Code Word: Pandora

by Doug Norton

In this second in the Code Word series, Al Qaeda’s master bomber launches jihad in America. Secretary of Homeland Security Ray Morales vows to stop him and in their struggle violates his own moral code. Amidst the pressure of his reelection campaign, President Martin compromises to save lives and win votes by a means he abhors. An assassination in Korea sucks China and America toward war, thrusting Martin into a high-stakes encounter with China’s president. Diplomatic, military, and covert action enmesh America, China, Korea, Japan, and Iran, forcing Morales and Martin into a struggle to defeat evil without becoming evil.

327 pages, Paperback

Published December 4, 2017

About the author

Doug Norton draws on both experience and research to pen the Code Word Series. As a warship captain during the cold war Doug held launch codes for nuclear weapons and was prepared to use them, but he also participated in high-stakes international negotiations to reduce their numbers and the chance of nuclear war. In Geneva, Brussels, London, and Washington he experienced diplomacy and politics in tense meetings, glittering receptions, and deadline-driven all-nighters.

A graduate of the Naval Academy and of the University of Washington, Doug was a Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow and Director of International Studies at the Naval Academy. After serving more than twenty-five years, Captain Norton retired from the navy and was an executive recruiter for fifteen years. Doug and his wife live in Annapolis, where he volunteered with the Coast Guard Auxiliary in search and rescue and Anne Arundel Medical Center in the emergency department. He loves to meet readers and has signed books in bars, hospitals, and hotels as well as book stores, libraries, and book clubs.

Reviews

[A.J. Converse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of heroes and villains act in this non-stop rampage through the motives and moral conflicts of killers and crazies and patriots alike. Heroics are achieved at great costs and evil doers undone by luck and enemies as much as the heroes’ actions. Once again Iran and North Korea are players and you won’t believe the instigating source’s country or the silent ally of the US. President Rick Martin and his Marine buddy, Ray Morales, do what they can against powerful forces including those in their own country and their own minds. This novel is even better than the first by this author.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost too close to reality but definitely exciting. Oh Ray (Morales)... definitely a well named character.

Funniest little aside in the book..."...if it was easy, they'd have sent in Delta".

[Gerald Dechter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a great read. It is obvious that the author knows this area. He interestingly draws from current events with a Petraeus like character, a retired general who commits adultery. Writing about the justification of torture during interrogation is also current. I am interested in the medical aspect of his writing. He must have contacts with physicians who are knowledgable about surgery and anesthesia. It is interesting that the drug, Propoful, is used to disguise the condition of the terrorist while being transported in an ambulance. This drug was used on me in my last two colonoscopies. Fortunately I have outgrown the need of that procedure. The onset of action of that drug is very rapid as is the recovery time. That drug is also the one that killed Michael Jackson. I think that he also had other drugs in his system which would have potentiated the action resulting in his death. Lots of interesting things to discuss

[Phil Ferrara · Rating 5 out of 5]

good discussion question.........
This author is clearly prescient about events ! Right off the front page of daily newspaper!

Q..... a terrorist has all the info for impending attack on USA....
should investigators use all means possible to extract info knowing that dozens, 100's will die if information not gained immediately???

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lively diplomatic thriller, with resonance to the current political climate in US and N. Korea that might keep you awake at night.