Gauntlet by Richard Aaron

Product Description
660 tons of Semtex is detonated in a massive explosion in Libya. The operation seems to have gone smoothly, but within minutes of the explosion, CIA agent Richard Lawrence discovers that one shipment of the explosive has been hijacked. Days later, a glory-seeking 'Emir' broadcasts to the world that he is planning a massive terrorist strike against a U.S. landmark. And he gives a time line of one month. Now a desperate chase is on, as the men bent on attacking the U.S. use every weapon at their disposal to evade American authorities. Time and again they prove willing to destroy anything - and anyone - standing in their way. But Hamilton Turbee, an autistic computer mastermind at the newly created TTIC agency, discovers a way to track them. His flawed genius gives the nation its only chance at stopping the attack, if the American leadership will listen. As the enemies near their destination, it is up to the TTIC team to stop the massive explosion that could destroy the lives of millions.

My thoughts
The theft of Semtex and the threat of a terrorist bombing of a major US landmark is just some of what GAUNTLET is about. How the authorities try to track down the terrorists and how a drug smuggling ring is connected are pieces to this suspenseful puzzle. Richard Aaron has written an espionage thriller that keeps you reading until the end. His character development is detailed and complicated just as humans are. You get to root for the protagonists and want to destroy the antagonists. This is not just a story about terrorism and heroes; it is also about greed and corruption. This book isn’t without its slow points, but then again it is over 500 pages. Mr. Aaron’s first novel is truly a stunning success and he leaves off with a promise of a sequel.