the characters or the plot. {DNF}

Thank you to St. Martin's Press & Minotaur Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[William de_Rham · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.