Surviving the Lion's Den

by Matt Scott

Trusted CIA operative Tom Delang is kidnapped in Dammam by Iranian operatives following a meeting with the Saudi ambassador to the United States and is tortured for coveted information.

Discovering that Delang is of personal interest to the Russian president, Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander Rahim Shirazi offers to trade the American to the Russians in exchange for access to their secret missile system. Together, the two countries conspire to overtake the American military base in Bahrain, currently home to the Fifth Fleet.

On Capitol Hill, Senator Vivian Walsh exploits the media and attempts to manipulate the Defense Department as she conspires to have the base closed after a drone strike targets two high-value terrorists but kills several Iraqi children instead.

While Delang is locked away for months, Kirk Kurruthers, an American of Iranian descent, finds his grandfather murdered by mysterious Iranian intruders. After uncovering his family’s connection to the 1953 CIA coup that deposed Mohammed Mossadegh, Kirk flies to Iran, hell bent on revenge, where he is met by his in-country guide, Farhad.

Following his own capture, Kurruthers, along with Delang, risk a daring and unconventional escape into neighboring Turkmenistan, their only hope of surviving and disclosing the truth.

Genres: Fiction

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2021

About the author

Matt Scott is the author of the SURVIVING THE LION’S DEN thriller trilogy which debuted in 2021. Once believed himself to be too late in the game to be a thriller writer, an encounter with David Baldacci at a book-signing back in 2018 changed all that.

At the time, Matt would be turning forty-years-old later that year and asked David Baldacci if that age was too old to write his first novel. David stopped mid-signature, looked up at Matt and said, “Oh, hell no. The industry could use some good young writers.” Upon hearing those words, Matt started the first draft of SURVIVING THE LION’S DEN later that same day.

Matt earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, where he had the honor of studying under former Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), General Sam Wilson, who was the college's president and initially introduced Matt to the world of espionage. During his subsequent studies, Matt became fascinated by the CIA and read dozens of non-fiction books related to Middle East politics, spy craft, the CIA’s war against terrorism, tales of clandestine spies and double agents, and memoirs of former agency directors.

Matt’s latest action-packed political thriller is the forthcoming THE AYATOLLAH TAKEDOWN (pub. 3/21/23 Speaking Volumes). His two previous novels in the series include SURVIVING THE LION’S DEN (2021) and THE IRANIAN DECEPTION (2022).

“Vince Flynn and Brad Thor kept me interested in the political spy genre, but I always wanted to do a story about Iran because so few westerners know what it looks like on the inside. When I saw the way THE DA VINCI CODE took readers across a tour of Europe where they learned about the locations as they were involved in the storyline, I knew that I wanted to do something similar with Iran.”

Matt grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia, and currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife Amanda. When he’s not writing, Matt works as a professional financial analyst and amateur golden retriever wrangler.

Reviews

[SteVen Hendricks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review – I compare reading author Matt Scott’s debut novel “Surviving the Lion’s Den” to a growing oak tree – the tree usually does not have a single, straight trunk after branching out, but spreads out into several large branches, growing wide as they are tall. That’s the storyline to this book, multiple branches – a CIA operative’s kidnapping; a US Senator’s attempt to manipulate the US Defense Department; and an Iranian American revenging his grandfather’s Iranian murders. Multiple storylines (branches) leading to one (main tree trunk) thrilling conclusion. Surviving the Lion’s Den is one ‘tall and wide’ espionage adventure thriller. Scott does a great job writing various subplots that eventually come together into one conducive tale. His characters – many with cool names - were strong, well developed, and convincing – including the bad guys. And knowledge of the Middle Eastern culture was impeccable. Scott did his ‘homework’ (research) in writing this novel and it showed in his story telling. I also commend Scott for not making all the Middle Eastern characters (just the terrorists only) out to be the bad guys. The Russians were just as bad if not worst! This made the story sharper and less prejudiced towards Middle Easterners. “Well played, Matt Scott!” In fact, the entire debut novel was a ‘well played’ adventure novel that inspired me to want more. Adventurous. Melodramatic. Wondrous. Compelling and Noteworthy, Surviving the Lion’s Den is a very notable read in the thriller genre. I was entertained, enthused, and impressed. Most oak trees tend to grow wide as they are tall when given enough room. Give new author Matt Scott some growing room and his books will be just as tall and wide as other authors in the thriller genre. I enjoyed Surviving the Lion’s Den and I am eager to read Scott’s future novels…

[Dan Lawton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is somewhere between a 3- and 4-star rating for me. There's a lot to like with nonstop action throughout, which is difficult to maintain but executed well. The writing is good with short chapters that seamlessly move from one scene to the next. On the contrary, I struggled keeping all the many characters straight. There is a character guide in the book that I referred to that helped. Military fiction isn't in my wheelhouse typically, so the subject matter was iffy for me. Others will love it, I don't doubt. The biggest issue for me was the head-hopping. To go from inside one character's head in one sentence to a different character's in another was awkward and didn't help with the character confusion. Being inside multiple heads is fine, as long as there's a clear section break—to which there were many cases of this happening, just too many for my liking where it didn't. If you disregard that, the author's knowledge of Iran and the U.S. military and politics was impressive, as was the history. If you're into Middle Eastern affairs, history, and U.S. politics and military fiction, I think you'd love this debut.

[James Winchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what a strong book. I could feel the passion Matt Scott put into this book. Not only from the research but from storytelling aspect of the book. The quote on the last page wrapped up the whole book. As I read the two page prologue I was caught off guard, but once I got to that part in the book I went back and read it again. It brought the story together. Matt did a great job developing the characters throughout the story. Super good book. Fits right in line with Tom Clancy, Brad Thor, Kyle Mills style books. Short but packed with suspense and action on every page.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not my normal genre but I’m glad I read it. Half adventure, thriller, and action - half historical. Absolutely well written and fans of Jack Carr will enjoy

[Julie Pint · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling debut novel along the lines of Vince Flynn, Brad Thor and Jack Carr! You take some politics, family loyalty, and international intrigue and roll it all together for this political thriller. Bravo for this debut and I’ll be looking for the sequel in the future! Thanks to Goodreads for the read,

[Michael Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt Scott's SURVIVING THE LION'S DEN is an exceptional read from start to finish. The first volume of a series of the same name, the storyline reads like it's fresh off the front page news. Scott's writing is flavored with the edge of a Frederick Forsyth novel and the raw directness of a Jack Carr tomb. Yes, SURVIVING THE LION'S DEN is that good! The characters have great depth that pulls you into their world. Tom Delang especially drew me in with his NEWER QUIT attitude. Needless to say, the ploy is tight with an informational foundation right out of the evening news. My son is very picky as to the authors he reads; basically, Clancy, Greaney, and Carr. He called me when he finished the book to say this is one of the best novels he's read in years.

[Frida Dillenbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matt Scott writes a wild ride adventure novel in the Middle East surrounded by good guys, bad guys and locals just trying to make a difference in their country. This espionage thriller starts the story of Tom DeLong, Thrasher, Kirk Kurruthers, Jenkins and politician antagonist Senator Walsh. It’s a twisty wild ride through rugged terrain and the pits of politics but worth every minute!

The second installment of this series is even better! If you enjoy fast paced spy thrillers, this is a great series. Looking forward to reading book #3!

[Landis Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt Scott’s Surviving the Lion’s Den is a fast-paced satisfying thriller loaded with determined characters, interesting settings, and engaging plotlines. A great start for the trilogy. I enjoyed the ride.

[John Skyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving the Lion’s Den is a gripping geopolitical thriller that balances high-stakes espionage with deeply personal consequences. The plot moves confidently across Iran, Russia, and Washington, weaving together CIA operations, political manipulation, and historical reckoning. The dual storylines of Tom Delang’s brutal captivity and Kirk Kurruthers’ quest for answers add emotional weight to the global conflict, making the stakes feel both massive and intimate. The author’s attention to realism and contemporary issues enhances the tension without overwhelming the narrative. Fans of Tom Clancy–style thrillers will appreciate the pacing, layered intrigue, and moral complexity that drive this compelling and timely novel.

[Delbert Roll · Rating 4 out of 5]

SURVIVING THE LION’S DEN by Matt Scott

Matt Scott’s SURVIVING THE LION’S DEN is a strong debut worthy of your attention. A true fan of the genre, Scott has done his homework, thoroughly researching the history, culture, and tradecraft of this arena. His characters are genuine and richly layered, displaying a depth of motivations and emotions. His imagery is sublime, and the tapestry that is Iran and its people, is vibrant.

Truly enjoyable on multiple levels. Matt Scott is one to watch.

[Steve Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen - if you enjoy thrillers by Brad Thor, Vince Flynn and Don Bentley, you will love Surviving the Lion’s Den by Matt Scott! This is a captivating spy-action thriller that weaves superb storytelling, characters and plot twists into a novel that you won’t be able to put down!
Scott threads multiple storylines into locations that make you question whether this really happened.
I have reviewed a lot of new authors and I can tell you that this book is worth reading and keeping on your book shelf. Well deserved 5-stars!!

[Mike B · Rating 3 out of 5]

An action-adventure thriller similar to books by Brad Thor. An easy read, well-written with just a few typos and inconsistencies. The book is exciting at times, especially in the chase scene, but at other times seems overly complicated in terms of characters or plot elements. The characters are pretty much two-dimensional and comic book. The plot seemed almost unoriginal, maybe just borrowed too many elements from others in the genre.

[Mark Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of meeting Matt Scott at Bouchercon in Nashville (2024), and was lucky enough to be gifted a copy of his debut novel, Surviving The Lion’s Den. My only regret is not reading this book sooner! Great story, outstanding cast of characters, action packed and the research that Matt did concerning Iran really shows in the story. Highly recommend and am looking forward to reading the next two books in this trilogy.

[Stacey Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt Scott’s Surviving the Lion's Den is a gripping read that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The storytelling is intense, the characters are well-developed, and the pacing is perfect. I couldn’t stop turning the pages! Highly recommend for anyone who loves a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled story.