This book, like most of them in this series, was an enjoyable read. But also like many of the books in the series, after 475 pages of build-up and stage-setting when the climatic battle takes place Flynn rushes through it in about five pages - basically saying 'The bad guys bust into the building, rush up six flights of stairs, blow open the doors with C-4 explosives, and entering a room full of FBI, CIA, DEA, and Secret Service agents Mitch Rapp shoots 80% of the bad guys dead himself in about ten seconds.' What happened to the sniper the bad guys posted outside the building, or the information that the lead bad guy knows where Rapp's top aide and his family live? Flynn could have written another fifty solid pages fleshing those two ideas out. Instead, they just disappeared.

Flynn hero CIA operative mitch Rapp bags two high-value terrorists in Afghanistan. At the same time, an Islamic fundamentalist cell is about to launch an attack on US soil. Rapp resorts to very enhanced interrogation to get information, too enhanced. He's arrested by the base commander. With precious hours ticking down, he and his colleagues must fight red tape in the form of idealistic members of congress--too idealistic, the book would have us conclude.

'Extreme Measures' is at once a thriller (of the near-upper level fans have come to expect from Flynn) and a surprisingly thought-provoking exploration of whether US covert actions and ideals need be separate. For fans of the genre, regardless of your political and ethical stance, a good read.

This Mitch Rapp book is a little less action packed than usual, but the polt involves a timely look at war, interrogation, and politics and the changing political landscape of a prolonged war. If you read then Mitch Rapp solely for the action, then this one might disappoint. But if you can see this for how closely it monitors the current political landscape of the US, then this is a great read.

There is still plenty of twists and covert actions going on to hold a reader's attention. The plot is well developed and realistic.

I always pre-order Flynn's novels and I usually finish them in one sitting, two tops. This was no different, except after I finished it I was a little disappointed. While reading the book I could imagine news commentators delivering the same message as this novel; American citizens are not worried enough about global terrorism. While I agree with this, I read action adventure thrillers because it is an action adventure thriller; I don't want a lecture or sermon.
Compared to some other authors who are writing thrillers with reoccurring characters Flynn keeps Rapp interesting. The problem with this novel is that we have too much Nash and it's not the Mike Nash from his previous novels. The book deals on Nash's problems and his family a little too much.
Rapp knows that good guys have to use the tactics as the bad guys if we are going to succeed in stopping those who want to destroy our country. He's trying to keep us save despite crooked politicians, shortsighted liberals and government agencies who don't know the meaning of cooperation and sharing information. (Sound familiar?)

I have not had a chance to start reading this book. I have one criticism of Vince Flynn as an Author: He does not write as fast as I read!!

Robert Maune

The novel deals with an issue that has been in the news. What constitutes torture, and how far should you go in interrogations to obtain information of vital importance? Mitch Rapp is doing what he has to do. There is a terrorist cell planning an attack, and he is trying to head them off. An Air Force captain who has his head where the sun doesn't shine is interfering. Self righteous US senators are demanding an investigation. And, meanwhile, the terrorist cell in getting into position.

The novel has a blazing climax, with a high number of casualties. Some of it may seem a little improbable, but dedicated terrorists can always reach targets (at least some of them will - think of kamikaze pilots).

At points I thought that the story digressed a little too much - hence not five stars. Some background color is good, but too much can leave you glassy eyed. I found myself skimming some parts to get on with the story.

I was a little disappointed that nothing seemed to happen to the Air Force captain. One could have hoped that he went along to lunch at one of the restaurants.

Vince Flynn leaves nothing on the cutting room floor. Everyone one of his is good, just that some are better.

Can someone please tell me when Rapp's attack on Leland occurs? I've read and re-read the book and cannot find the part where Rapp injures Leland's wrist and gives him a black eye. This is driving me nuts.

I mistakenly read the newest Flynn and realized I needed to catch up and go back to this one. Even though I knew the out come it was a great read, couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next one. Way to go Mitch!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't understand how some folks consider this not one of Flynn's better novels. It's not my favorite in the series, but it's definitely top two or three.

Flynn's novels tend to be formulaic, which is okay for me because I love the formula, but this one breaks out of the mold slightly as Mitch Rapp finally gets pushed too far and decides to take the fight to the politicians who are holding him and his associates back from protecting the country. Sure enough, as the politicians grandstand, a terrorist cell hits and all hell breaks loose.

As always, the short chapters are well written and make you keep reading much longer than you had intended. Another way this novel is different than the others is that while the others are largely stand-alone books that are loosely tied to one another, this one actually sets up a direct sequel. I am really excited to read Pursuit of Honor, the next book, now.

I just discovered vince flynn this year and have now read each of the books out in paperback. he is clearly one of my new favorites, but this was was lacking just a bit.....maybe the story lines are blending and there isn't enought new material...But it doesn't matter, still read this in 3 days.

Please think of me as a former Vince Flynn fan. I'd read, I believed, all the Rapp novels, and enjoyed them, but had somehow missed this one. So, I was thrilled when I bought it.

About 2/3 of the way through the book, I decided that I would do something I never, ever do with a book: toss it out. I normally pass my books along, but this is one of those exceptional books that I hope nobody else reads.

Rapp was always a maverick. But in this book, he starts out subverting the Constitution, torturing suspects, impersonating an officer and then assaulting a real one. He is convinced he is above the law, answers only to the President (if him) and that everyone else in the world other than his cohorts in violence is an idiot, hell-bent on destroying America.

In anything but a Flynn novel, Rapp would be where he belongs, in a mental hospital or prison.
Well, maybe not, considering the immunity Obama gave certain members of the Bush administration.

The bottom line is that, if you want to read a novel that advocates tearing down all that our Founding Fathers believed in and all that millions of American soldiers fought and died for, for the sake of some elusive "safety", go right ahead and read this novel. If Rapp is what 9/11 brought us, then the terrorists have won.

However, if you believe in the Constitution, in the Separation of Powers and don't believe in rogue, runaway government agencies and uncontrollable violent mercenaries, don't read this book.

You may just find it as repugnant as I did.

Enjoyable but not realistic, therefore is better than most other fiction anyway. Take it to the beach or on a cruise.

This is the 3rd Vince Flynn/Mitch Rapp novel I've read, after Act of Treason and Consent to Kill. Thankfully, I've borrowed all 3 books from the library. I'm about 2/3 of the way through this boring POS and I'm going to finish it today. Please tell me that this Nash character dies. And what's happened to Rapp? Did I miss the book where he gets a lobotomy?
A little baby saying the 'F-word' is funny? Who is Flynn trying to appeal to?
Who are the morons that like this stuff? I'm surprised they can read.

The book was great, although it took its sweet time in arriving, without any communication from the vendor..

I haven't read beyond the reviews on the first page, but I couldn't say it better. I, however, liked the Mike Nash story. By the end of the book, I found myself feeling very emotional as it hits so close to home. We definitely need a Mitch Rapp in Washington! And to one poster, I don't believe Pelosi will ever "see the light" as Londsdale finally did.

Is there a sequel to this?

I've come to be a huge fan of Vince Flynn & his no-nonsense character Mitch Rapp.
This novel was a bit of a departure from what I had come to expect. Instead of the usual Rapp, here we get the nonsense wranglings on Capitol Hill as well as a very good insight of what may be going on in a suicide terrorist's training & thinking.
In today's very real world of terrorist bombings throughout the world this book gives us pause.
Pause when you read the political nonsense in Washington. Give pause once again, when you read the brutal terrorist way of life. Be rewarded fully when Rapp says the hell with Washington & cleans house.
This is a novel which can become reality if our members in government don't wake up. A very good piece, Mr. Flynn

I am a huge fan of Vince Flynn. Once again, Flynn delivers a great story that keeps you on your toes. Other authors who write on espionage have a hard time gripping the reader and keeping reader in suspense. I have yet to read a Vince Flynn novel that does not deliver this key ingredient. I look forward to reading the next novel.

This novel takes the reader inside of the congressional meeting rooms and into the minds of self serving politicians who care little about the safety of the American people if their is a political advantage to be had for themselves. We are at war with extremists and this book makes a strong case as to why we need our own extremists (Mitch Rapp) to keep us safe. Extreme measures is a perfect title for this timely and well written story.

BLACK ROAD 2012

Not only can Vince spin a good tale, but he writes better than most. As an ex private eye I can tell some of his tactical stuff comes from direct experience. And it's heartfelt and passionate and contagious.

Vince also goes for suspense, which is good, but here I think he stretches it out a little too long---see, when I'm waiting to find out if the bomb will go off, I have to read a chapter or two about subplot(s) or something, before I find out: not my favorite way :)

One other thing, I think Vince gets a little maudlin about family matters and families in this book; after I got the picture it was somewhat boring and I just skipped it (uh-oh!)

I strongly recommend this book: for the most part, it's an adrenalized nail-biter, and you will find yourself screaming for Mitch Rapp to "punish" all the terrorists and jail the politicians.

BLACK ROAD 2012

this book is exciting and fun to read. it is fiction at its best, but it has something most fiction does not have. It has a subject that makes you really think and could change minds about an important subject facing us all: the use of torture in interrogation. I am not going to reflect what my view was before or what it is now but I promise you a reader will rethink what he thought before especially if he was, as am I, a flaming liberal, after reading this book. thanks to Vince Flynn for a great read and a thoughtful read.

If you like Vince Flynn,if you like action,suspence,and the toughest CIA agent in the world, you'll love it.

This story is taken right from the daily newspapers. As an act of fiction, you won't be bored. Both in this book and in real life, we are in a war against religious radicals. Being "PC" is only going to cost lives--American lives. (Witness the recent Fort Hood tragedy.) Buy this book, read it and then send it (and a few others) to your Congressional Representative and Senators. If they can read a 2,000 page Health Care Bill, they should be able to read this in just a few hours. For all our sakes, let's hope they do!

The basic plot is about a group of terrorists who plan a destructive hit on Washington,D.C. Mitch Rapp picks up on it and is able to thwart the main attack target. Along the way he is hounded by a Nancy Pelosi type character Senator Barbara Lonsdale who is head of the Judiciary Committee. Her chief mission in office seems to be to try to thwart the CIA whenever she can. A lot of space in the book is taken up introducing Mike Nash, Rapp's protege, and his family. I was not too crazy about Nash's character and think his role significantly slowed down the story. The attackers are led by Karim a ruthless guy who without qualm kills several of those who had helped his group. His motto being there can be no witness left. A particularly annoying character was Air Force Captain Trevor Leland who attempted to stop Rapp's interrogation of some captured suspects at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. The terrorist group trained in South America and came up thru Cuba and Florida. They were partially successful in their mission. It's interesting that Senator Lonsdale finally was converted to the right side after their attack left many dead in D.C. including her most trusted chief of staff Ralph Wassen. In my view,I hope Mike Nash is not going to take over a prime role in future stories. I think readers have bought into the Mitch Rapp character and may not like to see too much change.

I enjoyed this novel. The mood was a little different from the earlier novels but at some point in the series I guess this should have been expected. Still a great read and I will be buying the next one for sure!!

Let me start out by saying that I'm definitely a Vince Flynn fan. However, on the continuum of previously consistent Mitch Rapp novels, this one should have a warning sign saying "Dip in Road Ahead."

All through reading this book I was reminded of the old Elvis Presley song, "A Little Less Conversation and a Little More Action." Flynn concentrates too much on the minutia of life and a no-depth interpretation of DC politics that is populated by cartoon characters. He needs to get back to the realistic Mitch Rapp action that has defined the series.

Vince, anybody who reads one of your books already understands that liberal politicians are pieces of garbage. Stop preaching to the choir and get on with the story.

Once again, Mitch Rapp does what needs doing. Too bad it doesn't always turn out this way in real life! Rapp has become an older, more thoughtful character through the years much as one might hope to do in real life. Vince Flynn keeps it realistic, if a tad idealistic. I'm sure Nancy Polosi's fans won't like it as Rapp certainly not P.C....Instead, he gets things done! I hope Flynn keeps Rapp going in such a realistic manner as he ages. He'll never stop being a "valuable asset". Ahhh, if only life more closely resembled art!

Yes this story is more of Mike Nash and his family, but to me it shows the sacrifices that the people who are on the front lines fighting terrorism must make every day. It also shows the fight that they have with politicians who care more about their own careers than they do about the safety of the United States.

This story is truly ripped from the front pages of the newspapers. To me this is the scariest type of stories, because it can really happen. The terrorists are led by fanatics who are crazy enough to sacrifice the lives of their followers who have been brain washed from birth, but at the same time they are cunning enough to safe themselves.

There is a finish that is classic Mitch Rapp and a shoot out that is hard to beat.

EXTREME MEASURES was published in October 2008, which means the manuscript was finished in 2007. At that time America's homeland still enjoyed the protection by our dedicated intelligence services and elements of our military. Today Senators like the fictional Senator Lonsdale, aided by the Justice Department, are attempting to prosecute the real Rapps, O'Brines, Ridleys and Nashs that have kept us save since 9/11.

I agree with other reviewers that said there was too much of Nash's diaper changing and bedroom problems. The zero tolerance episode was cute, but tended to distract the reader from the story line. As for profanity, when I write dialogue the characters talk like they should. Some use profanity and some don't. Characters should speak like their real world counterparts do.

Flynn tells a compelling story of another terrorist attack. Three al-Qaeda cells have been trained and then sent to attack three American cities. Two are captured in route. The book is the story of the third cell.

There are two main story lines: political intrigue in Washington and dedicated terrorists bent on making another attack in America. Unfortunately, the Senators, Congressmen, and staffer depicted in the story are all to similar to the ones we see on Sunday morning talk shows and the news networks. Men and women who either have no concept of the danger lurking in Islamic lands, or are willing do anything to promote their careers and agendas.

Flynn does a credible job of demonstrating the difference between "enhanced interrogation" and torture. It is probably to much to expect that the real Senators like Lonsdale will read and understand the author's message.

Some reviewers have called EXTREME MEASURES a right wing rant. Like Senator Lonsdale, they will not believe it can happen (I guess 9/11 or the first World Trade Center bombing never happened) until it does. Unless they are at ground zero, then they will believe.

Flynn has written a compelling and realistic story of the next Islamic terrorist attack, but I think he has underplayed the magnitude of the attack I believe is now being planned. An attack that must be at least one order of magnitude greater than 9/11. A nuclear, radiological or biological attack.

Some may say the terrorists are cardboard two dimensional characters, but in reality they are much like the ones described in the book, religious fanatics willing to die for Allah. Flynn uses several characters to illustrate the different type of terrorist: Harkim, the cell leader and total fanatic; Karim, the practical terrorists who knows when to quit so he can fight another day; Haggani, another fanatic that love to kill children and would require a very long time to debrief; and al-Haq, a man who knows when to make a deal.

EXTREME MEASURES is a book all bleeding hearts should read. The real bad guys are worse than Flynn describes. We must all remember where the demonstrations of joy occurred on September 12, 2001.

Lee Boyland, author of the Clash-of-Civilizations trilogy.

Since there were already a number of reviews for this book, I wasn't going to write one, but then I took a look at the reviews that gave this one star, and saw how ridiculous their reasoning was.

Complaining about profanity - please! This is real life.

This was just as good as all the other Vince Flynn books I've read - a real edge-of-your-seat experience. Totally enjoyable and satisfying when Mitch gets the bad guys.

I still have some Flynn books I haven't read; can't wait to get to them.

"Extreme Measures" conveys the following viewpoints in no particular order:

a) Politicians are crooked
b) Liberals are short-sighted
c) Whether it's a terrorist or a school bully that instigates conflict, the good guy should be allowed to play by the bad man's rules.

The writing is fine and this author has great talent in describing firearms, battle tactics, and torture/interrogation techniques. The disappointing aspect of this book was that there were no plot twists. It just didn't happen. A group of terrorists aims to strike at Washington D.C., while Rapp and Nash try and move through a jungle of red tape quickly enough to prevent it. Honestly, that's it. It's worth a buy for a long flight, but afterward it'll R.I.P. on your bookshelf. It wasn't terrible but I wouldn't read it twice.

this is the worst of mitch rapp series. don't even read like other former ones. poor poor writing. just couldn't read along after 50 pages. gave to my son who was also a fan of flynn, but told me later that this one sucked big time and he didn't finish it, just tore up the hardcover copy and threw it away, in order not to waste his frieds' time and ruined their respect to flynn.

I am a casual reader, typically taking my time through -- even with good books. Not so with this gem. Immediately I was pulled in like a tractor-beam by this book. Flynn develops his characters quickly. The author has a keen knack of being very descriptive in the action sequences without using surplus verbiage. He cuts to the point with his story and at just the right moment throws in tactful humor that brings the pace of the action back down to earth, giving you a nice belly laugh. Then immediately you get back on the action train and it's full steam ahead til' you get to the masterful ending. I actually had some chills on the last two pages...and I am far from a political corn-ball. Pick it up, he's better than Clancy in my opinion.

Written very well. He builds up the suspense and ends with a terrific exillerating conclusion.

Not a bad political-spy thriller -- a bit thin in plot, however -- except that it is a walking billboard for why it is important to torture enemy combatants. A Dick Cheney book-of-the-month club selection.

The author is brilliant and very strategic in terms of the plot of the book. Very encouraging in some ways. Hope to see more of it in the future.

i can't believe I spent good money on this piece of trash. If I wanted a political diatribe, i would watch the cable news channels. Where is the plot? This is supposed to be fiction, not propaganda.

I promise you Flynn's books are fun....you are not going to be intimidated with learning anything...but you are going to have a quick flight of fantasy, a good quick read, and fun...like a good action movie, soon to be forgotten. Meant to be enjoyed and Flynn delivers.

This is the same polemic that Flynn does so well -- that is, our nation is being sacrificed by politicians and bureaucrats who are sabotaging our efforts to pursue the War on Terror -- a polemic that I, fortunately, agree with. In this book Mitch Rapp is his usual uncontrollable roguish self who saves the world, but what I found interesting was the importance given to Mike Nash, who is sort of a junior Rapp. I'm wondering if Flynn has used up Rapp and needs a new character around whom to build future books. Rapp is getting tired and his protege -- Nash -- seems to be ascendant. Anyhow, this Vince Flynn book is like all the rest, but I agree with reviewers who say it is not his best. However,I enjoyed it -- it's nice to occasionally read a book which enables your latent hostile emotions to run wild.