Global headlines come to life as intrigue and international politics collide in this electrifying debut thriller from Matthew Palmer. 'Detailed and atmospheric, The American Mission is an exciting, grown-up spy thriller packed with insider knowledge. Highly recommended.' Charles Cumming After a devastating experience in Darfur strips Alex Baines, former rising star of the State Department, of his security clearances, he is faced with two choices: spend the rest of his career in visa-stamping limbo or move to the private sector. On the verge of resigning, he receives a call from his old mentor with an incredible opportunity to start over with a role in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Yet the job isnt quite what Alex imagined it to be, for he finds a shady U.S.-based mining company involved everywhere he turns. As violence in the political climate escalates, Alex struggles to balance the best interests of the United States with the fate of the Congo and its people. His loyalties are put to the test as he races to determine the right course of action. 'A thrilling read with razor-sharp prose and a haunted, memorable hero... Left me breathless and thinking long after the last page.' Dreda Say Mitchell, CWA Dagger-winning author 'A thriller of great integrity and intelligenceI highly recommend it.' Douglas Preston, #1 New York Times bestselling author There's the mission the public knows, and the mission we'll never see. Matthew Palmer knows both, which is what makes The American Mission crackle with complexity and authenticity. What a debut. Brad Meltzer, #1 New York Times bestselling author